Topic: 1978 CB750K skill builder (read: low budget)

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Ok, I'm open to ideas for a tank. I'm having an incredibly hard time finding a F tank, and I need to get this thing going. Has anyone used anything other than 750 tanks on these bikes that don't look too small?

Patience, Dave.  They come up on Fleabay but there are periods of dry spells sprinkled with listings (less frequently than in prior years).  Try to get your other stuff done and do a periodic (2xweek) search.

I'm trying to get the stuff like seatpan done, but wanted to have the tank to use for measurements/mockup. I guess I can offer the guy locally with the rusted out tank 20 bucks and use it for mockup/measurements.

I had a fairly clean spare, but the guy who was pounding in knee dents also pounded in some clip on dents (which should have been cut and welded).  If you don't want knee dents, don't bother.  But, if so, and you don't mind some fab work on the clip-on dents or pulling them out, let me know.

Note: I also had the top filler door cut out to fill, so I could install a Monza cap (which I also have).

[Davez134]

I have found a tank. I saw while searching craigslist, and the guy selling was willing to ship it. Pics when it shows up.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I have found a tank. I saw while searching craigslist, and the guy selling was willing to ship it. Pics when it shows up.

Great find, Dave.  The listing photos looked great, especially for the price!

[Davez134]

Got tank and seat today. Amazing condition with NO rust and just a couple small dents. Plan is to shorten seat a bit but still use rear cowl. I saw a thread on doing that somewhere on here and it looked great.





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[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Wow! That was a score on the tank/seat. The inside of the tank is spotless, too!

[Stev-o]

Wow! That was a score on the tank/seat.

+1.  Your patience paid off...

[Davez134]

For sure. I don't have to worry about getting rid of any rust, which makes mt very happy! My plan for the seat is to shorten it a bit like this:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,163983.msg1896577.html#msg1896577

I don't know which pan I'm going to use, the K or F, but I'm going to use the rear cowl for sure.

[Davez134]

I've tried making the stock pans and the hinges, but couldn't make it look like I wanted. I ended up getting a fiberglass seat and upholstery pan from air tech streamlining. What have you guys done to mount the seat pan to the frame? I would like it to be easily removable, but don't want to use Velcro. I don't mind making mounts and welding them on, but I'd like it to be clean looking and only want to do it once! The battery, electronics, oil tank will all be in the original locations.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I've tried making the stock pans and the hinges, but couldn't make it look like I wanted. I ended up getting a fiberglass seat and upholstery pan from air tech streamlining. What have you guys done to mount the seat pan to the frame? I would like it to be easily removable, but don't want to use Velcro. I don't mind making mounts and welding them on, but I'd like it to be clean looking and only want to do it once! The battery, electronics, oil tank will all be in the original locations.

Bummer.  I REALLY liked that shortened seat that Frode did, too.  I think it can be done and reworked to used the stock hinges, but those are welding skills I do not possess. 

I have seen people reinforce the Airtech seats and glass in the stock hinges.  Or a simple way is to weld mount tabs onto the frame rails and bolt on the seat.  Check out this as an idea.  You can cut some sheet metal into these shapes and weld it onto your frame easily enough:

https://www.lossaengineering.com/collections/motrocycle-parts/products/lossa-seat-tab-kit

[Davez134]

I've tried making the stock pans and the hinges, but couldn't make it look like I wanted. I ended up getting a fiberglass seat and upholstery pan from air tech streamlining. What have you guys done to mount the seat pan to the frame? I would like it to be easily removable, but don't want to use Velcro. I don't mind making mounts and welding them on, but I'd like it to be clean looking and only want to do it once! The battery, electronics, oil tank will all be in the original locations.

Bummer.  I REALLY liked that shortened seat that Frode did, too.  I think it can be done and reworked to used the stock hinges, but those are welding skills I do not possess. 

I have seen people reinforce the Airtech seats and glass in the stock hinges.  Or a simple way is to weld mount tabs onto the frame rails and bolt on the seat.  Check out this as an idea.  You can cut some sheet metal into these shapes and weld it onto your frame easily enough:

https://www.lossaengineering.com/collections/motrocycle-parts/products/lossa-seat-tab-kit

Thanks for the link Don, that's exactly what I'll do! I like the shortened F seat he did too, I just couldn't get the shape mine done how I liked it. I'm still going to keep it, maybe rework it some more for the next bike. I'm working on new welding skills too. I feel totally competent with my MIG skills so I just bought a Lincoln TIG.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I've tried making the stock pans and the hinges, but couldn't make it look like I wanted. I ended up getting a fiberglass seat and upholstery pan from air tech streamlining. What have you guys done to mount the seat pan to the frame? I would like it to be easily removable, but don't want to use Velcro. I don't mind making mounts and welding them on, but I'd like it to be clean looking and only want to do it once! The battery, electronics, oil tank will all be in the original locations.

Bummer.  I REALLY liked that shortened seat that Frode did, too.  I think it can be done and reworked to used the stock hinges, but those are welding skills I do not possess. 

I have seen people reinforce the Airtech seats and glass in the stock hinges.  Or a simple way is to weld mount tabs onto the frame rails and bolt on the seat.  Check out this as an idea.  You can cut some sheet metal into these shapes and weld it onto your frame easily enough:

https://www.lossaengineering.com/collections/motrocycle-parts/products/lossa-seat-tab-kit

Thanks for the link Don, that's exactly what I'll do! I like the shortened F seat he did too, I just couldn't get the shape mine done how I liked it. I'm still going to keep it, maybe rework it some more for the next bike. I'm working on new welding skills too. I feel totally competent with my MIG skills so I just bought a Lincoln TIG.

That's awesome.  Maybe I should come out for a clinic!

[Davez134]

Plenty of room in the shop!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Plenty of room in the shop!

I'll be in Vegas in September and October for work.

[Davez134]

Hit me up when you're here.

[Davez134]

I cut the hinges off carefully and was thinking about reusing them. When I laid the seat on the frame, I don't think there is any clearance for it to hinge. It is meant to sit on top of the frame rails. I will weld a couple tabs in place that can be easily accessed from under the seat and fasten it with studs and wingnuts. I'm also stripping the paint from the tank and going to begin bodywork on it. I will get some pictures up tomorrow hopefully.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Did it come with a pan, or do you have to make one?

[Davez134]

It came with a pan that fits very nicely

[Davez134]

Did it come with a pan, or do you have to make one?

It came with a pan. Here is the frame with the tabs/hinges removed, tank and seat on, then with pan on too








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[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I was wondering if it was that model. I like how the pan fills the gas tank gap.

[Dracon]

Do you still have the tabs/hinges for the frame? I'd buy them if they are usable!

Bike looks great also!

[Dracon]

Hmmm, just realized this was a K frame - I need them from a 77/78 F frame unless they are the same?

[sethmcalister]

I'd take the hinges though if Dracon isn't interested.

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[Davez134]

Yes, it's a k frame. I'm at work the next 2 days, but I'll take pictures of what I was able to save of the hinges and seat lock when I get home.

[Stev-o]

I like how the pan fills the gas tank gap.

+1

[Davez134]

Found a color I liked, House of Colors Tangerine pearl. I have rusted out f tank I used for a test spot, so pay no attention to the dents/rust around the area. Looks great in the sun!




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