Here we go again

[Dookbob]

Another one I got from the bike rescue compound that is Ebay. The engine is on the bench being scrubbed up ready for painting, and a few snapped off bolts to sort out. Just got the main bits back from the powder coaters, so the restoration is now in gear and rolling.
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/imagejpg2-3.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/imagejpg2-3.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/imagejpg1-4.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/imagejpg1-4.jpg.html)

[Yorkie]

Really good start. Looking forward to this one.

Yorkie

[Cobra88]

Looking Good Bob :)

Rick

[Dirty]

A build thread, excellent :)

Tail chop, good start!

[Nottsbiker]

Looks good - who do you use as I'm just down the road from you and need a Gilera Runner 180 doing?

[Dookbob]

Looks good - who do you use as I'm just down the road from you and need a Gilera Runner 180 doing?

C. J. Ward.
Dallow Street Bridge
Burton on Trent
Staffs

01283 536135

[slob]

A build thread, excellent ...

I'm with you there, my favourite type of thread

[Akita Boy]

excellent, a nice build thread to read. Look forwards to regular updates!

[Dookbob]

Got the broken bolts sorted now and the engine scrubbed up ready for the high temp. paint. A bit more masking to do , but I keep that to a minimum by just painting over the lot then removing the covers afterwards, being as they will need all the paint stripping off them anyway. Except for the belt covers which dont have any paint on them , so I will need to mask those. I,m in no hurry for the paint right now being as the temperature in my garage has now dipped below zero, I,m thinking of rigging up some kind of Heath robinson hot box to paint the engine in, like maybe a big cardboard box that covers the engine and big enough to slip a fan heater inside. Just got to fiddle about switching the heater off while the paint is applied , then get the fan heater back on quickly afterwards.[IMG][IMG][URL=http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/imagejpg1-5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/imagejpg1-5.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/imagejpg1-5.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/imagejpg2-4.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/imagejpg2-4.jpg.html)

[Nottsbiker]

Thanks for the coating info - pity they are the other side of you to me though!

[Albie]

Got the broken bolts sorted now and the engine scrubbed up ready for the high temp. paint. A bit more masking to do , but I keep that to a minimum by just painting over the lot then removing the covers afterwards, being as they will need all the paint stripping off them anyway. Except for the belt covers which dont have any paint on them , so I will need to mask those. I,m in no hurry for the paint right now being as the temperature in my garage has now dipped below zero, I,m thinking of rigging up some kind of Heath robinson hot box to paint the engine in, like maybe a big cardboard box that covers the engine and big enough to slip a fan heater inside. Just got to fiddle about switching the heater off while the paint is applied , then get the fan heater back on quickly afterwards.[IMG][IMG][URL=http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/imagejpg1-5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/imagejpg1-5.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/imagejpg1-5.jpg.html)
Its just reminded me its exactly 7 years to the weekend that I started my single sider project and the red frame. Regarding the engine painting I did the same using a largish cardboard box to spray in with a radiator heater close at hand. Worked ok tbh. Mine was done hammerite smooth black.

[Taff666]

I love watching these complete rebuild threads, so many things to learn.

[Dookbob]

I,m doing the valve shims at the moment and I,m thinking I might swap the wire collets for the MBP type while I am at it. I have used these before and gotta say that I prefer them. The last ones I bought came with a full collet set that I bought from the USA, does anyone know if there is a UK supplier for MBP collets?

[bluestoesonnose]

Tail chop, good start!

Animal!

Some of the seat units they sell in Italy are a nice alternative

[DrD]

I,m doing the valve shims at the moment and I,m thinking I might swap the wire collets for the MBP type while I am at it. I have used these before and gotta say that I prefer them. The last ones I bought came with a full collet set that I bought from the USA, does anyone know if there is a UK supplier for MBP collets?
motorapidoracing list them on ebay so give the shop a cal

[Dookbob]

Engine all tidied up now, probably get the frame on tomorrow.http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1572.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1572.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1570.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1570.jpg.html)

[gary tompkins]

Holy crap

that engine looks mint and factory fresh - what paint did you use?

