Welded top cap

[jimnz]

hey,
so i just brought a project 1982 xs650.
its half done badly so i want to strip it, replace the wiring, paint the engine and frame, replace the speedo and electrics.

it looks like the last meat pole welded the fork top caps in place.
is there any reason why or anything i can do about it or do i bin them and try to find a new set?

do i try to replace the stanchions or the whole set.

Where the best place to look for parts for the 82'?

all help appreciated,

jim

[Kickaha]

it looks like the last meat pole welded the fork top caps in place.
is there any reason why or anything i can do about it or do i bin them and try to find a new set?

Post up a pic, you can probably linish or grind the weld away, you should still be able to get them apart without taking the cap off anyway and then use a lathe to machine them off

Mikes XS for parts

[jimnz]

Photo added

[F5 Dave]

Clucking bell.

I'd seriously evaluate every part on the bike, make a list of what you need to replace and estimate every part cost along with the rest of the costs to get you to finish.

You may well, or rather, more likely would, be better off, finding a better basis and just using it for spares or selling off what you can.

That butchery may be the tip of the yellow iceberg.

Always look to see your way out of a project before pouring money and time in.

[jimnz]

Good advice.
I was going to do a 'fast fix' to get it rideable and replace from there but now I'm thinking of more "full redo"

I'm thinking new stantions, seals. Bars, electrics and harness. New shocks, mufflers and tyres. Paint the frame and engine.
More parts than expected but the final result will be nice.

My only concern will be the engine condition. It's done 38k so I'm hoping pretty good.

[F5 Dave]

38k isnt much in isolation and assuming it had the oil changed. Obviously it's done a lot of sitting around somewhere. Ideally in a dry warm garage . Or not.