Topic: Phaedrus: CB750 RestoMod - Update: 09/23/21 w/ new video

[Tintop]

Not sure I should be congratulating you on the 'good news', but the prospect of being able to get treatment (and 0 symptoms) is great news going into the new year.  Hopefully this will lead to improvement in your quality of life.

[CBJoe]

Not sure I should be congratulating you on the 'good news', but the prospect of being able to get treatment (and 0 symptoms) is great news going into the new year.  Hopefully this will lead to improvement in your quality of life.

+1 

Happy New Year Ron!  Good news indeed with the prospect of treatment. 

[MCRider]

Thanks Tt and CBJ: Much appreciated. Lots of people have it worse than me, at least PD is not directly fatal. I know I've read forum members with worse. Just gotta push on.

We replaced the float valves, pilot jets and main jets on Bruce's FJ1200. At first we beat the float pivot pins out with a hammer and punch, I grimaced the whole way with thoughts of breaking the stands.  The pin that the floats turn on are a press fit. I'd never heard of such a thing, and figured they were just stuck. Then we put them back in by squeezing with a pair of slip joint pliar. Then we realized we hadn't replaced the gizmos that hold the float valves in, necessitating a second removal. Not wanting to drive them out again...

Looked it up an FJ forum and sure enough. Their suggestion for getting the pins out was to use an "automatic punch".

It works by placing the tip against the object to be punched. Then press the brass handle towards the object. It loads a spring internally which ultimately releases with a Whack that easily drives the pin out.


Got the FJ carbs reassembled and ready to reinstall. Hopefully we'll get it running and sold this spring.

Back to Phaedrus:
Other time spent to remount the rear turnsignals as they weren't sitting quite square now that we've removed the luggage rack.

Then mocking up the chainguard for the top speed trials in Ohio this summer.       

[754]

I would try a drill bit shank in aligator jaw visegrips..before that auto centrepunch..
 If they are dialed too high, they put out enough force to maybe break a post off..

[MCRider]

I would try a drill bit shank in aligator jaw visegrips..before that auto centrepunch..
 If they are dialed too high, they put out enough force to maybe break a post off..

We thought about some other way to squeeze it out. Just couldn't see it.

But since the FJ forum was high on this method, we went that way. This was the Harbor Freight $3.50 model. The impact seemed barely adequate for the job, just right.  But your point is taken. Breaking one of those posts would really be a bummer. 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Ron, my first drug store job in the late 60's left quite an impression on me. It was when Sinemet first came out. We had an elderly female customer that seriously struggled to walk into the pharmacy. It was so sad to watch. She was barely able to function. After she started taking this miracle med (for her) it was with great pleasure to see her actually be able to walk in fairly normally and be able to sign her check and carry on a conversation. I hate for you to have either issue but perhaps you are right in that if it is Parkinsons there may be beneficial results awaiting you. Not a cure but rather a neurotransmitter replacement.

[CBJoe]

I would try a drill bit shank in aligator jaw visegrips..before that auto centrepunch..
 If they are dialed too high, they put out enough force to maybe break a post off..

We thought about some other way to squeeze it out. Just couldn't see it.

But since the FJ forum was high on this method, we went that way. This was the Harbor Freight $3.50 model. The impact seemed barely adequate for the job, just right.  But your point is taken. Breaking one of those posts would really be a bummer.

The center punch method was also what saved me on the XS750 Carbs....worked like a charm.

[MCRider]

Ron, my first drug store job in the late 60's left quite an impression on me. It was when Sinemet first came out. We had an elderly female customer that seriously struggled to walk into the pharmacy. It was so sad to watch. She was barely able to function. After she started taking this miracle med (for her) it was with great pleasure to see her actually be able to walk in fairly normally and be able to sign her check and carry on a conversation. I hate for you to have either issue but perhaps you are right in that if it is Parkinsons there may be beneficial results awaiting you. Not a cure but rather a neurotransmitter replacement.

