goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
Thanks guys!
I think it flows a lot nicer as well.
Thanks guys!
I think it flows a lot nicer as well.
My First 1974 cb450: Tabasco! [SOLD! "FIGHTER" THREAD UP!]
- Thread starter goodfornothing
- Start date
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
So far I've sprayed the clocks and the rear shocks with black appliance epoxy. I've got a few runs on the clocks so those will be wetsanded and re-coated tomorrow morning. The paint on the rear shocks didn't come out smooth because the damper body has a rough surface. The springs are aesthetically ugly as well. The rear shocks work, so they will have to do for now.
I stripped and cleaned the engine mounts with a wire wheel then they will be painted as well. I also bondo'd the knee indents for my tank, but I didn't sand them down yet. Again, that'll be for tomorrow.
So far I've sprayed the clocks and the rear shocks with black appliance epoxy. I've got a few runs on the clocks so those will be wetsanded and re-coated tomorrow morning. The paint on the rear shocks didn't come out smooth because the damper body has a rough surface. The springs are aesthetically ugly as well. The rear shocks work, so they will have to do for now.
I stripped and cleaned the engine mounts with a wire wheel then they will be painted as well. I also bondo'd the knee indents for my tank, but I didn't sand them down yet. Again, that'll be for tomorrow.
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
Hey man, Looking real good. I like the redo on the seat! Looks kick ass. Make sure you wait atleast a week before you repaint the appliance epoxy. I usually started over when I got runs or didn't like how something looked after painting epoxy. I would just hit it with stripper, clean it, sand and prep, and do it again all in the same day. Otherwise you have to wait at least a week. Grab up some photos when you get a chance.
Hey man, Looking real good. I like the redo on the seat! Looks kick ass. Make sure you wait atleast a week before you repaint the appliance epoxy. I usually started over when I got runs or didn't like how something looked after painting epoxy. I would just hit it with stripper, clean it, sand and prep, and do it again all in the same day. Otherwise you have to wait at least a week. Grab up some photos when you get a chance.
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
I wanted to add that you'll be real happy with that epoxy on the springs and such as long as you prepped really good. The stuff is tough as hell! My shocks still look like brand new even after me banging them around abit. Also, you can get everything smooth (springs, etc) with lots of elbow grease. Mine were rusted/pitted pretty bad. Hit them with 100 grit then 160, 220, and finish with 400. I washed mine with purple stuff, then wiped em down 2-3 times with denatured alochol. Buttery smooth and I get the impression that it's forever.
This photo was taken of the exhaust tips but you can see the shocks
I wanted to add that you'll be real happy with that epoxy on the springs and such as long as you prepped really good. The stuff is tough as hell! My shocks still look like brand new even after me banging them around abit. Also, you can get everything smooth (springs, etc) with lots of elbow grease. Mine were rusted/pitted pretty bad. Hit them with 100 grit then 160, 220, and finish with 400. I washed mine with purple stuff, then wiped em down 2-3 times with denatured alochol. Buttery smooth and I get the impression that it's forever.
This photo was taken of the exhaust tips but you can see the shocks
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
Wow what a change! I already painted the shocks black, but I think I'm going to strip it and smoothen them out. I was going to go with black shocks and polished springs, but I may use the color scheme that you used because the springs look really bad.
I got a few things done today. I sanded the knee indents that were bondo'd. They didn't come out super smooth so I'm going to have to use some filler primer and smooth it out with that. Bondo sucks. I also wetsanded my gauges today but I found out that I didn't sand them down enough, so there goes another week to wait. Live and learn.
I painted the top engine mounts and exhaust mounts:
Here's a close up of the springs:
And this is the result after sanding it with a coarse sanding sponge. It looks a lot smoother and it also revealed more paint specks that will have to be stripped. Then I will sand it again.
Wow what a change! I already painted the shocks black, but I think I'm going to strip it and smoothen them out. I was going to go with black shocks and polished springs, but I may use the color scheme that you used because the springs look really bad.
I got a few things done today. I sanded the knee indents that were bondo'd. They didn't come out super smooth so I'm going to have to use some filler primer and smooth it out with that. Bondo sucks. I also wetsanded my gauges today but I found out that I didn't sand them down enough, so there goes another week to wait. Live and learn.
I painted the top engine mounts and exhaust mounts:
Here's a close up of the springs:
And this is the result after sanding it with a coarse sanding sponge. It looks a lot smoother and it also revealed more paint specks that will have to be stripped. Then I will sand it again.
