Time for a Restoration

[Bullett]

Many of you have heard my stories about my first BMW, a 1959 R26.

 

I transported this bike from Texas to Utah a few years ago, got it running, and it caused me to rediscover my love of motorcycling. It was also part of my argument to get Jan into the MSF Basic Motorcycling Course, but that's another story. . .

 

My hope has been to restore the bike to its former glory, but lack of time, knowlege and garage space has thwarted that goal. I've decided to move ahead with restoration, however, and have decided to have Ron at the local independent shop do the work.

 

This is the engine that matches the number on my frame:

 

 

Note the interesting configuration of the shift lever. When the frame came to me, it was set up to have the rider's feet on the rear foot pegs. The shifter was reversed.

 

The engine has a DelOrto carburetor and may have been bored out to 300cc displacment. I'm not really sure of the details and my Dad is gone now, so I have no way to find out more about the history of the bike. Perhaps the innards of the engine will tell the story . . .

 

This engine was replaced with a stock donor engine. One of my goals is to return the matching numbers to a single bike.

 

 

 

Anyway, I thought I would post a few "before" pics to share my progress.

 

 

 

 

Edited December 26, 2009 by Bullett

[Bill_Walker]

Very cool! I love old bikes, but sadly I don't think I'm temperamentally suited to owning them.

[popov1100]

you've got a nice bike.

 

[Bullett]

Bad news from Ron today. He says the crank spun on the bearing in the matching number engine and he doesn't think it can be rebuilt or changed out for the other engine. The top end looked pretty bad as well, with deep pitting in the cylinder and piston. He suggested turning it into a table base. . .

 

The engine that is in the bike leaks "just about everywhere." I authorized him to perform a more detailed estimate for repairing this engine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bill_Walker]

Bad news from Ron today. He says the crank spun on the bearing in the matching number engine and he doesn't think it can be rebuilt or changed out for the other engine. The top end looked pretty bad as well, with deep pitting in the cylinder and piston. He suggested turning it into a table base. . .

 

So, is that why the engines were swapped in the first place?

 

The engine that is in the bike leaks "just about everywhere." I authorized him to perform a more detailed estimate for repairing this engine.

 

A little RTV will fix that right up.

 

Sheesh. Good luck, Sharon! I have a feeling this is gonna be 'spensive.

[StuGotz]

Sharon, /2 pistons of that era had problems. I believe yours was of the 5 ring variety. BMW's hardly ever seized, but did damage otherwise. Some problems were encountered with aftermarket pistons and the associated ring sets, I don't know the history of your bike and whether it is original or not.

 

Although oversizes may be available up to 4th overbore, I wouldn't recommend spending too much time with this , unless of course it has priceless sentimental value to you.

 

Cylinder sleeving is inadvisable, trust me on this. It'll just run hot. Chances are you should have a good one on the unmatching number motor.

 

As far the crank, it can be fixed, but the matching numbers case is your dilemna.

 

Anything is possible, it's just a case of more $$$.

 

Good luck, hope you make it though. I like to see the old one's keep runnin'..

 

MB>

 

 

[Bullett]

A few more pictures. Engine has been disassembled.

 

Piston damage:

 

There is play in the con rod bearings:

 

 

Valve seats are worn:

 

 

See how the valve sits in the guide?

 

 

Valve guides are also worn:

 

 

And finally, a shot of the transmission and final drive coupling:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 9, 2010 by Bullett

[Huzband]

 

I haven't seen an uglier skirt since high school.

 

Just the same, do what you can you rebuild it, within what you determine to be reasonable. They're great bikes, & I know a guy that used to ride his to rallies all over the southeast.

 

And for the rally that still has field events, it's an easy slow-race winner.

[notacop]

A gal friend had one of the R26's for while. She complained about how slow it was once she got it lovingly restored. What was she thinking? Garranteed speed limit observance, a blessing in disguise. She had just come off a Ducati 851 Superlite!