Thanks Jerry! Doc #5 put me on Sinemet, 4 days so far. Can't be sure, but something is working. Still using the walker as its more comforting to my wife. But I'm fully confidant on my cane, and can take many steps without either.  Everything I've read has mostly been stories like yours. Symptoms greatly reversed. That along with some PT, should be encouraging. Additional meds or higher doses may be in store after my brain MRI in 2 weeks.  Ultimately, the drugs can't keep up with the onset of disease, but that could be way past life expectancy anyway. And today or 20 years from now, I'm ready for whatever.

In the meantime, got out in the shop today...   

[MCRider]

Goal for today was to install the "deadman switch" required by the East Coast Timing Assoc to run on their top speed track days. I'm one class below where its required by Lucas Raceway for dragracing, but it won't hurt to have that safety edge.



Dropped the horns and pulled the headlight. Have to identify where to wire the switch.  A bolt and nut was laying in the bottom of the bucket. Quickly realized it was one of the beam pivot bolts. The unit was bought from CycleRecycle Part 2, and seems to be a little lacking in design. The stock pivots have a bolt, nut, and cotter pin. This allows you to fasten the pivot without tightening so tight that it won't pivot. This set up is a bolt, nut, and hard plastic washer. Doesn't do the job, and one vibrated apart. So those pivots will be updated to larger diameter bolts, with nylock nuts. next time.



Tried to pull the clamp off the switch and after going through several sets of allen wrenches, metric and American, discovered it to be an obscure American size.

So, the call for the day: Make a list and go to ACE Hardware for some hardware.

[MCRider]

So, we made the changes to the headlight pivots discussed last week. The aftermarket ring set had 6+mm holes with a 5mm pin. We used 6mm Oval head screws cut to length, with nylok nuts so they would be snug but not restricting adjustment.

Fearing the Oval head may impede reassembly, the stockers are flatheads, we filed the oval flat.


Spent an inordinate amount of time brainstorming  the wiring on the deadman's switch. I am just not good with electrics. So we called it. I think that this thread will get me back on track.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154362.new.html#new

Better luck next time.

And oh yeah, my front turn signals quit working!    Aarrggh

[RAFster122s]

Sorry to hear this, Ron. You've still got treachery on your side.

I'm counting on it!   

Ron,I'm sorry to just be catching up on the thread...I really hate to hear of your fall and injury. I was clumbsy the other night going to the bathroom around 4 am. I have a bedroom in the basement and go upstairs to the bathroom. I had socks on to be quieter to not wake anyone. Well, I slipped with my foot on the big step where the stairs makes a turn and is about 1.5 step heights to the other treads. I was falling backwards and caught myself with a loud thud and boom ffom the foot hitting the bottom transition platform step hard. I was majorly sore from the non-fall fall and hit my radius in the right forearm against the door casement. If I hadn't caught myself I would have broken the doir and fell throught it to the concrete floor into the garage. The door would have been a bad thing to break but it is only a luan interior door as the basement room was an add-on build after the house was built in the 60s. Room was added in the 70s with stairs enclosed then. They were bare steps when I was a kid growing up.
so, my bruise is brown turning green so it is still relatively new. My neuropathy has been raging though...so, I can relate to that which you live, just don't know what severity you have. Mine is making dexterity a real problem many days and dressing in anything wtith buttons or even zippers a hard to impossible task.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers as a little help from above never hurts.

[MCRider]

Sorry to hear this, Ron. You've still got treachery on your side.

I'm counting on it!   

