Days Three and Four

These two days aren't very well documented with pictures; except for a few that I took of the wiring and cable routes so that I can get them back in the right places when it is time for reassembly.

I started by removing the gauge cluster. In the process I tagged the bird nest of wires that go to the headlight assembly, took several pictures of which direction the throttle cable, clutch cable and choke cable move around the frame. The gauges look really good and will clean up nicely.

I continued by disconnecting all the wire harnesses and removed the trunk line of wire from the bike. I took a few pictures mapping it's path as well. I'll clean and recover it before putting it back on.

I at long last was able to remove the gas tank. It took removing all the electrical and the rear brake lines before it would clear the frame. Note to self: put the tank in first.

I got the rest of the front end tore down. Front brake lines and calipers, which I noticed were mounted backwards by who ever put them on last. That explains why the front brake wouldn't release when we were trying to load it in the truck. Here is the pile that was left over.

I finished removing the radiator and fan shroud. I nearly busted my 17mm gearwrench trying to undo the motor mount nut only to find out that the nut is welded and I was to undo the bolt instead. With the radiator and upper mounts removed it was easy to unbolt the carb set and slip the whole unit out in one piece. I turned the bike around and started unbolting the engine.

The Goldwing frame actually has opens up on the bottom of the left hand side. The engine is too big to get in and out otherwise. I placed the bike jack under the engine and jacked it up just enough to take the weight off the bolts. Once all was free I found that I had forgotten to take off the drive shaft and that one small spring clip was keeping me from removing the engine and I don't own a pair of ring expanders. Off to dear ol Dad's house.

After making several futile attempts to remove the ring myself, I called on Dad again to help me. Bettween Dad expanding the ring and my gentle persuasion, from the bottom of the ring with a flat tipped screwdriver, it came loose. At long last. A naked frame.