Diary of a Barn Queen

[HankPfister]

Well, I'm jumping into this project, and not sure what the outcome will be. Hopefully at the least I'll have a nice riding R75/5. I rescued this 1972 Toaster from an open shed where it had been quietly rusting away for many years.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/159107095-S.jpg

Its worse than it looks. Lots of rust, old dried gas in tank and carbs, steering is notchy, front fender is broke, toaster panel is speckled with rust, exhaust system is total rust. I paid $500 for it thinking I could at least part it out, knowing that it is highly unlikely that I would do a R75/5 that way.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/159107141-S.jpg

So over the Holidays I got the old derelict in my barn and started assessing it. I changed the engine, tranny and final drive oils, opened up the carbs and sprayed them down with carb cleaner, swapped the gas tank from my running /5, hooked up a battery, and to my surprise she soon fired up and was running. Rough, but running. I shot some air in the dry rotted tires and took it out for a short spin. Engine running rough, tranny shifts real good...for a /5, speedo and tach are working. So maybe there is hope for this old gal. :clap So its back in the barn and dis-assembly begins.

http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/159107159-S.jpg
The exhaust headers are home made, and total rust. This right side one is frozen, and was quite a beeatch to remove.

http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/236964738-S.jpg
The tranny is coming out. The kick starter is not connecting, so it'll have to be opened up.
The forks and steering head also coming off. They will need some work, and new bearing. This is how far I've gotten so far. Not sure how far I will take this project. Is it a full restoration, or a resusitation? Don't know yet. I'm not a great mechanic.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/236965443-S.jpg

I haven't decided yet if the engine is coming out of the frame. If it does, then I guess the wiring harness will come off also, and the frame will get new paint or powder coat. I'll update this thead as I make progress, and decisions. Offer any opinions and support please. This will NOT be a "How to" thread, but more of a encourage other wrenchin' retards that a project like this is doable.

[Isamemon]

nice barn find
good luck
happy new year
happy many road miles ahead for you
keep us posted

[88bmwJeff]

Glad to see someone taking the time to resurrect an old bike. My $0.02 is... You've got it this far apart, so you might as well go all the way, and get the frame powder coated. It does look kind of rusty in the photos Who knows when you'll have the bike torn down this far again. Of course it's always easier spending someone elses money. Anyway, keep us informed of the progress

[Bill Burke]

Way to go Hank. Good luck with your project. Patience is a virtue - I'd plan on about two years....We're working on a friend's '73 R60/5. He had the top end (rings, springs, valves) re-done by Tom Cutter this winter. Tranny seems good so far. Exhaust is on the list. Let us know how it's going from time to time and best wishes for a successful outcome.

[terham]

Good luck with this Hank. It'll be interesting to follow this thread. The more /5s on the road, the better.:thumb

[DennisDarrow]

Hank.......Congratulations on your "find" and thank you for your attitude of preservation. Just before reading this thread I stumbled upon, http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/citybike.htm . First time I had read this bit of news even though I experienced the wobbles on an early 72 back in those days.

Anyway, a bit of research as you rebuild, will no doubt cover this problem as you recondition. So many things to do.........Good luck and may God Bless this project.........Dennis

[swall]

I would not do a "restoration". The paint looks to be in fair shape, so clean the bike up, fix the mechanicals, touch up the frame paint and put a repop exhaust system on it. Although the chrome panels are pitted, consider just cleaning them up with chrome polish and wax to seal it. If you do a frame up total restoration, you will never get your money out and it sounds like a "toaster tank" is not something you just got to have at any cost.

[HankPfister]

Thanks for all the encouragement, and suggestions. I've made a little progress, which has led to some decisions. I just hope this does not become one of those "basket cases" you see for sale...." ....for sale, lost interest in project...no time to devote to project.... etc...." I truely hope to one day in the not too distant future see a beautiful well running R75/5 in my stable.
I'm making decisions based on what feels right at the moment. So my gut tells me to go ahead and take out the wiring harness. :doh I'm scared to death of wiring harnessess. But if the engines coming out, then so is the wiring harness.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/238942666-S.jpg

And then the engine:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/238942680-S.jpg

I really feel like I'm getting in way over my head. But I also realize that the finished project is just a bunch of small steps. And as long as I can complete those small steps it will lead to the desired end product. Thanks to my next door neighbor for helping me lift the engine out. That leaves me with this:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/238942694-S.jpg

And a big pile of parts. Now to get busy cleaning parts, and deciding on paint or powder coating the frame, and what color to paint the body parts. :dunno

[Hodag]

:lurk :drink
finally a soap opera I can follow


keep us in the loop as progress is made

[manicmechanic]

Hank, you'll do fine. Remember the adage about the longest journey and the first step. I find it sometimes helpful, if I encounter a problem for which the solution is not clear, then just walk away for a while. At the shop where I "play", it's not uncommon to have a head-scratcher, and then I'll call up the next day from my "normal" job and discuss some thoughts that usually work out. Yes, it's a challenge, but you've got all sorts of support and help available, although you will be the one getting dirty. You can do it!

