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Probably going to shape the seat in foam, then glass over it. Still have to hack off the last three seat brackets. Here's a concept, what do you guys think?
carved the seat out of foam, covered it with foil, covered it with a fleece material, then fiberglassed. Still have to add another layer of fiberglass and smooth it all out. When its done im going to cut about 1.5-2 inched off of the bottom. I also re-did the knee dents and cut and welded the rear fender to the swing arm. Check it out!
Oh yeah I got a new motor gasket kit and some bucket ears.
Have you checked to be sure you have clearance with your tire and rear hoop? looks like its going to be close, could just be the camera angle though. seat shape is good I think!!
Have you checked to be sure you have clearance with your tire and rear hoop? looks like its going to be close, could just be the camera angle though. seat shape is good I think!!
There is about 2.5 inches clearance right now, and the stock shocks are real stiff. If there is a problem I'll prob get some aftermarket shocks that are alittle taller. I'm happy with the seat so far too, theres enough room for the battery and all the electronics. Looks better as the foam version seeing how the fiberglass is extra long so I can cut it straight. Thanks for your input bro.
Just checking cuz I had that problem with my r5. put taller shocks on and then it was exhaust/swinger clearance and also chain clearance. one thing after the next.
Yeah man, my chain runs over and under the swing arm, so hopefully if I have to raise the shocks alittle I wont run into any issues... Here's what i mean, looks like it will be fine, but ya never no. Ha.
Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (DImyself fiberglass seat)
I had 14" long shocks on my GT and had no issues with clearance below... But I had chambers. And a longer swingarm. But shouldn't affect anything if you need to raise the back a little.
Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (DImyself fiberglass seat)
Just read through your thread (yes, how dedicated of me to say I've read through a whole 4 pages ;D ). Am very interested to find out how it progresses and turns out. I particularly like what you did for a rear guard, may steal that idea, hope you dont mind.
Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (DImyself fiberglass seat)
Thanks Two-smoker, My factory shocks are only about 12'', 14'' would give a nice upward slope of the tail.
Casual, feel free to to do the same with your rear fender. Line it up with the tire on the swing arm with the tire pressed all the way forward, that way the line of the fender will follow the profile of the tire and be more aesthetically pleasing and more importantly the tire wont rub.
Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (DImyself fiberglass seat)
Bike progress has been alittle slow going from being busy with the family. Seat is looking better now that its cut down to the right size. First I dug out the foam plug, I then used a metal cutting wheel on my angle grinder to cut the fiberglass down to the right size, using the metal cutting wheel the fiberglass cut like butter. I applied a thick layer of resin before I cut it down so that I have some depth to be able to sand into without hitting fiber. Now the pics!
I also got some new rubber bumpers for the tank. Ignore my "garage build" workspace...
Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (Finally some Paint!)
Finally got some paint down. Headlight bucket paint test came out pretty good so far, i'm surprised how good it looks. I'm going to wet sand and add another coat of Rustoleum crystal clear. I like how the frame came out too. Anyone know how the Rustoleum clear coat holds up to gasoline? Sorry about the cell phone pics. Will use a better camera as the bike comes together.
Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (Finally some Paint!)
rusto clear coat is ok against gas as long as you wash it off immediately. if it has 4 seconds to sit on it your screwed. I just found that out the hard way.
Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (Finally some Paint!)
Thanks guys,
Yeah the paint is all Rustoleum rattle can. The gloss is pretty deep in real life too and the flake looks cool in the sun.
Von, gold frames are the shit! lol. Thanks again guys, I cant wait to ride this mofo.
Here's the paint I have used so far. Everything else will be satin black, gloss black, and polished aluminum and chrome.
Re: Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (Finally some Paint!)
Joe, if you can get a can of 2K clear off ebay or direct through tcp-global you'll be happier in the long run. I used the rustoleum on a headlight bucket and it doesn't hold up well. chips and scratches easily. The 2k stuff is great. You could also check with a local paint supplier and see if they can put a pro product in a can for you.
Also, if you want that 3-1 exhaust for the 380 let me know, my buddy is ready to part with it. $175. If you need other parts let me know we have a complete 380 that we may part out. One exhaust port is completely effed up. requiring a new head and we just aren't going to get to that any time soon.
Re: Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (Finally some Paint!)
diesel450 said:
Also, if you want that 3-1 exhaust for the 380 let me know, my buddy is ready to part with it. $175. If you need other parts let me know we have a complete 380 that we may part out. One exhaust port is completely effed up. requiring a new head and we just aren't going to get to that any time soon.
Hey Diesel, If Joe isn't interested in the pipe, let me know. I sent you a PM.
I have an extra set of jugs and maybe a head kickin' around somewhere. If you want them, I'm sure we can work something out.
Re: 72' Suzuki GT380 first time build (Finally some Paint!)
Oh i'm definitely interested! I just have to work out the whole $175 thing... those are rare pipes and 175 bucks is a steal.
Eric, if I dont snag them, they're all yours. Ill try to let you know asap.
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