76 STX 440 Restoration (EX 440)

[SwiftJonny]

I purchased this 1976 STX 440 on Jan 10th. It's pretty much complete. It was missing the airbox. My plan is to give it a nice refresh/restoration.

 

[SwiftJonny]

Brought it home and here's how filthy and neglected it was. Gas tank cowel is pretty beat up, but I think I have a line on one that isn't broken. Any tips on restoring the plastic?

 

[SwiftJonny]

Before and after a good cleaning. I used a lot of Spray Nine and Mr. Clean. As you can see the bulkhead is bent. I've since removed the belly pan and took it to a body shop with a frame alignment machine to get it straightened out. Third pic showed the VIN and date of manufacture.

 

[SwiftJonny]

Does anybody have paint codes for Yamaha white for 76? Also, is this hood originally gloss black or a satin finish?

 

[RON HYDRAULIC YAM]

Nice looking sled . hope you have the engine cowling and just didn't see it in picture ... Mouse nests and general debris like to get clogged where the fan cowl
duct and Mag cylinder touch ,, pulled as much as a 6 qt basket out and there was no sign of it looking up from fan or around plug hole ...
I try to remember to use my inspection camera , if I remember ,,,lol
Ron

 

[SwiftJonny]

I do have the cowling for the fan cooling, I already removed when I started taking pictures. The only major part this sled was missing was the air box, which I found one on ebay that's in nice shape. Here's a pic of my rear suspension after powder coating and new bearings.

 

[shaggyzr2]

Nice sled! is that the same as an exciter?

 

[SwiftJonny]

It is the same as the Exciter. The only difference in the paint colours and decals. For some reason, here in Canada, they were called STX for 1976 & 1977. All the parts fiche's list them as EX440.

 

[shaggyzr2]

I really like the decals. I had an 80 exciter back in the day, they sure are fun little sleds!

 

[SwiftJonny]

Turns out it needed a top end. I took it to an engine rebuilder and got the crank trued as well.

 

[SwiftJonny]

Giving it a fresh paint job on the bulkhead and my reproduction parts from Koch Performance.