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Author Topic: '78 CB750K Cafe Build - Money Pit!  (Read 23109 times)

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Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #50 on: January 27, 2015, 10:02:21 AM »
Quote from: callmejarob on January 27, 2015, 09:14:10 AM
The PO of my bike had the front suspension rebuilt pretty much right before he sold the bike to me.

Should I rebuild it again myself and use mikesxs emulators or can I keep it as is?  Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
jarob,
I wasn't going to mess with my front forks until I saw some oil leaking out of one of them when they were laying on the ping pong table with all of the other polished bits.  I'm replacing the seals and the fluid inside but I'm not going to progressives at the moment.  If I find that the handling isn't sufficient, then I'll either go to progressives or emulators. 

By the way, the vapor blasting looks awesome.  You should share out the guy's name and phone number in case others want to use him because it looks like he does a great job.
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Ron

Stella - Logan's Senior Project    78 750K http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=141761.0

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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #51 on: January 27, 2015, 12:01:48 PM »
Quote from: Restoration Fan on January 27, 2015, 10:02:21 AM
Quote from: callmejarob on January 27, 2015, 09:14:10 AM
The PO of my bike had the front suspension rebuilt pretty much right before he sold the bike to me.

Should I rebuild it again myself and use mikesxs emulators or can I keep it as is?  Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
jarob,
I wasn't going to mess with my front forks until I saw some oil leaking out of one of them when they were laying on the ping pong table with all of the other polished bits.  I'm replacing the seals and the fluid inside but I'm not going to progressives at the moment.  If I find that the handling isn't sufficient, then I'll either go to progressives or emulators. 

By the way, the vapor blasting looks awesome.  You should share out the guy's name and phone number in case others want to use him because it looks like he does a great job.


Thanks for the reply!  Im 99% sure the PO said he had them rebuilt with progressive shocks anyways so I will leave them as is until I need.

As for the Vapor Blasting, there seems to only be 3-4 people in the entire country that do this.  Dan is BY FAR the most reasonably priced and has a 2-3 day turnaround time.  He does it all to, he is vapor blasting, ultrasonic cleaning, and rebuilding my carbs for me too!  The hardest part is shipping everything safely! 

Vapor Blast Solutions
Santa Fe, NM
Dan
(505) 946-7097

I havent gotten my parts back yet but I am already happy!
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #52 on: January 27, 2015, 12:42:17 PM »
Another question.  I was going to replace all of my case hex bolts but decided against it and will be reusing my stock hardware.  I had a friend blast them with aluminum oxide and the polish the heads, they look great but will they last without rusting?  Do I need to get them zinc plated?

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Offline calj737

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #53 on: January 27, 2015, 12:46:06 PM »
Yes, relpate them. Next time, use glass bead it's less destructive and puts a nice lustre on them. Still need to replate afterwards.
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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 Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #54 on: January 27, 2015, 01:45:53 PM »
Quote from: calj737 on January 27, 2015, 12:46:06 PM
Yes, relpate them. Next time, use glass bead it's less destructive and puts a nice lustre on them. Still need to replate afterwards.

And if you can't find a good place to relpate then, you can always try having them replated.  ;D

LOL, sorry cal, couldn't resist.
« Last Edit: January 27, 2015, 02:15:38 PM by Restoration Fan »
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Ron

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Offline calj737

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #55 on: January 27, 2015, 02:32:00 PM »
Quote from: Restoration Fan on January 27, 2015, 01:45:53 PM
Quote from: calj737 on January 27, 2015, 12:46:06 PM
Yes, relpate them. Next time, use glass bead it's less destructive and puts a nice lustre on them. Still need to replate afterwards.

And if you can't find a good place to relpate then, you can always try having them replated.  ;D

LOL, sorry cal, couldn't resist.
Ron - Bill advised me a sobriety test may be needed for you given your recent loitering around the cave. Happily, you've passed. Room for another now!
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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 callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #56 on: February 05, 2015, 11:24:03 AM »
My engine should be at the house from FedEx and the vapor blasting, so excited!!

Also, Im currently rebuilding my swingarm with bronze bushings and I added grease grooves/holes to the collar.



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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #57 on: February 06, 2015, 07:37:42 PM »
Alright guys I could use some advice now!

I got my engine back from vapor blasting and had a chance to unwrap everything today, while it does look AMAZING!!! there is an issue.

There is a gaping hole in my valve cover now under the breather cover.  Look at the pictures and please tell me this will all be ok...















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Offline Vinhead1957

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #58 on: February 07, 2015, 05:03:41 AM »
That hole is meant to be there
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #59 on: February 07, 2015, 06:12:13 AM »
Quote from: Vinhead1957 on February 07, 2015, 05:03:41 AM
That hole is meant to be there


WHEW!!!

You know I was looking everywhere and couldn't find the answer.  Thanks you!
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Offline Trad

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #60 on: February 07, 2015, 11:11:23 AM »
Yep, the casting on these old bikes are pretty crude in areas. Almost looks like it was punched through in a mishap. haha.

That engine looks awesome. Are you leaving it vapour blasted or painting it?
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #61 on: February 08, 2015, 06:09:01 PM »
Quote from: Trad on February 07, 2015, 11:11:23 AM
Yep, the casting on these old bikes are pretty crude in areas. Almost looks like it was punched through in a mishap. haha.

That engine looks awesome. Are you leaving it vapour blasted or painting it?

