Topic: Gold Digger '72 cb500 klunker to funker

[vonvendetta]

Yesterday it not only ran, but I drove it a few blocks. I had to adjust the rear brakes a bit and bleed the fronts one more time.



Just ordered blinkers and taillight to I can legally drive on the road. Also bought an led light headlight to try out. I thought I would only be able to kick start it with the tiny Shorai battery but that sucker is dynamite.

[seanbarney41]

now there's the picture of a happy boy    nice shirt by the way

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Well done!

[vonvendetta]

A quick update since I'm not 100% complete yet.





And a front fender for rainy days.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Looks pretty close to complete.  What is left to do??

[vonvendetta]

Still missing the rear hoop and speedo. Then I'll be done.

[calj737]

You've got to be a bit worried about velocity stacks in your climate, no? Or even concerned that some critter will crawl into those while parked?

What treatment have you used on the tank to prevent surface rusting?

[FunJimmy]

Still missing the rear hoop and speedo. Then I'll be done.

Shouldn't the hoop have been welded to the frame before powder coating?
How are you planning on attaching it now?

Great build BTW.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

It's been a while, so I looked back in the thread, and Jim and Cal have a point.  Since you removed the rear cross-member, you definitely will want a hoop to replace the structural support to the frame (to prevent twist), as well as to support the rear portion of the seat if you ride 2-up.  It's a bummer that the frame is powdercoated, but you can always feather/spray in a gloss black enamel paint where you weld in your hoop. 

[vonvendetta]

I was a dummy and was going to go a different route before. I will have to have it welded in and then, like you said get it painted. Waste of money, did this before I found this forum.
Next build I'll get the hoop done before!

For the velocity stacks, I use a pantyhose type of sock and switch them out all the time. I've taken the carbs apart a few times and haven't found debris so it looks to be working well.
As for the tank, I've just been out there every week cleaning it until I get it cleared next week. I've coated the inside and ordered a decal to go on it. Should look pretty classy when done.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I was running the Steel Dragon velocity stacks (with the mesh inserts) on my 750, and I might have made more power, but changing to filters has made it more trouble free -- no need to cover up the stacks during non-running (keep spiders, etc. from nesting).  I'll admit that the stacks look nicer, too.  Watch out if you ride in the wet.

[calj737]

Regarding welding the hoop, if you get someone to TIG weld it, you wont end up with a disaster on your powder coat. Sure, some amount near the weld will peel, but if you grind it back, go easy on the heat, then use a good quality black to match, might not even notice it.

I was mostly teasing about the geckos and salamanders down your way. They get into everything it seems, and I could surely envision firing up one day and spitting a lizard out of those stacks! 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

If it makes you feel better, I had to do some post-powdercoating frame mods (cutting of seat hinges and welding in seat mounts), and I was able to hide all of the mods (even with the seat removed) with paint.