What's happening? An update:

Okaaaaay... Time for an update on the project.

I have been stumblin' and bumblin' along with a few bits of progress made.

1. The frame and associated bits are at the powder coaters and should be ready for pickup this week. I ended up going with Precision Coating Services at Seven Hills. They are able to do all blasting and prep, as well as the coating and seem to have a pretty good reputation. I will post pics and a report asap I get the stuff back.

2. The Borrani wheels... I deliberated quite a bit over what to do with these as far as preparation for use goes. They were in pretty good nick condition-wise, with nice straight rims and very few nicks. However, there was some surface grit, grime, etc. and the hubs were quite darkened. I am not in any way wanting a concours-type bike, as I wanna ride it! But I do want to start with the wheels in a good (and safe!) condition. That means a pull-down to hub, spokes and rims; something I am confident in doing. HOWEVER, there is no way I am confident in re-assembly. Therefore I decided to bite the bullet and get the job done correctly by the professionals, and as such have shipped them off to Ash's Spoked Wheels in Brisbane. They will be getting a vapour blast for the hubs and a clean and polish for the rims and spokes. They will be ready in a couple of weeks and I will report back here with pics.

3. The fork lowers on the MkII are normally painted black. Over the 30+ years on the road, the paint on these had become chipped , worn and dulled. I decided that the not only was the paint to come off, but they were then to remain bare, as I think this will suit the overall look that I am seeking for the bike. So off to the local hardware store I went. Add one can of stripper and a few hours of elbow grease later: no more paint!

No more paint, plus added new dust covers

4. Now, for the biggie, as far as applying elbow grease goes: the engine/gearbox.
I am definately not inclined to pulling down a motor just to be able to get some blasting done. I don't need a 'new engine' look that badly, haha! My plan therefore is to just scrub the bastard clean, and stop when I have had enough (which could be very soon!). Here is the setup, after one afternoons's work. It consists of the engine on a stand in a kid's wading pool on a dolly. Thanks to fellow Guzzisti and champion all-round bloke, Marcello Forestieri for the loan of the engine stand. Much appreciated.

Wish me luck!

Well, that's about it for the moment. I will be back soon to report on the frame and wheels.

Stay 'tuned' ...