[DarrylRi]

Hank, this is great! Don't worry a bit! I started with a pile of parts and built a BMW. Now I have two that I've built, and 2.5 more in parts! (It's a real sickness...)

[Rapid_Roy]

:wave
:lurk

[mrich12000]

It is so nice to see the older Bmw's that are found having a carring owner.
And a excelent post as well, hope to see it finished keep the pics comming :german

[kbasa]

I'm right behind you, Hank.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/233644559-L.jpg

[Stuff2C]

If this thread goes anything like my restorations, I'll be a AARP senior member.:lurk

[rogermansfield]

Thanks for posting this. I have a '71 that I wanted to have running by last ('06) summer. It's still not going yet, but this is encouraging. You appear to have a nice,clean comfortable (hopefully warm) work environment. That should help quite a bit!

[PAULBACH]

I'm impressed. :thumb

It is just a series of small steps. Give it an hour a day and you will be pleasantly surprise how well the project moves along.

Your true grit is much appreciated!

Please keep posting those pictures.

[CaptDistraction]

I read on the your post to the /5 group that you are thinking of Granada Red. I'm not sure where in VA you are, but here are pics of my bike done by a painter in Durham, NC. The pinstripes were done by a friend of his. I gave him the Glasurit code for Granada Red, and he says he was able to match it using his references. I was quite pleased with how it turned out.

[HankPfister]

Thanks CaptnD, nice R60/5. I do like the Granada Red. 'Cept I won't do the pin stripe on the gas tank :scratch That was more for the "early /6" /5s, you know, the LWB ones....:hide :brad OOPs, shouldn't of opened that can of worms LOL.
I'm near Roanoke, pretty far from Durham. I have a good buddy who has painted some motorcycles for me and does a great job.
I am also thinking about painting the headlight and ears to match the tank and fenders. I did that on my other Toaster, and liked the effect. I know its not "correct", but BMW was just being cheap painting all the headlights black. So its not fair that only the black ones have matching headlights and fenders...:laugh

[eap]

:lurk

[rkasal]

Nice find and excellent work to date. I'm stabbing in the dark myself on restoring a Puch so no advice from me but have done some of Germany's finest cars.

You've influenced me to look for an old warehouse to house the collection and have extra space to work on things. Hope you keep posting photos and best of luck to you!

[HankPfister]

:dunno What a mess! This is what scares me the most! All that rats nest has to come out, AND go back in :scratch
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/242097494-S.jpg

I'm still weighing pros and cons of painting vrs powdercoating the frame, and sandblasting vrs chemical stripping of the frame.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I keep clicking on this thread thinking there will be something about Dairy Queen :dunno

http://www.tavernierdq.com/DairyQueenBldg.JPG

[sumran]

:brad I keep clicking on this thread thinking there will be something about Dairy Queen :dunno

http://www.tavernierdq.com/DairyQueenBldg.JPG

The difference between commuting and a trip. To qualify as an official trip, you have to stop for ice cream along the way. :brad

[mrich12000]

The following article can be viewed here: http://www.qsrweb.com/article.php?id=288
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dairy Queen® debuts on "The Apprentice"
• 22 Sep 2005

BURLINGTON, ON, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - For the first time ever, a company appearing on "The Apprentice," now in its fourth season, has created a national promotion to find a real-life apprentice. Dairy Queen, which will have a featured episode focusing on its signature Blizzard brand on "The Apprentice" Thursday, October 13, is taking that appearance to the next level by offering an apprenticeship that comes with a $50,000 cash signing bonus, an appearance in a national television commercial, trips to Hawaii and Los Angeles and a chance to help create new Blizzard flavours.

