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Author Topic: '78 CB750K Cafe Build - Money Pit!  (Read 23779 times)

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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #25 on: January 18, 2015, 11:12:51 AM »
Setback!

The paint on the head chipped a little bit, no clue why and I really took my time with prep and making sure everything was done correctly.  The paint on the cases seems tough as nails but the fins all chip and peel...

Back to square one, sending the head to get vapor blasted.  The cases will stay painted.

Everything is at a bit of a standstill.  Im sourcing new bolts for the cases and once I have those I can begin reassembly of those.  I got new radial ball bearings for the transmission and will install those today.
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #26 on: January 18, 2015, 04:43:35 PM »
Quote from: calj737 on January 18, 2015, 12:02:01 PM
It's really stinking hard to get the fins really clean by hand alone. You're not the first to suffer this. In the future, prior to painting, pre-heat the pieces and allow that to purge any final impurities from the aluminum. Then, degrease, Acetone wipe down, and prime/paint.

Vapor blasted will make them super clean! And it's a gorgeous finish if you opt to leave them unpainted by protected.

Yup it will stay unpainted. I said FK it and am sending everything off to get vapor blasted tomorrow.  Should I clear coat it after?  It's what I should have done to begin with!   I'm sending my carbs with the engine to get blasted, ultrasonic cleaned, and rebuilt.

On a positive note, the shop I'm using to fabricate me a custom tank and seat reached out and were meeting up tomorrrow to begin that.
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Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #27 on: January 18, 2015, 05:11:30 PM »
Man, that's a shame, jarob.  The paint job on the engine looked really nicely done.
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Ron

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

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline Trad

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #28 on: January 18, 2015, 06:36:50 PM »
Nice attention to detail on this build. To chime in on clear or not on the engine. I painted my cases black in a similar fashion as you did and I'm leaving the top end raw after glass beading them. No clear paint of powder. One less area you have worry about a flaking finish  :P.
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #29 on: January 19, 2015, 09:52:34 AM »
Quote from: Restoration Fan on January 18, 2015, 05:11:30 PM
Man, that's a shame, jarob.  The paint job on the engine looked really nicely done.

Yea I'm bummed because I put about 20+ hours into it and it looked great! 

Oh well, the vapor blasting is what I wanted to begin with, nothing looks better in my opinion!
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Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #30 on: January 19, 2015, 12:54:28 PM »
Well, to quote something cal told me in our build thread:

If it was easy, everyone would do it.  It's the hard part that makes it worthwhile!

Keep at it.  Your work is looking great and your attention to detail is outstanding.  I'm personally looking forward to seeing a cafe'd 78K. 
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Ron

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

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline pn2501

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #31 on: January 19, 2015, 06:45:03 PM »
Like whats going on here. following.

I'm also doing my head in on the best way/looking to present the engine, spoilt for choice i suppose.
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #32 on: January 20, 2015, 07:56:14 AM »
I spent some time at Retro Moto last night and it was awesome!  Junior who owns the shop is such a genuinely nice guy and an incredibly talented craftsman.   Over the next month he will be building me a custom alloy gas tank and seat. 







And his cafe that was featured on Bike EXIF that he rides nonstop and hard!




Sending out the engine today too for vapor blasting.


Thanks everyone for the kind words and support!
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Offline Davidov

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #33 on: January 20, 2015, 08:46:24 AM »
Yep I know Junior as well. You won't be disappointed.
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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #34 on: January 24, 2015, 04:46:58 PM »
Well the ENTIRE engine and my carbs were sent out on Thursday for vapor blasting.  The carbs will also be blasted, ultrasonic cleaned, and rebuilt as well.

With the engine gone its time to begin work on other parts. 

I just picked up my pistons form a local shop that dry-film lubricated them:



Ordered new radial ball bearings for the transmission while I have everything apart:


And got my torque wrench in the mail:


I will rebuild my swing arm tomorrow with bronze bushings and adding oil grooves to the collar.  I will also put the new rings on the pistons tomorrow.


Thought this was a cool shot from my day job:
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Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #35 on: January 24, 2015, 05:37:09 PM »
Nice view.  Let me guess...you're a car thief!  ;)
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Ron

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

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #36 on: January 24, 2015, 08:54:24 PM »
That's quite a stable of cars.

Nice torque wrench, too.
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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 callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #37 on: January 27, 2015, 08:16:13 AM »
Got the new rings on the pistons over the weekend as well as started rebuild on the swingarm.  The bushings came right out using a washer with its sides filed down to fall inside and knock them out.  Im currently cutting grease grooves into the collar before reassembly.




Also Dan from Vapor Blast Solutions sent me a few pictures of my engine so far and it looks AMAZING!  Thankfully I packed it well because the box took a beating from FedEx...





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Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #38 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.
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Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #39 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

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #40 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 #41 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 Restoration Fan

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #42 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

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

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline callmejarob

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Re: '78 CB750K Cafe Build
« Reply #43 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 #44 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 #45 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 #46 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 #47 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 #48 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 #49 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

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

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html
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