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
Yeah man, At first I took a broom handle and taped 100 grit sand paper to it and used that on the inside of the spring. Then I realized that if you take a piece of paper and slid it inside of the spring then fish it back out so its wraped around one spring. Take ahold of both ends of the sand paper and go to town. You can sand all sides of the spring that way. Go through each grit till you get to 400. Then ready to paint. By the way, That epoxy silver looks really good too. It is kinda a brushed stainless look. Just a thought??
Yeah man, At first I took a broom handle and taped 100 grit sand paper to it and used that on the inside of the spring. Then I realized that if you take a piece of paper and slid it inside of the spring then fish it back out so its wraped around one spring. Take ahold of both ends of the sand paper and go to town. You can sand all sides of the spring that way. Go through each grit till you get to 400. Then ready to paint. By the way, That epoxy silver looks really good too. It is kinda a brushed stainless look. Just a thought??
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
Happy Easter!
I made some progress today:
I was able to strip the shocks today and sanded them down a bit. They have some crazy pitting, but I tried to get them smooth. They will will get a few coats of the black epoxy again. Troybilt, I'm actually going to go with Rustoleum Metallic Silver on my springs. It'd be useless trying to polish them since they're pitted as well.
Next, I cleaned up the engine a bit. I LOVE SIMPLE GREEN! That stuff is amazing. The engine was really dirty but I was able to clean it a little. I got rid of the majority of crud cleaned off but the hard to reach places will need more work. After it's clean, I'm going to spray bomb it low gloss black.
Happy Easter!
I made some progress today:
I was able to strip the shocks today and sanded them down a bit. They have some crazy pitting, but I tried to get them smooth. They will will get a few coats of the black epoxy again. Troybilt, I'm actually going to go with Rustoleum Metallic Silver on my springs. It'd be useless trying to polish them since they're pitted as well.
Next, I cleaned up the engine a bit. I LOVE SIMPLE GREEN! That stuff is amazing. The engine was really dirty but I was able to clean it a little. I got rid of the majority of crud cleaned off but the hard to reach places will need more work. After it's clean, I'm going to spray bomb it low gloss black.
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
New plan with springs:
- Silver Epoxy on the Shocks
- Black Epoxy on the Springs
I was able to clean and polish my forks. Here's one fork that I cleaned lying next to a dirty fork.
And here are both of them cleaned, polished, and cleared. I didn't do a spectacular job polishing them. In person they don't look that impressive, but they do look WAY better than how I got them so I'm satisfied. Plus, I want to give my bike an edgy-I-don't-care-that-I'm-not-100%-clean-because-I'm-badass look.
New plan with springs:
- Silver Epoxy on the Shocks
- Black Epoxy on the Springs
I was able to clean and polish my forks. Here's one fork that I cleaned lying next to a dirty fork.
And here are both of them cleaned, polished, and cleared. I didn't do a spectacular job polishing them. In person they don't look that impressive, but they do look WAY better than how I got them so I'm satisfied. Plus, I want to give my bike an edgy-I-don't-care-that-I'm-not-100%-clean-because-I'm-badass look.
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
Hey man, those forks look great!
As far as: "I want to give my bike an edgy-I-don't-care-that-I'm-not-100%-clean-because-I'm-badass look." I absolutly love that look, but in my opinion you can't slack on fabrication and such. Not saying you are going to do this, but all too often guys use this as an excuse for sloppy fabrication. Like I said, I love the look, but in my opinion, the fabrication is the true reflection of the owner. Just my .02 so take it for what its worth.
Flat silver shocks and shiney black springs will look very cool! You may want to do a few other things on the bike with the flat silver to help tie it all together. Just a thought.
Keep up the good work! Troy
Hey man, those forks look great!
As far as: "I want to give my bike an edgy-I-don't-care-that-I'm-not-100%-clean-because-I'm-badass look." I absolutly love that look, but in my opinion you can't slack on fabrication and such. Not saying you are going to do this, but all too often guys use this as an excuse for sloppy fabrication. Like I said, I love the look, but in my opinion, the fabrication is the true reflection of the owner. Just my .02 so take it for what its worth.
Flat silver shocks and shiney black springs will look very cool! You may want to do a few other things on the bike with the flat silver to help tie it all together. Just a thought.
Keep up the good work! Troy
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
Thanks fellas!
Troy, thank you for the advice. I'm not 100% on looks but I am indeed 110% on functionality. As far as tying the colors in together, I was considering doing the rear brake hub in epoxy silver since I plan on painting the spokes in black. I'm also considering painting the front caliper in silver. Hopefully as the project comes along, it'll all come together.
