# Restoring 83 GS550E
**URL:** https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113
**Category:** Builds
**Created:** [August 13, 2009, 7:15pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113 "2009-08-13T19:15:45Z")
**Posts on this page:** 16
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@offroadzj](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/offroadzj)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2009, 7:15pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/1 "2009-08-13T19:15:45Z")
Well a couple weeks ago I picked up a new bike that I can ride on a more frequent basis and not worry about parts breaking… lol. Now that I have a DD bike, its time to start working on the GS for a full restore. Here are the plans for the restore:
1. sandblast frame and all metal components (brakets, mounts, etc). And hopefully get the frame powdercoated and possibly powdercoat the smaller parts myself.
2. replace any wearable parts since it will be a lot easier to change it while I am putting everything back together. New parts will include; chain, sprockets, throttle/tach/clutch/speedo cables, brakes & rotors, battery (needs a new one), possibly clutch assembly if finances allow it, and anything else I come across during the rebuild.
3. as much hardware that I can get replaced will be replaced with stainless where possible, and just new where I cannot find stainless. I have a good selection of metric stainless hardware at work.
4. K&N filters with carb rebuild and jetting by a local reputable shop in my area. There is no way in hell i am fighting with that air box again. it was a royal PITA to get out, and I am very surprised it didnt break while I was trying to get it out.
5. Replace all broken plastics and repaint all plastics, tank, etc.
6. Since finding original unbroken/scratched plastics is nearly impossible and expensive, I am going to just repaint the plastics and have a buddy of mine make me factory duplicate graphics to make it look as original as possible. I will be going with the black/white/red scheme.
7. Depending on how finances are with the build, I want to attempt to upgrade the rear tail to a mid 90’s tail that I will be getting from a buddy of mine. I will also hopefully be putting in an integrated tail light along with it to clean up the rear end.
That is the plan so far, and as the project comes along, I am sure I will be changing things. It will be a very slow going project as money is tight right now. I will post updates as it comes along.
Now that I’ve bored you with a long drawn out explanation, here are some pics:
The bike when I first bought it:
Couldnt stand the white/blue so I rattle canned it for a cheap temporary fix:
After about 3 hours of work today:
My make-shift work area… no garage, so I converted the front porch into a bike garage. There is just enough room to get on either side of the bike and even enough space for my tools… lol
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks.
Kenny
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### Author:  [@Singh1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Singh1)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2009, 7:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/2 "2009-08-13T19:33:40Z")
cool stuff and everything, im just wondering if that this bike is worth restoring, and im not trying to be mean or nothing, is it sentimental or something ?
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### Author:  [@offroadzj](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/offroadzj)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2009, 7:36pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/3 "2009-08-13T19:36:38Z")
no, but i’ve always wanted to restore something (preferably a car, but could never afford it) just to be able to say I did and to show it off. Do I plan on making anything off it, no, but it will be a nice project to keep me busy and hopefully be a nice outcome.
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### Author:  [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2009, 8:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/4 "2009-08-13T20:11:44Z")
Kenny you’re my hero.
I \<3 old bikes.
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### Author:  [@Singh1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Singh1)
#### Post date: [August 13, 2009, 11:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/5 "2009-08-13T23:03:21Z")
> [@need a huge favor](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/need-a-huge-favor/21643/2):
>
> no, but i’ve always wanted to restore something (preferably a car, but could never afford it) just to be able to say I did and to show it off. Do I plan on making anything off it, no, but it will be a nice project to keep me busy and hopefully be a nice outcome.
nice man, yea i mean go for it no doubt, just didnt know exactly what u were thinking or had in mind
but anyways good luck and keep the thread updated, always take lots of pics !
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### Author:  [@offroadzj](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/offroadzj)
#### Post date: [August 14, 2009, 7:41pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/6 "2009-08-14T19:41:52Z")
Got some more torn down today… should be ready to pull the motor tomorrow (hopefully in 1 piece), and possibly get the front forks off.
