Author Topic: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor. (Read 62808 times)

754 · « **Reply #225 on:** November 26, 2018, 04:44:56 PM »

Make or find the dummy tank it will easily fit I there.
Make it from copper...would look cool..

scottly · « **Reply #226 on:** November 26, 2018, 07:32:22 PM »

Quote from: jaguar on November 25, 2018, 09:11:57 AM

I guess I figure each item needs a wire anyway, so whats the difference?

With the gadget, you run a wire from the switch to the gadget, and then a wire from the gadget to each load, instead of running a wire from the switch directly to the load.

calj737 · « **Reply #227 on:** November 27, 2018, 05:03:50 AM »

Quote from: scottly on November 26, 2018, 07:32:22 PM

With the gadget, you run a wire from the switch to the gadget, and then a wire from the gadget to each load, instead of running a wire from the switch directly to the load.

Well, that's partially true, but incomplete. The "...running a wire from the switch directly to the load" has to originate somewhere first. So, in stock form, wires originate at the fuse panel, are split, hit switches, combine, separate, then go to the component. Both systems (stock and MU) rely upon circuits having amperage under switched conditions. The MU is far more simple to wire, is more reliable (as Sinister said) and does have a few integrated features that some builds benefit from.

From a troubleshooting perspective, if a component does not "energize" you simply look at the circuit on the MU. If the left side is activated, the right side will send power. If that is true, but the component isn't "hot" your wire between the MU and component is suspect. Nothing else to consider. Instead of blowing fuses, the circuit resets itself if the circuit has integrity. Pretty easy. And if you ever pass along the bike, the New Owner will have a very easy time understanding and dealing with your wiring. Not so true with modified rats nest's in a headlight bucket or such.

But the MU does cost $300 for all that convenience. Required? No. Worth it? Dead straight.

jaguar · « **Reply #228 on:** December 03, 2018, 06:41:35 PM »

So what if the bike is in a million pieces?
Sure it seems like I am taking more apart then I am putting back together/
Yes I have things on the "to buy" list that are actually NEEDS to get this project moving.

But who doesn't like to see some cool go fast speed parts?
ARD set up for a 550 (they are different then the 750 units)
Fairly standard coil cooler
CB650 cam
CB750 pistons with the "gentleman's express" mods"
New rings

Just a few neat parts for this project.
Been busy with some house projects and the holidays.
Mainly unpacking bike parts and organizing. Trying to get a good idea of what I still have, and what I really need to still get.

jaguar · « **Reply #229 on:** December 05, 2018, 04:24:44 PM »

Spent some time getting the tools up on the pegboard.
Feels really go to have my own shop for the first time.

Also nice to have my expensive tools NOT stored in bins, bags and scattered around.

I still have to hang better lights and run some electrical boxes to the benches.
Hope to get some time this weekend to really get cracking on the bike.

scottly · « **Reply #230 on:** December 05, 2018, 06:45:10 PM »

Quote from: jaguar on December 05, 2018, 04:24:44 PM

I still have to hang better lights

Check this thread:http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,175115.0.html

jaguar · « **Reply #231 on:** December 05, 2018, 07:12:48 PM »

I bought a bunch of LED shop light strips on Amazon.
Toss a bunch of good light and were super cheap.

Stev-o · « **Reply #232 on:** December 06, 2018, 06:38:32 AM »

I find having my tools organised helps with getting tasks done more quickly and less frustrating. Nothing worse than wasting 30 min searching for a specific tool...

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #233 on:** December 06, 2018, 09:46:20 AM »

Quote from: jaguar on December 05, 2018, 04:24:44 PM

Spent some time getting the tools up on the pegboard.
Feels really go to have my own shop for the first time.

Also nice to have my expensive tools NOT stored in bins, bags and scattered around.

I still have to hang better lights and run some electrical boxes to the benches.
Hope to get some time this weekend to really get cracking on the bike.

Nice! An old computer or a space for a laptop to access parts diagrams and look at disassembly photos (for reassembly) is a nice consideration too.

jaguar · « **Reply #234 on:** December 06, 2018, 05:42:30 PM »

I have a spot for the iPad(people still have lap tops?) and a smart TV for streaming movies going in too.

754 · « **Reply #235 on:** December 06, 2018, 10:08:28 PM »

I think I would rather view a parts or wiring diagram on a laptop, than a phone.

jaguar · « **Reply #236 on:** December 09, 2018, 06:28:10 PM »

Took a few pictures to better show the how the "patina" has kinda of crossed the line.

Fairly large pieces of paint are flaking off the frame now.
Unsure about painting or Powdercoating the frame.

There is a decent amount of filler molding the frame, don't think you can do that and then coat it.
So I guess it will need to be painted.

Need to figure out the rear fender as the wheel is not sitting centered.
When looking at it quick the other night I think the wheel is centered in the frame, so the issue must be a bent fender.

Started to lay out all the engine pieces.
Think I want to have the cases vapor blasted.
Never used that service, so the results I have seen are amazing. Have a few sets of motor covers, will pick the best and blast those.

Since the bike is stone axe simple, my list of needed service items is relatively short.
Was thinking about tires a little bit.
Is this the only bike that a Firestone rep makes sense (rear)?