Slow...DUH!

[Rocer]

Sweet. I hope you're able to follow through with your project. Here's a resource to add to you files:

 

http://www.benchmarkworkscanada.com/home.html

 

[Bullett]

Thanks Paul, it is my understanding that Bench Marks Works Canada is affiliated with Bench Mark Works USA in Mississippi. My mechanic, Ron, has picked Vech's brain regarding this project and will be ordering parts from the USA branch of the company.

 

Anyway, today Ron and I had a discussion about the transmission. I have a quote to fully restore that doesn't include any work on the tranny. I felt it wasn't shifting correctly last time I rode the bike. I thought it was the clutch, but Ron agreed that he should at least pull off the cover and inspect the transmission. He hasn't been able to gain access to inspect.

The 50 year old tranny is not willing to give up its secrets easily. . .

[Bullett]

Bad news from Ron today. He says the crank spun on the bearing in the matching number engine and he doesn't think it can be rebuilt or changed out for the other engine. The top end looked pretty bad as well, with deep pitting in the cylinder and piston. He suggested turning it into a table base. . .

 

So, is that why the engines were swapped in the first place?

 

Bill, actually I had the engine first, in a frame that had been rather amateurishly repaired. I understand now that my Dad bought the bike with the blown engine to get all the other parts. It was complete with lights and a good, straight frame. We paid $50 for the bike with the good engine, and $250 in the early 70's, for the good frame with lights and a blown up engine. I always thought the blown up engine could be repaired, but my mechanic says "no."

 

Anyway, hopefully the newly rebuilt engine will be "Bullett proof."

 

It will be "'spensive." I think I have totally lost my mind, but it will be cool to have this old machine up and running again.

 

Edit: Oh, and since it's not going to be "original," I am going to paint it Dover White.

Edited January 23, 2010 by Bullett

[StuGotz]

The 50 year old tranny is not willing to give up its secrets easily. . .

 

Keep in mind, heat is your friend...

 

MB>

[Bullett]

Yes, Mark. Thanks.

[Bullett]

Turns out it was a good thing Ron checked the tranny. He says the bearings are corroded (probably due to sitting for 20 years above the oil level) and the clutch push rod is broken--he says it was installed with bearing backwards, which would cause it to disengage inconsistently (at least that's how I understand it).

 

 

[lvnvbiker]

Restorations are kinda like opening presents. Sometimes you open a package to find a little slice of heaven and what you have been wishing for. Other times you rip open the wrapping and its a lime green 100% polyester with white stiching leisure suit with whate belt and loafers... In that respect the resto project is better than presents, because there is not a damn thing you can do to fix the leisure suit! I'm glad your having a good time going nuts, and trust me the end result when you kick over your shiny dover white bike and go for a ride all the BS you go thru to get there is quickly forgoten.

[Bullett]

Thanks Glenn, I'll try to remember that.

[OoPEZoO]

Awesome.....I'll be watching

[Bullett]

Status update: I got a call from Ron on Friday. He was boxing up the parts for the painter and had a few questions about details. Center stand will be painted white to match the bike and aftermarket sidestand and seat pan will remain black.

 

I didn't stop by on Saturday to take pictures.

 

Engine case, transmission case and hubs will be soda blasted; new chrome is on the way for some rusted axles, push rod tubes, steering dampener knob, etc. Rims will be straightened and polished and re-spoked. Bearings inspected and serviced.

 

I decided to stick with the single rubber seat rather than switch to a dual seat. I just like the look of the solo seat. We will lose the luggage carrier that dings the top of the "coffee can" tailight.

 

Only a few shiny parts will be replaced: the dinged tailight ring and lens (that I just put a scratch in last summer while the bike was being stored).

 

Since the bike will not be original, I have decided to go to a modern, clear coat finish. The striping will be under the clear coat. I already had new tires on it and the electrical system (such as it is) works fine.

