In his own words.....Under
that thick metalflake paint and classy metalflake vinyl seat cover are
real GS parts. Early type GS tank, spring seat frame with
original (neoprene?) foam, centerstand, fenders (the front was
included but not on the bike), chain guard, toolboxes... I
especially liked the household light switch taped to the handlebar.
Most of the missing or incorrect pieces have been sourced now. I
still need to make a rearset shifter and linkage and would like to
find the right air and ignition levers. I've also been told that
the original speedometers had the Parilla logo on the face but I've
never seen one. I have a usable speedo but it's probably not
correct. That's easy, though, if a better one ever comes to
light.
I think the forks were replaced with what
are probably Tourist forks, not that there's any real difference
except that there's silver paint under there and the top clamp of
course supports a non-Parilla "Western" handlebar. I
have a set of Gary Emerson's clip-ons to install.
I've stripped and painted and polished
most of the pieces. I'm mostly down to upholstery, paint, and
chrome & cad plating. And time. And money... I'm
not in a hurry, and can take my time and do things right. The
trip to Parilla Days provided some much needed information and
inspiration, and slow but reasonably steady progress is being made.
