Honda CB400NA Superdream - new money puddle.

[Johnny4428]

Good on ya Ted! Look forward to progress reports.👍

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Just a bit of an update on the 400 Superdream, the frame is now in our back garden part sheltered from the weather with a Neverland cover to keep out the rain. The engine is on my bike ramp ready for some final preparation prior to painting.
The engine block paint arrived today, however the current cold spell here in Derby is preventing me from working in the garage until it's a tad warmer.

As Wendy's main Carer I have to priorortise her needs against my time in the the garage that I view as my respite from the daily routine that is part of our new situation. I'm working on a plan to manage in some formalised Wendy sitting so I can work guilt free in the garage. Next week is a meeting for me with a Cardiolagist to discuss the pros & cons of having a Pacemaker, no time scale as to the actual waiting list if we both say yes to the idea.

[Johnny4428]

Not easy for you Ted but thanks for update and I’m sure just that little bit of 400 time will be a welcome distraction! Take care!

[Oddjob]

Are you 100% sure you will retain your bike license with a pacemaker fitted Ted? The medical questions on a license renewal these days specifically ask if you have one fitted so they must consider it some form of risk.

Waiting to see a Cardiologist myself, my ICU stay last year appears to have damaged my heart, still waiting to see how bad it is and whether it’s just damaged the wall or killed it.

Good luck either way, ring me if you ever feel the need to talk. I can talk for hours as we both know 😊😊

[Rozabikes Tim]

This is spooky. Only thinking yesterday how Ted, Wendy and Ken were.

All th best to all of you.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Are you 100% sure you will retain your bike license with a pacemaker fitted Ted? The medical questions on a license renewal these days specifically ask if you have one fitted so they must consider it some form of risk.

Waiting to see a Cardiologist myself, my ICU stay last year appears to have damaged my heart, still waiting to see how bad it is and whether it’s just damaged the wall or killed it.

Good luck either way, ring me if you ever feel the need to talk. I can talk for hours as we both know 😊😊

Good point Ken about my motorbike licence, it's now on my list of questions.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Today as a test sample I painted the front top fin of my engine with Granville  satin black cylinder  paint.
Surface was cleaned with methyl accohol.
I spread it as thin as I could. Only one coat of paint advised as otherwise surface cracking might occur.
I suspect it must be white spirit solvent based as it said on the tin that what to use to clean your brush afterwards.

It's been about 12 hours since I applied the paint, not as black a finish as I expected, more like dark brown.
Tin was shaken & stirred thoroughly before application,  could it darken when fully dry?
Not sure if I like the look, might be better to use Simonize VHT silver as I have enough in stock.

Update AI seems to say it's blooming caused by moisture in the air plus too cold in the garage?

Any comments welcome.

#.trashed-1781432747-PXL_20260515_102208427 by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

It's less Brown now, still not pucka Black.

I'll remove it and wait for summer. 🤔

[Oddjob]

I’ve used Granville black on my cb1300 which has a black engine as standard. Very unhappy with how it came out. Can’t remember what I used to redo it but it was really good and lasted a good while. Was also a spray paint. It’s well known so others should be able to name it.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Simonize VHT engine paint  perchance Ken?

[Oddjob]

No I don’t think so Ted. I’ll spot the tin next time I enter the garage. It hurts to step down into the garage right now so I try and avoid going in there.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Thanks Ken, no rush.👍