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916 Restoration Project

Discussion in 'Builds & Projects' started by Alan Murphy, Jan 28, 2019.

  1. Hi,
    I'm new to Ducati ownership and have jumped in at the deep end
    I've attached some photos of my 916 that needs a lot of TLC. As you will see it's a big cosmetic job and any contacts and advice, especially around the main points of engine, frame, forks and shock, would be gratefully received.
    Wish me luck!!
    Thanks
    Al

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  2. Firstly, don't worry. It looks bad but it's all salvageable; I know from experience. My 748 (owned from new in 1999) had to live outside for 6 years from 2012 to 2018 :(, until I built a new garage and workshop end of last year:). Although it was under a waterproof, breathable cover, the condensation still gets to them.

    The frame's not as bad as it looks. It's mostly surface rust and will come off.

    The oxidation on the engine casings will also easily brush off in the first instance.

    Nuts and bolts will need to be replaced with s/steel or titanium.

    The forks and shock may be salvageable.

    First thing is to get all the plastics off, the seat and the tank and then take a look at (and photo) what lies beneath.
     
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  3. What Paul said, plus you really need to decide what level/type and timetable of restoration you are wanting (And prepared to pay for).
    Do you just want serviceable, serviceable and pretty, return to original factory spec, or something beautiful with the best and lightest of everything?
    How to go forwards with this is very dependent on what you actually want and how much time and money you are prepared to spend on it.
    I’ll be pleased to see what you do with it.
     
  4. Be realistic, you'll finish when you do and don't take shortcuts and lastly, I'd strip it all down and do it right first time then you only have to do it once
     
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  5. Personally I would make sure it is running ok first, It's an easy job to remove the engine providing the swing arm bolt comes out without to much trouble, get some easing oil around it as often as you can while working on the bike, If it runs ok then drop the engine to re-paint the casings, if it needs mechanical work on the engine that can be done while its out but you won't know unless you get it running first. As mentioned nuts and bolts can ether be replaced with stainless or taken to be re finished as original, rear shock can be cleaned up and the spring powder coated or replaced. You can spend as much as you like it all depends on how far you want to go.
    Steve
     
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  6. If you've not done so already check out:
    https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/making-the-old-girl-beautiful-and-sleek-again.64040/
    and
    https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/996-sps-rebuild.55353/
    although there are loads more on here.

    Can you tell more about it's history? Has it been standing long or regularly used? You mentioned the engine was running fine in your other post (IIRC) but depending on it's service history you probably ought to replace all fluids, the belts and clean up all the corrosion that'll likely be in the clutch as well.

    You're going to have a busy few weeks ahead :)
     
  7. Hell fire, so much info!!
    Thanks for all the replies and info.
    I like my bikes clean but I also like to ride them so it's going to get used for dry cafe runs and the odd track day.
    I'm going to be semi retired from August, though I'll be touring Europe for 2 months so the real project work will begin in October
    I'll start the stripping ASAP to see what I've got and then go from there.
    I was hoping to spend no more than £3k - is that realistic ???
    Or have I just committed to a lifetime of spending?!?
     
  8. How long is a piece of string?It could do with a looksee first.See what it needs,then cost it up.As Birdie said get some lube on the swingarm spindle/rear engine mount.The sooner the better.You may be lucky but they can be a bit of a bugger to get out.Also take loads of piccies 1.For your own reference.2.To stick on here!
     
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  9. Then I'd do what I did. New fluids, new belts, new spark plugs, made sure everything was working and safe to use on the road and left the cosmetic stuff to the winter, which is what's underway now. That way I could use it last summer.

    But keep us all posted please.:upyeah:
     
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  10. This is the sort of job I am looking to do, having rebuilt a Honda CB550 a few years ago I find I have time on my hands and a double garage, so another project would be fun.

    If anybody has something interesting then let me know.

    Thanks.
     
  11. Thanks for all the advice guys.
    Had a busy little night last night and have attached a few pics.
    I’m really excited about the whole thing so will try to move quickly as that initial enthusiasm may fade!
    My first mistake was breaking a fuel quick release - I put it down to brittle old plastic!
    I’ve researched metal replacements- I guess that’s the way to go??
    The plan is to slowly strip completely and then attack the main cosmetic issues, while at the same time getting the engine serviced (stop me if you think I’m getting it wrong!)

    As I live in S Wales my nearest Ducati specialist is Luigi Moto (any experience???) so will be taking the engine to Richard there for service and a chat about best solution to the corrosion there.

    Forks anodising seems like it might be too far gone so I’m probably gonna try and get some decent used ones and replace.

    Shock service - any recommendations?

    Frame and wheels- I want the frame stripped and powder coated in original colour so am making enquiries locally but again any recommendations would be great??

    Wheels are pretty good but will need to be refurbished

    I could go on .......

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  12. Rich at Louigi's is highly recommended. Thats where I'd take mine if I was local. Good for spares too.

    Good luck.
     
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  13. ÷1 on Louigi
     
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  14. Rich at Louigi’s is one of the good guys: highly recommended.
    In that neck of the woods, I’ve also had excellent paint from his neighbour on the estate, DW Automotive, and for powder coating, Griff’s Reality in Brizzle is still really good.

    I like a good project: plenty of progress updates with lots of photo’s please?
     
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  15. For your forks and shock, check out what a specialist like Maxton is able to offer before buying replacements.
    Better to get them rebuilt for your weight and riding style (As well as pretty) rather than just replacing with used.
     
  16. There are a couple of other threads on here somewhere about forks and shocks. I think it was @Denzil the Ducati who first mentioned an ebay seller in Italy Piricambi10 where he bought new Showa shocks for £300 (IIRC) and a new Showa rear for £140. It was cheaper than getting his original ones refurbished. I made a note of the supplier as I'll probably need a new rear shock for my 748.

    Again, another recommendation on here I filed away, RS Paints, not the cheapest but the majority seem to believe they supply the closest match to the original colours.

    Also you probably ought to support the brake callipers, if not already done so, with cable ties or bungees. Leaving them dangle like that puts undue strain on the brake lines and connectors.

    Keep the pictures and posts coming, this is a great project :upyeah:
     
  17. I am doing a full restore on my 888, which is a long road (especially at my pace), but the plan is to have it ready this spring/early summer.

    Feel free to have a look at my site as there will no doubt be some similarities (it is the 916's daddy!). FYI, I have had the engine fully rebuilt and restored, using Cerakote for the surfaces and it now looks like new. I am waiting for my frame and swing arm to come back to get on with the build.
     
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  18. What an amazing project. How long did it take in total?
     
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  19. Chris, looks like a fantastic project and some great photos.
    Let us know when it’s finished
     
  20. Still working on it. Going to make it look SP5.
     
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