"We tapped into a creative way to leverage our appearance on "The Apprentice" with a really fun and exciting promotion that reaches out all across North America," said Michael Keller, chief brand officer for International Dairy Queen. "We're not the first to be on the show, but we are the first to tie in a promotion specifically built around the premise of the show. As a result, we are giving one lucky Blizzard customer out there the opportunity of a lifetime: to be our Blizzard apprentice."
Just like the television series, contestants for the Blizzard apprentice will vie for the title by completing a variety of tasks in the "Now Hiring! Become DQ's Blizzard Apprentice" contest which can be found online beginning September 26, at www.blizzardfanclub.com.

During round one, contestants must submit a 100-word essay describing their passion for the Blizzard and an accompanying photo of themselves interacting with the Blizzard brand. A panel of judges from Dairy Queen will choose 25 contestants to move on to the second task. The second task requires contestants to produce a two-to-three minute video message about the Blizzard in the form of a television commercial, speech, rap, song or other performance art. The top five "odes" to the Blizzard, chosen by Dairy Queen, will be posted to www.blizzardfanclub.com along with each finalist's original essay and photo. Blizzard Fan Club members, now totaling about 600,000, will then vote for their favourite. The contestant with the most votes will become the first-ever Blizzard apprentice. The winner will be notified by November 4.

In addition to the $50,000 "signing bonus" and a year's worth of free Blizzards, the winner and three guests will travel to Los Angeles where the Blizzard apprentice will appear in a Dairy Queen Blizzard commercial airing nationally next year. In January, they will be honoured at Dairy Queen's franchisee exposition in Hawaii. Finally, they will visit Dairy Queen headquarters in Minneapolis where the apprentice will participate in the development of new Blizzard flavours. All 25 semi-finalists will receive free Blizzards for a year and each of the web-posted finalists also will receive a $1,000 cash prize. The contest is open to all U.S. and Canadian residents, excluding Quebec, 18 years of age and older. All legal guidelines and restrictions apply. For a full list of contest rules, visit www.blizzardfanclub.com.

As part of the promotion, Dairy Queen also will be featured in one of four online games in "The Apprentice" arcade collection. The Dairy Queen game is unique from the other three in that it will be an online flash game and available for free. The rest of the games, all developed by Legacy Interactive, are downloadable for a fee. Access to the Dairy Queen game will be via www.blizzardfanclub.com and top gaming sites available on Yahoo and AOL.

Dairy Queen's appearance on "The Apprentice" and the subsequent Blizzard apprentice contest culminates a yearlong 20th birthday celebration of the Blizzard. One of the most imitated ice cream innovations since the ice cream cone, the Blizzard Flavour Treat was introduced in 1985. More than 175 million Blizzards were sold in that first year. Today, the Blizzard is one of the most successful and widely recognized treats and is well on its way to becoming a billion-dollar brand.

About IDQ:
International Dairy Queen (IDQ) (www.dairyqueen.com), which is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., develops, licenses and services a system of more than 5,600 Dairy Queen stores in the United States, Canada and other foreign countries, offering dairy desserts, hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages. IDQ is part of the Berkshire Hathaway family, a company owned by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Following the successful roll out of DQ Grill & Chill®, Dairy Queen's quick-service food concept that features an all new expanded menu and newly designed restaurant interiors, Dairy Queen began testing the TreatWorks(TM) concept in August 2005. TreatWorks blends a sleek, new look with the feel of a traditional ice cream treat shop and offers an expanded treat menu that includes traditional DQ favorites, the Orange Julius® line of smoothies and fruit drinks, and new signature desserts and sundaes.

See you at one soon:usa

Ref:http://www.qsrweb.com/article_printable.php?id=288&page=57
with thanks to © 2008 NetWorld Alliance :usa
and The Canadian DQ Club and Kinsmen..

Michael Rich

[Beemer01]

These complex and head scratching restorations are the best way to keep our brains working over the winter months.... at least at my Northern latitudes.

What's the alternative... watching TV?

Keep me occupied and out from underfoot, and provides a valuable opportunity to BUY NEW TOOLS! :whistle

[elyotsidecar]

Good luck with the old R75/5.I'm in the process of restoring A 1974 R90/6.It was in A barn for many years but is in very good condition.I've been riding it for 2 years and this winter it's getting new paint,handle bars,cables,new oil,and general mantenence.When you finish your project and step back and look at it,is'nt that just the greatist feeling?elyotsidecar#132866:dance

[rinty]

Momentary highjack, but barn finds are fascinating. Three good books on the topic:

The Cobra in the Barn by Tom Cotter
The Hemi in the Barn by Tom Cotter
The Most Famous Car in the World by Philip Porter

Rinty

[HankPfister]

