Another basket case project, but with potentially a different end goal!

I'd agree, but I don't have any room at all. My 'table' is an old table frame set on a plank with wheels. It is not big enough to turn the engine over and I have 40cm room to squeeze past on one side, the other side is against the wall, and left and right are boxed in by a fridge and a grandfather clock. I have also not managed to get the cylinder studs out, so upside down is not possible...

I can of course move all this stuff out of the garage onto the drive on a nice day and carry on in the middle of the garage, but having read the manual I am also not confident that I will be able to lift the shafts etc. to put in the new chains and make sure everything is right putting it back together.... I'd rather a competent workshop undertake this to make sure it is done correctly. I can then do the rest.

I hear ya. That's too bad.It would be nice if you could do it with the mechanic you choose to do the work. I can see certain points where 4 hands would be better than 2 like lifting the crank and having an assistant put the chain over the end of the crank etc.

Have you had any luck with sourcing the chains? Did you check out Ramsey chain?

I found these:

www.motorcycleproducts.co.uk/search_resu...1300+secondary+chain

They have primary chains as well for very similar price, and they are based in UK so they don't attract Sales Tax and Import duties...... plus I can throw a brick through their windows if they don't work!

Not to beat it to death, but how about parking the car in the driveway for a while? You have a garage, a driveway, a car, attached to a house, that's a huge head start!
I'll be putting that engine together on a made just for this little square table easily wheeled to the corner of, what else, my living room.
Just the engine is actually quite a small piece, and clean at that when assembling especially when painted. I'd do it in the comfort of the house and ask a buddy to carry it together back to the garage when done.

Cheers! Good project

I know, I whine a lot and I shouldn't - apologies. I am actually very lucky to have a garage. I am just loath to leave a classic convertible outside in the rain, which is 80% of the time from now to May next year, but as I said, on a dry day it can be done.

My engine is still very dirty and still has oil and diesel dripping out of it. And after my little oven debacle - or at any time really - an engine in the living room is apparently a non-negotiable point in my marriage! (It's a 'no', incase you are wondering!)

To be perfectly honest, I am just not confident enough to take it on. ...

... there, I said it. I'm scared I'll screw it up.

Just reading through pages 101-109 I lose the plot. English not being my first language I also struggle with the naming of the bits...(I have no idea what no 2 on page 101 even means!), and then it all needs to be synchronised, torqued etc etc... over my head.

Paul

No worries Paul, the vintage car and the marriage argument puts things in perspective, so no more nagging about the 'in house' alternative way I suggested. Although it can be done clean and compact

It would be great if at one point you get the guy who will work on your bike take photos, as 79 - 81 are the same, and I think they are the most common years.

English is my second language as well, or rather fourth, but I haven't been using those other two for decades, I can't really use them efficiently so I don't really count them. I edit almost every of my posts. Guess why - correcting spelling and grammar! haha Anyway, I get confused sometimes as well. I'd suggest printing the pages from the manual and mark important points for quick reference. Also, I take sort of shorthand notes - a condensed point by point walk through, with numbers and arrows pointing to the next step. With cellphones handy, it's easy to include photos of each step for visual reference. Parts - they all go into plastic bags and little containers, sourced from a dollar store, and clearly marked what's inside, preserving the order if possible (having multiple spacers, right or left side etc.)

You've done great so far! Is the crank case still in frame? I'd remove the clutch, starter, both side covers, tensioners, wires, and disconnect it from the cardan. If you are relatively strong, you could use straps to lift the case in frame. Then, once clear, swing to one side and drop it onto a piece of wood. The lift it, pull it, wiggle it out. I've done it this way, no problem at all.

It will be easier and less messy once the covers are off. Put a tray under the engine, open all holes, and let it drip while wiping all outside and inside, as much as possible, with rags.

Could you post a photo of the bike at the current state? People here LOVE photos! And it also makes advising easier.