Author Topic: Cafe Seat Latch Ideas? (Read 3507 times)

FunJimmy · « **on:** December 14, 2008, 04:29:11 PM »

I need some brilliant idea to latch my CB550 cafe seat.
The factory latch just sticks out way to far and will soon be cut off the frame.
What ideas to you guy have?

Jimmy

bwaller · « **Reply #1 on:** December 14, 2008, 04:41:26 PM »

1)Can it tip backwards away from the tank?

2)A VF500F seat has a locating tang on the front and spring loaded latches on each side near the back under the sidecovers.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #2 on:** December 14, 2008, 04:49:44 PM »

it's currently mounted to the factory hinge location and need the latch on the right side.

Thanks
Jimmy

bwaller · « **Reply #3 on:** December 14, 2008, 05:16:38 PM »

I'll get a pic of a 500 seat latch tomorrow if you'd like. You wouldn't be able to lock it, but you could tuck it underneath out of sight.

Alan F. · « **Reply #4 on:** December 14, 2008, 05:17:28 PM »

If you're not looking for a locking latch, maybe a simple spring loaded lever will do.....similar to the spring loaded lever used to unlatch a car hood after the linkage inside the car has been activated/pulled.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #5 on:** December 14, 2008, 07:52:34 PM »

I was just giving this a bit more thought and really only need something to keep the seat held down. The seat is positioned and secured on the left with the hinge. It sits flat on the frame cushioned by the factory rubber bumpers and just needs something on the right side to keep it snug. That’s when the thought of using rare earth magnets came up. These tiny and extremely powerful magnets could be inserted in an aluminum base fastened to the underside of my seat, and positioned so the magnet contacts the frame cross member close to the original seat lock.

Check out the spec on these rare earth magnets. http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32065&cat=1,42363,42348
Question is how much is too much.

Jimmy

void909 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 14, 2008, 09:23:41 PM »

Great ideas. I am trying to figure this part out too.

Shenanigans · « **Reply #7 on:** December 14, 2008, 09:33:28 PM »

I did not really have room for a latch after narrowing my seat so I welded these two odd bolts I found and cut 2 holes in the top rear frame brace. I used some old hard side cover grommets for the holes and the seat is very secure and pops on or off with no tools.

XN · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2008, 10:05:14 PM »

Velcro works good too

Grumpol · « **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2008, 11:09:19 PM »

as your going to cut the original latch off, if your handy with a welder why not relocate the original one.
You could have a hidden lockable latch that way

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 15, 2008, 07:39:18 AM »

Quote from: XN on December 14, 2008, 10:05:14 PM

Velcro works good too

I 2nd that...
Build a flat "plate" onto the top of the frame, then do the same on the underneath of the seat.
Some velcro and you are done..

cafe2be · « **Reply #11 on:** December 15, 2008, 10:45:55 AM »

Velcro holds that well?

BlindJoe · « **Reply #12 on:** December 15, 2008, 10:54:31 AM »

This stuff, http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/001014.php, not the kind your grandma uses

cafe2be · « **Reply #13 on:** December 15, 2008, 11:04:07 AM »

I will definately look into that. I will be following this thread, as I am going through the same thing now with my seat.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 15, 2008, 04:31:01 PM »

Normal Home Depot Velcro works better than u would think.
After your ass has been on the seat it takes a bit of prying to get the seat off.
Here's what I did on my old CB450 project -->

Sounds corny, but really works well. Why mess with a latch and crap when you can just do this ?

FunJimmy · « **Reply #15 on:** December 16, 2008, 01:52:51 AM »

Thanks for all the great ideas. A lot of thought has gone into all your solutions, but I had to find out!

Does a rare earth magnet secure a cafe seat?

Oh ya, does it ever!

The ¾” rare earth magnet with steel cup works like magic. The steel cup increases the power of the rare earth magnet 4 times. Now the seat snaps shut with a positive click, but can be pulled free with a firm tug. No apparent stress to the fiberglass seat pan while lifting or sitting on the seat. The magnetic closure also provides a solid and balanced base with the factory hinge.

bwaller · « **Reply #16 on:** December 16, 2008, 07:04:01 AM »

Good idea, well done.

tsflstb · « **Reply #17 on:** December 16, 2008, 09:17:54 PM »

Excellent idea. Just have to ask...

Do your credit cards still work?

FunJimmy · « **Reply #18 on:** December 16, 2008, 09:25:33 PM »

You really wouldn't want to get your credit card anywhere near these magnets. The warning sheet goes on to caution about the potential harm if swallowed and risk of magnets colliding with such force as to cause blood blisters. If used with the metal cups the force of these magnets is increased 4x. Amazing!

void909 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 17, 2008, 11:06:28 PM »

Where did you get the cups from? Total cost of the project? Can you also show where it connects to the frame?

FunJimmy · « **Reply #20 on:** December 18, 2008, 12:47:42 AM »

On the previous page there is a link to Lee Valley Tools.
The 3/4" rare earth magnet kits include the metal cups. Cheap too.
I'll post a picture showing the contact area of the frame ASAP.

FJ

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Author Topic: Cafe Seat Latch Ideas? (Read 3507 times)