Author Topic: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication  (Read 84774 times)

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Offline calj737

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #475 on: January 23, 2017, 04:30:33 pm »
With a frame like that you can support 2-3 ton on top? (Swag)
very nice and tidy work area...where did you learn all your skills Cal?
You are a veritable jackass
Well the tubes when multiplied (walls) are 1" thick steel. That will hold way more than I'll ever load onto it. Tube steel in that orientation is wicked strong, so I don't envision any issues whatsoever. The top is 5/8" so it's pretty stable, even with the holes. They're 5/8" diameter to accommodate locating fixtures and other "jigs" I have and am making. A frame jig for this bike will be constructed for the single purpose, but usable for something else if needed.

I've got to fab up a fixture for mounting my tubing notcher so I can use my Mag Drill to notch the ends. It will make a cleaner hole than using a hole cutter bit on the twist drill. So the swing arm planned for this bike will get machined and set up at my shared shop space, then I'll bring it home with the frame in front of me and notch it, weld it, and verify fitment.

I stay in a lot of Holiday Inns, and during their unlimited breakfast bar each morning, I read up on how to do stuff. Keeps me out of jail and away from stealing hub caps.
'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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #476 on: January 23, 2017, 04:43:10 pm »
did you learn all your skills Cal?
You are a veritable jackass

So the swing arm planned for this bike will get machined and set up at my shared shop space, then I'll bring it home with the frame in front of me and notch it, weld it, and verify fitment.

Is that until you finish the rebuild of the shop at home or is this a whole other can of whoop-ass?
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 riverfever

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #477 on: January 23, 2017, 05:35:04 pm »
I vote that Cal opens Cal's Booty Camp for metal fabrication and electronics -- kind of like Colin Edwards' Texas Tornado Boot Camp, except for learning to fabricate frames and sheet metal, and to become a MotoGadget wiz.  What you pay to stay??

Fixed.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline riverfever

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #478 on: January 23, 2017, 05:35:54 pm »
I got the sturdy part covered...

That's gotta feel good looking at that thing. All done.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline bwaller

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #479 on: January 23, 2017, 06:13:50 pm »
Cal, I may not be following exactly, but you're planning to replace the backbone but not the headstock? It will be tricky to remove all the steel forming to get a solid base to weld to, but probably wise. You're replacing that main backbone with single large diameter tube or am I overtired?   ;D

This is a 650 steering head removed just to see "what gives"






Offline calj737

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #480 on: January 23, 2017, 06:29:57 pm »
Brent - yes, remove all the gusset and expose the sole headstock. It will take some careful cutting to do so, but if I bought or machined a new headstock, then I'd lose the engraved VIN. I could duplicate the engraving (a buddy has a duplicator to engrave with) but I'd rather attempt to be mostly legal.

Once exposed, I'll turn it gently in the lathe to make sure I've got a solid core for welding. And yes, a single, 2" (probably) tube for the backbone. Gotta talk to the frame builder about his recommendations for tie ins and terminating the bone to the subframe. Lots to discuss and decide before I start altering the stock frame. I have another spare to work from as well in case things go sideways. Or I'll just use a replacement headstock.
'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 calj737

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #481 on: January 23, 2017, 06:34:19 pm »
Is that until you finish the rebuild of the shop at home or is this a whole other can of whoop-ass?
During the rebuild, I had to move what I could salvage somewhere. So I grabbed some space at my best bud's place. He's got 3-phase power there plus a lot more tooling than I do. He's a professional machinist and riflesmith, so anything I need, he has or knows. And when things really matter, he's always willing to jump in and do it for me. I help him with some other stuff as a trade-swap get even with each other. We laugh pretty hard about who owes who (we arm wrestle for the check at McDs).  He's a really good friend for a long, long time.
'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 bwaller

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #482 on: January 23, 2017, 06:41:23 pm »
I understand the concern about the VIN. Before you go too far could you stop by the police station and explain what you're planning. They might accept a new headstock if you transfer the VIN tag to the new piece if they witnessed old & new. At the shop we used to get the police to re-stamp any new headstocks, the only thing they insisted on. The original VIN tag rivots are spiral but quite short. They can be removed if you're careful then re-install with contact cement.

Be certain to adequately support whatever head you use....goes without saying I suppose!

Offline calj737

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #483 on: January 23, 2017, 06:44:39 pm »
No fear. My friend builds NASCAR frames for a living. He will make sure it's right, properly supported and spec'ed. He will even throw it on his testing jig afterwards to make sure it's right.

I have thought about the police route too. I'll do that if the original swap doesn't work out. I have connections with a few of their brass.
'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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #484 on: January 23, 2017, 07:52:40 pm »
I have thought about the police route too. I have connections with a few of their brass.

Nice to have friends in. The right places. Hmmm. If I have a custom frame project, I'm shipping to Cal!!
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 calj737

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #485 on: January 24, 2017, 02:15:55 am »
I am indeed fortunate. I have a wide network of folks that are, in my opinion, experts in their discipline. If I can't personally do it, I know someone who can at a very high level of professional skill. And usually they're reasonably priced or willing to swap favors. So that makes my projects very cost effective to undertake.

And some of them have extremely gracious to mentor me and/or allow me use of their facilities to do for myself. It's a good world out there and it's not hard to find the right answers from great people if you ask politely, and pay attention.
'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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #486 on: January 24, 2017, 11:56:06 am »
I am indeed fortunate. I have a wide network of folks that are, in my opinion, experts in their discipline. If I can't personally do it, I know someone who can at a very high level of professional skill. And usually they're reasonably priced or willing to swap favors. So that makes my projects very cost effective to undertake.

And some of them have extremely gracious to mentor me and/or allow me use of their facilities to do for myself. It's a good world out there and it's not hard to find the right answers from great people if you ask politely, and pay attention.

Those are some great friends to have.  You've been extremely generous with your time and know-how here, as well. 

It's a little frustrating when you share some pearls of earned wisdom and people who asked for said advice shine you on.  Or those who benefit from your knowledge and forget to say, "Thank you" or at least pay it forward.
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 calj737

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Re: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication
« Reply #487 on: January 24, 2017, 12:01:32 pm »
🙂 Fortunately, the world keeps spinning on its axis. Can't be dissuaded by others behavior from doing what's right.

I am lucky. Most of my research and decisions are long made before I post them here. I take guidance and advice from those who will deal with its consequences.  ;D
'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