1982 Canadian RD350LC restoration

[350guy]

Greetings all:

I am slowly but steadily trying to assemble my LC back.
This is a total ground-up resto.
I need some guidance/install tricks on how to install the two-spring guide locks on to the spring itself.

I tried removing the top “dumper sub assy” with a wise grip without any success and in the bargain the arm is scoured a bit..

I’ve attached a couple of pictures. Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

Daryl

[dusty350]

Hi Daryl
Long time no see
Your Photof**kers pics aren't showing up mate. There is now a fix for this;

rdlccrazy.proboards.com/thread/42428/magic-photobucket-fit-old-pics

Do the change and we'll be able to see your pics.

I presume you are talking about the 2 piece collar at the top of the shock absorber ? A spring cpmpressor tool is your safest way of doing it although Lc springs are usually slack enough that you can wrestle them off without one, but be careful !!

Dusty

[350guy]

Greeting’s Dusty,

Indeed, it has been a while. Was on a long tour of duty.
First Off – Thanks a million for your help with sorting out the pictures, as always you are the brains!

I’ve begun reassembly of the frame, straightened it up and its powder coated shiny black. I will proceed as per your instructions on the spring re-assembly with the correct tool.
I am following your model and your re-build steps etc. so thanks again for your incredible posts on your builds, it’s inspirational!
If not for this forum and the likes of you, I don’t think LC knobs like me would be able to pull this off.

I am yet to get the tank and side panels painted, but I am still gonna start with the frame, electrics etc. I will start a re-build thread on this and will have questions.
Thank you, Sir, once again for your kind assistance. Have a great day ahead.

With kind regards from Canada,

Daryl

[dusty350]

Hi Daryl
Good to hear it's on track
I've messed around with springs in the past and it can be very frustrating, and at times dangerous trying to get the top collars in. I bought a pair of motorcycle spring compressors off ebay, like these;

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-VS1824-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Coil-Spring-Compressor-Installation-Removal/192418870806?epid=1016558010&hash=item2ccd0ef616:g:DDAAAOSwVF1aOR6y

And since I've had them I've not stripped another shock absorber !! Still a really useful tool to own though as it makes life easy when you do need it.
I always make the mistake of leaving electrics till last on my builds but I've learnt the hard way that getting the loom in fairly early on in a build is the best bet, so you've got the right idea. Looking forward to seeing your progress

Regards

Dusty

[donkeychomp]

Exactly the tool I have for getting coils off and then back on. Get them on as tight as possible by hand and opposite each other so one is on each side of the coil, then give one side a couple of turns with a ratchet, then the other and so on until you can get the top ends off. Helps if you have it all in a vice too!

Good luck with the build, Alex.

[350guy]

Hi Dusty and Alex, many thanks. I managed to get a hold of the tool and safely install them clips/locks.
Will post pictures as I progress. thanks again gents for your guidance, much appreciated.

Kind rgds,

Daryl