Thanks fellas!
Troy, thank you for the advice. I'm not 100% on looks but I am indeed 110% on functionality. As far as tying the colors in together, I was considering doing the rear brake hub in epoxy silver since I plan on painting the spokes in black. I'm also considering painting the front caliper in silver. Hopefully as the project comes along, it'll all come together.
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
So today my good buddy came over and helped me do some work on the engine. We tried drilling pilot holes for the rotor but the drill bit got dull.
I'm going to have to pick up some bits at good ole Harbor Freight.
We degreased and scrubbed the engine and let it dry in the sun.
Then we wiped it down with acetone and taped off some areas. Prior to drilling a couple holes in the rotor, I drilled some holes in the clutch/sprocket cover. I don't have a step down drill bit yet, but I'm going to increase the diameter of the holes as it goes up.
Next we laid down 2 layers of Duplicolor's Low Gloss Black. I used a sidekick to take most of these pictures but it looked reaaaaally nice in person. I then sprayed one layer of clear but the nozzle wasn't spraying right so it made the engine look dusty. Next week I'm going to have to give it one more light coat so it won't look dusty. Here's a picture of the engine prior to the clear.
I will post better pictures of the engine after I recoat, sand the fins, and spray some white/biscuit accents on some areas. I'm also looking for the stock seat latch pin assembly that goes into the seat lock assembly. If any of you guys have it, I'll be willing to buy it off of you!
So today my good buddy came over and helped me do some work on the engine. We tried drilling pilot holes for the rotor but the drill bit got dull.
I'm going to have to pick up some bits at good ole Harbor Freight.
We degreased and scrubbed the engine and let it dry in the sun.
Then we wiped it down with acetone and taped off some areas. Prior to drilling a couple holes in the rotor, I drilled some holes in the clutch/sprocket cover. I don't have a step down drill bit yet, but I'm going to increase the diameter of the holes as it goes up.
Next we laid down 2 layers of Duplicolor's Low Gloss Black. I used a sidekick to take most of these pictures but it looked reaaaaally nice in person. I then sprayed one layer of clear but the nozzle wasn't spraying right so it made the engine look dusty. Next week I'm going to have to give it one more light coat so it won't look dusty. Here's a picture of the engine prior to the clear.
I will post better pictures of the engine after I recoat, sand the fins, and spray some white/biscuit accents on some areas. I'm also looking for the stock seat latch pin assembly that goes into the seat lock assembly. If any of you guys have it, I'll be willing to buy it off of you!
andrew embassy
Been Around the Block
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
Looking really nice man!
Looking really nice man!
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
Alright. So originally I was going leave my rims chrome and paint my spokes black...but I changed my mind. The spokes will remain black, however the rims are going to be white. I've already painted the rims, but I'm going to post a picture of the wheels when I am done with them.
I was also able to re-coat my gauges and it turned out a lot better than the first time.
I removed the pitting from my shocks and prepped them for black epoxy.
Then I shot it with 2 coats. It has a bit of orange peel, but it's A LOT smoother in person. This isn't my concern since I don't expect someone to stare at my shocks lol.
Now here's an idea I've been really going back and forth with: Rear sets. The reason why I decided to go with rear sets is that I'm going to using clip-ons instead of clubmans. My plan is to replicate Herm's rearsets with some of my own changes and twists. So far I've drawn a figure of the lever along with some measurements.
The rear sets will be mounted where Herm mounted his. If you other 450 guys are comfortable with that positioning and if my rear sets turn out to work great, I'll make a few extra sets for you guys. Let me know if anyone would be interested.
Alright. So originally I was going leave my rims chrome and paint my spokes black...but I changed my mind. The spokes will remain black, however the rims are going to be white. I've already painted the rims, but I'm going to post a picture of the wheels when I am done with them.
I was also able to re-coat my gauges and it turned out a lot better than the first time.
I removed the pitting from my shocks and prepped them for black epoxy.
Then I shot it with 2 coats. It has a bit of orange peel, but it's A LOT smoother in person. This isn't my concern since I don't expect someone to stare at my shocks lol.
Now here's an idea I've been really going back and forth with: Rear sets. The reason why I decided to go with rear sets is that I'm going to using clip-ons instead of clubmans. My plan is to replicate Herm's rearsets with some of my own changes and twists. So far I've drawn a figure of the lever along with some measurements.
The rear sets will be mounted where Herm mounted his. If you other 450 guys are comfortable with that positioning and if my rear sets turn out to work great, I'll make a few extra sets for you guys. Let me know if anyone would be interested.
