Just picked up an '81 xj550 maxim

Is the XJ 550 Fender the same as a 750 fender?

 

as long as you put a maxim on a maxim or seca on seca you can interchange front fenders

 

So quick update for you guys:

Last week I drove down to NY and met @hogfiddles to pick up my carbs and a few shims. The carbs look fantastic Dave! I have installed my shims and everything seems to be within spec. I have 3 leftover shims I'll send back down to you Dave.

I did find a few issues though:
1) One of my valve cover bolts just spins. I tried a few different bolts in the hole and they all spin, so it looks like I'm missing threads. I was reading about a helicoil kit. Is this what I use to fix it? https://www.amazon.ca/8milelake-Pie...&qid=1502745668&sr=8-1&keywords=helicoil+kit&

2) My #2 spark plug hole is cross threaded. Can I use the same kit above to fix it? I have a basic tap and die set but I'm not sure if it has a spark plug tap for it. Or does the Helicoil kit work for this as well?

Once this is all sorted out, and I get my frame and wheels powdercoated, I'll be able to start reassembly. I also need to reupholster my seat and paint the forks, as well as order the main things I still need like the fork rebuild kit, bearings, bushings, etc. Chain and sprockets and tires as well and I need to either clean the engine or get it sodablasted as it is real grimy and dirty.

 

for the spark plug try a thread reform tool it is like a tap. if that does not work a helicoil will be the fix.

as far as the heli kit you can go to the auto parts store and pick up the kit for your size no real need to by the full kit you linked to

 

Any recommendations for a thread reform kit or is that something I'll just find at an auto parts store like the helicoil?

Do you know the size of the hole and threads?

 

I can't edit my post. Spark plug size is 12mm and I found something called a back tap. Would that work?

 

For the valve cover---yes, heli-coil. Pretty straightforward.

For the plug: y0u'll probably hhave to helicoil it, too, but you have to be real careful not to get bits of metal down into the cyl chamber. You may end up pulling the head to do, or take to a machine shopto do......