Topic: custom seat from aluminum CB500K

[jvandyke]

first build, lots to learn and figure out, had a friend with a metal fab shop cut out this aluminum plate, it fits right over the frame rails, thinking of very shallow rubber bumpers under it (like stocker, only much shorter), make hook underneath to grab the cross member up front, bolt through the rear cross member, pre-drill tiny holes all around the perimeter to accept rivets as a means to attach vinyl, high density foam in layers, shaped.  plan or stupid?  I will eventually bend the aluminum to follow the contours of the frame closer.

[754]

I think the end could be rounded.

[jvandyke]

hmmmmm, you make a good point

[754]

At this point, bend the sides, use a brroomstick or rod to get the radius how thick is it, may be able to use a slappertool. Then add the round back section with rivets..use tape and cardboard to mock up. First one aint always the final version, but could be..good luck..

[jvandyke]

I don't get what you mean by "bend the sides"? 
If I decide to round off the back, he will cut me another one, no big deal to him.  I squared it off as I did more out of fear of that rear wheel coming up and kissing it, the further back it goes, the more likely that is, but I think it would look better a little rounded off, not sure I dare shave off the corners, it's gett'n pretty small as it is

[754]

I assumed you were bending the sides, to somewhat hide part of the frame and eliminate any dreaded gap. Plus a flat piece like that has no resistance to bending..

[jvandyke]

I assumed you were bending the sides, to somewhat hide part of the frame and eliminate any dreaded gap. Plus a flat piece like that has no resistance to bending..

It will sit down on the frame in 6 places, on shallow rubber bumpers, I'll take a stab at rounding off the back a bit

[DMcD]

Going to do something similar myself, but my idea was to do something like this....



However, I was considering putting the angle inside the frame, so that it looks like the seat is just sitting on top of the frame.  Getting some aluminium angle tomorrow to make a start.

[jvandyke]

That looks pretty nice, bit complicated for a guy who doesn't (yet) weld.
I've since pushed my luck and asked by bud to make me another plate with an elongated rear end and rounded, since 754 pointed it out, I agree, the square back wouldn't be as good looking.  I don't "think" the rear wheel will come up that high, one rider only of course so not much weight and I can't force compress the suspension that far by hand, I'll have my son bounce on it this weekend and double check.
It all works in my head.
I might cut some triangles into the bottom of the pan, to fold down and over, cover with rubber and act to grab the crossmember, that and a bolt should hold it down decently, thought about maintaining the OEM hinge but would have to rework it too much to make it work.

[754]

To cut your plate all you need is snips or hacksaw and a few files.
 The parts you see welded on the seat bottom shown, can all be done with rivets, and wont be seen. That way you can use several pieces put together. ..like adding a rounded end to what you got, then. When you get it how you like, you can remake out of one piece maybe.

 A lot ofcool parts you see are the result of several tries.

[jvandyke]

here's the "in my head" prototype
underside of pan (which is really a plate) will have a couple mild bends to follow the counter of the frame