I have been making slow progress. Someone suggested doing a little something every day. I've been somewhat doing that. The /5 is totally dis-assembled, and a lot of it is dispersed. The frames are getting sandblasted, the engine and transmission are with a competent BMW mechanic getting a going over, the fenders, tank, headlight, etc.. are with a good local body man who has painted some bike parts for me before. We discussed paints, and will not be using Glasurite, but will match the Currey color in base/clear, and will be painting the headlight, tail light, chrome sidecover stripes, all in currey. The frames will be powdercoated gloss black.
The mechanicals, well first reports are not too bad :
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/246200182-S.jpg

The timing chain has been loose and rubbing, so it will be replaced:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/246200196-S.jpg

The top end will likely need some work, but I don't have a diagnosis yet. The tranny is going to take some fixing. I have a spare that can be used for some parts, so with a few new bearings and seals it should be fine.

The headlight wiring scares me more than anything:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/242097494-S.jpg

I've got it all out. I plan to get a keyed ignition conversion from Stan Smith at Rocky Point Cycles. I'll prolly send the speedo-tach out to Palo Alto. I've seen the white face/black number face they can provide, and I'm thinking about that. Stainless spokes for the wheels probably.
Anyone keeping a running estimate? ;)

[stardw]

I read on the your post to the /5 group that you are thinking of Granada Red. I'm not sure where in VA you are, but here are pics of my bike done by a painter in Durham, NC. The pinstripes were done by a friend of his. I gave him the Glasurit code for Granada Red, and he says he was able to match it using his references. I was quite pleased with how it turned out.



Excellent job. Can you send me his contact info?

[kstoo]

I don't want to start a new thread so I thought that I would just stick this in here. I just finished about 4 casual hours this Sunday afternoon updating my "progress" with my 1974 R75/6 project since last August. It is kinda a barn queen, in drag I guess, so it is related to this topic.

R75/6 project (http://l726-r75.blogspot.com/)

Remember that it is a blog so start at the bottom and work your way up. The latest newest stuff is at the top. I hope that this encourages me to get to work and get rolling on this. Right now I have to make dinner.

[HankPfister]

As of today my Barn Queen is scattered hither and nither. Just a few boxes and trays of parts in my barn. I cleaned out and Kremed the gas tank last week while at work:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/250975924-S.jpg
I'm swishing the tank around with the Kreme acid wash and a bunch of ball bearings. Now the tank, fenders, headlight, ears, tail light are at the painters awaiting thier turn in the booth.
Yesterday I scored a nice "period correct" set of Wixom saddlebags:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/250975931-S.jpg
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/250975927-S.jpg

The are in great shape. The silver paint with blue stripes look so good I briefly considered painting the bike silver. But then I stripped all the hardware off and tomorrow I'll drop them off at the painters, and stick with the Currey paint scheme.
Main frame is still waiting to be sandblasted, then its going to the powdercoater for gloss black coating.
I''m still trying to decide who to send the speedo unit to. I've heard a lot of bad about Palo Alto, but they offer a white face option that others don't offer.

[barryg]

Keep ur coming, I'm really enjoying this. I'm in the same process with my '74 R90. My bike is basically apart. I rebuilt the engine several years ago and have been accumulating parts ever since. I'm also using Wixom bags. I'm really enjoying your project, keep up the good work and thax for sharing. :type

[HankPfister]

I'm moving forward slowly. Here is my friend Dan as he sandblasts the frame at his place of work:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/254165813_GQo5t-S.jpg

Once the frame was blasted clean, we noticed a couple of little tabs that had broke loose where the center stand comes up and apparently strikes them. Dan was able to tack weld them back into place.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/254165863_GSDe8-S.jpg

Here are my frame parts, battery box, and Wixom saddle bag mounts fresh back from the powder coater. It all looks BEE Ute EE Full!!:dance
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/254165888_Fx2cV-S.jpg
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/254169822_aSKBv-S.jpg

I kinda feel like I'm at the bottom of a hill, and now its all a long uphill grade as I start the serious work of getting this bike back together. Just one step at a time. ..

[kbasa]

I'm right behind you. I've got the CS' engine on the bench. Once I get all the electrical off the frame, the front end will come off and the frame, subframe and some other bits will go out for paint.

[robsryder]

... The frames are getting sandblasted, the engine and transmission are with a competent BMW mechanic getting a going over....


I also have an R75/5 project bike. Fortunately mine was in pretty good shape when I obtained it. I haven't let that stop me from taking a lot of it apart. I've never fooled with a /5 and I'm enjoying the process of learing about this bike. I have done a /6 and /7 so it is interesting to look backward at the evolution of the airhead bikes.