 

I'm really excited about this project, and am looking forward to getting the bike back on the road and maybe showing it a bit.

 

Insurance issues with restorations:

 

I've been looking into changing my insurance to "protect my investment." The guys in the vintage group recommend going with a company like JC Taylor, Hagerty, or Condon & Skelly. I got internet quotes last night for a bike value of $15K (which is about what I expect it would cost to replace and restore another one if I can find one). It was interesting to see that they have different classifications for "antique" and "modified" as in not original paint or having performance engine mods. The cost of insurance quoted to me was $275 to $300. I am currently insured for up to $5K replacement with Foremost for $220 a year. I will get a quote from Foremost as well.

 

The specialty insurance companies don't really limit your annual mileage, but you agree that the antique or classic vehicle is not your daily driver and you have to have proof that you have a daily driver vehicle that is not a motorcycle. I though that part was interesting.

 

 

 

[Firefight911]

I can't wait to see the results!!!! Thanks for allowing us to be a part of the journey.

[Deadboy]

Looking good! Keep taking those photos and documenting what you find....

[Bullett]

Stopped by to visit the old bike today. She is almost completely disassembled, with parts sorted to be packed and shipped or delivered to the specialists for rebuilding, cleaning and painting.

 

Ummm, wait, I only brought it in for an oil change!

 

 

 

Inside the transmission

 

 

The kick starter assembly:

 

 

Back end of the engine case, sans clutch assembly:

 

 

We all stood around and talked about the bike:

 

 

Rear end:

 

 

 

Axles, centerstand bolt, generator, and few other bits

 

 

The electrical harness:

 

 

Tank

 

 

Front suspension, disassembled

 

 

Cartridges seem to be leaking

 

 

Same with the rear shocks:

 

 

More assorted bits and pieces:

 

 

 

This R90 is going back together; I can hardly wait for mine to get to this stage.

 

[Firefight911]

Looking good!!!!!

[Bill_Walker]

It's a little odd to still see the wheel in the clamp on the lift with no motorcycle attached! Is a that "placeholder" for use of the lift?

[Bullett]

Yes, Bill, it does look pretty strange. I think they just hadn't finished the dis-assembly and it was a good place to leave the wheel.

[Twisties]

Last piece left standing!

 

Was the first pic I took.

[JustJean]

Way cool!

[Rocer]

 

Whew! At first I was worried when Jan posted the pic of the gator bike on "Where in the world is couchrocket now" was Sharon's restoration project gone off the rails.

 

Thanks for the project report.

 

Bet you can't wait!

[Twisties]

 

Whew! At first I was worried when Jan posted the pic of the gator bike on "Where in the world is couchrocket now" was Sharon's restoration project gone off the rails.

 

Thanks for the project report.

 

Bet you can't wait!

 

[bayoubengal]

This is really exciting. Keep us posted...

[Bullett]

Interesting development. The shop doing the work on my bike is going to close the service and repair side because the Master Mechanic has submitted his resignation. Reportedly, he plans to open his own service shop.

 

Meanwhile, my bike is in pieces and/or spread out across the western United States for refurbishing of the various parts. Haven't had an opportunity to talk to the guys yet to figure out how their situation affects me.

 

Edited February 28, 2010 by Bullett

[JustJean]

That sucks!

[Bullett]

Spoke with Jeff, the shop owner today about the bike. He says Ron will take it with him to his new shop and finish the restoration for the balance of my quote. I also bought two pairs of gloves, an Airglide jacket, and a throttle rocker. I'm sorry to see R and R go out of business, particularly like this.

[StuGotz]

Another shop outta business, sad days indeed.

 

But happy to hear it's sorted out. (pun intended!)

 

I'd say you're in it for keeps?

 

MB>

[Bullett]

Yep. One reason I went forward with the project was to try to help these guys out with some business. Yesterday, Jeff told me he hadn't paid himself the past 3-4 months, but paid salaries to his mechanics who are bailing on him just as business is likely to pick up. I had no idea his business was so hand to mouth in winter. It seems to me that the recession/depression has really taken hold.

