Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB350/400 => Topic started by: taysidedragon on October 28, 2014, 07:08:56 PM
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I've been buying parts as I've been going along with my rebuild. My plan was to buy a set of DSS replica downpipes as one of the last items. I noticed recently that they aren't listed on their website anymore. Initially thought that they'd be listed again when re-stocked so I've been keeping an eye on the website, but no luck.
I emailed DSS today to find out what the story is. Apparently they've had problems with sets not fitting so they had a new batch made and had the same problem.
Result is - replica downpipes withdrawn from sale until DSS are happy with the fit. :(
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Sorry about that but not surprised by it glad I bought 2 sets 4 or 5 years ago getting old cant remember now.
Cheers
Bitsa
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DSS supplied me with these when I got my OE Honda collector/header some 4 years ago.
They fitted on ok but were not quite right as they wouldn't quite sit in line when you look along the side.... You need to see a full genuine system to compare....
Also, the No 3 bends were slightly out on mine so the gap to the adjacent pipes was off..... See an original setup to compare .
Don't forget....they are not double skinned, so will tarnish near the head quicker the other two.
Spent a small fortune on getting the rare NOS items, re-chroming one of these in the process.
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Hmmm, thanks for the tip off.
I have a set of DS pipes in my house awaiting completion of the engine rebuild. I will call DS to find out what the problem is before I take them out of their lovely plastic wrapping!
Still got the oringinals of course, but a bit tatty and I'm told costly to renovate/re-chrome.
Oh joy...
D.
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I rang DS this morning for details of the problem.
(Adding to Clem's comments): Apparently the middle two pipes can touch... not a good look on this most iconic feature of these bikes!
DS will take back any faulty systems. I will now approach this (dare I say, relatively simple) task with extra caution.
Cheers all,
D.
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interesting...
I "dry" fitted my DSS headers to the system on the kitchen floor. I could see the gaps and general line up was likely not as good as it should be. As you say, no's 2 and 3 almost touching.
I rang DSS at the time - the young guy at the other end said they'd had no complaints about the fit up. Was a bit peeved having spent several hundred quid with them too!
This problem seems strange to me... I got mine in 2010 and the problem remained for 4 years :(
NC pipe benders have been around for years and once a program is proven, the repeatability should be good. An inspection fixture readily shows if a pipe is wrong - make one using an OE pipe and also keep a master to check the fixture !
I'd like to know more about the way these were made.
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I did agree a few weeks back to get together a list of questions from us collectively to ask DS directly (as he requested when he joined us on here early this year). Been away so not done it yet, remiss of me I know, but everyone please remind me about the questions we have:-
He is now in the final stages of getting CB72 / 77 pipes re-manufactured BTW, which he displayed at Stafford.
From what I remember:-
1) Progress on replica HM341 and 500/4 pipes
2) Bad bonding / fit of pattern brake shoes.
3) Reminder about problem with aftermarket 750K0 fork stanchions
4) Fit of 400/4 replica pipes.
5) Supply of Yamiya seats/covers (already addressed).
Cheers ... AshD
Started another post!
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Hmmmm. I wonder what the downpipes that Wemoto sell are like,to fit.
Kenny.
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Hmmmm. I wonder what the downpipes that Wemoto sell are like,to fit.
Kenny.
I got mine from Wemoto and had the same problems - not quite lining up etc. To be fair to Wemoto, after a couple of photos were email, the pipes were collected and replaced in double quick time.
Makes you wonder if they all come from the same supplier...
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Yeah, I was wondering if they were from the same supplier.
Kenny.
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Given this thread, I'd now like to get a quote for having my original Honda header pipes rechromed. I could then attach them to the DS collector box and silencer (I think).
Anyone got any ideas, tips or recommendations for getting this work done (or at least quoted for!)?
Thank you,
D.
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Drew - aren't the down pipes all separate on the DS ones? On the genuine Honda 1 and 3 are integral with the collector so not sure what you mean.
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They are indeed and so a 'little' repair welding will be required, hence the seeking of tips here and potential contacts in the industry.
My Honda collector box is knackered and probably unrepairable, but I'll take along the whole lot to someone who knows what they're doing.
That said, I have yet to try dry fitting the DS parts so all this is conjecture/planning at present.
Cheers,
D.
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If you find someone willing to re chrome used exhausts, let us know. I asked around a few times, always got told it was a no go due to risk of contamination of the chroming tanks.
Cheers
Matt
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If you find someone willing to re chrome used exhausts, let us know. I asked around a few times, always got told it was a no go due to risk of contamination of the chroming tanks.
Cheers
Matt
Matt .... A fellow CB250K0 restorer I know called Chris had his 250 pipes re-chromed for 35GBP each (very rough parts to start with).
I also met another 250k restorer I know well, at Stafford called Rob who has also used them with good results.
http://www.classicsandchrome.co.uk/1.html
Here are Chris's comments:
"I used Classic & Chrome for my chroming and they charged me £35 each for the down pipes. I pre-soaked them in caustic soda for a week, although he would have preferred longer. (ask for Dave)".
