I'm more interested in what's going on with the rear sets
I've fitted a modified set of MC rearsets to my frame. MC Enterprises of California made custom motorcycle accessories in the 1970's and these rearsets could be fitted to both the 750 four and the 500 four. I bought this kit on Ebay, and it came to me in its original packing - a faded L A Times newspaper from the 70's. The side plates should be held to the frame with metal clips bolted onto the frame tubes. The plates are rectangular. I shaped the plates to fit the angles of the frame tubing &, welded them to the frame rather than bolted onto clips. The pivot points were improved as well by machining pivots with closer tolerances - this has removed all play from the lever action.
They look a bit chunky, but do the job.
beware of fuel sytem cleaner type additives, one leaking carb (stuck needle and seat) ate my VHT satin black engine enamel a year after I'd painted my cases!
Good point. We mustn't think that a paint is completely bullet proof
{you'll get that joke, Terry !}
How far do you have to tear it down? I'm going to replace the head gasket and thought about painting the engine.
The preference is to strip all the way, get the cases cleaned really well. But you can probably do a fair job if you are careful, with the motor in one piece.