Re: My seat build for CX500 (update with pics)

photocodo

photocodo

New Member
So I have shaped my first seat out of foam, taped it all up with masking tape and have already put on two layers of 1.5 oz CSM. So far it feels very sturdy and pretty stiff, also I have added an extra layer in the places that I feel should be extra sturdy. My question is should I start layering more or would the two layers be enough? Again it feels very strong with just the two layers but I dont want to underestimate how much I need. Has anyone used the 1.5 oz CSM? if so how many layers did you use and was it enough. Also, I am planning to build a subframe for the seat out of aluminum to give it extra strength and give me mounting points. Thanks for the advice

Cody
 
Re: question about how much fiberglass to use

One layer of matting followed by one layer of cloth did the trick for me. That stuff turned out a lot harder than a I thought. Also, if you used epoxy instead of polyester resin, it should be even stronger.
 
Re: question about how much fiberglass to use

Here's what may seem to be an oddball question: Is it possible to use a small amount of fiberglass insulation in the build process? Obviously, it's not gonna give you any sort of structural strength, but I wonder if it could be useful for building up things a bit. For instance, in my situation (I am working on glassing a seat, right now), I used several layers of cloth, first, on my seat pan mold, and let that set up. afterward, I released it from it's mold and began to add layers FROM UNDERNEATH. This way, the outer dimensions of my seat don't really change all that much from the actual plug mold and I have then already helped preserve an already fairly smooth outer surface, which translates into less body filler and sanding. So I'm adding layers underneath, and the notion just kit me "I wonder if you can use thin layers of insulation?"

Chime in if you have any insight.
 
Re: question about how much fiberglass to use

I have never tried using fiberglass insulation, but I dont see why it wouldnt work. I believe (and I may be very wrong) that the fiberglass is what give it strength, and the resin is what holds it all together. I may be way off base here.

I was also going to chime in about adding layers to the inside. On my seat, the inside size is very important because it will be sliding over the frame on the sides, so if I added layers on the inside it would be too tight of a fit. Because I used all CSM the outside is going to take a good bit of work. I have sanded down most of the high spots, then its going to take a lot of bondo to get it right. But its a work in progress right now.
 
Re: question about how much fiberglass to use (Pics of seat so far)

OK,
So I have finished the fiberglass part of the seat and have started trimming everything up to fit. I have included two pictures, the first is the way it sits now, the second is how I think it would look best, but I am open to any suggestions or comments. I still have a lot of bondo work to do but I wanted to get everything trimmed down to size before I started that. Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks

Cody
As it sits now
bike1.jpg

bike2.jpg
 
Re: My seat build for CX500

2nd pic 10000%. When I first saw them I was thinking WTF is wrong with the first pic.
 
So I have an update on my seat. Tonight I decided to build a frame that would fit on the inside of the seat for two reasons.

1.) I weigh 230lbs and dont trust the fiberglass to hold my butt without cracking, so I wanted to add some extra strength.
2.) It will give me some good mounting points when I am ready to do so.

So I stopped by Lowes and picked up some square steel tubing and started playing around. Here was my process and what I came up with. (sorry for the crappy phone pictures, I didnt have my camera with me in the garage)

I first bent two pieces to fit along the sides, then welded another piece along the front edge
2012-02-18_20-07-24_631.jpg

2012-02-18_20-07-53_639.jpg


Next I cut another piece to fit inside the bump. To bend the metal I cut slits in the metal about half way through so the metal would bend in on itself, it worked pretty good.
2012-02-18_20-44-44_135.jpg


I then welded the cuts up to give it a little extra strength. I didnt focus on getting good welds here (although not many of my welds are good yet), I just wanted to fill in some gaps.
2012-02-18_20-45-10_843.jpg


After I had that piece fitted, I welded the two pieces together
2012-02-18_21-19-53_481.jpg


I still didnt trust it so I put a cross bar in the middle for extra support
2012-02-18_21-47-21_274.jpg


Here is a picture of the seat and frame side by side
2012-02-18_21-48-10_340.jpg


Here is a picture of the frame inside the seat where it will be mounted
2012-02-18_21-48-54_243.jpg


and another
2012-02-18_21-49-12_151.jpg


So I think it will work out pretty well for me. I still need to get the sides shaped down and start filling with bondo and sanding. I definitely have a long road ahead of me with the seat but I think Im off to a good start. Please feel free to give me any constructive feedback you may have, or ideas that could make it better. Thanks for looking

Photocodo
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light
    • www.jadusmotorcycleparts.com
    www.lostapostle.ca/
    www.sparckmoto.com

    Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom