Teds new project a CB500 K1 mostly version 0.5 circa 1972.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I need to find a local firm if I go for new seat foam & base powder coating that might be something for next winter - I hope to have the bike as a runner again by early May 2024.
The seat looks better from one side than the other though to a casual observer its good for a 50 year old bike - just a bit lumpy on one side for want of a better description.
The clips are LIGHTLY rusted but might clean up with a wire brush & some painting in the short term.


.seat base by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Decided to keep the seat as is due to costs until the seat has to be restored fully.
I rubbed off the rust with W & D then zinc primer left it to dry for a week.
Smooth Hammerite paint - just need to touch in a few more bits to stop it getting worse on the underneath.
Photo makes it look like I painted it with a yard brush with streak of brown - I must try a soft focus lens next time - looks better in the flesh than in the photo.

.PXL_20240103_123232435 by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Had the call today from CWC wheels are ready to collect.👍👍👍


I dropped the hubs off before Christmas 2023 - they must have plenty of work on.

[Johnny4428]

Had the call today from CWC wheels are ready to collect.👍👍👍


I dropped the hubs off before Christmas 2023 - they must have plenty of work on.

That’s quite a wait Ted! Did they indicate it would be that long when you dropped them off?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I've just checked my build log, I dropped the bare wheel hubs off on the 30th November 2023. They said they should be done by mid February 2024 or thereabouts.

I chased them up after the 15th February by e-mail they replied that they were waiting for the Rims to come back from the Anodisers. Time scale wise it was about the same time for my 400.

On the plus side it's removed the temptation to get frozen in my garage over the winter plus time to save up too.

[Johnny4428]

Not a problem when your not in a hurry I guess.👍

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Only a problem if I drop of the perch before I get them back - not easy to sell a part restored 500 with no wheels fitted. I'm collecting them in the morning.💀💀💀

[Johnny4428]

Jesus Ted! Is the old “reaper” gaining on you? 🤣🤣🤣. Hope not!

[Matt_Harrington]

Only a problem if I drop of the perch before I get them back - not easy to sell a part restored 500 with no wheels fitted. I'm collecting them in the morning.💀💀💀

Love the positive approach !

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Jesus Ted! Is the old “reaper” gaining on you? 🤣🤣🤣. Hope not!

Who knows when he will weild his Scythe - as with most folk my age we loose family, friends & ex-workmates to remind us of our mortality.  Sounds morbid I see it as practical.

On the positive scale I feel no older than I did last year.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I collected the wheels from CWC - happy with the wheels and the left side rear sprocket carrier hub part all powder coated in a sort of chrome / alloy finish similar to my 400.

I will post some photos up later - my only disappointment was the rear brake hub that was a less than a perfect finish having a few spots & small pimples. I had what I thought was a quite defensive discussion with one of the Guys who basically said on 50 year old alloy it was the best they could do due to an issue called "Gassing" when powder coating.

In reality when the exhausts are fitted it might not be too visible - it just spoilt an otherwise good outcome.

[Matt_Harrington]

Isn't that because the heated it a little too much? My powder coating guy re-did  my Guzzi wheels (which looked fine to me!) without me even asking. He said that the pimples / spots were because the oven temp was a little high.

[Laverda Dave]

At least you have got them back Ted and can now continue the build.  I had my hubs painted with Ford Silver Fox. The wheel builder took less than 24 hours to lace them up. Just waiting for my tyres now from Demon Tweaks, I bought a pair of Pirelli City Demons, they are on special offer at the moment with a 45% discount. If I could get into my bank app I would tell you how much I paid but the app is on my waterlogged phone! I know the two tyres, two pirelli inner tubes and two rim tapes cost less than £200 so maybe worth a look if you haven't bought the tyres yet.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Thanks Dave - I had them fit the Tyres & Tubes as well - Dunlop K70's my rims are a tad wider than standard same as the rusted ones I replaced.
19 x 1.85 & 18 x 2.15.

[Johnny4428]

At least you have got them back Ted and can now continue the build.  I had my hubs painted with Ford Silver Fox. The wheel builder took less than 24 hours to lace them up. Just waiting for my tyres now from Demon Tweaks, I bought a pair of Pirelli City Demons, they are on special offer at the moment with a 45% discount. If I could get into my bank app I would tell you how much I paid but the app is on my waterlogged phone! I know the two tyres, two pirelli inner tubes and two rim tapes cost less than £200 so maybe worth a look if you haven't bought the tyres yet.

Waterlogged phone?? Cmon give us a laugh!😜