OK, I know it's been a long time... way too long, that's for sure. I really debated just trashing this thread and starting over because when I looked through it I see there is a huge amount of trash and extemporaneous posts as well as a really SAD history of all the fits and starts, some disastrous and some, honestly, a bit embarrassing. However because of the whole stupid Photobucket thing (I now post to this sites gallery rather than using Photobucket links) and the amount of new uploading and messing around I'd have to do to start a new thread I decided to just leave this one in place, warts and all, posts from now long-banned previous members, and as long and potentially boring as it is and just carry on with it. I beg your indulgence and sincerely request your comments, criticism, and encouragement!.
Almost exactly two years since there's been a post to this thread... during that time life hit us with a few twists and turns and all of my collected bits n pieces and all of the main components sat in the shop just collecting dust. Some work on the beastie was accomplished, just not documented. My frame needed some welding and it's now with Hurco550, my good friend Levi, and I'll soon have it back and begin the final work to get it prepped and painted.
I acquired an old, and really ugly (!) tank from a GS1100G and cut out the filler fixture. The cap parts were in good condition but the lock cylinder had been drilled out. On one of our trips to Columbus I found a replacement cap unit with a key and managed to make one good cap out of the two. With that situation in hand I took a deep breath and took a cutting wheel to my CB500T tank and cut an opening for the Suzuki cap fixture to drop down into. Those parts are also awaiting Levi's skillful attention. I like the looks of a modern flat fuel fixture on a vintage tank/bike, but I also often ride with a magnetic tank bag in place so having a flush filler cap seems like a logical move to me. Guess I'm a glutton for punishment, I had already spent a substantial amount of time and effort getting the tank prepped for paint and it was pretty close to ready. Welding in the new cap is going to require more work. Oh well, I'm figuring it's going to be worth it.
I also ordered and got in a set of new Michelin tires and they have been mounted and balanced. They look great on my freshly painted wheels.
So, please join me as I attempt to finally get this pile of assorted bits and pieces slapped together into a workable example of motorcycledome... motorcyclehood... motorcycleness... yeah, whatever.