1983 500 CR Project

I have been hauling this beast around for the last 15 years. And for the last 15 years I have been telling people what a find it was and how lucky I was to have it. Decided to start the project about
3 weeks ago. Motor in a crate next to the bike. The good thing (if there is a good thing...)
paid $100 bucks for it 15 years ago. Maybe I over paid, not sure yet..going to need lots of TLC
and all...all... and then some of my beer money. Oh well..

Got it all tore down..ready to take some parts for paint, frame & swing arm to start.

Question: Paint or Powder Coat??? Have always painted. Hear powder is pretty nice . View attachment 22811 I am going to ride her.

I am looking for a left case cover (clutch side) Could use a hand finding one. Thanks. Scott

Hey John,
Thanks..I don't know if its a late or early 83 (DUH...) How can I tell? So.. you would
Powder Coat VS Paint?? I have Forest Stahl doing the moter work for me, The Crank
bearing was gone.....needs a clutch other than that trans is good. What do you think about
a new stator? Andy down in Kentucky told me that a new after market kit works much
better and makes it better for starting and reliability? pricey though..about 5 or 6 hundy.
what do you think??

Be sure to check out the following before you paint or powder coat:

1. Look closely at the chain tensioner bracket and make sure it is not too worn.
2. Do the same with the side stand bracket and the chain tension lugs on the back of the swing arm.
3. Make sure the right side - side panel bracket is lined up with the side panel ok.
4. Check out the other side panel fixing points and re-thread / repair if required.
5. Check the subframe is perfectly straight.
6. Remove the swing arm and headstock bearings completely.
7. Get the finisher to mask the frame number off so it is unpainted (if powder coating)
8. Mask the coil mounting, and other parts that will take a lot of effort to clean if you don't!

Apologies if I am mentioning what you already know, but some of the above may be helpful...

Andy

Thanks for all help. My frame and motor number read as you suggest so I'm pretty sure it's an '83.
That was my thought on the stator, could use the money now for other much needed things anyway.
Again, any...tips are appreciated! Thanks.
Scott

Thanks Andy,
1.) I was concerned about the chain tensioner bracket, looks like there is a bushing, it's pretty worn. Is this available or will I need to make one?
5.) A little worried about frame. How can I tell?
Again, no sweat on the suggestions. I really do appreciate any and all comments. View attachment 22906 View attachment 22906

Everything is available for these!!!

All parts are in stock, but you can make some parts yourself if you are able. The tube in the chain tensioner is made from Aluminium, with an 'o'ring groove near each end to try and keep some grease between this and the bracket. Look out for the spring wearing the outside of the bracket too. This bracket was designed as a replacement part, and just this week I have welded 3 on for customers! Be sure to position the new lug corrrectly, as even some of the bikes from the factory are placed wrongly. You need to be able to get a 6 m/m socket cap screw past the swing arm leg when bolting it up.
Incedentally, the 'kink' in the front downtube is correct. All the 83/84 frames have this on the 2 strokes only though!
Post up a picture of the swing arm taken from the left side and underneath, and we will give an opinion! Also a view from the very rear of the frame looking forward at where the airbox mounts...
Best of luck.
Andy Elliott.

Powder coat traps.
1. Grease runs when you heat it... powdercoating heats it up and it can run so clean it down carefully, degrease the drain holes above the footpegs and in the headstock as well as pushing out the swing arm bearings and cleaning down.

2. Put dummy bolt in all threads. i had to sand back the top shock mounts after coating to fit the shockers on. it puts a solid hard coating on which is great for wear and tear but if its on the wrong spot, it can be a nuisance. I like to powder coat as i take it to the place and a $100+ bucks later im reassembling it.

great project, enjoy doing it.

Thanks Mate.

John,
Frame # CO06262 Motor # 2094

Andy, here are a couple more shots of my swing arm. View attachment 23000 View attachment 23000

All looks very good. If you are going to ride it a lot, I would weld on a new tensioner lug, as it is showing signs of wearing thin. If you do, rotate it up towards the camera a little, so you can put the cap screw in from the side.... By the way, I think the swing arm is 84, if it has the lug to push back the tensioner on the right hand side. That is a good thing!
Knock - or drill if it wont come out the alloy bush in the tensioner hole. It is just a 14mm hole right through. http://www.hva-factory.com/frame-fixings/husqvarna-chain-tensioner-assembly Shows all the parts
Subframe looks straight to me, but put a straight edge across the top of the ends of the tubes at the back of the seat - just to be sure before you paint. Good luck with the restoration.

Andy Elliott

Hey any posts of a 83 pipe would be helpful....the dude that had mine before me obviously
couldn't weld.....I have a nice gaping hole in my pipe...not sure what kind of tab was
supposed to be there...

Thanks John. Got to make a tab and weld her up..

I think I have decided to powder coat. Anyone have the factory paint code for the white?

i just used the stock white the pc had, i did my swingarm and forks black for a radical look...not sure it achieved anything!!