It just looks like trash!

[Easter]

I managed to get the engine mounted in the frame but I still have to paint the triangle shaped hangers and the front bottom bolt (threaded rod) is bent slightly and I can only locate one nut that will fit. Will have to track down a nut at the very least. Otherwise I think we're ready to move on.

The photos show the frame hanging from the rafters and the gas tank as well. looks a bit like a hobby horse, I guess it sort of is!

I used "Aircraft" brand stripper for the frame but ran out so bought another gallon of Wal-Mart stripper which worked at least as well, maybe better, at half the price.

[Easter]

Looks like my internet connection is working again so here are a couple more photos I tried to post earlier.

[wingrider]

Lookin' good! Pretty lookin' gas tank!

[robin1731]

Lookin' good! Pretty lookin' gas tank!

I thought so too. Hope it looks that good after install.

[DKdeuce]

I'm gonna have nightmares

[Easter]

I'm gonna have nightmares

I'm debating about black as the tank/tailpiece color: "Nightmare" might be a better name than" Hobby Horse"?!

[Easter]

Worked a bit this evening after work but was not very productive. I spent most of the time looking for parts and especially bolts that the PO took off and either lost or concealed somewhere among all the other junk. Tough putting something back together when you don't know what parts you have and which ones you don't. I now have several boxes of parts left over from the previous two builds (plus the parts bike) and that gives me even more places to look for that mysterious missing 6mmx40mm bolt for the water tube! Gave up and ordered a batch of stainless bolts! Also one of the swing arm nuts (the weird one that fits into the notches on the inside of the frame) was lost. Lucked out and found one on ebay at a reasonable price so will be ready for the swing arm in a few days.

My powder-coat guy called to night and cheered me up a bit by saying the parts are ready to be picked up and the rubber cushions in the rear wheel that we couldn't get out, did not melt or catch on fire, so as soon as I get the chance to pick them up and can get the tires remounted, it should start to look like a motor cycle again.

[Easter]

Spent much of the day chemically stripping, cleaning, soda blasting and finally priming and painting radiator mounts and other bits and pieces. My newly powder coated valve and belt covers are on, valves are set and the wheels are at the bike shop for tires. Next week should see major changes. Still a long way to go but the tubs of parts are starting to sort themselves out.

Today was perfect riding weather, 70 degrees, bright and sunny so I had to take a break and take Dragon Wing out for a run. Couldn't have been a nicer day for it.

[wingrider]

My guess is you don't have to many "nice" days left.....would guess it is going to get hot pretty soon. Keep up the good work!

[CYBORG]

sorry to hear about it being so warm and sunny. hope you get some riding in before it gets any worse.

[Roady]

AZ and FL were like that ... mid-Summer just weren't a good time to ride.

BTW, where's the pics?!

[Easter]

Pictures? You want pictures? Well, I am in an accommodating mood today, so here are the weekends progress photos.
First photo shows battery box before the acid bath and chemical strip, later shots show it along with several other parts before and after painting. Had a bit of a problem with orange peel texture, just didn't have the air set right or something but these are all mostly hidden so I am not too concerned. They are still shiny black and the paint should last.

[Easter]

Most of the painting was done yesterday, Saturday, and this afternoon I was able to get some assembly done. The radiator is always fun but this one went on pretty easily since the forks weren't on yet. Then the forks from the 94 Honda CB 1000. The one photo shows my solution to the turn stops since the original ones from the CB had to be ground off. I just drilled and tapped holes for the stainless allen screws along with some stainless spacers I had lying around. My friendly neighborhood machinist was able to shorten the donor steering shaft and re-thread it to match the one from the '75. He made it sound simple but it works.

[Roady]

Oh yeah! Starting to look like something now.

[Easter]

Just in case you don't recognize it, that is a headlight attached to the forks. I was actually attempting to hold it in position for the photo because it kept dropping down. It is just in position so I can locate the headlight ears on the forks. I am actually quite proud of that headlight, it is off an old Yamaha of unknown age or pedigree but is in quite good condition and has that "old school" look I want for this cafe.

Next on were the clip-on bars with levers and master cylinder. I had made a template for an adapter to accommodate the gauges but realized there is no speedometer gear on this front wheel (the CB 1000) as it used a gear on the transmission so I will have to go to electronic gauges if I want a speedo.

Well, that is it for now. Should have wheels, tires and a few other necessities in a few days so that I can go ahead with mounting the swing arm and carbs and fuel tank.