Top work :thumbsup:

[Mr Gazza]

Now there is the work of a craftsman....Very nice.

I like the proper plugs in the swing arm pivot holes and exhaust, but not the filter on the breather...........Read Flip's link about breathers in a recent thread.

[Dirty]

Wow that's gorgeous. I love the gold cambelt covers and matching oil filler cap.

[Dookbob]

Holy crap

that engine looks mint and factory fresh - what paint did you use?

Top work :thumbsup:

Crankcases, cylinders and heads--------VHT paint onto bare metal
Alternater and clutch cases--------Etch primer, white primer, then three coats of wheel silver
cam shaft cases and valve covers, and cam belt covers-----Etch primer, white primer, then three coats of Rover champagne gold.
a lot of really boring work to get it all ready for the paint, but essential if you want the paint to stay on.

[Dookbob]

Now there is the work of a craftsman....Very nice.

I like the proper plugs in the swing arm pivot holes and exhaust, but not the filter on the breather...........Read Flip's link about breathers in a recent thread.

I,m on my thirteenth Ducati now, I have fitted filters on the cranckcases of all of them, havn,t had a problem yet, same with the air box, thats the first thing that has to go.

[gary tompkins]

did you take the side cases and other covers off to paint them, or just mask up and paint in situ?

Ditto on the crankcase filter - I've never had a problem with mine and it cuts down the condensation build up in oil

[Mr Gazza]

I,m on my thirteenth Ducati now, I have fitted filters on the cranckcases of all of them, havn,t had a problem yet, same with the air box, thats the first thing that has to go.

I haven't got a problem with you having a filter on your breather either...:mand:

I'll be sticking with the standard arrangement though.

I've had 11 Triumphs so far and I have to make the next one the last as I would never have a thirteenth..!

[MerlinPV12]

Wow, that is one tidy motor, nice job indeed!

[Dookbob]

did you take the side cases and other covers off to paint them, or just mask up and paint in situ?

Ditto on the crankcase filter - I've never had a problem with mine and it cuts down the condensation build up in oil

I paint the VHT silver on to the engine castings without masking anything, except for the Rubber bits and anything shiny. Then I remove everything that is removable and strip the parts down to bare metal, or plastic in the case of the belt covers. I strip the starter and clean the commutator and fit new brushes, then strip and repaint the three starter parts separately before putting it back together and refitting. Oh yes, and I do mask the sight glasses before starting all this. Every nut , bolt, and screw is either polished or replaced with stainless items, and the new stainless fasteners are also polished. Where lock tight is not required, all threaded parts are coated in anti gall compound. ( well, it is a ducati isn,t it )

[Dookbob]

I haven't got a problem with you having a filter on your breather either...:mand:

I'll be sticking with the standard arrangement though.

I've had 11 Triumphs so far and I have to make the next one the last as I would never have a thirteenth..!

I did, however come unstuck with a crankcase filter that I fitted to a Triumph T100 that I restored last year, that proved to be a big NO NO, so I had to revert to the standard system.
Re. The THIRTEENTH syndrome, it did cross my mind for a fleeting moment, then I thought that if I don't do the thirteenth, then how am I going to get on to the fourteenth.

[pegboy]

Great job on the engine looks awesome

[utopia]

The whole bike will be awesome.....I've seen Dookbob's work before.
Anyone looking for a decent 600 would do well to put their deposit down now.
But I was still stunned by the appearance of this engine .....Ducati never made them look that good in the first place.

[Mr Gazza]

........ then I thought that if I don't do the thirteenth, then how am I going to get on to the fourteenth.

Good point.!

I guess there is always No.12A

[Dookbob]

Started to put a few bit together now.
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1581.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1581.jpg.html)
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1579.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1579.jpg.html)
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1577.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1577.jpg.html)

[Dukedesmo]

Started to put a few bit together now.


Looking good. :thumbsup:

[bazread]

Absolutely stunning !!

[Dookbob]

I hadn,t the heart to refit these awfull rear wheel adjuster plates that Ducati supplied, so I made these, I like the look of them and I think they may be a tad lighter.
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1582.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1582.jpg.html)

[gary tompkins]

Fantastic build quality so far

[Darren69]

They are really poor those original plates. Cheapo rubbish!