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
I had time today to drill 3/8" holes to mount my rear sets. I messed up on the right side so I resorted to using bondo to patch it up. Hopefully that'll work. I have the right placement hole drilled in now so it's time to make my rear sets. I'm going to further re-coat the frame but I have a feeling it'll scratch and chip easily anyway.
I ordered some resin for my seat and it should be in by next wednesday. Other than that, I have to find more stuff to do while spending a minimal amount of money.
I had time today to drill 3/8" holes to mount my rear sets. I messed up on the right side so I resorted to using bondo to patch it up. Hopefully that'll work. I have the right placement hole drilled in now so it's time to make my rear sets. I'm going to further re-coat the frame but I have a feeling it'll scratch and chip easily anyway.
I ordered some resin for my seat and it should be in by next wednesday. Other than that, I have to find more stuff to do while spending a minimal amount of money.
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
My build is like a fat girl...it needs love too
LOL
I started recording some videos of the progress I'm making with the bike. Perhaps I'll use the footage to make some sort of mini-series on youtube of my build. Anyway....
Taped off my rims and got the rest of the wheel painted. I think taping has become one of my new farvorite hobbies. I can't wait to remove the paint! It took a lot time taping the wheels some, but I'm sure it'll be a lot easier taking it off, woot! Here they are taped up.
And here's a close-up of the rear wheel. Appliance epoxy amazes me when it comes out all smooth.
I also removed the tape from my gauges. They look pretty neato.
I have quite a bit left to do. I feel like I'm overlooking the small things but at least I'm getting some bigger parts of the project finished. I ordered fiberglass resin from US Composites and it should be coming in Wednesday. I've also changed the way I'm going to spend money on this project. Usually I'd just buy stuff because I know I'll use it for the project one day or another. But from now on I'm going to buy as a new task comes up. I'm going to be saving for the bigger stuff later (clip-ons, fork seal/rebuild, exhaust, etc) until I start putting the bike together. I will be working on the rear sets soon as well. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
My build is like a fat girl...it needs love too
LOL
I started recording some videos of the progress I'm making with the bike. Perhaps I'll use the footage to make some sort of mini-series on youtube of my build. Anyway....
Taped off my rims and got the rest of the wheel painted. I think taping has become one of my new farvorite hobbies. I can't wait to remove the paint! It took a lot time taping the wheels some, but I'm sure it'll be a lot easier taking it off, woot! Here they are taped up.
And here's a close-up of the rear wheel. Appliance epoxy amazes me when it comes out all smooth.
I also removed the tape from my gauges. They look pretty neato.
I have quite a bit left to do. I feel like I'm overlooking the small things but at least I'm getting some bigger parts of the project finished. I ordered fiberglass resin from US Composites and it should be coming in Wednesday. I've also changed the way I'm going to spend money on this project. Usually I'd just buy stuff because I know I'll use it for the project one day or another. But from now on I'm going to buy as a new task comes up. I'm going to be saving for the bigger stuff later (clip-ons, fork seal/rebuild, exhaust, etc) until I start putting the bike together. I will be working on the rear sets soon as well. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: Cafe Project!
So I think I'm going to name my bike "La Cucaracha" because 35 years nor an Atomic bomb can kill this thang..
I removed the tape from my rims. Personally I think it looks good and once I get some other bits and pieces painted on the bike, it'll look better when it comes together. I got a few over sprays on the white rims, but it's nothing drastic. They'll get dirty anyway. Here are some pictures:
I used Rustoleum Biscuit Appliance Epoxy on the rims but it turned out a lot whiter than a cream/biscuit color. The rims kind of look goofy with the current tires, but they'll clean up when I get some Bridgestone Spitfires.
So I think I'm going to name my bike "La Cucaracha" because 35 years nor an Atomic bomb can kill this thang..
I removed the tape from my rims. Personally I think it looks good and once I get some other bits and pieces painted on the bike, it'll look better when it comes together. I got a few over sprays on the white rims, but it's nothing drastic. They'll get dirty anyway. Here are some pictures:
I used Rustoleum Biscuit Appliance Epoxy on the rims but it turned out a lot whiter than a cream/biscuit color. The rims kind of look goofy with the current tires, but they'll clean up when I get some Bridgestone Spitfires.
goodfornothing
Spicey!
Re: My First 1974 cb450: "La Cucaracha"
Thanks man! Hopefully I can get this thing together within the next month!
hanly2 said:
Thanks man! Hopefully I can get this thing together within the next month!