Ron,I'm sorry to just be catching up on the thread...I really hate to hear of your fall and injury. I was clumbsy the other night going to the bathroom around 4 am. I have a bedroom in the basement and go upstairs to the bathroom. I had socks on to be quieter to not wake anyone. Well, I slipped with my foot on the big step where the stairs makes a turn and is about 1.5 step heights to the other treads. I was falling backwards and caught myself with a loud thud and boom ffom the foot hitting the bottom transition platform step hard. I was majorly sore from the non-fall fall and hit my radius in the right forearm against the door casement. If I hadn't caught myself I would have broken the doir and fell throught it to the concrete floor into the garage. The door would have been a bad thing to break but it is only a luan interior door as the basement room was an add-on build after the house was built in the 60s. Room was added in the 70s with stairs enclosed then. They were bare steps when I was a kid growing up.
so, my bruise is brown turning green so it is still relatively new. My neuropathy has been raging though...so, I can relate to that which you live, just don't know what severity you have. Mine is making dexterity a real problem many days and dressing in anything wtith buttons or even zippers a hard to impossible task.
I will keep you and your family in my prayers as a little help from above never hurts.

Thanks Raf! My bruise was so deep, it didn't show on the surface. Feeling pretty good now, but we installed a stairlift as we'll need it sooner or later.  Gotta be careful on those stairs. They are worse at night. I have double banisters in the halls and stairs and motion sensitive nigh lights.

I'm having trouble with buttons on the sleeve, tying a tie. Still OK with zippers. But we know what's ahead.

Funny thing, I've mentioned before but you may not have seen it. A recent trip to a different neurologist resulted in a diagnosis of less neuropathy and more Parkinson's. Irony, Parkinson's is worse than PN, but they have drugs for it. After a week on a low dose of carbidopa/lopidpa, I am controlling my movements a lot better, meaning I'm walking a lot better.  My drop foot, which I always figured was part of the PN,  may possibly be the PD, as I'm walking a lot better.

In any event, balance is still a problem. PN or PD, doesn't matter. On the sunny side, I bot a high performance "rollator" which is a European designed 4 wheel walker. I can really move with the cheap ones I have. Looking forward to it!   

[RAFster122s]

I'm having trouble with buttons on the sleeve, tying a tie. Still OK with zippers. But we know what's ahead.

What? Velcro fasteners on the shoes and sweat pants and running suits from the 70s?
Or is it "There he goes folks, streaking through the fruits and vegetables, naked as a jaybird..."  from song "The Streak"
   




It was bad that morning I could only do the buttons when looking at them and it was impossible for some...
Just couldn't feel anything and had to get help buttoning my shirt to go to church that morning.
So, mine peripheral neuropathy is worse in winter and I believe it is muscular compression as I have spinal stenosis in my neck which was moderate to severe back in 2009 and it has grown significantly worse over past 3 years...especially since returning from AZ to TN. Wish I hadn't moved back, but don't know what I would have done if I hadn't.


Just pull the pants zipped up over your hips ----using a buckle from AZ on my belt were I put the belt through the belt loops on the inside and pull the buckle to the right while holding the end against my body or between my fingers if I can hold it. Then the hook to engage the first or second slot from that tightness I've pulled the belt to (rather than round holes with those buckles you cut a oval slot for the belt's hook.) Been wearing that style for 5-8 years now.
I got the belt blank from Tandy Leather pre-embossed, then stained into a rich medium reddish brown with the leather still visibly showing and the dye is darker in the deep embossing.  Dye wiped off quickly so it was a lightly dyed. Then some nickle/silver hardware and a nickle finished/silver looking Southwestern buckle with a small turquoise oval the size of an index finger nail. The oval stone (which could be man-made instead of real given the price of the buckle) polished to a light gloss. Lots of people like the belt buckle design as I get lots of complements on it.  Kids see it and stare as the big belt buckles of the SW are uncommon here in NE TN. But kids even in the W I would see them staring at it studying it.  Fit right in when in AZ. (Just don't want a buckle like that and make the mistake of leaving your fly open.... hehe!   


I wear it with everything but suits which are fitted with braces (not suspenders as some incorrectly call them...) button tabs to the pants on the waist band.  Works well until you lose weight needing the pants taken in to fit better so you aren't like the circus clown with the barrel with suspenders. Suspenders tend to be elastic, braces are not.
I use suspenders  for my tool belt and sometimes I put them on pants (jeans) when I want to go beltless and don't want the center belt buckle which can scratch but the suspenders can too when leaning over a fender or waxing or washing the car....
Sometimes I just put the buckle of the belt on the back of my pants and pull them over my hips and gut... Losing the gut but it will likely have a bit that won't go away...


