'75 CB550K1 Gulf - Round...3, the fun stuff

[Flugtechnik]

'75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

I'm not quite sure what you mean.

If you wanted to do 3 layers, I would do [45,0,45] or [0,45,0] depending what pattern you wanted visible on the surface. Also, as Chad pointed out, some orientations will drape around your contours better so if you don't care about the visible fiber pattern, pick the one with more layers that drape better.

If you were going to do 4 layers, I would do [45,0,0,45] or [0,45,45,0].

If the layup is symmetric about the middle, it should not warp.

If you are asking if adding another layer to your already cured part will help, no it won't.

 

[Ringo]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

Yes, I'm asking about the already cured part. Oh well...

 

[Ringo]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

Well, I did end up laying another ply of carbon on the underside of the fender, perpendicular to the previous plies to attempt to stave away future warpage. If anything, it'll just make it stiffer and harder to warp. We'll see.

I also managed to paint it. I couldn't bring myself to completely cover the carbon, so I came up with this. All the exposed area you see will remain that way, and be cleared.

[TEAZER, take note on this part...] I also had to raise the rear of the part that mounts to the fender, with a couple layers of fiberglass. My original measurement was a bit off, and it ended up being too close to the tire in front. Being a little more spaced down in the back, the fender's got about 1/2" clearance front and back.

While waiting on a couple parts, I also changed the oil, set tappet clearance, timed the Dyna S, adjusted the cam chain tensioner, wired up the steering damper, filled and bled the new MC and caliper, drilled dimples in the headlight ears, and probably a few other things that slip my mind.

 

[bradj]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

Your a machine keep it comming

 

[VonYinzer]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

Your a machine keep it comming

How bad does it hurt you to see a Honda that you know you like Brad? Hahaha...

 

[Ringo]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

Hahahaha!

 

[Swagger]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

Those parts Chris is waiting on are waiting on my lame ass.
ASAP.

 

[Ringo]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

Lee my friend, no worries. I've got time. Plenty of time. I've decided not to take the bike with me to the new duty station (at least for the first couple weeks), so I can get settled in and make a good first impression. Don't really want the classic "Jeez, he rides that?? Must be a cocky sob..."
Hotshot crews harbor some hard-ass cranky mofos... :

 

[rhavindog]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

aw shit Chris....youre a hotshot?.....and here I thought I was gonna like you.....lol

I think Ive known a few of those hardass cranks over the years. Grew up outside of missoula in the early days of the jumpers. wanted to be one when I grew up...then I grew up and got smart. realized i could jump out of planes and be safe on the ground...so I went special forces instead. way safer being shot at then what those fools do. Lotta respect for fire crews, Im too much of a pussy to do it.

Good luck for the next season. "its gonna be a scorcher"

 

[Ringo]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - last of the carbon

Hahaha, thanks man. In reality it's mostly boring dirty hot work. Plenty safe. I live just east in Bozeman, but will be up in Great Falls this summer. Shoot me a pm if you find yourself in the area!

 

[Ringo]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

Quick photo update here.

Fender, check. Belly pan, check. Hugger, close, just needs clear.

The Race Tech sticker won't be staying.

This was my first time using Spraymax 2K. I have to say I'm really impressed. It behaves just like the 'real thing', without the hassle of having to clean the gun. I did scare myself silly though. While reaching to open a window, I knocked the fender into a 5 gallon bucket of mineral spirits a couple hours after laying the clear! With much frantic cursing and cleaning, the only thing that happened to the fender was a light smudge on the clear. Disaster averted.

Now, I have a dilemma though. I nixed the pinstripe on the belly pan because I thought it might look too busy, and it was nearly impossible to lay the masking down straight all the way around. The area that was to be the exposed pinstripe, was left free of primer. When I laid the base coat of blue down, it looked fine. After I cleared it however, you can see that the base coat wasn't thick enough, and there's some slight color differences showing through. Now, I'm kind of an anal sob, and this isn't sitting well with me. That said, I can't strip it and repaint. I do have a few Race Tech decals that are the same height and length as the funky areas that would distract the eye enough not to notice it. I just wanted to get you all's opinion on whether or not this would be tacky. The only other 'branding' on the bike is the Gulf & Honda logos on the tank. Thoughts?

I don't know if it even shows up in these pics (maybe for some of you eagle-eyes out there, but not for me), but it's there in real life.

 

[JustinLonghorn]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

Very. Fucking. Rad!

 

[milehighcj360t]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

have i told you lately...thaat i hate you!. That being said, i think some decals on the belly pan wouldn't be too shabby...perhaps stick with the gulf theme tho? add a white and dark blue stripe down the side or something? i donno, just an idea...and i'd have to see said stickers you reference before puttin in my 2cents.

 

[cyclefreak]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

Man this baby just gets better and better. Great work. As far as the spots in the paint, which I can't see in the pics, I would try to find gulf or honda stickers to cover them up if or maybe airbrush something over it. I know what you mean it bothering you, I'm the same way. But chances are no one else will spot it.

 

[Tim]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

Awesome stuff. I can't see anything on the belly pan. I'd leave it alone.

What steering damper is that? I need to mount one and there are lots of those 'shorter' OEM type ones out there. Would like to use one and copy your mount

 

[Ringo]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

Haha, here you go, Henry. The white part is just backing; they're clear.

And here is as best I could do with a camera. It just doesn't want to pick it up, but it's plenty visible in real life.
Middle of the circle, yellowish area:

 

[Ringo]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

Awesome stuff. I can't see anything on the belly pan. I'd leave it alone.

What steering damper is that? I need to mount one and there are lots of those 'shorter' OEM type ones out there. Would like to use one and copy your mount

Thanks Tim, it's a K8 GSXR750 electronic damper. You can find non-electronic ones from other year GSXRs too, which is what I'd recommend. I can get you some more pics of the mount if you'd like. It was a pretty simple little welding job...

 

[VonYinzer]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

So effin' great.

 

[Tim]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

Thanks Tim, it's a K8 GSXR750 electronic damper. You can find non-electronic ones from other year GSXRs too, which is what I'd recommend. I can get you some more pics of the mount if you'd like. It was a pretty simple little welding job...

Definitely need some pics. Just bought this one on eBay for $31 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251051795143?item=251051795143&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160&vxp=mtr

 

[Tim]

Re: '75 CB550K1 Gulf - paint and...basically done

Nice round spot for a DTT logo I'm kidding of course. Upside down smiley face.