“I just had that in my hand a couple minutes ago”. The older I get the more often I seem to say that. If you're like me some days it seems like you spend all of your time looking for things you just had in your hands. That's why I think it's important to spend a little bit time getting organized before undertaking a major project like this one.
 
The first and absolutely most essential thing that you will need is a factory shop manual. The aftermarket ones are okay but the factory shop manual is really the only way to go. There are a couple of sources for them, eBay for one, then there's craigslist as well as some Internet sites that will sell you a digital copy. Or maybe you know someone who used to have a Goldwing and doesn't need his old manual anymore..
 
The next thing that I think is extremely important is to keep the build diary. Just a three-ring notebook so you can keep the pictures that you're going to take with your digital camera before you take things apart. You should also keep list of the part numbers and descriptions of things you need to replace. Lists of part numbers for nonstock things that you installed on the bike. As well as notes about anything else you think is important, including copies of any state regulations that you might bump up against if your state requires you to have the bike inspected.
 
The next thing to round up is some storage containers. The big rubber tubs are great for storing big parts. I also buy some plastic" dishpans" that the dollar store sells for a buck apiece. Not only are they good for storing stuff, they make great drain pans for oil and antifreeze. You can also use them to clean parts in. Throw away Tupperware style containers are very handy as well.
 
I like to keep an assortment of ziplock freezer bags around. These are great for keeping small parts and fasteners with the parts they belong to. I keep a paper punch handy so that I can punch a hole in the corner of the bag and then use a rubber band to attach the bag full of bolts to the part.




 




Lastly a fist full of paper tags with strings or wires can be used to identify parts as well as identifying the connectors on the wiring harness so you know which things get plugged into where.


 
Lastly we should talk about budgets. It's a good idea to have a rough idea of how much the project is going to cost. Double that and you should be about right. To keep the project moving along, it's important to plan your spending. For instance unless you find a really good deal, there's no point in buying new tires until the project is nearly ready for the street. Some people believing keeping a ledger of every penny they spend, others prefer not to leave any evidence for the divorce lawyer. I'll leave that call up you.


Tomorrow will get the old girl up on the left and get our hands dirty.


Stay tuned


Steve

Last edited on Thu Dec 9th, 2010 06:21 am by SuperSkypilot