I did that kind of bruise on my left foot near the heel on the side of the foot, It hurt badly and I thought I was having plantar fasciitis problem until I remembered. It took a long time to heal and is still sore as I did it in November or early December.


Mom can't use that kind as they are designed to go sideways down the stairs and her right leg has a TI rod instead of a knee due to a mowing accident where she lost the knee to the mower... (rider) long gruesome story I won't share here...


Great to hear you are getting some meds to help. That's great!!!


We have a little girl in our church that is 7 and was diagnosed with BPAN which is a neurological condition that is terminal and she developed drop foot in July and is showing signs of regression which is really bad at her age... later stages of decline. Her mom and dad just learned this Wed a week or two ago...they are really struggling with the fact their daughter is most likely going to die from this disease. The little girl is so sweet and loves people but has trouble in groups and doesn't speak due to the neurological condition they thought was just a learning disability. BPAN was only put together as a disease by researchers in 2012...grouping the common symptoms. Probably 8-12 people have it in the world and most die in 20s or rarely will live to adult-hood and it is ultra rare for someone to make it to age 30-40 with the disease.
It is so sad.


Keep moving and consider doing exercises to build strength as that can help, don't sell short exercises to build your core, as that can possibly help you have strength you need to improve balance and not strain something trying to balance.  Hang in there and keep looking at it as one day at a time. Thankful to God for every day, be they good or bad days. A positive outlook is essential to fighting off the depression of thinking about one's lot and it being bad...or less than ideal.  No breath is promised, not even the next one.
Makes you enjoy the company of others and more thankful for friends and people who are positive in your life.


Looking forward to more that you do... Pretty soon you are going to have the next generation of Phaedrus where it is like Capt Kirk's motorcycle on the one where Spock and James are young in the academy, before James became Capt James T Kirk. Man I hated the William Shatner directed S.T.s...he became so pompous...


David

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Some positive news Ron.

NOW, get rid of all those damn ties. That'll solve that problem. You have a reason/excuse plus you are retired 

[MCRider]

Some positive news Ron.

NOW, get rid of all those damn ties. That'll solve that problem. You have a reason/excuse plus you are retired 

I got rid of nearly all of them except the Jerry Garcia ties.    But, where'd you get this retired idea? Besides I'm too young, Doc says its good therapy for the PD.    And, luckily, I like my job.

[MCRider]

Thanks David. We do what we can. I know mine is not as bad as others. It does make one appreciate things more.

I want to finish Phaedrus by tuning it to the best level possible, run the drags some more, and top speed.

Then I'll start something else. A 75 F and a 68 CB77 are in the queue.   

[Tintop]

Thanks David. We do what we can. I know mine is not as bad as others. It does make one appreciate things more.

I want to finish Phaedrus by tuning it to the best level possible, run the drags some more, and top speed.

Then I'll start something else. A 75 F and a 68 CB77 are in the queue.   

Great to hear to positive thinking Ron.  I vote for the CB77 as the next project.  Just hope it doesn't take another 150+ pages, and how many years is it so far?

[MCRider]

Thanks David. We do what we can. I know mine is not as bad as others. It does make one appreciate things more.

I want to finish Phaedrus by tuning it to the best level possible, run the drags some more, and top speed.

Then I'll start something else. A 75 F and a 68 CB77 are in the queue.   

Great to hear to positive thinking Ron.  I vote for the CB77 as the next project.  Just hope it doesn't take another 150+ pages, and how many years is it so far?

Uh,... 8+

The CB77 I bot from a storekeeper I ran across in a sortie into N KY. I was on the 650 Hawk, Wife was on her ZL600 Eliminator, very fast bike and she could ride it, couple of buddies on a Katana and another HawkGT. Pulled in to this country General STore. Shopkeeper was 70+ years old, this was 1998 so I was much younger. She said she had a motorcycle. We got her to open a locked room where she kept spirits and there was this white, all original, no changes CB77 with a 1974 tag on it. 2450 miles. She said her husband bought it new in 1968 (holdover) and died in 1974. I bot it on the spot for $500.

