Author Topic: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.  (Read 55826 times)

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Offline 754

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
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Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline scottly

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« Reply #226 on: November 26, 2018, 07:32:22 pm »

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. ;)
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Online calj737

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« Reply #227 on: November 27, 2018, 05:03:50 am »
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.
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.

Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.

Offline scottly

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« Reply #230 on: December 05, 2018, 06:45:10 pm »

I still have to hang better lights
Check this thread:http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,175115.0.html
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
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Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'71 Honda 750K project.....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« Reply #233 on: December 06, 2018, 09:46:20 am »
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. 
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.

Offline 754

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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)?






Offline seanbarney41

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« Reply #237 on: December 09, 2018, 07:47:10 pm »
no...Avon Speedmaster front, Avon Safety Mileage rear
« Last Edit: December 09, 2018, 07:52:02 pm by seanbarney41 »
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Stev-o

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« Reply #238 on: December 10, 2018, 08:14:47 am »

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.

'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'71 Honda 750K project.....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline rb550four

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.
   
 
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Online calj737

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.

Offline rb550four

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.

Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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?

Offline Gurp

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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!
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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...


Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« Reply #247 on: January 08, 2019, 03:11:24 pm »
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.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« Reply #248 on: January 08, 2019, 03:14:30 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.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'71 Honda 750K project.....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline jaguar

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Re: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor.
« 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.