For my engine components I obtained a soda blasting set-up. Soda is relatively inexpensive and is easily removed from the aluminum engine parts. Some of the airhead gurus relate horror stories of glass beads becomming embedded somewhere during a sandblasting operation and later getting free. The glass bead doesn't do the engine any good.

I obtained my soda blaster from these guys...
http://www.ace-sandblasting.com/soda-blasting.html
I got the small portable unit. The cylinders and head now look like new.

[PAULBACH]

I'm moving forward slowly. Here is my friend Dan as he sandblasts the frame at his place of work:

Once the frame was blasted clean, we noticed a couple of little tabs that had broke loose where the center stand comes up and apparently strikes them. Dan was able to tack weld them back into place.

Here are my frame parts, battery box, and Wixom saddle bag mounts fresh back from the powder coater. It all looks BEE Ute EE Full!!:dance


I kinda feel like I'm at the bottom of a hill, and now its all a long uphill grade as I start the serious work of getting this bike back together. Just one step at a time. ..


Bottom of the hill? Looks more like you have done all the hard climbing. The hardest part is behind. Now for the enjoyable part.

[HankPfister]

Well Progress has been slow, but there has been progress. Parts are starting to filter back into my Beemer Barn, other parts and supplies have been ordered. New bearings are going in the steering head, and swing arm. Paint is being sprayed. I hope a tranny and engine are getting some attention as well. Its been rather chilly here so I heated up the barn the other night and pulled out the forks and carburators. It wasn't pretty. On my one short ride I noticed the forks were really stiff. :scratch Maybe this is why:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/268304867_Su3KX-S.jpg

Grungy mess in the bottoms. Here is the nut off the fork bottom:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/268304879_BNDjJ-S.jpg

Then the carbs.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/268304892_N6Lwe-S.jpg

Taking them apart was going well, till I got to the idle jet in one. The screw driver slot had been broken off! :scratch The black arrow points to that jet:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/268304911_otynQ-S.jpg

Not sure what I'll do, but I'll figure out something.
So today things got better. This afternoon I went out for a ride with a buddy. We rode down to the paint shop where my Barn Queen's body parts have been waiting for paint. I peeked in and see this:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/268661077_FKaT8-S.jpg

:dance :thumb :thumb Things look BEE-U-Tee-Full!
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/268661088_KKYp4-S.jpg

The Toaster Tank:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/268661118_8mvpj-S.jpg

Chrome battery panels:
http://http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/268661103_dNuci-S.jpg

The color is supposed to be a copy of the original Currey. I don't know if it is an eggzak match, but it does look good. Originally the pin stripe were black. I'd like to go with something different, but don't know what. Any suggestions? My riding buddy today suggests Dijon Mustard and white together. A two color pin stripe. I was thinking maybe a brighter gold, though the paint looks rather golden.
Thats the latest. I should be getting back up with the frame and swing arm. A friend is helping me put new bearings in the steering head, and swing arm, and spokes in the wheels. Meanwhile I'll be working on those carbs and forks. :scratch :dance

[Boxerkuh]

I love the paint, it is georgeous. The pin stripe... I like black because it will match and accent the frame. I also like silver because it will the engine/aluminum parts. Or of course white, being traditional. Decision, decisions...

[sumran]

Perfectly painted parts floating in mid air...

Almost like a very nice dream!:laugh

I am not a pinstripe guy, so I am no help. I know BMW's are supposed to have pinstripes, but I love the way they look without them.

Thanks for sharing your progress. Can't wait to see the rest of the project.

[bigfoot105]

HankPfister to the White Courtesy Phone Please.

:lurk

[HankPfister]

HankPfister to the White Courtesy Phone Please.

:lurk

:whistle THanks for the prodding, Bigfoot. Things have been happening on the Barn Queen, nothing dramatic, but things are starting to come back to the barn. It is time to start bolting things back together, so we should see some progress soon. I have gotten steering head bearings and swing arm bearings in. The wheels were re-spoked with stainless spokes by a friend of mine, who also put new bearings in the wheels. I'm going to meet with a pin striper this week for some stripes on the fresh painted fenders, and big tank. I have a rebuilt speedo unit from Palo Alto, with a white face. I should have some pictures to post later in the week.
:bolt

[HankPfister]