[Dookbob]

It,s got half a rolling chassis now, waiting for the front wheel to get back from the powder coaters.http://http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1606.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1606.jpg.html)
http://http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1605.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1605.jpg.html)
http://http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1604.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1604.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

didn,t quite get that right did I.http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1605.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1605.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

and this.http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1604.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1604.jpg.html)

[utopia]

The hoop blends in quite nicely in the same colour as the swingarm, doesn't it ?
Those rose joints look like they're screwed a long way out though.

Any news on the tank ?

[Dookbob]

Yes they do look a bit that way , but the safe limit for a 10 mm bolt is a 10 mm insertion length, which is where they are, and with the front forks sticking through the top yoke by 20mm I get just the right feel of the steering that I am looking for with this set up. I have always been amazed at how much difference can be obtained by such small adjustments.
Re. your old tank, all the filler is in place now and has been kept indoors in the warmth, I will give it a few more weeks before I go near it with the spray gun to make sure that any shrinkage that could occur will do so before I paint it. I put a camera into it to check on its internal condition before I started work on it and was very surprised to find that there is no sign whatsoever of any corrosion or even staining in it. So it will be on the road again one of these days, just a case of choosing the colour, I have changed my mind a dozen times so far, I really like the white, but I did that on the last one so It could get a nice coat or two of the silver titanium as featured on one of todays posts. Thanks for taking an interest Utopia, ride safe.

[squarehead]

Looking very tidy Bob, I love following these build threads. It's like our dogs - lucky to have found a good home!

Oh, I'm erring on favouring the silver titanium FWIW.

[gary tompkins]

Titanium grey/silver and red frame should be a great combination

[utopia]

I was just thinking today that, with that frame and engine colour, your most likely choices for the tank would be either red or white.
In which case I was rather hoping that my old tank would become white, as I'm not a big fan of red.
But the silver titanium option sounds perhaps even better.
It matters not really, I suppose, but nevertheless I'm pleased.

I thought the tank was decent inside.
For information, since I've had it (which has been nearly always) its been kept largely empty over winter but, crucially in my opinion, in an UNHEATED shed with good ventilation.
Its good to know that the strategy seems to have worked.
Downside is I freeze my nuts off in there when that cold east winter wind blows !

My thoughts on the rose joints was not so much that there might be insufficient thread engagement but more that the end of the hoop was now effectively a lengthy bit of fairly thin threaded rod.
Probably not a problem unless maybe the joint gets stiff, in which case it'd perhaps only hasten a failure that would happen anyway.
But the stress-raising effect of the vee thread, over that extended length, it just kind of caught my eye.

[DrD]

My thoughts on the rose joints was not so much that there might be insufficient thread engagement but more that the end of the hoop was now effectively a lengthy bit of fairly thin threaded rod.
Probably not a problem unless maybe the joint gets stiff, in which case it'd perhaps only hasten a failure that would happen anyway.
But the stress-raising effect of the vee thread, over that extended length, it just kind of caught my eye.
That is a more reasoned explanation than mine which would have been - would it not be better to use the hoop extenders than use the maximum adjustment on the thread.

[Dirty]

That is a more reasoned explanation than mine which would have been - would it not be better to use the hoop extenders than use the maximum adjustment on the thread.

Do both to get max extension

[Dookbob]

I,m not a lover of Rose joint extenders to be honest, but these that I have fitted are the McGill version which have a longer threaded part than the originals anyway, which is what Utopia spotted ( as engineers do )

[Nottsbiker]

You ever up for visitors from across the border? My bikes ages away from the road but it would be great to stand around in a garage talking bike ;)

[Dirty]

I,m on my thirteenth Ducati now, I have fitted filters on the cranckcases of all of them, havn,t had a problem yet, same with the air box, thats the first thing that has to go.

