"new" 1982 bobber project ... Dublin, Ohio

[ronis43017]

Hello all! Rookie on the forum and at the motorcycle modifications.  

Basically, I recently purchased a 1982 CB750 that has been previously bobbed, but there is definitely room for improvement and personal touches.  I plan on loading some pics of before, during, and after.

Any help, advice, suggestions, critiques, or other comments will all be welcomed.  My goal is to keep this simple, cheap, and basic ... I am really digging the "rat rod" style, and appreciate the artistic license it provides (can also be read as "sloppy? It is supposed to be that way!") ...

Currently: I have unmounted the bobber seat as it was bolted to the frame with a single ill-fitting bolt and had no spring support ... In the process of building a support frame and getting proper bolts in place.

Also, the straight pipes need some new paint and rust treatment, so that is currently underway as well ... Work note: header wrap is some itchy, sloppy shtuff- long sleeves, pants, and gloves a good idea!

It is a running work in progress, and hope to keep the updates coming

[cdaiscool]

Header wrap is fiberglass sometimes. So there's a good chance you've gotten fiberglass in your skin.

Pictures! We need pictures so we can design it

Welcome to the forum!

[ronis43017]

Oh yeah ... I knew this going in ... Lol ... Sometimes you have to remind yourself of the basics!  I used to work for Owens-Corning Fiberglas and plant visits were a constant reminder!  Much like Icy Hot, be careful where you touch for awhile ...

Pics to follow.  Guess this thread should probably be under projects, but I claim rookie mistake

[TOOLS1]

Welcome to the forum. Yea pictures would be great. I also love the Rat Bobber style. Wish it had been in style 30 years ago. Would have made life a lot easier, for me. And I could have saved a fortune on paint, and polish.
TOOLS

[ronis43017]

This is the current state of the bike ... all the parts and pieces came with, I am in the midst of stripping and adding my touches ...



The seat was bolted (poorly) to the frame ... I am re-rigging to what I feel is more in line with garage engineering



The straight pipes before ... getting a new coat of paint and some wraps to come

[shinyribs]

Re-riggingSounds like fun! Welcome and keep it coming.I love watching these builds go together!

[LukeM]

Welcome to the forum. I will move this to the Projects section, if you wish.
This looks like a fun project. The rat rod look is port hot these days.

I used to work in Dublin. Been an east side resident for a long time now.
Good luck and keep us in the loop.

Luke M

[Piute]

   RAT BIKE ,but didn't I read somthing about removing RUSTshame shame shame,should of just clear coated

                                     Welcome to are Lil fam

[ronis43017]

Do they make clear coat in high temp paint?  And it is all "fixed" and under wrap now ...

Few new pics to load.  Loading from iPad is not working? Anyone have a fix?

For now, will load from other computer ...

[Piute]

   Sure they have heat clear,but please we don't paint over rust
   I've used graphite and other tricks to make things look rustic / peelling / worn,Know that doing the complete Pro. Rat style. (air brush A must)Most just use rat to getter going ,easyer and lots less on the wallet .
    I have a cheapo verizon and have to send to my home "E" the load to file.was going staight to Ver. but they say phones old need new down load,Yah--right.

[ronis43017]

Alrighty then ... Few decent days in Ohio meant yard work, music festival, golf, and a few adult drinks on he patios.  But some progress was made:

Pipes wrapped and back on the bike

Seat springs mounted

One seat of lights purchased

Sooooo... Question to the masses ... Is it easy enough to fit a non- cb750 tank on the bike?  Any that are known not to work?  Would like something "unusual" but I do not weld.  Have a guy, but would like to avoid if possible.  Help me out guys ... Hit me with ideas!

[shinyribs]

I put a Suzuki tank on mine,but welding was definitely required. I hate to be a party pooper,but I doubt you will find a 'bolt on' tank from another bike. Of course,that doesn't mean that you can't try!

[ronis43017]

[ronis43017]

[ronis43017]

Hmmm ... I think an old tank might be where I am thinking.  Perhaps an old peanut or tear drop.  

No hurry, but always on the look out.  

[LukeM]

If you're up for it, you can check out Rice Paddy on E. 11th street between High Street and I-71.  A good sized Asian motorcycle parts yard.  The tricky part is how to get the tank mounted on the frame. Not too much crossover between manufacturers. That's where the welding comes in.  But you may be able to find a MC shop or a vocational school to fab up what's needed.

Or just haul the whole kit down to ShinyRibs's place and let him have at it.

Luke M

[TOOLS1]

A Sportster tank goes on pretty easy. Also a Honda Shadow tank works pretty good.
TOOLS

[Piute]

   When buying a tank that has to fit (down low enough),The channel measurement is needed to send to person your thinking of getting from.
   Take A thin peace of card board, box from boots (thin)bend over frame area tape in place, measure front and back ,this will save gas and welding .
  Sportster tank's have a small channel and may set to high for some,(on some models)

  If you truely wont A Bobber look I'd get an old Honda tank ,from a smaller bike check as many foruims you can ,lots of pictures ,Your tank is out there

[ronis43017]

Been awhile since I've posted ... A little progress, little work, but mostly learning ...

Where "we" are ... Decided to forego the drag bars (already have a drag bar bike ...) and went for some ape hangers ... Then moved the seat pan (again) as my fat a$$ needs a little room! ... And lastly, went totally "rat bike" and garage-made a suicide shift ... Like my first go at it, but will tweak it and get it solid.  30 year old tranny is a little loose ...

Pics to follow! Can't load them from iPad...

[ronis43017]

Most recent "mods" on the '82 "Bobba-Ronda" ... My kids named it :)