 

I am trying to remain optimistic and not simply stop participating in the economy, but it is hard for me to spend when every economic article I read is pretty negative. I figure that we need to do what we can to help our local good businesses open through this economic mess.

 

I kept asking Jeff if was upside down on my deposit and wanted additional cash and he told me we were OK on that. I bought a few things and told him I didn't need the discount. He refused to not discount the items. Meanwhile another local club member was asking him to let him have something for cost. Geez!

 

I wish Jeff all the best; he's a stand up guy.

Edited March 3, 2010 by Bullett

[bakerzdosen]

Ouch. I had no idea. Sheesh. You leave the country and the place just falls apart.

 

That really does suck that R&R is going out of business. As you said: particularly like this.

[Bullett]

Time for a bump.

 

The machinist has his new shop in So. Utah set up and the cylinder and head are on the way for boring and grinding and whatever it is they do to top ends of engines.

 

Striping on the tank and fenders is done; I need to go by the mechanic's shop and take some pictures.

 

Wheels are about to be sent out to be straightened, polished and laced.

 

Pics of the frame in it's new color.

 

 

and swingarm(s) and center stand:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Paul Mihalka]

Looking good!

[EffBee]

Sharon, if you're having this restoration done by Ron Schmidt, it could not be in better hands. Ron was the Service Manager at Brown Motor Works, the BMW Dealer where I worked, when I first started there. Prior to that I was just a customer there and he and his crew always took exceptional care of me. A lot of people in Southern California miss him.

 

Ron is a professional and VERY detailed in his work. Please tell him I said Hello.

[Bullett]

Fernando,

 

It is Ron Schmidt and I will tell him you said "hello."

[Bullett]

A status update with pictures:

 

Tank and fenders:

 

 

 

Other assorted painted parts:

 

 

Generator:

 

 

Cleaned up engine case, tranny and other assorted parts:

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday, the wheels and hubs were shipped to the wheel shop and the cylinder and head to the machinist. It's exciting to see the progress.

Edited March 6, 2011 by Bullett

[Swordofwords]

And you got your slinger done? When you get a pic of that, I'd like to see. Mine (58 R69) needs to be done and I want to see what it looks like. Good job so far, BTW.

Sword

[Bullett]

Ron showed me the slinger and the crud in it back when he initially dismantled the bike. I thought I had some pictures, but I don't see them.

 

Craig Vechorick provides some explanation for how this is done, but I can't seem to link to his tech article. On the Linky you will need to find Tech Advice,then the Importance of Clean BMW Oil Slingers, but the advice is not too detailed.

[Limecreek]

Wow. I just noticed this thread. I can't wait to see the finished product.

 

What a great project!

[ESokoloff]

.....It's exciting to see the progress.

[Bullett]

Well, dang. Another machinist related delay. My 79 year old machinist, Jack, has come down with shingles. Hopefully, he will be back on his feet soon.

[Bullett]

Things are really happening now!

 

I received a note from my mechanic yesterday that the top end work was completed and the bike was now at the rolling frame stage.

 

I went by after work to see the progress and take some pictures.

 

Ron has the frame on wheels sitting up front. The polished, straightened and freshly spoked wheels look great!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ron and Jeff:

 

I'm not sure what I did to my pictures. . . I may need to upload them again.

 

I guess I'm just so excited I can't function.

 

 

Edited April 28, 2011 by Bullett

[Bullett]

I'm trying again. . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bullett]

 

I guess no one looked at my pictures, because on this forum, you can't post something like this and not get slammed.

[CoarsegoldKid]

Slam! Bam! Thank you, Mam!

I seeing the project in pictures.

 

Whose bores looked a bit pitted. ?

Edited April 29, 2011 by CoarsegoldKid