Dookbob can you show me what I need to fit a filter like that. I was in 2 minds about doing it but having just refitted the catch tank and needing a hammer and some swearing I decided to go the filter route :)

[Dookbob]

Just go on EBay and search for crankcase breather filter, measure the diameter of the breather stub first because they come in various sizes. Also, if you are still running with the air box you will need a rubber bung for the hole that the catch tank hose used to attach to.

[utopia]

I notice that you've put a nice polish on the inlet stubs.
I'm very likely to do the same someday.
Now, I realise that the difference it makes is miniscule but, just for interest's sake, what are your thoughts on whether the shiny surface is better for the carburation, or worse.
My thoughts are that it may well be better, as the polished surface would absorb less engine heat than the original, slightly matt finish ( thus keeping the mixture cooler).
If the shine makes it worse though, even by a tiny amount, then I probably wouldn't bother.
Shiny is nice, but not at the expense of efficiency. That would be sacrilege really.

[Dirty]

Just go on EBay and search for crankcase breather filter, measure the diameter of the breather stub first because they come in various sizes. Also, if you are still running with the air box you will need a rubber bung for the hole that the catch tank hose used to attach to.

Cool, thanks. Yes still with airbox for the moment. That will change, hopefully later in the summer.

[gary tompkins]

I think 19mm is a common size for many of the breather outlets

But it's a good idea to check it first

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/19mm-Engine-Air-Breather-Filter-Silver-Polished-Top-/201309761799?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2edeff3107

[Dookbob]

I notice that you've put a nice polish on the inlet stubs.
I'm very likely to do the same someday.
Now, I realise that the difference it makes is miniscule but, just for interest's sake, what are your thoughts on whether the shiny surface is better for the carburation, or worse.
My thoughts are that it may well be better, as the polished surface would absorb less engine heat than the original, slightly matt finish ( thus keeping the mixture cooler).
If the shine makes it worse though, even by a tiny amount, then I probably wouldn't bother.
Shiny is nice, but not at the expense of efficiency. That would be sacrilege really.

I think that the polished finish probably will reduce the cooling effect on the fuel intake, but as you say, it will probably be miniscule, truth is I just couldn,t resist doing them. The truth also is that these were the worst inlet tubes I have ever seen, they must have been removed from the mould and thrown straight onto the bike. The amount of metal I had to remove to get rid of the casting marks will probably balance out the drop in cooling effect. I once polished the crankcases of a Norton 650 ss to a mirror finish, then a week later I read in a bike mag that it was the worst thing I could have done cooling wise. ( I wont tell you how long ago that was ) but it never overheated.

[utopia]

I'm sure that the heat transfer between the inlet tubes and their surroundings would be less for the polished tubes, but the question is.. are they losing heat to cold surroundings or gaining it from warm surroundings due to the heat from the engine combined with their position in a little nook between the cylinders where they may get less airflow.
My original statement implied that they were in a warmer environment, but I'm not at all sure that assumption is correct.
It fact, now that I think about it, it probably varies with speed. I guess they'd be heating at standstill though.
But, like you, I'd probably polish them anyway ....unless it was known to be detrimental.
I'm a sucker for the look of polished ally, but I also like its honesty and simplicity.

[Mr Gazza]

I wouldn't like to get involved in arguing whether it was good or bad for the inlet tract to be warm or cool, but.
Experience with Ajay and Matchless twins taught me that it is very undesireable for the heat to transfer to the carb(s). They would suffer terribly if no insulation was provided from the heat.
The original fitment was a "Paxolin" or "Bakerlite" gasket which went between carb and manifold...So the manifold was still allowed to get hot with no ill effect...And was frequently polished.

I would say that the Ducati set up with large rubber adapters to mount the carb to the tubes would provide ample heat insulation..........Polish away..:D

[Capo]

These days, it is considered detrimental to engine performance to polish inlet tracts.

Polishing inlet tracks would have an unmeasurable effect on heat transfer. Not considering the latent effect of the fuel vaporization. An elementary knowledge of thermodynamics would substantiate this.

It was never about temperature, rather an attempt reduce boundary friction, often as a result of port modification.

Ducati inlet tracts are produced on a 5 axis mill so they are all identical

[Mr Gazza]

Not sure if I am blinded by science or baffled by bullshine, but I did'nt understand a word of that, Capo..:D

I think you may have taken a swerve and moved the discussion to the inside of the tract rather than the outside.