Im going to leave it vapor blasted!  Probably get it clear powder coated though, not sure yet.
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Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #62 on: February 08, 2015, 06:19:09 PM »
I love that clean look from the vapor blasting but yes, I would definitely at least get it clear coated or something to protect it from the elements.

Good luck with the engine build.  I'm hoping it doesn't take you 4 tries like it did us!  :o
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Ron

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Offline Trad

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #63 on: February 08, 2015, 06:30:36 PM »
I would just leave it as is. No finish to chip or anything. I doubt the vapour blasted finish is anything but ideal for powder coat adhesion. Looks killer regardless.
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Offline iron_worker

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #64 on: February 09, 2015, 07:18:17 AM »
The finish will oxidize back to a dull grey if you don't protect it with something or polish it regularly.

IW
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #65 on: February 09, 2015, 07:28:20 AM »
So many conflicting thoughts on the finish!  Dan, the vapor blaster, said most people just leave it as is, in fact only one of his customers has clear coated it.  He claims that the vapor blasting seals the surface of the aluminum and protects it from the elements.

I dont want to tape it off again!
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Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #66 on: February 09, 2015, 11:44:59 AM »
Quote from: callmejarob on February 09, 2015, 07:28:20 AM
So many conflicting thoughts on the finish!  Dan, the vapor blaster, said most people just leave it as is, in fact only one of his customers has clear coated it.  He claims that the vapor blasting seals the surface of the aluminum and protects it from the elements.

I dont want to tape it off again!

Personally, I think Dan might be full of manure with the part about the vapor blasting sealing the surface.  I'm almost positive that if you do nothing, it's going to oxidize slightly to a different color over time.  I'm no chemist but aluminum itself is not going to be weatherproof without some type of sealant.

Do with it what you want because it's your bike, but if it were me, I'd take it and have it powder coated with a clear coat.
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Ron

Stella - Logan's Senior Project    78 750K http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=141761.0

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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #67 on: February 09, 2015, 02:49:34 PM »
Quote from: Restoration Fan on February 09, 2015, 11:44:59 AM
Quote from: callmejarob on February 09, 2015, 07:28:20 AM
So many conflicting thoughts on the finish!  Dan, the vapor blaster, said most people just leave it as is, in fact only one of his customers has clear coated it.  He claims that the vapor blasting seals the surface of the aluminum and protects it from the elements.

I dont want to tape it off again!

Personally, I think Dan might be full of manure with the part about the vapor blasting sealing the surface.  I'm almost positive that if you do nothing, it's going to oxidize slightly to a different color over time.  I'm no chemist but aluminum itself is not going to be weatherproof without some type of sealant.

Do with it what you want because it's your bike, but if it were me, I'd take it and have it powder coated with a clear coat.


Welp, might as well!  I don't want to regret not doing it!  I have to wait a few weeks anyways to have my hardware zinc plated.
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #68 on: February 10, 2015, 03:22:07 PM »
What should an engine clear powdercoating cost?  And should I leave it disassembled or reassemble it for the clearcoat?

Ive got some custom made velocity stacks (I know...) in the mail and once I receive those I'm sending them along with a few other odd ends to get copper plated.  It wont be to everyones taste but I'm sure excited about the design of this bike!  As long as I keep it fully functional too right?! 
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #69 on: February 10, 2015, 03:32:41 PM »
Oh and one more question.  Im going to be running the engine pieces through the dishwasher to help ensure I got all of the beads out of it (ill hand clean the galleys and threads still too) and was told to use a rust inhibitor too.  Thought on a rust inhibitor?  Pass on this?  Brands?
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Offline calj737

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #70 on: February 10, 2015, 04:29:05 PM »
Run the parts disassembled thru the dishwasher, and have them powder coated the same way. Easier to insure coverage and cleaning afterwards.

The rust inhibitor is recommended since your cases do have some ferrous metal parts that the dishwashing will attack. You could use CLR as the inhibitor, but dilute it since its aggressive towards the aluminum. And test a small piece first!
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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 callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #71 on: February 14, 2015, 01:09:20 PM »
So I ran half of the parts thru the dishwasher this morning, as a precaution I ran the dishwasher on the pots and pans cycle twice before hand to make sure it was clean with no residual soaps.

WELP!  The dishwasher totally FUKED up my parts.  Even with the pre rinses the must have been some residual chemicals that reacted with the aluminum and totally ruined my finish.  Not sure what to do now, I guess send them back to get blasted again...  I tried to polish with a scotch brite pad but that didn't do crap, besides its between the fins and everywhere....
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Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #72 on: February 14, 2015, 01:16:13 PM »
Ouch!  I didn't run mine through the dishwasher so I have no idea here.  If you don't want the time, expense and trouble of sending them back out to be vaporblasted, you could always prime and paint.  :-\

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Ron

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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #73 on: February 14, 2015, 01:26:23 PM »
Yea such a crappy position...  I have about two weeks before I can do anything with the motor anyways because the hardware is being sent off to get zinc plated so time isn't really a concern.  Just the idea another $100-200 to have them blasted again really pisses me off.
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Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #74 on: February 14, 2015, 02:21:04 PM »
Try taking some denatured alcohol and spraying it on a rag.  Then wipe down a small area HARD with the denatured alcohol.  If that doesn't put the finish back, try doing the same thing with mineral spirits.  It may be possible to get the finish back to the state it was before.

Either that, or if you know someone with a soda blasting kit, try soda blasting them yourself.  It's much cheaper and will produce pretty close to the same finish.  I would think it might even put the finish back like it was after your vapor blasting.
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Ron

Stella - Logan's Senior Project    78 750K http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=141761.0

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