Author Topic: Early Sandcast Found......  (Read 89900 times)

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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #525 on: January 27, 2022, 01:26:20 pm »
What a great view! Beautiful rolling hills. Which ski hill do you go to?

What was wrong with the fork tubes? Pitted? Where did you order them from?

Brimacombe is closest. Planning a long weekend with all the family at Sir Sam’s. One tube had a nasty scar and both very rusty up top. I cleaned them and repaired the gouge. Vintagecb750 had a set for reasonable money. I’ll decide when they arrive. The last set I bought from Cyclex were very slightly oversized on the OD, so not buying from them again. Tried “Franks”, but no replies to my enquires....

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #526 on: January 27, 2022, 02:36:44 pm »
What a great view! Beautiful rolling hills.

+1....nice piece of property!!
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Offline britman

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #527 on: January 27, 2022, 08:38:59 pm »



 The headstock bearings were in such nice shape (bike only shows 17,000 miles on a working speedo), that I’m cleaning it all up and putting the original balls back in some fresh grease. As Frank Often said to me about this one; “Leave it alone, keep it original”. I am going to try and use 99% of the original bits!
[/quote]

Always best to save your original balls no matter what the circumstances.....

I am really looking forward to seeing the finished product.........Beautiful work........

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #528 on: January 28, 2022, 06:57:47 am »
Beautiful area!!
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #529 on: January 28, 2022, 10:27:12 am »
Beautiful area!!

Thanks All!

Primed and painted all the tree bits.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2022, 10:35:44 am by BenelliSEI »

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #530 on: January 28, 2022, 10:31:57 am »
No more excuses! Noticed in my notes that I picked up the Carlini Chopper and this one exactly one year ago, today. Parts arrived for the front end. Once the paint dries.....

Shout out to Vintagecb750.com . I ordered this lot yesterday around midday. Arrived 26 hours later!

Last time I ordered fork tubes from Cyclex, the OD was a bit large. All the “slide on” parts were a bit tighter than I would have liked, on my K0. Will be interesting to see if these are any different?
« Last Edit: January 28, 2022, 10:52:27 am by BenelliSEI »

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #531 on: January 28, 2022, 01:21:19 pm »
I've never purchased the Cycle X fork tubes (good price).  In the past, I've always sprung for the pricier Forking by Frank tubes.  I'm not sure if Frank is still around though.  No internet order, only phone orders with a mail in check - but the quality of the hard chrome on Frank's tubes is superb.
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #532 on: January 28, 2022, 02:46:33 pm »
I've never purchased the Cycle X fork tubes (good price).  In the past, I've always sprung for the pricier Forking by Frank tubes.  I'm not sure if Frank is still around though.  No internet order, only phone orders with a mail in check - but the quality of the hard chrome on Frank's tubes is superb.

I did send them a request, but never heard back from them. Next time I will call.
These were $140. Will measure and compare to my originals...... Report will follow.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2022, 03:48:13 pm by BenelliSEI »

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #533 on: January 28, 2022, 06:29:37 pm »
I'll be interested to see how you go with the fork tubes John, they look like the ones I bought for my K0 build. From memory I had a problem with the big circlips that held the bottom fork bushes in place when I transferred the hardware across, and had to use some from another set of forks to make them fit? Sorry, that was over a year ago and my memory is only good for one lap of the goldfish bowl...... ;D
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #534 on: January 29, 2022, 06:50:29 am »
Terry..... like you, I had problems when I did the KO. Can’t recall exactly what it was! I’ll measure up these tubes, and report as I get into it.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2022, 07:34:37 am by BenelliSEI »

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #535 on: January 29, 2022, 02:27:16 pm »
I'll be interested to see how you go with the fork tubes John, they look like the ones I bought for my K0 build. From memory I had a problem with the big circlips that held the bottom fork bushes in place when I transferred the hardware across, and had to use some from another set of forks to make them fit? Sorry, that was over a year ago and my memory is only good for one lap of the goldfish bowl...... ;D

Terry.... installed the “tree” today. While I was in the shop, I unpackaged one of the new tubes and measured it up against an original. Looks to be spot on to me. Good value for the price! Will know more when I start sliding on the bits.....

Offline Don R

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #536 on: January 29, 2022, 06:04:10 pm »
 I need to re-build a set for the diecast, somewhere along the way it got later early forks. I'm hoping newer early type parts all swap into them.
  I have a set of nice +6 tubes, my friend with a machine shop said he can shorten them, but he doesn't machine the tops, he cuts them farther down, makes a joint and does a weld. I trust his work 100% but that's not for me.
  The guy built a Mustang looking bike with a B29 generator engine on it and a V twin hemi powered bike made from a cast iron red ram V8 engine. He also has a pair of jugs and heads from a Stearman airplane engine, I can't wait for that one. I'd love to turn him loose on my Keith black hemi block.
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #537 on: January 29, 2022, 07:38:54 pm »
I need to re-build a set for the diecast, somewhere along the way it got later early forks. I'm hoping newer early type parts all swap into them.
 

Don..... they seem to have every year/style of fork tube available, at very reasonable prices. Let me see how all the parts fit together. Diameters measured spot on..... will post results.

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #538 on: January 30, 2022, 10:32:01 am »
Yesterday, I installed the original ball bearings (37 of them) in clean grease and assembled the triple tree. The bearing cups and caps are perfect and very smooth. When I snug it all up there is some ”notchiness”. Close inspection of the individual balls suggests they have some flat spots. My parts books describes them as #8, 1/4 balls. Qty:37.