Polishing the inside has been proven to be worse than a rough finish. the best being a dimpled surface like a golf ball apparently. at least that is what they found at ERM when I used to visit them in the early 90's...They did a lot of work on 7R and G50 heads...As indeed did the AMC race shop in the 50's and 60's....Williams is a name that springs to mind.

[Capo]

Oh......
In which case the discussion on temperature effects is even more ridiculous.

[Dirty]

Wrong on so many levels! :thumbsdown:

[Taff666]

I wouldn't like to get involved in arguing whether it was good or bad for the inlet tract to be warm or cool, but.
Experience with Ajay and Matchless twins taught me that it is very undesireable for the heat to transfer to the carb(s). They would suffer terribly if no insulation was provided from the heat.
The original fitment was a "Paxolin" or "Bakerlite" gasket which went between carb and manifold...So the manifold was still allowed to get hot with no ill effect...And was frequently polished.

I would say that the Ducati set up with large rubber adapters to mount the carb to the tubes would provide ample heat insulation..........Polish away..:D


Common sense tells me to agree with Mr. G. (again!)

Key statements here seem to be

"So the manifold was still allowed to get hot with no ill effect...And was frequently polished"

and

"I would say that the Ducati set up with large rubber adapters to mount the carb to the tubes would provide ample heat insulation..........Polish away"

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww252/Trossman/20150329_142128_zpshdbtyxgo.jpg (http://s725.photobucket.com/user/Trossman/media/20150329_142128_zpshdbtyxgo.jpg.html)

[bluestoesonnose]

Insulate the tracts from the carbs at the head and it would be much better, my goldie runs loads better now I have the heat transfer issue sorted at the inlet tract to head interface.

[Dookbob]

made a bit more progress over the weekend.http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1612.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1612.jpg.html)


http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1607.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1607.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1611.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1611.jpg.html)
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1608.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1608.jpg.html)

[Andy B]

beautiful work on that engine! (and the rest mind!)

will be hoping to get the girlfriends monster in bits for a similar clean up come winter... how did you find best to go about cleaning inbetween the cooling fins on the heads? im guessing a flat wire brush drill attachment of some sort? or if theres any trade secrets you could let me in on i'd be all ears ;)

[Dookbob]

No trade secrets, just sixteen hours of scraping , rubbing with emery, blowing , washing with thinners and generally going at it, once you start there is no going back, unless you are going to strip the engine there is no easy way to prep it for repainting.
PS. if you find an easier way, get back to me .

[bluestoesonnose]

There is an easier way......

[Taff666]

The powder coating on that frame looks like it must be about 5mm thick.

That whole job is just superb!!!

[Dirty]

I love the frame plugs, where did you find them?

[Dookbob]

the frame plugs , and all the other bits that are not Ducati bits I made.

[bluestoesonnose]

the frame plugs , and all the other bits that are not Ducati bits I made.

Nice

:)
:)

[DrD]

the frame plugs , and all the other bits that are not Ducati bits I made.

very neat - on the swingarm too!

[Dukedesmo]

the frame plugs , and all the other bits that are not Ducati bits I made.


You got the slots in your screws a little off-centre. :rolleyes:

Seriously though, nice work... :thumbsup:

[peter]

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww252/Trossman/20150329_142128_zpshdbtyxgo.jpg


Is that your pet pig sat in the manifold. :D

[Darren69]

no its a rabbit isn't it?

[Dookbob]

few more bits screwed onto the old girlhttp://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1632.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1632.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

and againhttp://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1634.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1634.jpg.html)

[Flip]

Now please don't take this the wrong way- I am loving this thread (along with the other build/rebuild ones currently running).

But ... BUT is that a watch set into the handlebar clamp?

I'm sorry..... I don't understand...... unless there is some magical power attached to it that stops times so you're not late home for dinner when you get home, why would you want to know the time while out on a bike??

Next there'll be some electrickery that displays what gear the bike is in :mand:

[slob]

Catching ferries, meeting people as arranged, getting to events. I use the clock built into the later bikes all the time...

