My 78 bobber build thread

ironwill · Posted: April 24, 2009, 6:31 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Motor in to see how things line up. Kinda wish the linkage attachment point was in nearer the frame, so I could tuck it in under the side cover.

ironwill · Posted: April 24, 2009, 6:37 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Tank, and seat on. I think I'm making progress....SWEET! Four day weekend ahead Smile

ironwill · Posted: June 4, 2009, 12:15 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Spending quite a bit of time mocking up the bike. Wasnt going to run blinkers then I was. Heard different rules on that along with battery-less ignition. (think that was an article from Jayel) Removing all unecessary electrical items.

ironwill · Posted: June 4, 2009, 12:17 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

The other side. Had an idea to hinge the battery box so the battery could be removed easily without taking the elect. tank off. Not sure if I'll keep it, seems to clutter things up a bit.

ironwill · Posted: June 4, 2009, 12:23 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Totally soaked the carbs, man they had layers of crusty fuel, and some rust etc. I had a bottle of Aluma-brite kicking around and used that on the crust and it bubbled it right up. I used a small amount and rinsed really well, as I was worried about damaging the carbs. Seemed to work alot better than the overnight soak in carb cleaner. I like doing carbs for some reason. Seems like alot of people say the BS38 CV's are junk, and you should swap them with Mik 34mm. I thought it had something to do with difficulty in changing jets, but there pretty close to the same. Remove plug on bottom and main jet is right there. Maybe the difficulty will reveal itself later. I guess time will tell.

ironwill · Posted: June 4, 2009, 12:28 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Ahhhh dont soak the needle jet overnight in carb cleaner with the o-ring installed....it blows up like a balloon, or just falls apart. Duh!!!

ironwill · Posted: June 4, 2009, 12:31 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Got it all together, just in time to tear it all down for final welds, and paint. Ended up welding the battery box on, hard to tell from pics if that what everyone else does or not.

ironwill · Posted: June 4, 2009, 12:38 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Criteria for paint color was something sort of retro, but not boring. Something that would stand out but not be neon green! Here it is, the nice thing about being able to paint is you can always change it if you dont like it. I used Nason (mid-grade Dupont) 2 step (base/clear) I still have to wet sand, rub out, and wax, but this is how it looked after spraying. Its different but I really like it Very Happy

ironwill · Posted: June 4, 2009, 12:40 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

I think I was too close when I snapped this pic, as it looks brighter than it really is. Only put 4 coats of clear, but it has nice depth!

danxs650mass · Posted: June 4, 2009, 12:53 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

hey the bike looks great good work how did you like the linkage for the foreward controls im still tryin too decide if im gona go mid or foreward controls but good lookn bike

ironwill · Posted: June 4, 2009, 3:55 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

I am 6' tall, and mostly leg so I like to be able to stretch 'em out. I have a Vmax 1200 with highway pegs, and I use them all the time. I bought them from TCbros. choppers, and they come all drilled to mount, but I welded them lower, and moved them to the center of the frame, so I wouldn't lose to much lean, but wanted my feet lower, and further forward. I also moved the pivot point to the inside, next to the frame so I could run the linkage behind the exhaust. Thanks for the positive comments Very Happy

!

blackwidow · Posted: June 10, 2009, 6:12 am Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Looking good

ironwill · Posted: June 10, 2009, 5:13 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Hey, thanks. In-laws were up this weekend, and stayed with us, so got a little assembly done, but not much!

ironwill · Posted: June 17, 2009, 3:48 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

I have begun to assemble! Put in new roller tapered steering head bearings from Mikes. The originals are a unique design, when you pull it apart unknowing, the little balls fall all over the floor.... Shocked

ironwill · Posted: June 17, 2009, 3:49 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

I wet-sanded and polished all the aluminum, and then spray several coats of clear. Looks real nice, hopefully it last. I didnt find a clear primer!

ironwill · Posted: June 17, 2009, 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Added more items. Chrome rear master cylinder. 12" apes from TCBros. choppers.

ironwill · Posted: June 17, 2009, 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Added rear fender, carbs etc. Just noticed rust inside front motor support. Guess that will have to come off again, along with a few other items that rusted up when I cleaned the engine. This color is weird, but I really like it. Sharp contrast to the black.

ironwill · Posted: June 17, 2009, 4:02 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Sparto tailight, bullet signals, elect. tank, wiring etc. etc. Can someone tell me how replace the battery, when needed. It seems like I will have to unbolt elect. tank, and raise it up, or was I supposed to bolt the battery box, instead of weld it? I had started with a hinge on one side, and bolt on the other side, but I see now it would have hit the chain, so wouldnt have worked.

ironwill · Posted: June 17, 2009, 4:07 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

A pic of the other side. In the background you can see the project I put on the back burner to do the bobber. VW Super Beetle resto, also my trusty Vmax, and a '92 FZR1000 Exup getting a spring tune-up, carb clean etc.

borjawil · Posted: June 19, 2009, 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

very nice! looking good. just wondering how you cleaned the engine?

ironwill · Posted: June 20, 2009, 10:57 am Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Thanks for the positive comments. I basically plugged intake, exhaust ports, and any other holes. Set it outside my garage and put the oven cleaner to it. I did a little research, and many I found had done it this way. I did several applications, the whole can actually. Then I misted on a product called Aluma-Brite that I had kicking around the garage, and rinsed it with the garden hose really good. If there is any exposed ferrous metal it will cause it to rust, as the Aluma-brite contains Hydroflouric acid. The covers I could remove I hit with 1500 grit wet sand paper, then a couple coats of Mothers aluminum polish, then sprayed on like 3 coats of clear coat.

Teebs · Full Member Joined: Aug 26, 2008 Posts: 255

This is turning out great. Awesome color. Thanks for sharing, and doing a great job with the step by step. I love seeing how other people go through the process.

yamaman · Posted: June 20, 2009, 11:16 am Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

A word of warning for aluminium cleaners that contain HYDROFLUORIC ACID!

This acid is extremely toxic! you should NEVER get it in your eyes or on your skin. In pure form just a splash can & has killed! Chemists who use this product always keep the antidote close by, water has no effect in washing it off!

Also being corrosive by nature, if left on aluminium for to long, it can destroy!

Having said that I do have some in the shed, and do use it. Man it works great! Just remember to always treat it with respect & keep it well away from everyone else!

Always wear glasses & gloves when handling!

www.research.northwest...fburns.htm

ironwill · Posted: June 26, 2009, 4:09 pm Post subject: Re: My 78 bobber build thread

Got the tailight/ blinkers mounted. I had planned to go with just a tailight off to one side with the license plate bracket, but there is a law about bikes manufactured after 1974 in my State are required to have blinkers. I figure they are easily removed if I change my mind.

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