Can anyone confirm they are standard 0.250” diameter balls? Ever changed them? I’ll be checking with my local bearing house for availability in the morning. Going to try it.

I do have a set of All Balls tapered roller bearings as back up, but for this project, I am making a real effort to reuse every original component possible. Foolish perhaps, but there you go. Thanks for any info you may have.

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #539 on: January 30, 2022, 01:16:04 pm »
Built up the front tubes today. The relatively inexpensive replacements measured up nicely and everything fit perfectly. Nice!

P.S. Their fork caps are not as nice. Had to knock most of the chrome off the threads with a wire wheel and even then (with lots of anti seize compound) it felt like I was forcing them in the first time. The old, stock Honda part threaded in by hand..... Lesson learned, pay the price.
« Last Edit: January 31, 2022, 05:31:46 am by BenelliSEI »

Online seanbarney41

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #540 on: January 30, 2022, 01:56:23 pm »
Yesterday, I installed the original ball bearings (37 of them) in clean grease and assembled the triple tree. The bearing cups and caps are perfect and very smooth. When I snug it all up there is some ”notchiness”. Close inspection of the individual balls suggests they have some flat spots. My parts books describes them as #8, 1/4 balls. Qty:37.

Can anyone confirm they are standard 0.250” diameter balls? Ever changed them? I’ll be checking with my local bearing house for availability in the morning. Going to try it.

I do have a set of All Balls tapered roller bearings as back up, but for this project, I am making a real effort to reuse every original component possible. Foolish perhaps, but there you go. Thanks for any info you may have.
I remember checking a couple years ago.  The balls were still available from Honda...maybe even races.  I would not be surprised if Honda didn't use the same bearings in ALL of their late 60's, 70's and early 80's bikes.

I still don't ever use anything but tapered rollers if anything needs replaced.  But I don't own a sandcast, and I intend to ride my bikes LOTS.  I think original style bearings are the way to go for a sandcast, as an expert can visually see the difference between how much thread is showing on the stem nut when everything is assembled.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2022, 02:02:30 pm by seanbarney41 »
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #541 on: January 30, 2022, 02:24:31 pm »
I’ve since learned ball bearings are numbered in 1/32” increments. #8 = 1/4”. I’ll see if I can get some and give it a try.

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #542 on: January 31, 2022, 01:49:24 pm »
Canadian Bearing. $10.67 for package of 100.

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #543 on: January 31, 2022, 09:56:35 pm »
That's a lot of balls for 10 bucks! ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #544 on: February 01, 2022, 08:01:30 am »
That's a lot of balls for 10 bucks! ;D

Terry..... I just did the math: laid end to end, my balls are 25” long!  ;)

Interested  to see if this works, or the races are “bumpy”. They feel perfect, but we’ll see!
« Last Edit: February 01, 2022, 05:15:08 pm by BenelliSEI »

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #545 on: February 01, 2022, 08:22:21 am »
“Snow Tires” arrived today! FortNine had excellent prices for Dunlop K70’s and arrived in 3-4 days.

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #546 on: February 01, 2022, 01:58:32 pm »
The new balls fixed the triple tree. Installed it for the third and last time(?) today.
« Last Edit: February 01, 2022, 05:02:11 pm by BenelliSEI »

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #547 on: February 01, 2022, 02:02:52 pm »
Cleaned all the dirt, grease and grime from the tail of the engine. Set it up to lift into the engine stand. My son and his family are coming to ski this weekend, so I’ll get some help to lift it! When I first got this bike, I built a set of carbs and fired it up. Excellent oil pressure and a silent bottom end. Plan is to tear down the top end, rings and a light hone, clean and lap in the valves, all new gaskets and seals. Paint and polish.....

That’s engine number 582! When I first saw that the motor is about 650 numbers lower than the frame, I was surprised. Even more so when the yellow paint on the main mounting bolts and foot pegs suggested it had never been out of the frame?

“Sandcast Only” forum members explained there are several machines like this. Honda pulled engines from the production line for testing and inspection. They were then immediately reassembled and went straight back to the line, into the next bike! Seems like a good omen to me!
« Last Edit: February 02, 2022, 05:39:55 am by BenelliSEI »

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #548 on: February 01, 2022, 02:06:19 pm »
The front hub is at a local guys place for a light polish (with the fork legs). The rim has been rechromed and I have a set of new spokes with gold nipples. Getting ready to build a “new” front wheel. Started prepping the disc and it cleaned up nicely.

Years ago I welded up a simple stand, from a few scraps of angle iron, that locks in my big vice. Using an old hub and axle shaft I bolt the disc/hub up to the bracket. Hitting it at just the right angle with my angle grinder (using a worn 200-400 grid disc) gets it spinning fast and cleans up in a few seconds. Next time I do this, I’ll take a photo or video. It’s pretty odd, but works.
« Last Edit: February 02, 2022, 05:31:50 am by BenelliSEI »

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Early Sandcast Found......
« Reply #549 on: February 02, 2022, 11:52:04 am »
Cleaned, lubed and refitted all the swing arm pivot hardware today. Bushings were snug, no play in the arm, felt washers were in perfect condition. All back where it belongs. Photos next time.

“spread” the new front tire, so it will be easier to mount (when the front wheel is built).
« Last Edit: February 02, 2022, 11:53:51 am by BenelliSEI »