[utopia]

Next there'll be some electrickery that displays what gear the bike is in :mand:

:idea: :rolleyes: :mand:

I've always kinda liked the way Dookbob does those (yep, this isn't the first time), for the personal touch that it adds.
And I too often find the need for a timepiece when en route to a deadline.
Not quite so sure about this one though, but only because its not particularly my style of watch.
In fact I have a tiny, very simple, child's Timex watch which has sentimental value as all of my children wore it at some stage, and I've been thinking of doing the same with that when I get round to it.

Not so sure about the dome nuts holding the fender extender on though.
I have mine bolted on too, but it uses tiny, countersunk head stainless screws with a nyloc nut on the underside.
If you have previous holes in the fender, its fairly easy to trim it down shorter so the extender can be refitted using new holes and fixings.

My eldest has recently been making noises about getting his first bike actually, and I've been telling him that he should consider buying this one when its ready.
Its probably a little too early for him though, but I keep dropping hints.

[Flip]

Catching ferries, meeting people as arranged, getting to events. I use the clock built into the later bikes all the time...

Point taken and have removed tongue from cheek for all the clock watchers benefit!!

Personally I prefer to look into shop windows as I ride by to see if there is a clock on the wall while really getting a sneaky look at my reflection thinking how damn cool I look riding a Monster!!

Sorry ...sorry, tongue went in cheek again for a moment there. Eyes on the road at all times!!!
Must try harder I know.

[Dookbob]

It,s just that I think those rectangular bar clamps seem to me to need livening up a bit, plus maybe the fact that I spent 15 years as a compulsive clock repairer/restorer might have something to do with it too, I still havn,t quite got that out of my system .
I know what you mean about the domed nuts on the extanda, I keep looking a bit sideways at them too, they might just have to go soon.

[Dirty]

I think it's quite a cool use of the, as Dook rightly says, blank piece of space on the riser. In fact it's a mod I'd consider myself were it not for the coincidence of my wrist being exactly the right diameter for my watch :mand:

[Mr Gazza]

I do like to have a clock in view on the road. I found that I missed it on my Monster.

I was inspired by this http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=47142&page=2

This is my handy, but very horrible stop gap.

http://i61.tinypic.com/swfxmr.jpg

However I always like to do different rather than copy, and I also wanted the clock to illuminate with the lights on.
I came up with the idea of a small digital clock in the clamp, but mounted from below and showing through a small window milled in the clamp...All fine and well except I could not find a clock slim enough to fit between the handlebars and clamp, and hiding the cables would be very difficult, not to mention mounting the setting buttons.

I also though that the dash would be a good place for it, if I could shoe horn one in.
Then I found some very small 12v lcd clocks from China.
I was also very lucky that Darren69 remembered my ask for a new instrument case and dash, and came up trumps with an immaculate case, complete with a dash, but with two extra lights. (Seen fitted in the pic above) This leaves my dash free to play with, and it turns out that the clock can be made to fit with a bit of trimming.
http://i62.tinypic.com/zuo12f.jpg
http://i57.tinypic.com/2r2bt3c.jpg

The 6 sided object is a piece of perspex (with masking tape) which will double as a splash guard and a prism to illuminate the clock via a concealed LED.

Really difficult to photograph, but it does work in this test rig.

http://i58.tinypic.com/oqlno9.jpg

Picking up the right cables inside the case, shouldn't be too hard. But I will need an unswitched live from somewhere?
The setting buttons will be sleeved and then dangle out of the speedo cable hole....Not ideal, but good enough.

Just not looking forward to cutting the window in the dash!!...Which will then need a little re-spray....Ah well nothing like a challenge.

[Dookbob]

I think it,s time i stopped this habit of mine.http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1635.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1635.jpg.html)

[Albie]

I think it,s time i stopped this habit of mine.http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1635.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1635.jpg.html)

Very nice indeed.

