Hoosier "Cobra" project begins; yes...another T500!!
- Thread starter CobraRad
- Start date
CobraRad
Active Member
I began with Gunk engine degreaser (Autozone) and a variety of brushes which worked out OK. Then, a friend who happens to be a mechanic, cleaned up part of my engine case in his "parts washer" which uses mineral spirits and water, and it came out great. So I went the same route with everything else, I put mineral spirits in a spray bottle and cleaned the parts with different size brushes and a red scuff pad. I didn't use the scuff pad on any machined surfaces, but used it extensively on the outside of the engine case to prep for paint.
CobraRad
Active Member
While waiting for the top half of my engine case to be welded, I went ahead and POR-15'd the inside of the gas tank. Initially, looking inside, I didn't think it looked too bad. After rinsing it out and using the different prep chemicals, I was really surprised at how much junk came out of the tank. The POR-15 is very easy to use and definitely worthwhile. The inside is now nice and clean, and I know that its good for the long term. 
CobraRad
Active Member
got the top half of the engine case back last night... the guy did a decent job welding the crack... it's solid and the holes line up perfectly for the sprocket cover. However, he left a lot of extra material that will have to be ground off, before it is ready for paint. I will post pics as soon as I can... I have a long work day ahead of me today... and I have to work 6-6 tomorrow and sunday .
Still trying to figure out what to do with the seat... I emailed Paul at Titan Performance, and they are developing a longer seat to work with the stock tank. At this point I'm going to wait and see what they come up with. I've thought about modifying the current seat, but I have NO fiberglass skills, and would probably ruin it in the process. And, I have to say... their seat is top notch! I've decided that either way, it's not going back to them. Who knows, maybe I'll end up swapping the tank down the road. ;D
.Still trying to figure out what to do with the seat... I emailed Paul at Titan Performance, and they are developing a longer seat to work with the stock tank. At this point I'm going to wait and see what they come up with. I've thought about modifying the current seat, but I have NO fiberglass skills, and would probably ruin it in the process. And, I have to say... their seat is top notch! I've decided that either way, it's not going back to them. Who knows, maybe I'll end up swapping the tank down the road. ;D
Titan performance
Titan cafe racer builders.
Thanks for those kind words Cobra.......and we will definitely be doing that longer seat, as I said, I want one for my own bike....so it's 100% going to be made ! We are also reproducing the RG500 style seat too, along with upholstery.....
Did you see our project bike seat that came back from the painter this week?
Did you see our project bike seat that came back from the painter this week?
Attachments
CobraRad
Active Member
Progress has slowed a bit. I spent too much time trying to find someone local to rebuild my crankshaft, rather than just sending it out. So I finally sent it to Bill Bune for a rebuild. He received it on Wednesday, so hopefully I'll have it back before too long...
I had the crack in the upper half of the engine case fixed...
remember this:
to this:
and finally to this:
I had the crack in the upper half of the engine case fixed...
remember this:
to this:
and finally to this:
CobraRad
Active Member
I was supposed to be off this week, and thought I would get some polishing accomplished... but I've been called into work Wed, today, and tomorrow... I did spend all day monday working on the engine covers and this is what I ended up with...
Not perfect (they look better in photos than in person), but overall not bad for a 41 year old bike! Also, I don't want to polish out all the battle scars.
Not perfect (they look better in photos than in person), but overall not bad for a 41 year old bike! Also, I don't want to polish out all the battle scars.
CobraRad
Active Member
Nothing new to report... spoke with billbune today, the crankshaft will not be finished for at least another week . My fault for waiting too long... bike season is almost here and they are now super busy. Oh well... I post again when I have something interesting to report. Until then...
. My fault for waiting too long... bike season is almost here and they are now super busy. Oh well... I post again when I have something interesting to report. Until then...CobraRad said:Nothing new to report... spoke with billbune today, the crankshaft will not be finished for at least another week
Bummer.
CobraRad
Active Member
Wow... time flies!! It's been almost 6 weeks since I last worked on the bike . In the meantime, my wife decided it was about time to start a kitchen renovation, so most of my time (and cash) has been going that direction. I've also been prepping my FFR and vette for the summer show/driving season, although the weather has been really lousy. Anyway, just though I would check in, progress on the bike will be slow this summer and probably pick up again in the fall. Have a great riding season!!! Cheers!
. In the meantime, my wife decided it was about time to start a kitchen renovation, so most of my time (and cash) has been going that direction. I've also been prepping my FFR and vette for the summer show/driving season, although the weather has been really lousy. Anyway, just though I would check in, progress on the bike will be slow this summer and probably pick up again in the fall. Have a great riding season!!! Cheers!
