Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk(ish) Bobber Thing

[pacomotorstuff]

Re: Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk Bobber Thing

If you like the rusty spoke look, some powder coating supply companies carry a shade called "rust".
Pat

 

[Noddy78]

Re: Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk Bobber Thing

Thanks Pat, but I ended up going dow the Copperiplating route:

Pimpin':

Down to the bare bones:

A fair bit of badly pitted chrome in need of stripping:

And this is the "frame kit":

Yep, those are wooden dowels, and actually look like they might have once been a broom handle... because that's what you need inside the frame of a bike, a nice wooden sponge that'll soak up all the water and let it sit there and rust from the inside out...

And this is the sleeve that does the actual work, runs at 1.2mm wall thickness:

So the question is, do we think the sleeve is strong enough for the job, or do I need to look at fixing/replacing the frame kit in some way (which I'm tempted to do anyway as it looks really badly done)?

 

[bikeboy]

Re: Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk Bobber Thing

Those wheels are fantastic! Love the valve-caps too

ian

 

[MotorbikeBruno]

Re: Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk Bobber Thing

I'd say go with your gut and "fix" the frame kit. Just like we all say to not muck about with the brakes, the frame is one of those things to muck with either. Also, that tail light came out very nicely, glad you were able to clean up the other persons attempt at brazing. Looks great so far!

 

[hillsy]

Re: Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk Bobber Thing

You want something like this:

 

[my-79-750-k]

Re: Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk Bobber Thing

Definitely don't skimp on fixing the frame. Remember, this is 35 year old technology, Hillsy's pic resembles something you should think about in order to fix it properly; other than having a professional weld up the frame correctly to make it strong and like new again.

That or just buy another frame, it's not like their rare or anything.

 

[M.B Co]

Re: Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk Bobber Thing

Wheels are bitchin. Following

 

[98kellrs]

Re: Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk Bobber Thing

Following along too.

Not a fan of steampunk, but man I'm loving watching the creativity of the build unfold, especially all the tiny details you're putting into it and that's what this site is all about. Can't wait for more!

 

[Noddy78]

Re: Take 2: CB750K2 Steampunk Bobber Thing

Cheers, guys. Now the fun really starts!

Too dumped?

The carnage:

 

[canyoncarver]

Yes!

 

[Noddy78]

Yes!

Too dumped? I knew it...

Got most of the paint off today, found a few little surprises...

It was just all bogged up with filler, without all of the rust taken out first by the looks of the state it was in.

And I've also been playing with what I want to with the frame. I was intending to go raw steel, but after a bit of playing around, I'm now thinking gun-bluing the whole thing could be cool, then hit it with some Gibbs Brand penetrant, so darkening it up a bit, but keeping the raw steel feel. Did a bit of a test tonight:

Raw:

Blued:

Hard to get the effect across in pictures, but I think it looks great. Dead easy, and adds another layer of rust protection but keeps the raw metal vibe I want to go with.

 

[smarsh]

Looks pretty rad. What process are you using to do the bluing?

 

[Noddy78]

I just got a little bottle of Birchwood-Casey Super Blue from my Father-in-law to have a play with. Looks pretty damn good. I don't think anyone would have a tank big enough to hot-blue the whole frame...

 

[smarsh]

Yeah nice, interesting option for sure. So is it a purely cold bluing product? How do you think it'll turn out longevity and durability wise?

 

[Noddy78]

I'm hoping the Gibbs Penetrant stuff will take care of the real long-term protection, the bluing is mostly for the look, and a little extra help, but I'll have to do a few tests when I get a bottle of the stuff. Will be interesting to see how it holds up.

 

[smarsh]

The topic sparked my interest, and I found this, thought it might interest you. Some good info in about the 10th post from the top.

http://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/161369-bluing-bare-steel-frame.html

Maybe you could save your pennies and get someone to forge you a new damacus steel frame.

 

[Noddy78]

Funny you should mention that, I did have the idea of actually hand painting some intricate design all over the frame... still might happen given these results after a day sitting in a bucket with a salt-water solution sprayed on it:

Raw:

Blued:

I thought it might help a little, not hinder! Got some Gibbs Penetrant on order now, so we'll see what that does for it...

 

[OzFab]

You also might want to look at Birchwwod-Casey's "Plum Brown" - I did some faux case-hardening using that and some Benzion tincture solution; used a map-gas/oxy micro torch to "cure and pattern" - makes some pretty cool "patina"

gives a finish very similar in appearance to this:

 

[Noddy78]

OK, some progress at last!

Gauges are all mocked up:

The bezels will be brass-plated and the wooden parts will be super-gloss coated (think classic wooden boat style). The wooden gauge backs were hand-turned by a wood-working friend of mine out of Tasmanian Blackwood laminated with Huon Pine, and I think they are just awesome, very beautifully made. I was super-stoked when he showed them to me.

 

[bikeboy]

I think they are just awesome, very beautifully made. I was super-stoked when he showed them to me.

I think they're awesome as well. Those dials are fantastic too.

cheers
ian