[attachimg=1]
Here is Chris's CB250K0 bike 'as found' and all of the parts in the above pic are from this! pretty incredible really:
CHEERS ... AshD
[attachimg=2]
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Looks very good. If I can get the time to weld them up I might even try to save my 550k3 exhauts. Thanks for sharing that. Great results. I have a few exhausts to send them. I have some exhausts of that rough era and capacity honda, bought from the scrappies because I thought they might with a bit of work fit my wifes 250 nighthawk and they were not that much. I must put them up in the members for sale section, might be of use to someone on here. I think that scrappies weighed in a load of these little old hondas. The guy in charge lacked much of a clue about older stuff. Heatbreaking. Over the years I found all sorts of things like a cable operated disk brake caliper hanging out of a mountain of scrap bikes. Ask them if they had sutch and sutch a bike, no, go look in their compound, you would find 3 in the brambles.
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Nice one, Ash.
Cheers, D.
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They didn't rechrome the silencers then? 8)
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They didn't rechrome the silencers then? 8)
No a bit far gone.. on my 250K0 I managed to get a pair of NOS complete Genuine exhaustsin their original polythene from Govnors Bridge , which was one of those rare finds
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A bit ????
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Well in need of a bit of tlc? Back when I first started on bikes, my mate worked out his dt50 exhaust was restricted and made up a replacement out of sheet steel working out the shapes needed to get a approximate curve and cones to get a working expansion chamber, it remarkably increased speed by over 50% I reacon that for pipes that cannot be replicated economically using tooling and presses, then freehand metalworking might render acceptable results. With a bit of practice and a lot of patience. The cb500/4 exhausts are about the hardest shape, compared to these the 550k3 are simples. Mind you I suspect to pay the tinbasher a decent wage the cost could be high, and the stamped numbers would present considerable problems.
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We are the manufacturer of the replica 400-4 downpipes sold by David Silver.
There has been a fitting problem related to recent production- we are in the final stages of updating manufacturing jigs and making some minor changes to ensure that this is resolved and the "normal" fitting process is resumed. This has involved working on a bike as clearances (even with the original system) has always been very close
We are working hard to make sure that David Silver can resume supply of the latest (no problems!) production very shortly
apologies to anyone that has struggled with this recent stock- sorry !!!!!!!
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Hmmmm. I wonder what the downpipes that Wemoto sell are like,to fit.
Kenny.
I got mine from Wemoto and had the same problems - not quite lining up etc. To be fair to Wemoto, after a couple of photos were email, the pipes were collected and replaced in double quick time.
Makes you wonder if they all come from the same supplier...
David Silver is the only distributor of our replica pipes- we do not supply anyone else
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We are the manufacturer of the replica 400-4 downpipes sold by David Silver.
There has been a fitting problem related to recent production- we are in the final stages of updating manufacturing jigs and making some minor changes to ensure that this is resolved and the "normal" fitting process is resumed. This has involved working on a bike as clearances (even with the original system) has always been very close
We are working hard to make sure that David Silver can resume supply of the latest (no problems!) production very shortly
apologies to anyone that has struggled with this recent stock- sorry !!!!!!!
Thanks for the reply. Good to know progress is being made. Cheers.
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Look forward to D.S. getting downpipes back in stock. :) :)
I notice that Wemoto don't list 400/4 downpipes anymore.
Kenny.
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I was fortunate enough to win an ebay auction for 3 original (fairly scabby) headers and collector box for 31.77.
It was missing the number 1 header so i phoned Dave Silvers and asked if he had any old solid number 1 pipes lying around after their 400f renovation project.
20 quid later i had the missing pipe.
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t202/davsco03/s-l140.jpg) (http://s161.photobucket.com/user/davsco03/media/s-l140.jpg.html)
185 quid later they were all shiny and new :)
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t202/davsco03/DSC_0813.jpg) (http://s161.photobucket.com/user/davsco03/media/DSC_0813.jpg.html)
(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t202/davsco03/DSC_0681.jpg) (http://s161.photobucket.com/user/davsco03/media/DSC_0681.jpg.html)
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Looks fantastic! .. who did the chroming? did you have to pre-soak in caustic soda?
Cheers ... AshD
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Oops, forgot to say who did the chroming. Doh!
It was done by Chromefix in Birmingham. (also known as Broadway Brass Limited)
I didn't have to do any prep work at all, just sent them away and they came back, i think, within a fortnight.
I must admit i was surprised that they actually did exhaust pipes as i'd heard about the chemical contamination issues and how some other companies are reluctant to take on the job.
Have a look at their project gallery, they do some nice work.
http://www.chromefix.co.uk/
ETA... the 4 finned clamps were also included in the price.
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Hmm Trig do you think they will chrome my HM300's :P
Mick
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I was thinking the same thing Mick. I have a set of chromless 323's that could do with a bit of bling.
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I bought a set of 400/4 downpipes from Wemoto in early Sept. only because D.S. didn't have any (I now know why),and I had some spare cash. I don't intend to fit them for a few months yet.
Contacted Wemoto this morning,regarding not fitting/lining up properly. The guy said that they are not aware of any issues with their systems and have had no complaints or comeback from customers. They have sold 6 sets of these pipes.
The reason they are not on their website for sale anymore is that they have sold all their stock and cant source any more at present.
Kenny.
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Just to update this discussion.
We have identified the single production batch where there was a fit problem and recovered/scrapped them
we have taken the opportunity to get another bike in an make all new manufacturing and checking jigs to ensure that this never happens again. In fact at random 20% of current production has been checked on a bike to complete this issue 100%-
David Silver now has new stock available for sale.
Sorry for the delay guys!
Ian McDonald
ianmcdonald@motad.co.uk
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Awesome response Ian, well done.