[Dookbob]

bit more progress.http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1641.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1641.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

headlamp refurbhttp://http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1640.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1640.jpg.html)http://http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1640.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1640.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1640.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1640.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

here are a couple for Utopia in particular, it,s his old tank.http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1644.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1644.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

and againhttp://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1643.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1643.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

just in case anyone is interested in the colour http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1645.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1645.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

A few more pics now that it is nearing completionhttp://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1646.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1646.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1649.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1649.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1648.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1648.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1647.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1647.jpg.html)

[tricky73]

Looks Fantastic

[squarehead]

Just gets better.

[Dirty]

Looking sweet Dook

[utopia]

The old tank looks great.
You know ....I dunno whether I should admit it but I can still recognise it ....from the particular way the edges of the metal separate slightly in certain places around the rear seam weld.
I'm happy for two reasons ....it didn't end up red ....and its on a superbly restored bike.

[Dookbob]

I did consider crimping the rear seam up, but decided to leave well alone. Thanks for your kind remarks gentlemen.

[MerlinPV12]

You were kind enough to comment on my creation "Fenella" and one or two mentioned "monster of the year" However, I would gladdy step off any imaginary podium to see this or I suspect Kato's pending contribution take top spot as not only is it perfect, you'd did the graft yourself, stunning job!

[Albie]

It's reminding me of my old s4. It's a great colour scheme and I really like the off white. Like also the detail red piping in the seat like my carbon seat was. Great job.
I really think the club should have a once a year voted bike of the year forum based award as well as the weekender one. If only though great projects attended it would be good too.

[utopia]

I really think the club should have a once a year voted bike of the year forum based award as well as the weekender one. If only though great projects attended it would be good too.

Seconded.
It was a sacrilege when the same, NOS equipped 750 won it for a second year when Dukedesmo's stunning special was far more deserving.

Oh, and your red-piped Corbin seat, Albie .....that's the one sitting on my monster right now.
I'm gonna repair the cat scrape too.
Its a heavy old bugger though, isn't it ?

[Mr Gazza]

This is definatly a very high quality job. I like the different takes on certain bits.

Just wondered if you have done something, paint wise, to the carb breather/catch tanks, Dookbob?

Re Bike of the year...Not so hard is it?
Just need a thread to nominate bikes, a cut off date for nominations...And then a forum poll..With it's own cut off date.

Who would need a prize, when everyone knew theirs was the best bike?

[Flip]

you did the graft yourself, stunning job!

Pretty much sums it up for me too!

To be honest I wasn't sure whether I was going to like the finished colours (which is purely personal and by no means a slur on the quality of workmanship) but like so many things, when it is all together it works and I am sure that in the metal it is even better.

I, like many others here really enjoy all the build threads for many reasons not least on this one is a bit of workshop envy- I need more room!!

[Albie]

This is definatly a very high quality job. I like the different takes on certain bits.

Just wondered if you have done something, paint wise, to the carb breather/catch tanks, Dookbob?

Re Bike of the year...Not so hard is it?
Just need a thread to nominate bikes, a cut off date for nominations...And then a forum poll..With it's own cut off date.

Who would need a prize, when everyone knew theirs was the best bike?

I don't think it needs a prize too because that would lessen the value of the BOTY but I also think the prestige would be the best bit. I feel a bit awkward saying these things because of the weekender but that is a different occasion and 4-5 months into the year. I wouldn't be hard to have a forum awards every year say in Nov-Dec and announced Xmas for say Bike, thread and outstanding person contributor.

Anyway that's a HIJACK and needs discussing elsewhere so apology's Dookbob.
You are a contender in my book.

[utopia]

The more I look at it, the more I find myself wondering ...."could you lose the sidepanels ?".
The lines of the seat, accentuated by the red piping, do look good as Albie says, and they flow very nicely from the tank.
The sidepanels look ok too, but they do rather spoil the lines.
I guess the new owner could remove them easily enough though.

I guess one "problem" with a forum vote is that anybody at all could vote.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a fair voting system, but if the award is to have any meaning as a recognition of true excellence by those who know and care, then maybe there needs to be a little more thought about how to achieve that.
At least turning up at the weekender goes some way to "tuning" the vote.
Maybe some combo of the two, and/or weighting the forum vote according to length of membership or post count would be worth considering ?
Sorry for hijack, Dook.
As Albie says, maybe any further discussion on this should have its own thread ?

