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75 CB400 "Dad's old bike" project
Pops400:
Ok, so to top all the other problems I have going on, I found out tonight I may be losing my storage in the next couple of weeks.
Normal update service will be resumed after a brief gap once I have found somewhere to re-house. The car may have to go, but the bike is staying. Somehow...
Aly-b:
Have to say I admire your determination,you and your apprentice certainly have a job on your hands. :)
Pops400:
Thanks Aly-B.
Well, came to a bit of a dead stop yesterday after a bit of time off. So much frustration at nothing coming off in one piece and a lot of head scratching, so turned to work on the car to get some thinking time.
Here's where I'm at...
I feel like I can't progress until I can resolve the seat issue, but I'm struggling to find any serious detail on any threads or websites I can find. I see a lot of " and here's my seat hoop fitted" , but no real detail. I'm trying to figure out how this all fits together. I had planned to use the original fittings and possibly the base from the two four seat, but Now I can't see that working for a cafe, as there would be fittings sticking out all over the place. So do I need to decide on a seat first, so I can offer it up and measure for hoops, or are they some sort of standard size? How do folks fit the seats to the hoop bases?
I'm starting to consider a brat seat with a removable hump of some sort, but need to get my head round what the considerations are for mounting, battery tray ideas, welding etc. Even stuff like what brackets can be removed and what needs to stay.
I can find loads of pics of finished bikes, but can't find any to view. Nothing at all at Shepton Mallet and can't find any 400 cafe racers to view, so I'm struggling. Very much the kind of guy who gets stuff more in the flesh than from reading.
I could use some sound advice before I get much further, as I want to have the frame properly finished before I go painting or coating, so I know I'm only going to do it once.
Anyone close enough who wouldn't mind me having a look at something finished?
Also interested in centre stands, or lack of. Most cafes I see in pics seem to have dispensed with them. What are general thoughts? Any other frame things to consider that you guys can help point out?
20 questions I know, but I want to get this right and would genuinely appreciate the input now to get it right first time. Be gentle, It's my first bike build...
Thanks.
Norniron:
--- Quote from: Pops400 on February 06, 2016, 08:23:23 PM ---Got a couple of hours in today without my helper, she decided a Princess Party was a better offer.
So I thought I'd take some demolition tools with me and get medieval on that damn rear mudguard to get it out. I can sum the day in one word, to be fair. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >:(
I lost 2 hours of my life to 2 bolts. 2 HOURS!!! And I think I have broken a bone in my hand in the process. >:(
I tried heat, chiselling, tried clearing enough room to shear the bolt. Nothing. Ended up (after missing my target and clouting my hand with a hammer - hence the breakage...) having to drill in stages into the retaining nuts to try and split them. Even that ended up in several broken bits and a lot of swearing. Even after I split them, they were so rusted to the bolts I couldn't just split them off! Never come across anything like it.
Anyway, eventually got the damn things off and I have never felt such a wave of triumph in all my days. The small victories, eh?
I know this will look ridiculous to the serious engineers amongst you, but what an absolute ball-ache this was.
Drilling...
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
One of the little bleepers out! I can't believe I lost an hour each to these things!
(Attachment Link)
MUDGUARD OUT! I feel triumphant. ;D
(Attachment Link)
--- End quote ---
Buy a grinder,thin cutting blades and a full face mask mate and your two hrs couldve been two minutes
Pops400:
I know, I've got to invest one of these days, but budget is non existent, so relying on grazed knuckles an swearing. ;D
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