Topic: Group buy for carb rack main shaft, 303 stainless steel

[fastbroshi]

Hey guys,

  I was tearing down a carb rack the other day and noticed that like the other 3 I've run across, the main shaft the carbs linkages ride on was corroding and not in good shape.  Not sure what metal it is, but it definitely made getting everything apart more difficult.  So I went to the machinist and got a quote on getting it replicated in stainless steel because I just have this ocd thing about rust.  

  This shaft is the one that goes through the aluminum rack that the carb bodies are attached to.  As far as I know the whole setup is the same for CB550s that have 087, 022, and 069A carbs, or the ones with the tops shown below.  May not fit the PD style carbs.  For the savvy 750 owners out there maybe you can confirm if this shaft is the same on any of your bikes.   If you're not sure what carburetors I'm talking about, please see the pics below.

   My idea is we can do a group buy and If we get about 10 total or so the price would be pretty reasonable, about $45.  I'm getting at least three so if seven of you want to hop on board that'll work.  However if you want the woodruff keys in stainless you'll have to source that for McMaster Carr.  I haven't priced them yet but they're probably pretty cheap.  I can source these too if desired.

   Please reply to this and add your name to the list if interested.  I'll give this a week from the post date, if no one is interested I'll have them go ahead and make mine and I'll get this post deleted.  Once and if we get 10 names, I'll pm you all for your contact info and let you know where to paypal or send payment.  When you quote this to add your name, please delete the pictures so as to not muck up the thread.  Thanks!!

  1.  Fastbroshi
  2.  
 

[magconpres]

If it's not too late, I'm in for 2 sets.
These are for a CB400, right?

[fastbroshi]

Nope, they're for the 550.  I doubt the shafts are the same but you can mic yours if you want and we can compare.

[754]

Geez that one looks like hell.

 I  may have a carbset that has a good one for not much more than that..

 Is it 2 keyseats and a groove on them shafts.. 450 for 10 sounds not so cheap..

 I would really be careful & make sure the stainless will not gall or stick in the other parts before committing to 10 pcs.

 Cost of replating in proper Zinc coating probably 10 bux or less if you do a few items.
 
 I have do build stainless parts occasionaly.. sometimes on resto bikes.. They call it lifetime & better.. I call it incorrect..

[traveler]

mine on my '77 looked the same.  A few minutes with 80 grit sandpaper, they they were back to "nice and shiney".

~Joe

[fastbroshi]

 I would really be careful & make sure the stainless will not gall or stick in the other parts before committing to 10 pcs.

How would one test this?

[754]

You can probably research it a bit online.

 Stainless is known to bind or gall up under certain conditions.

 I do have a set of these somewhere, not sure but I am thinking shaft goes thru like 2 aluminum bosses. Plated steel may do fine with this. Yours appears to live in a fairly corrosive environment. I am thinking when it sits for a while, like fall/winter, it may dry out a bit.. if its sticky, and you oil around it with plated steel it is fine. Not positive that you will get that result in stainless, if it start sticking, it may wear a lot just getting it loosened up.

If you leave the topic up for a bit, pretty sure you can get more input on that, fairly soon..

[fastbroshi]

  I don't know why I didn't think of carving it from aluminum.  I wonder if there would be a grade of aluminum suitable for this?  Off to google I go.

[magconpres]

Nope, they're for the 550.  I doubt the shafts are the same but you can mic yours if you want and we can compare.

9.8mm using my cheap HF calipers.

[fastbroshi]

IM HavocTurbo with a pic of yours, he's got mine and can compare for you.

[HavocTurbo]

I've got yours yes.... I'll see about using 356 AL maybe a T6 heat treat?
 What do you think Frank (754)??

I'm not in my shop today but I can measure it for you... I'll post dimensions.


I plan on making a few of these guys for anyone who wants em. I'll have to work out a few things first for cost effectiveness etc....

But it's pretty doable.

[fastbroshi]

Thanks for responding HT, I was about to pm you about an alternative to stainless. 

[754]

 I kept from posting, hoping you would read up on it..

 I think Aluminum would work, but should be anodized, will be 1/3 the weight of steel.

 6061 T6 or 7075 would work, the 7 series is very strong.
 I am not sure but think the shaft would be nominasl size, like maybe 10mm?

 You can buy it already in T6, so if size is right, cut the woodruff keyseats, and ready for coating..

[fastbroshi]

I mic'ed mine a while back before I sent it to HT, it comes in right around 9.7-9.8mm diameter. 

[754]

Dont have a calculator..try 9.7 x .03937.. see if it is near .375..

[fastbroshi]

that comes to .38199.  You know you have a calc on your cpu right?  lol

[754]

Cpu..?

[fastbroshi]

On your computer, if you're running windows that is.   Start --> All Programs --> Accessories... should be in there.

[754]

To complicated for me.. I stick to easy stuff like, billet parts, the odd spline... stuff like that..

 Besides if I am thinking clear (wasnt last nite).. I just take.393 or .394.. minus (3 x .004 =.012)..= .381..

 Usually I can do it quick in my head if I am not drinking beers.

.........................................................................................

 Anyway, seems we have established that we cant get onsize material, sucks, makes it more work...

[fastbroshi]

Step away from the lathe sir.