Author Topic: 1971 CB500 build from the Magnolia State (Read 12272 times)

Shifter19 · « **Reply #50 on:** November 07, 2013, 05:32:39 pm »

Next thing I did was finish the seat pan. Once I got it smooth and fairly even with bondo and glaze, I started on the seat pad. I cut out a wood base made of 1/4" plywood. Then a high density foam pad.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #51 on:** November 07, 2013, 05:42:09 pm »

Then I took some basic flat black vinyl fabric, some very thin upholstery foam, and some muslim cloth and sewed them together. I first drew some evenly spaced lines on the vinyl to follow. I used heavy duty black nylon thread. This was just to give the pad a nicer finished look.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #52 on:** November 07, 2013, 05:44:54 pm »

Here's a shot of my 50 something year old sewing machine too!

Shifter19 · « **Reply #53 on:** November 07, 2013, 05:50:08 pm »

Next I worked out a way to mount the pad to the pan using three t-nuts.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #54 on:** November 07, 2013, 05:53:30 pm »

I used spray glue to attach the foam to the plywood. Then sealed them both with several layers of Saran Wrap.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #55 on:** November 07, 2013, 05:58:40 pm »

Got the fabric lined up and spot tacked into place, then stapled it down with my nifty little Harbor Freight staple gun.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #56 on:** November 07, 2013, 06:01:01 pm »

And here's how it will look on the pan.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #57 on:** November 11, 2013, 03:59:27 pm »

With the seat all made, I wanted to get some paint while I had the weather in my favor. I don't have a fancy climate controlled spray booth. But I do have a spiffy collapsible tent and a fan I can set up in the garage. So the first thing I did was lay down some high build 2k primer.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #58 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:01:48 pm »

A whole lot of wet sanding, color sanding, and more coats later.....it was time for base coat.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #59 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:13:30 pm »

I chose Ford "Race Red" from a 2012 Mustang GT for my color. And also "High Performance" white for my stripe from that same vehicle. I figured if ever I get a scratch or nick in the paint, I can just order some color coded matching touch up paint from any number of venues. And besides, I really liked the colors! So I laid some basecoat.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #60 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:16:44 pm »

Next came some inter-coat clear to protect the base while I worked on the graphics.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #61 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:24:39 pm »

Laying out the racing stripe.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #62 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:26:33 pm »

More pics

Shifter19 · « **Reply #63 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:27:40 pm »

Now the white.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #64 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:31:54 pm »

Then using my stencil I got from a fellow forum member, I airbrushed the lettering. I even threw a little silver white pearl on top to make it pop in the sunlight.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #65 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:35:21 pm »

Finally the clear coat went on.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #66 on:** November 11, 2013, 04:44:25 pm »

After the clear coat dried for about 24 hours it was time to wet sand to 2000 grit. Then buff with four grades of compound to a brilliant shine.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #67 on:** November 13, 2013, 03:33:28 pm »

Before I bolted the seat and pad to the pan, I had to work out the battery placement. It looks like there would be plenty of space in the "hump", but in reality there wasn't really enough. I bought the smallest AGM battery that I dared. Then had to cut a bit of a slot in the metal pan to get clearance for the battery. But it all eventually worked out.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #68 on:** November 13, 2013, 03:37:06 pm »

Here's a couple of shots of the battery cable wiring going to my makeshift electrics basket.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #69 on:** November 13, 2013, 03:43:30 pm »

In order to mount my stock controls on an aftermarket handlebar, I had to mod the controls. I did this by cutting a slot for the wiring to fit through with my trusty Dremel.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #70 on:** November 13, 2013, 03:45:16 pm »

Here's the controls attached to the handlebars.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #71 on:** November 19, 2013, 04:10:43 pm »

Ran the carb overflow tubes, speedo cable, and tach cable.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #72 on:** November 19, 2013, 04:12:56 pm »

Got the wiring pretty much buttoned up and installed the headlight and turn signals.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #73 on:** November 19, 2013, 04:17:37 pm »

Had to fab a little bracket for the taillight and license plate to go on.

Shifter19 · « **Reply #74 on:** November 19, 2013, 04:20:33 pm »

Got the taillight, turn signals, and license plate mounted.

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Author Topic: 1971 CB500 build from the Magnolia State (Read 12272 times)