Topic: My first sohc project (Sept. update. - Finally paint! w/ pics)

[greenjeans]

No fun if you can't stop, so I rebuilt the brakes with new piston seals & rebuild kits for the master cylinders.... cheap piece of mind.   Old guts...

new guts...

[greenjeans]

Got that frickin' circlip out with some modified snap ring pliers:

had to fill them down a bit for it to reach the clip.

[greenjeans]

Before

After a spin on the ol buffing wheel

[greenjeans]

$188 for the paint......good 'ol elbow grease for the labor
The wiring harness is my next big project....

[cleveland]

They look great!  At this pace, they should both be running in time for spring. 

[greenjeans]

I originally thought that they'd be ready for THIS spring....Oh how things change

[xtalon]

Nice job GJ!!!

Those paint jobs look pret-ty slick!  Both look outstanding.  I can't wait to see them completed.

--xTalon

[cleveland]

I have found their are two ways to do something.  You can do it in the time frame you would like it done in, or you can do it the correct way.  Seldom are the two the same. 

[PhilaStandard]

This post is an inspiration.

Thanks for sharing your project

[andy750]

Looking sharp GJ! And I like all the before and after pics -very inspirational.

good luck with it,
cheers
Andy

[KB02]

Nice, Dude!!!

[greenjeans]

Thanks for the kind words gents....this site makes it a bunch easier to keep plugging along.

[FunJimmy]

Greenjeans

Your project forum has and continues to be a great resource for my own upcoming CB550 café project. Thanks for keeping it updated with your progress.

I’m particularly focused on your café seat build at the moment. You made two seats. One is built on the factory seat pan and another using a custom aluminum seat pan. I was hoping to use the factory seat pan because it hinges, has a document pocket, and locks. I also want the nice look and shape of the seat that you show on the black paint scheme. The lines of that seat are probably the best I’ve seen yet. The hump is a little longer and carries the tank profile better. It also looks like it might integrate well with a fender.

That black seat is presumably on the custom aluminum seat pan, but how did the factory seat pan unit turn out? Could you post some pictures of that item?

Your comments are appreciated.

Nice stuff!
Jimmy

[greenjeans]

Hey FunJimmy,
The black bike (no motor in it) actually is the factory seat pan.  I stripped it and piled the foam on there and shaped it with a hacksaw blade and a "cheesegrater" file followed by some sandpaper.   The foam you use is critical - the stuff you get at home depot will work in a pinch, but it will leave biiger air gaps in it.  Look for a closed cell foam that is sandable and paintable...I can't remember what brand I used, I got it a local "old time" hardware shop.  Covered it with fiberglass resin and cloth I got at Walmart...cheap and pretty easy.  Filled the imperfections with bondo...The factory seatpan works great because you can use the locks etc....and it fits perfect.

[FunJimmy]

Greenjeans

Thanks for your speedy reply. I guess what made me think the seat on your black bike had the custom seat pan is the round look to the back ot the hump. Any more pictures available?

Thanks again.
Jimmy

[greenjeans]

I'll take some more this weekend...

[goon 1492]

MAN! thats some good craftsmanship brother and a good bike too, good times... Hope your ridin' soon!

[greenjeans]

Well......after sitting since before Thanksgiving, I finally found a CB750 that I had to jump on.  haven't taken delivery yet


So, I reluctantly sold these to a new forum member who will get to finish them...
Keep an eye out for CBGhia and help him out.  Can't wait to see these hit the road.

And, stay tuned for the 750....it's going to stay with me for a long, long time.
Hope to start that before the end of the month.

[CBGhia]

I can't wait to finish either.   You need to get that 750 project going so that we can ride to the Londoner for a pint. 

[greenjeans]

still haven't picked it up....guy's on vacation till the 21st...
gonna be a long week

[bender01]

Your going to do what to the 750? That bike looks to good to cafe in my eyes. 

[greenjeans]

I'm torn.... just picked it up and haven't done anything as of yet.  Originally I was going to cafe it, but the pipes are in such good shape, I am leaning toward doing a light restoration on it.  The frame and wiring need to be addressed.  Fenders and chrome are in good shape.  Even the seat is in pretty good shape - no rips or tears, still pretty soft.  I know it won't go back to the dark brown exactly....I really really like the candy orange and would consider doing the tank/side covers a transparent candy rootbeer color (still using a correct decal kit)  as an homage to the original color....just a bit more bling to it.   I really wanted to do someting to rival Carpe's or some of the beautiful cafes I've seen on here, but just don't know anymore.  I think i'm going to get it running and see what needs to be done mechanically, before I change anything cosmetically.

Wish I had two of them.

[andy750]

Thats why I have 2 

One stock(ish) and one cafe...



get another!!

cheers
Andy

[greenjeans]

Always looking.

[CBGhia]

Well I don't know if I am hijacking his thread, but I bought the 2 bikes Greenjeans started with.  Today was a momentous day.  I started the 550!!  I have most of the wiring buttoned up, but the start switch has fallen apart from age.  I will get a new one on it soon.
I put some fuel in it and got the carbs all primed and then took the tank back off (it wasn't attached well) and tried to kick it over.   After a few minutes of kicking and giving it gas... PRESTO.  She fired for about 3 seconds. 
Thats all the gas that was in the carbs.  WOW,  as soon as I replace the start switch, the tank goes on for good and then i have to get a chain true the wheels, tune everything and I'm rolling.   I have to wait on the registration though.  Really it's just disposable income keeping me from riding it in the next week or so.