Article - SAVING 'EM, Vol. 1.3, Title Issues and Calculating the Cost of Saving 'em by Red Herring

A Title

Before starting any work on Norma, I wanted a title. No sense putting any money into this project without one. Frankly, it looked like a deep, financial hole anyway.

The previous owner was kind of iffy about jumping through the myriad of bureaucratic hoops to get a lost title application processed in another state. I couldn't blame him in the least. He tried to give her to me, but I insisted he take USD $100.00.

The State Motor Vehicle Dept. has a reputation for bond title requirements built on shifting sand, and deservedly so. They can change the rules in the middle of the process, and you have no recourse but to accept whatever they're demanding at the time.

The private contractors to the MVD, however, have a reputation for efficiency and procedural stability, but with a small premium attached.

I stopped in at one incarnation of said contractors to find out what it would take. The woman in charge was very friendly, knowledgeable, and had plenty of experience with bond titles. The requirements are a State Police VIN inspection, value determination by a certified appraiser, bond acquisition from the insurance company (conveniently next door), calculation of the sales tax, and completion of the paperwork. Estimated cost (according to the friendly, young lady): $400-$500 and perhaps two 90 mile round trips with Norma on the trailer. Fair enough.

I had heard that our favorite Tennessee title company was no longer doing this kind of transaction, but I saw their ad in the AMCA's magazine. A quick visit to their website disabused me of bad info. They're still very much in operation. Total cost (to Saints): $400 and zero travel! You still have to arrange for a State Police VIN inspection at the time you present the Tennessee title, whether you use the State's MVD or a contractor.

I sent off a picture of the VIN tag on the neck and a trusty, postal money order and sat back to wait for a Tennessee title.

Calculating the Cost of Saving 'Em

So, how deep do you really want to go on a project? Total restoration and rebuild, or running with an oily rag finish, or somewhere in between? I bet that many full-on restorations start well, but due to time lapse, dwindling interest, or sticker shock from parts prices, they end up in between. Our budgets for time and $$$ have a high priority. That said, let's look at some prices (summer 2024) for Norma's presumptive makeover. These are items that ordinarily need attention on a high-mileage, long neglected, loop-frame Moto Guzzi.

Cylinders and pistons - Gilardoni vends these sets every so often, and when they become available, there's a scramble for them like a run on a depression-era bank. You'll need a top-end gasket set as well. USD $800.00/pair + shipping.

Dellorto carb rebuild kits (if rebuildable) - USD $50.00

Valves, guides, springs and retainers - USD $200.00

Control cables (clutch, front brake, 3 throttle, 3 enrichener) - USD $200.00

Shocks - USD $340.00

Fork seals and boots - USD $70.00

Tires - I prefer to run Czech-pressed Michelins - USD $400.00

Greg Bender wiring harness and relays - USD $96.00 for the basic harness, USD $108.00 additional for the relay set, plus a little extra for your particular handlebar switches. The relay set is highly recommended to prevent having to constantly replace the Eurostyle bullet fuses in the headlight bucket, will give you a brighter headlight, and will spin the starter like never before. His ThisOldTractor.com site is a treasure trove of information on Guzzis.

Arnie Madrid saddle rehab - Price is directly related to customer attitude and seatpan condition. A well repaired, clean and painted pan makes him smile. He's the best foam man in the business. He makes covers in-house or will use your supplied cover. Cost: Depends. See above.

Paint/Powdercoat - spend as much as you want to here. Do it yourself or pay a painter. Rattle cans are cheap. Good enamel out of a gun isn't prohibitively expensive, but results are directly tied to your skill level. Professional painters can keep your parts for years, lose the trim and then want $$$$. Your choice.

This is a short list of the most obvious items and we're already up to USD $2,500.00 plus paint. It will certainly grow as work commences and new evils are found, and could include brake shoes (4 front, 2 rear on this bike), differential seal, clutch, wheel bearings (unobtainable) and more. It is enough jack to scare off the faint hearted. Like me.

Well then, what to do with Norma?

Next up

A Tattered Eagle Rises from the Ashes