This blog is chronological description of my 78 CB750 chopper project which I began in April 05. SOHC (Single Over Head Cam) CB750 motors were produced by Honda from 1969-1978.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Day 177

Greetings from the Red Stick (Baton Rouge is French for Red Baton), traffic capitol of the world! Since the hurricane you can't go anywhere without feeling like your sitting in a parking lot. At any rate, progress is moving right along. Most of it in the form of getting parts I need. Went out today at lunch and went to 4 different places before I found an oil line fitting I needed. So now I should be able to go ahead and mount my oil tank and lines. I also took my triple trees to welding class last night and welded on a tab to mount the front headlight. I also got the rear axle threaded at the machine shop at LTC, in addition to new sprokets and chain. I think I have all major parts ordered and on thier way. Its been tough getting all my stuff in a timely manner. USPS seems to be OK, but UPS is taking close to 10 days for things to get here. Everything seems to go through Jackson, MS and sit for 7 days before it comes to Baton Rouge. The last major piece of the puzzle I need to get is the rear fender. I have a set of HD Softail struts that I hope to modify to fit the frame and fender. I also got my self a badlander softail seat to finish off the saddle area. I'm hoping it will flow nicely with the struts and fender. I think I've settled on a way to mount the gas tank. I think I'll cut off the stock mounting tabs, and weld two U-bolts to the underside of the tank (inside the cutout). I can then just bolt the frame to the backbone. Once I do that, in conjuction with the oil tank being mounted, I should be able to fire this beast up! No reason that should happen in a week or so. Realistically I could see taking my first ride by the end of October. Stay tuned!!!

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Day 170

Where to start? Got alot of little things going on. In the past week I have gotten the gas tank, rear wheel, and headlight. All look good, the pre-77 wheel fits like a glove. The stock axle was too long for the custom frame. I was looking around for a machine shope, but took the axle with me to my welding class at LTC www.ltc.edu . There is a machine shop next door, and the instructor said he could rethread the axle for me. The gas tank is a king sporty tank for a sportster. I'm still brain storming ideas on how to mount it. I'm not going to worry about it until I get the seat struts and rear fender in place, so they will all line up correctly. I also got a nice little $50 headlight from Custom Chrome (got it off ebay). I also did some wiring this weekend and got the starter to turn over. I didn't go any farther than that, as I don't have an oil tank, and just not oil in the motor. I have stainless steel oil lines on there way in, so once I get those, I can mount the oil tank. I also have to come up with a better wiring setup. Its pretty much bare bones right now. I have to come up with a much cleaner set up.

Monday, September 12, 2005

Day 162


Finally made some real progress this weekend. As you can see in the pic I got the motor mounted on saturday. Called a buddy (thanx Randal) and getting it in was easy money. Way easier than getting the motor in the stock bike. On Thursday of last week I get bolts to mount the motor which worked out great. This particular frame only uses 3 of the 4 mount points on the motor. The upper front mounting holes on the motor are free. I may use these unused mounting holes to secure the forward controls.
My forks also came in on friday...that was a long wait...it took UPS 2 weeks to get me those forks (thanx Hurrcaine Katrina!!!). At any rate the front end is together and feels good. I'm not real pleased with the front wheel as its full of rust. While its sound, it looks a little rough (even for a budget chop). Plus wheels are cheap, so I got a bid on one on Ebay as we speak. I also have issues with the front brake caliper. I'm not sure, but I think the caliper I have is for a different model fork, cuz it doesn't see to line up with the disk. I'll need to pull the front end and check that out. Oh, and I also have a rear wheel on the way. The one that mounted now is off the stock 78K, and is off center. I have a pre 77 model wheel/hub that is laced to a harley rim on its way.
I also got started on the wiring yesteray. Just got all the tape off the stock harness, and got things laid out. Was gonna try to keep everything entact, but it was just way to cluttered, so I chopped off just what I needed, and I'll wire it from stratch.
So, got lots to do now. Not even gonna try and guess when I could have the motor running, not close enough yet, so I'll keep you posted. Cheers!!!

Monday, September 05, 2005

Day 155


It has been a sad week in Louisiana. The hurricane hit today a week ago. Words can't describe the pain and devistation survivors displaced by the storm have felt, and the helplessness and frustration I have felt. Erica and myself fared pretty well, we only lost power for most of Monday. Things have finally started to look the they have turned a corner the last few days, but there is alot of work ahead. With all the devistation I feel reluctant to even give an update on my project. It all seems pretty insignificant in relation to other events of the week. I had hoped to have the frame on wheels and the motor in the bike by now. But the storm held up the set of forks I had on its way in, and I still have yet to receive them. I also have a bro from hondachop sending me a pre 77 rear hub. I hope this will work OK for the rear wheel. Things should move pretty quick when I get the forks in. I finished up grinding on the neck, so the triple tress are greased, and in place, I just need to slide the forks in and tighten everything down.

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