With lots of riding, lots of adventure, and lots of work around the house. Things stalled out on the Barn Queen project. BUT the good news is that all the high cost projects are done, and back in the barn. The Queen waited patiently on the work table all summer, and recently things began to happen with her.
The first objective was to get to a rolling chassis. So steering head and fork work first.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/388796534_ZtgZy-S.jpg

A local Airhead guru helped me with the steering head bearings, wheel bearings, and stainless spokes for the wheels. I tackled the forks. Soon:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/388796541_x5Fav-S.jpg

Final drive, rear wheel:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/388796554_Uk5tU-S.jpg

Tires and tubes, fenders, a little tightening up, and voila! I now have a rolling chassis!
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/395688260_u7hkV-S.jpg

The paint is a close to the original Currey or Metallic Gold. Original pin stripes were black. I'm not going completely stock and correct. Here is the pin stripe colors:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/395591373_nKmZL-S.jpg

Coming soon will be installing engine, wiring harness, then headlight... Still lots to do. It great to be back on the project.

[Boxerkuh]

Sweeeeet!!!!! I love the pin stripe, away from original is okay with me. It is very pretty. Keep us informed.

[HankPfister]

Its been a long winter, and it ain't over yet.....:brow As winter set in, my attention from the lovely Barn Queen was diverted to other semi emergency projects here at home, then the Holiday, etc....
But before Winter set in I was able to make some progress:
Here I'm getting ready to put the engine back in:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/405917025_KMABm-M.jpg

With the help of my buddy, Jim, we got the engine back in:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/405917031_yzRPV-M.jpg

Then the transmission:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/442255456_xJrWA-M.jpg
The tranny actually went in, came out, went in, and I think came out again before I got all the clutch actuators and parts in correctly, and bolted up to the drive shaft.

That was back before Christmas. Now the last couple days I've spent getting the rear brake lever, mechanisms in place, and the front brake cable run. Also the handle bar controls, switch wires, and cables in place.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/459774997_fKcTX-M.jpg

If you remember the original carburators were in pretty bad shape. I considered ordering a new set of Mikunis from Rocky Point Cycles, but instead scored a nice clean set of Bings on Ebay.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/459774979_VKfZ2-M.jpg

Getting the carbs on and cables run, and choke cables on presented some challenges, but I think I was successful in getting it all in place correctly. I'm not real sure about cable routing, but that can be adjusted if neccessary.
As of tonight the queen is looking pretty complete. This is just a glamor shot, cuz she isn't really quite ready for the tank, but I couldn't resist:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/459845595_Vwy5R-M.jpg

The major job left is to get the headlight wiring finished up. :sick Dreading that. But I'm sure it will be easier than I imagine. The queen is really not too far from starting up.
I had some time the other day and went to visit Virginia DMV. :deal :nono I had a Bill of Sale in hand, but that wasn't good enough. Seems the sellers I bought the Queen from had never titled it, and they told me they did not recieve a title when they bought it. That was over 10 years ago. Virgnina DMV seems to want to see an uninterupted chain of ownership documented by Titles. They suggest I go back to the seller and demand a Title. :dunno I don't think that will happen. So I'm not sure what my next step will be. My best bet might be to find someone in Georgia who can help me obtain a Georgia title on a bill of sale, and then convert that title to a Virginia title. I'll be working on that issue.

[535is]

I had some time the other day and went to visit Virginia DMV. :deal :nono I had a Bill of Sale in hand, but that wasn't good enough. Seems the sellers I bought the Queen from had never titled it, and they told me they did not recieve a title when they bought it. That was over 10 years ago. Virgnina DMV seems to want to see an uninterupted chain of ownership documented by Titles. They suggest I go back to the seller and demand a Title. :dunno I don't think that will happen. So I'm not sure what my next step will be. My best bet might be to find someone in Georgia who can help me obtain a Georgia title on a bill of sale, and then convert that title to a Virginia title. I'll be working on that issue.
I will suggest you find a VA lawyer, preferably young & hungry, who can find out what can be done without constructing some questionable false transfers. I did this many years ago in Ohio to get the title for the Motorsport that I now own issued. It involved a couple of affidavits essentially saying "We can't find any evidence this bike is stolen." Maybe you need a police statement* that it has never been reported stolen as well as a previous title check for any liens against it. It is likely that a state court judge can order the title to be issued; at least that's Ohio law. If that's the case, you can bypass the DMV bureaucrats and you get to deal with a judge (probably of your choice) who should be somewhat more pragmatic about it.


* Which, in the interest of getting a stolen bike recovered, they will probably be happy to do. Obviously, there's some risk here if the bike is of very questionable lineage. You could lose it.

