1974 K4 Mighty Green Question

[Erchur]

I just purchased a 1975 K4 Mighty Green bike with 1984 miles showing on the speedo. The bike is titled and comes with original owners manual and purchase receipt. Besides some carburetor adjustments I need to make the bike runs great. On the looks side, the bike is a little weathered, but otherwise in great shape. It has the original Nitto tires (rear one is 70% used up, but front is in decent shape). All of the bolts, nuts etc. are original and have not been worked on (no wrench scuff marks at all). I just polished some of the chrome and paint and the bike looks really come back to life.

The question for you guys is. How rare is the 1975 K4 Mighty Green? I have not seen any specific info or pictures of a bike like this one on this forum or on E-bay.

I am debating on whether to keep it all of it original, but cleaned-up/polished or doing a full paint and re-chrome restoration. Is it worth the time and effort of a full restoration or should I just do a ground up clean/polish job? Any thoughts?

Your insight would be appreciated.

Erchur

[dennis d]

Hey neighbor,
Not sure how rare these are but i do see them from time to time.If the paint is in nice condition i would consider just cleaning/polishing everything.You will be able to get your money back keeping it original and clean.Restoring one is going to cost you big $ and you would be lucky to break even.I would however replace the tires and maybe have some bolts replated if needed.
LOL,
Dennis
Cypress,Tx.

[Erchur]

dennis d,

This is a diamond in the rough; I believe it will turn out rather nice. I just ordered new Bridgestone tires, rear tail light lens and handle grips from Dr. ATV. The paint is a little faded with some rust in a few spots (i.e., rock chips in the rear fork), but I believe with a good rubbing coumpound job it will come back to life. With the exception of two rust areas the size of a quarter in the skid, the chrome parts are in great shape and shine well once buffed.

The wheels and hubs and engine covers need to be stripped and painted; I just ordered the cloud silver paint from Plano Power Equipment.

The cables are faded, but a can of grey vinyl paint should get them looking good again. All of the black metal parts are dull, but not rusted. Those parts I will strip and paint again.

The gas tank has some internal rust; I will take it out and treat with phosphoric acid, should be good after that. The carb will be rebuilt just as a good manintenance measure.

The bike does need new brakes. The old ones are hardly worn, but one of the shoes in the rear tire came lose (i.e., friction pad came off the shoe). Am I glad I took it out to inspect before allowing my kids to ride it. no brakes!!

I also ordered new wheel seals and bearings from the Dr.

Lastly, the engine cylinder will be painted gloss black and the head will be sandblasted back to life.

I agree with you, it is probably not worth putting the $$ into a full resto. The bike is in good shape for its age and should look very good after a good dose of elbow grease.

I will post pics later.

Erchur

[Erchur]

Here are some pics of my diamond in the rough....

Paint in its original condition....Should look great once I apply some elbow grease

Big difference in chrome looks after polishing

[Erchur]

Here are more pics.......Note the "Antique Motorcycle" license plate that the previous owner ordered from DPS. That is cool..

The seat is also in great condition for a 35 year old ride.

I'll post more pics as I progress the work.

[Erchur]

These are the before pictures...

[XSIVE]

That bike should clean up nicely. There was one just like it but a lot cleaner that sold in my area a couple weeks ago for $1350 I believe. Being that the Mighty Green was only made for that 1 year, I would try and keep the paint original as possible. I am not even sure if you can get that color anymore to do a repaint.

Keep the pictures coming.

[hornetgod]

With a little elbow grease and time, that bike will look amazing! I have to aggree with not painting it. That bike can look awesome with some wheel and engine restoration and some chrome polishing. You have the beginnings of a bike that will make us all "Green with envy".