Updated pics:
Parts, parts, and more parts:
Kenny
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### Author:  [@Oleg](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Oleg)
#### Post date: [August 15, 2009, 12:18pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/7 "2009-08-15T12:18:17Z")
Good job marking and sorting everything, looks like you’re well on your way.
Any idea if you’re gonna shorten that boxtail?
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### Author:  [@offroadzj](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/offroadzj)
#### Post date: [August 15, 2009, 1:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/8 "2009-08-15T13:01:27Z")
I’ve learned from quite a few “experiences” to mark, label, and sort everything… otherwise it doesnt go back together very easily… lol
most likely not on the shortening, I want to keep most everything stock, but with some cleaning it up a little bit and putting as little money into it.
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### Author:  [@offroadzj](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/offroadzj)
#### Post date: [September 23, 2009, 3:40pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/9 "2009-09-23T15:40:42Z")
sorry for the delay, but I have been quite lazy lately… lol. Finally got a little more done on the project. took all the small parts to work and blasted them. I am not 100% sure when I’ll be able to powdercoat them (hopefully very soon) so I put them in bags to keep them from developing any rust in the meantime. I also finally got around to popping off the handlebars and triple tree to separate the front forks and frame. let me tell you, the left handlebar was a BIT\*\*. I have to check the handlebar closely to make sure it isnt bent from the massive beating I gave it to get it off.
Updated pics:
If all goes well, I will hopefully be getting the powdercoating gun this week and setting up the oven this weekend.
Kenny
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### Author:  [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)
#### Post date: [September 23, 2009, 4:06pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/10 "2009-09-23T16:06:41Z")
Looking great!
What brand equipment are you using for powder coating/sandblasting?
Oven big enough to fit frame? :wow
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### Author:  [@offroadzj](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/offroadzj)
#### Post date: [September 23, 2009, 5:19pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/11 "2009-09-23T17:19:21Z")
To start off, Im just going to pick up a cheap gun/powder from harbor freight. I know a few people who have used it with great results… so for the small amount of parts Im going to be doing, there really is no need to buy a big expensive setup. As for the oven, I have an old double stacked house oven that my dad was going to throw out. it will not fit the frame, but should fit everything else. Once I get the frame blasted, I’ll probably bring it up to powdertech to get coated.
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### Author:  [@offroadzj](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/offroadzj)
#### Post date: [September 26, 2009, 4:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/12 "2009-09-26T16:53:52Z")
another update:
Got most of the parts powdercoated and got the frame/swingarm painted. Everything came out really good. I have to say, the harbor freight set up worked pretty damn well. And the ghetto oven I used worked fine. Now to start reassembling what I can.
Pics:
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### Author:  [@Anthony](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anthony)
#### Post date: [September 26, 2009, 5:35pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/13 "2009-09-26T17:35:05Z")
looking good dude
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### Author:  [@MX-5](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MX-5)
#### Post date: [November 17, 2010, 12:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/14 "2010-11-17T12:03:34Z")
oh snap. I got one of these I’ve gotta restore too, mine’s an 89 though
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### Author:  [@indy440](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/indy440)
#### Post date: [November 17, 2010, 1:09pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/15 "2010-11-17T13:09:29Z")
did you not completely disassemble the frame before painting? looks like the jack stand and kick stand and maybe some other stuff is still installed?
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### Author:  [@offroadzj](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/offroadzj)
#### Post date: [November 18, 2010, 2:07am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/restoring-83-gs550e/246113/16 "2010-11-18T02:07:17Z")
No, the center stand remained on the frame as well as the kickstand. They did not leave any voids that could not be painted so I did not remove them. I did tape off any “hinge points” so that they would not seize up.
No progress to report… lol. Without a garage to work in, it makes it a royal PITA trying to get anything accomplished. The good news is that I will hopefully be in my new house by the end of the year and may actually be able to accomplish something with the bike this winter.