[nealart]

Well, I don't know about "uninterrupted chain of titles" but I used the http://its-titles.com/ company on a Honda Dream I had and it went well here in Wisconsin once I realized not to deal with the drones at the local office and instead work over the phone and mail with the state capital where folks were intelligent and helpful.

its-titles does what you were already planning to do which is title your bike in a state that accepts a bill of sale so you will have a title to present in your home state.

[535is]

Well, I don't know about "uninterrupted chain of titles" but I used the http://its-titles.com/ company on a Honda Dream I had and it went well here in Wisconsin once I realized not to deal with the drones at the local office and instead work over the phone and mail with the state capital where folks were intelligent and helpful.

its-titles does what you were already planning to do which is title your bike in a state that accepts a bill of sale so you will have a title to present in your home state.
1974 and older. While that may work for this bike, it would not have worked for my '78. My recommendation is the same; not because I'm trying to drum up business for lawyers but because you might a) get the job done locally, with no hint of fraudulent transfers and b) find a sympathetic fellow enthusiast like me whose fee might be something as modest as your promise to offer to sell your bike to me when you decide to part with it.

[HankPfister]

My friend, Bill L. came by the other day to help me with wiring in the headlight. It was kind of like the blind leading the blind, but between us we made progress. It took us only about 3 hours to get the wires in the headlight all connected to something. And when we were done all the appropriate lights came on!:clap
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/461688053_5nEuC-M.jpg

And the headlight fit back in place:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/461688061_DoYJg-M.jpg

Those familiar with /5 headlights know that the trim and light do not fix very securely to the headlight shell. I have had one pop off on a bumpy road, and those headlight lenses are getting hard to find! So I concocted a system to secure the headlight and trim ring to the headlight shell.
I had and extra carb tube clamp:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/464696525_7ZMSC-M.jpg

Here is the bottom side of the headlight trim ring:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/464696572_7ydRj-M.jpg

I've seen some people us a zip tie to secure the ring to the shell. I cut off the carb clamp nut and bolt hole and rivited them to the chrome ring and headlight shell:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/464696629_8oqjD-M.jpg

Now I can draw the trim ring up tight, and it won't pop off, but still easy to remove.

[crazydrummerdude]

So, what's left on this project, apart from a title? Gas?

It looks great.

[HankPfister]

Cold days are usually good days to heat up the Beemer barn and once I have a fire going, then I am committed to several hours of working on the Barn Queen.
My trusty old Riteway woos stove is probaly 50 years old. Still puts out good heat:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/464696451_HPJt7-M.jpg

Time to get the gas tank ready. The cap needs a new cork gasket. I used plenty of penetrating oil on the pin that holds the old gasket in place, and with a vise grip was able to pull the pin out.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/464697872_YURFg-M.jpg

I used a piece of 1/4" fuel line over the post, then tapped the hole in the post for a machine screw.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/464697901_TmWXq-M.jpg

A little blue Lock Tite and a stainless machine screw, and its ready to go onto the tank.
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/464697922_tZrPE-M.jpg

So now with the wiring done, and gas tank ready, I seem to be getting pretty close to starting the bike. I hooked up the battery, and thought I'd test the starter. Not to start the bike, yet, but to see if switches are working, and starter is cranking. Ignition on, and dash lights all on, I hit the start button. The starter cranked and turned the engine over a few times slowly, then quit. Fuse blew. Put a new fuse in, turned on ignition, and now the fuse blows immediately. :sick
Gosh, and it all appeared to be working. Now this. Back to work on wiring.....

[HankPfister]

So, what's left on this project, apart from a title? Gas?

It looks great.

Well, aside from figuring out my lastest electrical problem, there isn't much to do. Adjust clutch cable, install the steering dampner, waiting on a set of long stem mirrors, so it won't be long. :D

[DOINTHETON]

I will suggest you find a VA lawyer, preferably young & hungry, who can find out what can be done without constructing some questionable false transfers. I did this many years ago in Ohio to get the title for the Motorsport that I now own issued. It involved a couple of affidavits essentially saying "We can't find any evidence this bike is stolen." Maybe you need a police statement* that it has never been reported stolen as well as a previous title check for any liens against it. It is likely that a state court judge can order the title to be issued; at least that's Ohio law. If that's the case, you can bypass the DMV bureaucrats and you get to deal with a judge (probably of your choice) who should be somewhat more pragmatic about it.


