Topic: 1977 CB550F IDK (first build)

[neevo]

Not sure about you, but personally I would remove the whole stamped bit, weld the hoop into the tube underneath with plugs in between. Then look to cut some new thick plate stock to put back in the corner so I could weld back in some new shock mounts. Would look much slicker plus probably a bit stronger than playing around with the stamped section.

The whole backbone is stamped.

I meant the shock mounts only. If it's stamped from the backbone all the way back, apologies.

My 400F was stamped backbone, tube subframe with stamped shock mounts. I just removed the stamped shock mounts.

[minimo]

Thanks for your input, neevo and CB750. calj737, I hear ya - I can't quite put my finger on what's missing either ;-)

neevo, I'm totally with ya on chopping off the stamped part entirely but I'm currently lacking the cajones to make any changes to the existing shock mounts until I either 1) get really good at tack welding with a cheapo Harbor Freight 110A welder, or 2) become friends with somebody who has a setup and is great at welding/fabricating metal parts. Sure, the lines may clean up a bit in the back if I rid of the stamped parts but I see that there are some clever ways to mask that area, as demonstrated by Bru-tom and his lovely 550 build: http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=44985.15
Basically, where the hoop attaches to the frame he welded "a triangular 5mm piece of steel, it will carry the lines of the bike and make a sweet indicator mounting point"

[minimo]

Ralph Steiner Mechanical Principles 1930

[minimo]

I decided to chop off the seat hinge. I thought I'd integrate a seat pan utilizing the ordinal hinge but had too much fun with my new toy...

Got a little carried away and ground the raised/pinched steel on the stamped shock mount area too. There.

Next? Well, I want to make sure about the hoop length so I can start fabricating a seat pan out of 0.080" ABS plastic, maybe steel if I can scavenge some parts. I can also fab some small triangular pieces to integrate the rear turn signals and continue the slope of the angled part (per Bru-tom's build above). I need to find someone who can help me do a little welding...

Behold, the slowest motorcycle rebuild has not given up yet! Still going, slowly but surely. Happy Memorial Day weekend!

[edhaeuser]

Behold, the slowest motorcycle rebuild has not given up yet! Still going, slowly but surely. Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Hey!  Any progress is a step in the right direction.  I feel your pain on the slow build time.  Mine was supposed to be finished a year ago and I am still plugging away at it.

[minimo]

Thanks, edhauser. I'm between projects at work so in my two-weeks off I plan on putting in some serious build time. Although that was my plan, I spent all of yesterday building shelves and cleaning up my garage; didn't even touch the bike once. I guess that's still part of this build but anyway, I plan on making some serious progress in the days to come. Watch out!

[minimo]

Btw, edhaeuser, going through your build I wish I'd taken some cues from you about polishing the forks, hubs, and all those shiny parts ya got! Blinding! Well done!

[minimo]

Getting a facial

[edhaeuser]

Getting a facial

I'm surprised they allow that stuff within a thousand miles of California :-)

[minimo]

The can reads: "Do not use on aircraft"

[minimo]

It was a baking soda blizzard today...

I'm now caught between the last coat of self-etching primer (before sand/clean up) and then finishing it off after a few hours of a top coat to call it the day.

[Stev-o]

The can reads: "Do not use on aircraft"

A little ironic, isnt it?

[minimo]

The can reads: "Do not use on aircraft"

A little ironic, isnt it?

Indeed. The can also reads, "Cannot be made non-poisonous"

[minimo]

Eat your heart out, Mr. Powder Coat. Gloss Black Rust-Oleum Appliance Epoxy spray can paint gets everywhere, into all the little nooks and crannies (and in my eyelashes). There's even a fine layer of epoxy spray paint dust on my phone and laptop. Great. Well, calling it the evening, folks. No going back now for a while. Going full steam.
Anything else I should paint while I'm at it?

[minimo]

Anything else I should paint while I'm at it?

Dahhh. Triple tree parts. I'll do those tomorrow. Too much fumes and paint dust for one day. Good night.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Fork lowers?

[minimo]

I intend on keeping my fork lowers polished the way they are - no paint, not even a clear coat. Going for that patina'd look.

[iron_worker]

Spray can paint gets everywhere, into all the little nooks and crannies.

Yes, yes it does!

I put a drop cloth (fabric not plastic) to cover some carpet while I was spray painting... in the spare room of my condo ...  The dust is so fine it dropped right through the cloth and went into the carpet anyway. Arg.

IW

[minimo]

Yeah, everything in my garage is now enshrouded by a fine black textured dust. So glad I was wearing a respirator.

[minimo]

But that does suck about your carpet, IW. I'll consider dropping down a large canvas cloth next time (or get bizzy outdoors)

[minimo]

Right in line with the theme of "two steps forward, one step back" (maybe three steps back this time), I find myself not appreciating the glare of this Gloss Black Rust-Oleum Appliance Epoxy spray paint. Too glossy/shiny; I'd blind myself riding the thing. So it's back to Fumeland (aka Aircraft Paint Remover); may have to hit the frame/swingarm with the soda blaster again - I could use a cleansing myself.
Goal today is strip off the paint and clean it all up - clean slate. Not sure yet what color or approach. Resisting the urge to powder coat... One thing is certain though is that I looove wasting time and materials. Slowest build. Ever.

[minimo]

An ooey-gooey mess of thangs... Do they do powder coat in a matte black?

[minimo]

They can. You didn't need to strip that paint. Could have scuffed it and sprayed over top with a satin or matte finish. Would have been perfectly good.

Yes, but in my ambivalence, as I consider taking this the powder coat route I'd have to strip bare (or help a little in the sandblasting dept @ Mr. Powder Coats). Any reputable/cheap PC source in LA?

[Stev-o]

I suggest semi-gloss if you want an original look on the frame. 

[edwardmorris]

I suggest semi-gloss if you want an original look on the frame.

+1, specifically Marc/Powderman recommends Paccar Black 55% semi gloss.