Author Topic: Trick Tappet covers for Honda Fours (Read 8366 times)

754 · « **on:** April 05, 2008, 09:36:14 AM »

I am working on a new design for tappet covers.

It will not use a hex for tightening, neither internal or external.
It will be a very clean design, that will look killer on choppers and some stockers.

I have built a prototype, but am still working out the torqeing procedure.

I may sneak on a pic soon, think a SOHCer is popping in for a visit today.... maybe we can get a sneak preview..

mystic_1 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2008, 10:40:11 AM »

Tease!

PICS!

mystic_1

LMAERO_396 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2008, 04:45:01 PM »

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2008, 04:58:47 PM »

Quote from: 754 on April 05, 2008, 09:36:14 AM

but am still working out the torqeing procedure.

Shouldn't require much torque. They are frequently over-tightened. Look forward to seeing them.

754 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2008, 06:01:53 PM »

Yes they dont require much torque, however I am not convinced finger tight wil hold, so I am working on a tool.

Pic will be posted later tonite.

1080 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:32:15 PM »

Cool 750 tappet covers.

Your input.

fuzzybutt · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2008, 09:57:52 PM »

those are cool as hell! i'd put em on my project 750

754 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2008, 10:10:57 PM »

I will probably make a tach plug to match.

I have run one type of the market and like them at first, but in the long run, they look liked added on bling that does not make the valvecover look any cleaner.. so I went back to chromed stocker... so I thought long & hard to come up with something that fits and blends in rather than stick out like an obvious add-on.

I will work on production detail.. can be in production soon.. do them inhouse..

Aaron J Williams · « **Reply #8 on:** April 06, 2008, 06:33:45 AM »

Do they have to have that point in the center? They look good but the rest of the valve cover is all rounded so maybe if the covers were rounded too then they would look more like the valve cover? IDK, just thinking aloud.

eurban · « **Reply #9 on:** April 06, 2008, 07:01:58 AM »

Whatever you do, don't go this route! This (very) limited market is already cornered by Cyclexchange . . .

754 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 06, 2008, 08:40:59 AM »

I could make a domed one as well, it would be more appealing to a more stock bike or cafe.

I fygure on the one shown to do a version first that would look nice on choppers without being too in your face.

Them other ones, they, umm ....really stick out..

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #11 on:** April 07, 2008, 01:36:21 AM »

Stupid question:

How do you undo them?

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #12 on:** April 07, 2008, 04:45:09 AM »

They've got knurled edges Steve. Might be a bit hard to get off after awhile. Cheers, Terry.

UnCrash · « **Reply #13 on:** April 07, 2008, 04:52:38 AM »

What if they looked like the 76 750K Oil Cap?

That would blend in nicely...

754 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 07, 2008, 07:33:46 AM »

I can make several versions. I will work this week on the installation tool. They may be runnable by hand tightening but like you say getting them off will take more effort.

They will need a system to torque them a bit higher or some will be afraid they will fall off. I will get more done on them this week.

UnCrash · « **Reply #15 on:** April 07, 2008, 07:50:59 AM »

What about a strap wrench?

The edge would need to be thick anough for the strap to grip, but at least there's a tool out there which may work off the shelf for little $

cbass*gxc · « **Reply #16 on:** April 07, 2008, 07:55:16 AM »

I would love a set of round ones or maybe 2 sets. I would love to see some different versions.

On another note you said you could make a tach cover to match? Do you have any tach covers now that you would be willing to part with or would you be able to make me one? I am not running a tach on my bike and need something to keep the oil from squirting out and the dirt from getting in.

754 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 07, 2008, 08:03:35 AM »

It pretty well has to be a form of strap wrench, but I will make it small enough to fit in a tool pouch & not torque them overly tight.

I will make tach plugs as well.

I have not worked pricing out, but it will probably be (not written in stone) around 100 per set of 8 with the wrench.

mystic_1 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 07, 2008, 09:49:10 AM »

For tightening, how about putting a small shallow hole in the surface with the knurling, then your tool would be similar to a shock adjusting wrench, just a flat curved tool with a pin to match the hole.

mystic_1

754 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 07, 2008, 10:41:44 AM »

I had thought of that way back, but I want the cleaner consistent look. With that setup the holes would end up all over, not in line and part would have to be bigger diameter or taller.

kghost · « **Reply #20 on:** April 07, 2008, 10:44:29 AM »

How about a small hole all the way thru?

754 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 07, 2008, 11:01:02 AM »

Small hole thru would be about where the tip or point was.. I really want a low profile but may make others.

I considered thru hole (or 2) which looks nice intersecting a radius, and only takes a bar or drill bit to tighten. ( John Reed did a series of covers like that on a H-D while working for CCI).

I used to make a 2 color point cover for HD.. could maybe work that into these.. like a copper or brass insert in the middle.

bbl 2nite.....

mystic_1 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 07, 2008, 01:10:54 PM »

I think that you'd run into the same problem with a through hole as you would with the idea I mentioned above, the holes would end up in differing alignments once installed.

The more I look at these, the more I start to thing that their simplicity is part of their appeal. Extra holes would just work against that. With a knurled edge like that, final tightening could be done with channel locks, a small strap wrench, or whatever.

Question, it looks to me like these have a radius leading up to the point rather than just a straight taper. Is this correct? More pics would be cool.

Thanks!

mystic_1

754 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 08, 2008, 10:01:14 AM »

Yes it is a radius, I had built a few other parts where that would be a straight line..like a maching at an angle cut. The radius usually has a nicer look.

As far as a hole or groove to tighten, I would rather have the clean seamless look. I ordered more material, will start soon.

tank410 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 09, 2008, 10:18:45 AM »

sweet.....I would love a set of round one too.

Chad · « **Reply #25 on:** June 09, 2008, 11:06:58 AM »

I'd love a set. My PO rounded off the hex top of one of mine. I can't get it off currently. I'm sort of mad about it, to be honest. $:-\$

754 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 09, 2008, 10:17:08 PM »

I will have to hold off for a while..

Started a full time job, and my extra work in my shop is keeping me prety busy..

MCRider · « **Reply #27 on:** June 12, 2008, 05:43:05 PM »

Quote from: 754 on April 07, 2008, 07:33:46 AM

I can make several versions. I will work this week on the installation tool. They may be runnable by hand tightening but like you say getting them off will take more effort.

They will need a system to torque them a bit higher or some will be afraid they will fall off. I will get more done on them this week.

Maybe a miniature cup style oil filter wrench that goes on a 3/8 ratchet. That should give all the on/off power needed.

754 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 12, 2008, 07:43:20 PM »

Ummm,

I have mentioned numerous times to weld a 3/8 socket (12mm can be shortened) to the oil fiter bolt & never got any response..

Meanwhile the ones we did 30 yrs ago are still performing FLAWLESSLY...

but hey... everyone is searching for a "better idea"..

To be honest, the only drawback that can be encountered may be the bolt is made of screw-stock (leaded steel).. and thus may be a bit harder to weld..

Seems to me i have read a few times on here of welded stuff breaking off these bolts.. so the leaded steel is looking like a real possibility..

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Author Topic: Trick Tappet covers for Honda Fours (Read 8366 times)

fuzzybutt

Chad