* Which, in the interest of getting a stolen bike recovered, they will probably be happy to do. Obviously, there's some risk here if the bike is of very questionable lineage. You could lose it.

your only option is to try to get a title from one of the many title services available online. or you could try to find another titled /5 frame. if i took that bike here in missouri to the highway patrol, chances are they would impound it until proof of ownership could or could not be established. a big gamble.

[535is]

your only option is to try to get a title from one of the many title services available online. or you could try to find another titled /5 frame. if i took that bike here in missouri to the highway patrol, chances are they would impound it until proof of ownership could or could not be established. a big gamble.
Why would you take the bike to the police? This is all paperwork.

[DOINTHETON]

Why would you take the bike to the police? This is all paperwork.

read the post previous to mine ...... "maybe you need a police statement", that usally means a visual on the vin# and a nationwide check. i'd just find another titled frame myself.

[535is]

read the post previous to mine ...... "maybe you need a police statement", that usally means a visual on the vin# and a nationwide check. i'd just find another titled frame myself.
I wrote the post previous to yours. If you take the VIN to the police for a check, I would expect them to accept your word for it that you have the bike and you are inquiring about its origins. Absent a report that it is stolen, they would normally have no reason to see it. When I got my own bike titled for the previous owner in Ohio, nobody looked at it. Not even me.

[HankPfister]

:thumb :dance Taken Today on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/496604424_huLKT-M.jpg

To get it out for a ride, first I had to visit my friend, David Adams, the best local BMW wrencher, to get the clutch mechanism working properly. I had not assembled the rod and thow out bearing assembly correctly. David straightened out my error, and adjusted all the cables, and carbs.

http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/491740043_yxWaB-M.jpg

Me getting ready for a short test ride after final adjustments:

http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/496604448_cuBfs-M.jpg

I've ridden her about 30 miles so far, and she runs strong, shifts great, looks and sounds good!

Now I am still waiting to hear from Virginia DMV. I sent in a form and explanation of why I have no title, and am waiting to hear if they will grant me title and registration.

[eap]

:thumb :dance Taken Today on the Blue Ridge Parkway:

http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/496604424_huLKT-M.jpg

.:rocker That is saweet :thumb

[HankPfister]

Before:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/159107089_eUByq-M.jpg

After:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/496604438_9x6Bo-M.jpg

Before:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/159107159_jNeZN-M.jpg

After:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/499965154_9fnAW-M.jpg

Before:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/159107141_EZuem-M.jpg

After:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/499965136_hHdd7-M.jpg

After:
http://pfestus1.smugmug.com/photos/499965119_tG5qc-M.jpg

:dance :thumb

[ridewv]

Good work on the /5, and entertaining thread here Hank! I like the "copper" color too.

Rick

[crazydrummerdude]

Sweet bike.

:thumb

[HankPfister]

The Barn Queen has been road worthy for quite a while now, and just hit 2000 miles since getting her going!:dance All those miles haven't been trouble free, but the glitches have been few, and have been taken care of. She is running fine now. I'm very happy with it. The best news is that as of today, she is also LEGAL :thumb I was issued a Virginia Title, registration and tags. The tag, "TOASTR" I actually transfered from my other /5, a 1973 Toaster with a Dnepr sidecar attached. I'm putting an antique vehicle tag on it. I've been running the Barn Queen on the '73 Toaster's tag and registration so far.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f253/pfestus1/P6291227.jpg

http://http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f253/pfestus1/P6291228.jpg

Working on a carb problem at Willville Motorcycle Camp:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f253/pfestus1/P5091165.jpg?t=1246309399

I dumped the 2 int 1 exhaust for an old set of stock pipes:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f253/pfestus1/P5091169.jpg?t=1246309477

To obtain a Virginia Title, I looked on line and found Broadway Title Service in Birmingham, AL. For $100 fee, they "sell" me my bike with an Alabama bill of sale, and DMV registration. Alabama does not title motorcycles that were built before 1975. Today I took my bill of sale and AL registration to my local DMV. The young lady who helped didn't quite know what to do, but she figured it out. She did not know that BMW made motorcycles! How often have we heard that? And she's been working the window at DMV for 3 years. :scratch So I guess that is the final chapter in this rebuild job.

[DS74BMW]

Wow, Hank... a fascinating story, and great pics to compliment it! I have not followed the progress, as I am a new member, so I read from first to last post.

What a wonderful job you did. I would like to do the same to my '74 R60, although mine is not nearly as "crusty" as yours started out with... but just the fact you resurrected the bike has my hat off to you!

Richard