[Dookbob]

I did think about leaving the side panels off then decided against that. If you really want to mess up the visual lines then fit a seat cowl. not only will that ruin the lines , but in some cases it can ruin the seat too.

[Albie]

I did think about leaving the side panels off then decided against that. If you really want to mess up the visual lines then fit a seat cowl. not only will that ruin the lines , but in some cases it can ruin the seat too.

I agree when its a visually pleasing seat. But what they ruin they cover up.

The americans seem to love no side panels and .the frame does look good naked as long as they wiring is tidy.

[Dookbob]

I,m still waiting for some manufacturer to run the wiring inside the frame tubes, shouldn,t take too much ingenuity to sort a system out.

[Dirty]

I,m still waiting for some manufacturer to run the wiring inside the frame tubes, shouldn,t take too much ingenuity to sort a system out.

I was wondering about doing that the other day. Is it not possible on an original frame monster? Would the holes weaken it too much?

[Dookbob]

I think you would need a relay system to enable the use of smaller section wiring, which would reduce the size of the holes required

[Dirty]

I think you would need a relay system to enable the use of smaller section wiring, which would reduce the size of the holes required

Already on it :thumbsup:

[Mr Gazza]

........or weld/braze thin wall tube in discreet places to conduit the harness in the worst places..?

We where putting the wires through the frames back in the seventies....and down the handlebars too.

[utopia]

........or weld/braze thin wall tube in discreet places to conduit the harness in the worst places..?


I believe Capo's frame has this kind of modification, though its a series of tabs on the inside of the frame tubes to cable tie the wires to.
This might be a better system than running them through a conduit, as subsequent inspection and removal of the wiring is not compromised.

[Mr Gazza]

I actually had Capo's tabs in mind when I suggested the tubes, thinking they would be an improvement, but in reality the tabs are far a superior idea. Tubes would be too fiddly to thread through and remove as you say.

[don_matese]

Did you need to apply acid etch primer before the VHT paint on the cylinders?

[Dookbob]

I didn,t etch prime the cylinders, the VHT paint I used advised not to use a primer. I have looked at the instructions on quite a few VHT poaints and they all dont recommend priming. I,m assuming that by primer that includes etch primer too. I have used a few different paints on cylinders and not etched them first , and to date none of them have peeled or flaked in use.

[Dookbob]

It,s time to put this thread to rest now , so here are the pics of the finished item, thanks to the interested members who followed the thread of this latest restoration.
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1657.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1657.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1656.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1656.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1655.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1655.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1654.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1654.jpg.html)

[Dookbob]

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp257/dookbob/PICT1653.jpg (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/dookbob/media/PICT1653.jpg.html)

[squarehead]

Excellent result Bob, you should be chuffed with that :thumbsup:

[Dirty]

Excellent

So what's next :)

[Dookbob]

not quite sure what to have a go at next, I usually have the next project ready to start on but that hasn,t happened yet .

[Mr Gazza]

...You could start by getting the lawn mower out....:chuckle:

I've been staring at your bike pics for ages...I really like it.

You would think I was odd if I said I think it would look quite good with some big round MZ type winkers, or some seventies types on chrome stalks...Pretend I never said that..:look:

[smiffyraf1]

that is gorgeous. so shiny!

[GWLS]

I'm new here and i've just read this entire thread, that bike is totally stunning! What a beautiful restoration. How do you bear parting with them after so much love and car?

[Dookbob]

...You could start by getting the lawn mower out....:chuckle:

I've been staring at your bike pics for ages...I really like it.

You would think I was odd if I said I think it would look quite good with some big round MZ type winkers, or some seventies types on chrome stalks...Pretend I never said that..:look:

That's it, Mr Gazza has solved my problem of what to restore next, it has just got to be the lawn mower, and the frame is already Rosso Red.

[Taff666]

Go for it Dook

Lawnmowers are cool(ish!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY3cuY0l0r0

[Taff666]

PS That Monster is absolutely f**king brill!!