I got it running, put 2000 miles on it. Then parked and disassembled it for restoration. Lots of finish problems, but all the parts are still there. It will be all Honda white (can't decide if I want to stray and do it in pearl) with red and blue pinstripes on the outlines like a period BMW. Other than the pin stripes it will be an all original restoration.   

Sure do miss riding in S IN, N KY. Great winding roads following the gullies and ridge tops left from the receding glaciers of 18,000 years ago.

[Tintop]

I'm in Paris KY (outside Lexington) for the winter, working with carriage horses.  Had hoped to get away from the Ontario cold, but no luck so far.   Great roads as far as twisties and elevation changes, but virtually no shoulders, lined with trees, and deep ditches!  Did have to laugh though when there was a 'winter storm warning'.  Amounted to 3/4" ; at home they don't even plow until there is more than 2".

[MCRider]

I'm in Paris KY (outside Lexington) for the winter, working with carriage horses.  Had hoped to get away from the Ontario cold, but no luck so far.   Great roads as far as twisties and elevation changes, but virtually no shoulders, lined with trees, and deep ditches!  Did have to laugh though when there was a 'winter storm warning'.  Amounted to 3/4" ; at home they don't even plow until there is more than 2".

I bot the CB77 in a little  town called Berlin, pronounced BER' lin. Lots of towns named after Old World references.

Yeah, narrow, no shoulders, lots of places to make mistakes. But, fun anyway.   

[MCRider]

Thanks to insight from the forum, link posted above re: wiring DMS, we got the deadman's switch wired up. Easy peasy. Kinda trick. serious kit on a custom street bike.  So nice, bike has been on the trailer unstarted for nearly 2 months. Turn the gas on, choke it, fired right up. Tug on the lanyard, bike dies.







The front rt turn signal quit working during all this. Turns out it was the ground inside the lamp. had vibrated loose. A disassembly, tighten and reassembly fixed it. But got us thinking. It must have been Rick holding the throttle wise open, past the redline, at the drags last fall, caused high frequency vibrations. Remember last week we fixed the pivots on the HLite ring which had come undone as well.

[Stev-o]

A little loctite may be in order on that race bike!

[Tintop]

A little loctite may be in order on that race bike!

+1, or a dab is silicon.  Also keep in mind that Nylock nuts do not work if exposed to high temps.  Anything critical to rider safely should be safety wired, or pinned (eg brake bolts, axle nuts, oil drain bolt, exhaust clamp nuts(yes they come loose ).

[MCRider]

A little loctite may be in order on that race bike!

+1, or a dab is silicon.  Also keep in mind that Nylock nuts do not work if exposed to high temps.  Anything critical to rider safely should be safety wired, or pinned (eg brake bolts, axle nuts, oil drain bolt, exhaust clamp nuts(yes they come loose ).

The Headlight bucket is all buttoned up. But its telling in that Honda put cotter pins on those two pivot bolts. The aftermarket bucket and Rings I bought had an attempt at holding the vibration at bay, with a rubber washer glued to the nut, with a small hole in it that the bolt had to pass thru. The friction of the washer was to keep the nut from turning, but we overcame it. I'll keep an eye on my nylock nut fix, they are pretty firm.

I'll wire up a few more items just in case. Thanks.   

[MCRider]

Hard to believe its been 6 weeks since the last update. I've recovered from my fall, and the Parkinson's medicine is really making a difference in my mobility.

We continued to piddle every Sunday except maybe one. Even to using a walker in the shop. Not very productive, but any shop time is good therapy. Now, I keep a cane handy, but I don't need it to get around.

Most of my productive time has had to go to making a living. But I should get back to the updates soon. I have a camera full of pics.