1977 Suzuki RM80B and a 1978 Suzuki RM80C resto/mod builds

6/12/2022 6:51am Edited Date/Time 6/29/2022 7:20am
some more pipes ready
The 77 to 78 pipes are different
slightly.


5
6/20/2022 12:40pm
Found a union shop to do the plating
my kit had expired
5
OleTex
Posts
658
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7/16/2016
Location
Central, TX US
6/22/2022 3:57pm
Man you are a very meticulous guy. I met two lifelong friends on a 77RM 80. I was on my XL75 and they left me in the dust with the two of them on the RM80 lol. The second one soon had a 79 YZ80 and a dirt bike club was born. We’re still all friends.

I can’t wait to see these two when finished. Brings back good memories.
2

The Shop

6/25/2022 1:42pm Edited Date/Time 6/27/2022 9:12am
thanks, your story is similiar to mine, except I am the only one who still rides mx bikes. They have switched to atv's, side x sides. I ride with on my modern 2 stroke
I finished the one 78 C engine/ frame assembly-
probably a break until the fall on all the reproduction molds for parts
but will finish the tanks soon
the C pipe was also mint - owner had multiple coats of hardware store paint on it- so rust free




2
OleTex
Posts
658
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Location
Central, TX US
6/26/2022 7:27pm
Restored an XR 75. First thing I’ve ever restored. Tank was the hardest part by far lol. Can’t wait to see these. Easy trails my friend.
6/27/2022 9:11am
Just the ppg priming products for the tanks
was 300.00
the paint/catalyst/ reducers will be 300.00
53.00 a gallon for the reducer
30.00 gallon for acetone to clean guns!
1
7/6/2022 4:56am
after epoxy primer , fresh coat of filling primer , ready to sand
mp170, p282/ hardner
1
7/17/2022 6:09am
tanks out baking in the sun
painted last night
Paint supply house only had enough tints for a pint
been out of supply for months
and they have been told months before they can get more!
I only use PPG - way too expensive to change out my supplies
epoxy primer-2 coats
minor valspar filler(usc)
2 coats fill primer
sealer
paint 2 coats single stage





8
OleTex
Posts
658
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Location
Central, TX US
7/20/2022 7:31pm
Those tanks look good! It’s a lot harder than it looks lol
7/25/2022 7:16am
thanks
yes , auto body is a black art, I have been painting cars and bikes on the side since 1981.
Until you lay down the final coat, it can be a crap shoot- you missed something
1
8/3/2022 7:11am
The 77 frame i have had very little time on it , but i foundhairline cracks in the frameboth sides so I had to repair it, and it sat for so long the engine needed to be opened up
TK40_FC
Posts
632
Joined
5/17/2021
Location
Canton, OH US
8/4/2022 9:02am
Wondering if you might give me any tips or advice, clearly you're the right guy to ask! Very nice work.

I'm preparing to do a top end / clutch and fork rebuild on an 01 JR80 - I know not much has changed in that design from the ones you're currently working on. I imagine the top end is very straightforward, but is there anything about the forks I should know in advance? I've never had either apart.

I've started "racing" it in local GP pit bike races, so its a good time finally put in some new parts.

Thanks for the help and keep up the good work with your restorations!
1
8/5/2022 8:35am
If you found a 77 -79 cylinder/ pipe that would really boost the hp onn that bike
TK40_FC
Posts
632
Joined
5/17/2021
Location
Canton, OH US
8/6/2022 4:37am
If you found a 77 -79 cylinder/ pipe that would really boost the hp onn that bike
Interesting, thanks for the tip!
TerryB
Posts
2828
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Cambridge, MN US
8/7/2022 10:07am
Saw this locally [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/08/07/563036/s1200_Screenshot_20220807_071423_Chrome.jpg[/img]
Saw this locally


Good start to a project there. It's probably a '78, not a '77. Leading axle forks came in '78.
1
OleTex
Posts
658
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7/16/2016
Location
Central, TX US
8/9/2022 1:27pm
Saw this locally [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/08/07/563036/s1200_Screenshot_20220807_071423_Chrome.jpg[/img]
Saw this locally


TerryB wrote:
Good start to a project there. It's probably a '78, not a '77. Leading axle forks came in '78.
Good eye Mr. TerryB! I learned something today. Thank you.
8/15/2022 7:11am
1 new set of 78c hubs- rear brake lining shot on one set of the 78 C hubs
the 78/79 rear hubs have dual bearings on the sprocket side
having new ss spokes being made now
1 set of 77 hubs to finish

3
8/23/2022 5:13am Edited Date/Time 8/23/2022 5:17am
One set of wheels laced
I replaced the crummy steel rims- heavy - always hated steel rims on any mx bike
SS spokes
3
OleTex
Posts
658
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Location
Central, TX US
8/23/2022 2:07pm Edited Date/Time 8/23/2022 2:08pm
It’s coming along nicely Rob!
9/6/2022 7:28am
Three more tanks
had one as a spare, picked up 2 more to use up all my primers
1
9/10/2022 7:46am
All done!
The paint, hardner, reducer PPG products
cost $350.00
not including the primers, sandpapers, acetone etc
OleTex
Posts
658
Joined
7/16/2016
Location
Central, TX US
9/10/2022 12:50pm
single stage [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/09/10/567787/s1200_C359A874_D899_4DDA_B7FA_70E33C01C48A.jpg[/img]
single stage
They already look nice to me.
2

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