Thank you to everyone who helped me out and thank you to having this message board available.  

I've turned a leaky gasket project into a top end rebuild project and without my handy Clymer manual and more importantly this message board I'd be sunk.  The manual is great about teaching you about how to do things in a perfect, best case senario.  

This board teaches you what to do when things go south.  

Latest update - bike is back together and with a few taps on the float bowls before is purring like a kitten. After I sync the carbs I might be able to actually ride this thing if I can remeber how!   :mrgreen:

Once I get on the road I'll post how the new carb setup and 15T front sprocket are working out.  I've got a feeling my little GS is going to come to life!

Thanks again for the help, you guys know I'll be back again soon for more!  

I was not directly involved but I'm glad to hear this forum helped you out!
Congrats.