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #237 on:** December 09, 2018, 07:47:10 PM »

no...Avon Speedmaster front, Avon Safety Mileage rear

Stev-o · « **Reply #238 on:** December 10, 2018, 08:14:47 AM »

Quote from: jaguar on December 09, 2018, 06:28:10 PM

Think I want to have the cases vapor blasted.
Never used that service, so the results I have seen are amazing.

I had my entire H2 motor [cases, heads, cylinders and carbs] vapor blasted and the finish is superb, even after a year and a half.

Not really a "survivor" look but it seems you are shying away from that if painting the frame.

rb550four · « **Reply #239 on:** December 10, 2018, 10:53:06 AM »

To paint or not to paint, is this the question? Is it nobler to ride the rusted remains of of a classic machine and call it a survivor, or is it prolonging the insanity of riding said classic machine that's condition is unfavorable to it's owner.
This is the age old question.
Can I really stand to be ready to share excuses of why it looks as it does in it's present condition?
Will I like it oh so much better if the effort has been made to improve it's overall condition and that those efforts should make me proud to be the rider of this fine steed?
I know, I ask myself these very questions , as I'm sure that most of here do, especially after a 6 pack or 2 . But the answer , I have found for me , has been very consistent. The reason is simple really...Why go through with the effort and expense on a project that you could never be happy with when you know that going in?
I have found that if every effort is made to improve the project to my liking at every stage of the build, there is no way it could disappoint me when it is finished. Why , you might fall in love with the project and keep it forever (that sounds weird), but it goes on around here all the time.

calj737 · « **Reply #240 on:** December 10, 2018, 11:40:25 AM »

Make it right now while you are there. Higher resale value, more desirable to keep, better admiration of onlookers.

jaguar · « **Reply #241 on:** December 12, 2018, 06:10:36 PM »

I have owned ugly bikes, and perfect ones.
Enjoyed them both equally, but for different reasons.

With this one I have in my head the amazingness that it must have been when first done, and want that.
BUT I also love the history of how it got to be the way it is right now.

Have owned this bike for a long time, and begged the last owner for years to sell it to me, so I have seen it change and not always for the better.
I can't shake it that the bike has crossed a line and now the ugly isn't cool, or more importantly is not adding to the history and story....it just is sort of stale.

rb550four · « **Reply #242 on:** December 13, 2018, 01:29:20 PM »

This is sounding like a frame rehab on this thread, hell yeah I want to see that !
Former glory to new glory on that old chopper, would be the thing to do for that poor machine.
That's what you're talking about right?
Uh oh....You aren't talking about selling it , right?
Stale just isn't a word used in the excitement of a restoration or an upgrade build. Say it ain't so.

jaguar · « **Reply #243 on:** December 15, 2018, 05:40:29 AM »

I think stale is the word for its current state and the motivation to figure out how to fix that.

jaguar · « **Reply #244 on:** December 16, 2018, 06:43:28 AM »

Still unboxing, organizing and laying out what parts I have.

Normally I prefer the look of polished metal to chrome, but on a bike like this....the more chrome the better.
I also am a sucker for vintage "finned" covers.

Spent some time messing around with another small project.
CHRISTMAS!
First year in our new house, so first year with a full sized Christmas tree.
Obviously I needed to bust out the old Lionel trains.

*Note the tool snobbery

Started to chip away at the lower end of the motor that was in the bike.
Doesn't seem like there is much torn up of really damaged.
Hope that I can just clean it and get it back together.

Worst case, if the weather gets too nice too soon, I have that spare engine to slap in and ride.

Does anyone have any experience having chrome parts re-chromed?
How does the process work? How are the results?
Recommendations?

Gurp · « **Reply #245 on:** December 31, 2018, 07:47:26 AM »

This thread and bike👍👍👍
Love the shop as well. Thats goals for me.
Keep up the killer work man!

jaguar · « **Reply #246 on:** January 08, 2019, 03:10:30 PM »

What do you guys think about swapping out the rear spoked wheel with a Henry Abe "star" mag wheel?
Found a NOS CB750 wheel that should work.
Im a sucker for vintage mag wheels...

jaguar · « **Reply #247 on:** January 08, 2019, 03:11:24 PM »

Quote from: Gurp on December 31, 2018, 07:47:26 AM

This thread and bike👍👍👍
Love the shop as well. Thats goals for me.
Keep up the killer work man!

Thanks for the kind words.
Project has been a long time coming.

Feels good to be well set up to do actual work.
Hope I can perform.

Stev-o · « **Reply #248 on:** January 08, 2019, 03:14:30 PM »

Quote from: jaguar on January 08, 2019, 03:10:30 PM

What do you guys think about swapping out the rear spoked wheel with a Henry Abe "star" mag wheel?

Would you put a matching wheel on the front? I think it looks goofy to have two different type wheels on a bike.

jaguar · « **Reply #249 on:** January 08, 2019, 03:36:34 PM »

No, I would keep the narrow 21in front wheel.
I have seen a rear mag done on some old school choppers. Some times it works, other times not so much.

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Author Topic: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor. (Read 62808 times)