The Norda
- Thread starter Rat_ranger
- Start date
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Yes, it was cut on waterjet and finished on cnc. I could have done it on manual with a boring head and rotary table, but it took maybe 5 minutes to program and not much longer to run.
Edit* wanted to add I found a fork brace for a cbr600f4, I'll make a new bridge for it to use as the front fender mount. It was $50 for the brace, but that'll save a few hours of machine time in the garage. I'll use that time to start trying the english wheel.
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Put the filter on, set the tank on place and made some rear axle nuts. I think it's coming together well.
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
They'll get some changes. The oil lines will pass through to get to the tank, I might cut it and weld it back together to get the offset to have it behind the frame web. I'll either paint them black or give them the engine turned finish so they aren't just plain as well.
I did take the time to make new bottom eyes for the cheap shocks. No bushing, but I'm not planning on riding with these. I did it to get the shocks down to the correct length. That way I'll be able to tell if I need to lower the front to get the correct stance. I'm really working to keep the frame geometry unchanged.
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Suzuki discontinued the lock tabs for the brake stays. Mine are pretty rusty, so I measured them up and made new ones from stainless. I still need to get new nuts.
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Finally got around to finalizing the tank mounting. Front stop is set up using vibration isolating feet.
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Working on learning to use the english wheel. Ron Covell makes it look easy in his videos, it must be all the experience. I'm about 5hrs in on this.
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Oh yeah, I feel like it's going pretty good for a first time. It's still got trimming, polishing and bead rolling to go. I think it'll be acceptable once I finish.
I used an english wheel and tear drop mallet from HF for most of it and an ebay special shrinker stretcher for the rest. I think one of my next projects will be taking apart the mallet and using it as soft faces on a dead blow. More weight would have helped it go faster.
I cut my nylon tear drop in half and duct taped the two ends to either side of a 3 lb dead blow. Huge difference.
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Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Well I need a bead roller to finish the fenders, and without power they are a 2 person tool. Rather than attempt to get my wife to help me, I decided to make it powered. I'm using a 2000lb trailer winch from HF and will power it with a 30a dc power supply and a dc motor controller.
I adapted the winch motor by taking it apart. Once it was apart I cut 1 end off the drum so I could chuck it up in the lathe to make it fit where the handle was. I used part of the "frame" of the winch to mount it to the roller.
I adapted the winch motor by taking it apart. Once it was apart I cut 1 end off the drum so I could chuck it up in the lathe to make it fit where the handle was. I used part of the "frame" of the winch to mount it to the roller.
That’s pretty slick. I might steal that idea for mine. I’ve done plenty of rolling with it solo but it is certainly awkward.
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Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Go for it, I'm not the first to do this and won't be the last. Here's a how to video I watched, I did it a little different because I have a lathe and could just modify the cable drum.
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
With the now powered bead roller I tipped the fender with a 1/2" radius die at about 4" width. The end got a 8.5" radius cut. I'm debating cutting 1/2-1" off the sides before giving it a bead around the edge.
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Thanks. I'm pretty happy with it for a first try. The end isn't perfect, but it'll be hidden by the license plate. Plus I can always redo it. front fender will need to be better, it's more visible.
Rat_ranger
Coast to Coast
Thanks, it's probably what I'm least happy with. Next time I'll leave more material to cut off after it's rolled. Not having much extra makes it harder to stay on line.
