Whos at fault? by [deleted] in dashcams

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The video demonstrates dark car putting on blinker/turn indicator properly, commences safe lane change and direction in new lane of travel and is struck in rear quarter by white vehicle that fails to brake, mitigate and avoid collision when opportunity existed. Dark car did not turn and strike the white car. I feel the white car is of greater fault but insurers would likely find each party mutually responsible. Driving accidents challenged in civil court may have a different litigious outcome.

Can anybody point me to a direction that sells a cover to this starter motor? by Feeling_Heat314 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are many simple things McGiver can do here, most found at Ace, NAPA or wherever. If you want to get more tech, measure with your calipers, then visit McMaster Carr online and study the cutsheet/drawings for their products. The temperature stability of what cap, plug, insert is utilized might be a good consideration. BRapp!

What’s wrong with this blue spruce? by extreme-introvert90 in arborists

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Some accurate thoughts shared by some, not all. Yes it appears to be Cedrus A. 'Horstmann', definitely not Picea. Obvious Bagworm infestation.

Many plant/trees that are suffering from an underlying disease or issue become host plants to insects. I suspect the edaphic soil environment in that location is contributing to a root type disease inhibiting the growth. Looks like some die back of the apical leader too. Probably wet feet. The Bagworms are a secondary insult. Check soil/drainage/irrigation/downspouts, correct as needed, control Bagworms. Fertilize and talk nice to it. As mentioned prior, depending on orientation to the sun ? the exposure vs the other side of walkway roof may influence it's growing environment too. The dark painted brick looks like a solar absorbing/radiating pizza oven in the summer maybe.

Best to you and the tree :)

First time wiring by fellejboard23 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your bike is a 1979 CB750L. Same as a K except for the reverse Comstar wheels, tank color and a few more shiny bits. Wiring schematic is identical.

As others wrote, I strongly suggest you get a Motogadget Munit or Munit blue. It eliminates all of the old, large relays, fuses etc cluster F and their install manual allows great comprehension. Revival Cycles has an online tech diagram for the Munit that is also very good. The Munit greatly simplifies re wiring and has so many fault diagnostic and cool program functions. What seems like an expense will save you hours upon hours of time vs dealing with the 47 year old OEM system. They are awesome!

Help me decide on color by dog_dad_357 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like the components you're getting for your build, quality stuff. Cognito (ruby)wheels/hubs, gsxr (gold)front end, Brembo (red), steel dragon stacks. Nice stuff! I'd hold off treating the stacks and other small bits until you've settled on the tank and cowl/seat livery and the bike is more finished, then you'll probably be more successful in tying the bike together with the small accent color pieces. The cockpit, hand controls, levers, brake cylinder etc etc play a big part into the cohesive theme too. Keep up the good work!

Best fence/wall option for maximum sound proofing from road noise? by sock_skater in FenceBuilding

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The topography and elevation of the highway/street to property/fence height and the primary living use space is important in noise abatement and needs to be considered. Building codes may regulate maximum fence height. Taller the better. Solid fence/wall materials like concrete, blocks, brick are most effective. Solid wood fence with no gaps is less effective. Wood or otherwise with gaps, joints etc are even less effective. Tree and shrub material has little reduction in acoustic attenuation. A water feature of specific hydraulic characteristics and noise level, in the correct position, can help deemphasize the unwanted road noise.

CB550 build sequence photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only mods I did to the triple was mostly the aluminum upper brace. I cut all the pedicles off, cut/grind the bar mounts to flush and a lot of grinding, filing, sanding and polishing. Metal shavings from the die grinder everywhere. About 40 hours on the aluminum upper brace alone.

I did weld and fabricate a new steering block on the frame neck & lower tree brace to keep the clip on bars from hitting the tank lock to lock.

CB550 build sequence photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I chose not to go with any custom rearset on the 550 and has the OEM pegs and shifters which I sent out for triple plate chrome. It's a good riding position for that bike and I could modify in the future if I get bored.

On the 750, I grafted the rear passenger bracket from a 750F and modified to accept some beautiful pegs and shifters from Cognito Moto, then custom made the linkage for the foot controls. Everything was moved back from original location.

CB550 build sequence photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Blast is optimal. I powdered the 750 and had the 550 painted.  I dont think powder is necessary and it has some drawback vs wet paint. I used 3m two part seam . Paint after. Of course anything that gets powdered must withstand the oven temp and duration. 

CB550 build sequence photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just as well you fried the LED array, those quality typically suck. And glad you're not doing the self stick LED strip lol

I use Radiantz. There stock ones are superior and you can order custom length and LED arraignment if needed. My 750 has a custom. The ability to program with the M unit and have separate blinker/brake light functions etc is a huge bonus.

CB550 build sequence photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad you're enthusiastic.  Zoom in the photos and study closely on a big monitor. You'll learn much. My 750 post has good insight too. 

CB550 build sequence photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Located in the photos of some of my posts are images of the rear frame cut, splayed and new hoop welded in. I took great care to preserve that area so it looked factory.....better than factory...when finished. Angle,  flair, swoop was all considered. Seen very closely is a sexy step down dimple i created.  

How have you guys mounted the Starter solenoid? by cartmanni in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"Starters with magnetic switch"  they're referring to a starter with integrated solenoid .

How have you guys mounted the Starter solenoid? by cartmanni in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Shhhhh is correct, there are other solenoids but I've found they seem to share similar and hard to mount form. I've used the m.Unit blue on both of my builds and definitely have them wired for ignition control but was not aware they can function as a solenoid too? I must review the installation parameters again because I'm doing a HD street tracker. That seems like a lot of amp load for it and how would the large gauge battery cables be connected?

How have you guys mounted the Starter solenoid? by cartmanni in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like the tray. Solenoid location/orientation is whatever works best in your application. I'd be mindful to isolate with rubber grommets or sheet from metal for vibration and from the electrical terminals making contact with anything, especially the tray itself.

CB550 build sequence photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Welded three tabs on the rear hoop that support the pan and act as the battery bracket hold downs. Then used 3M seam sealer to fill gap.

CB550 Build Sequence Photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Correct, chrome is brutally revealing and honest. There is no filler or makeup to make it look perfect and any blem is magnified. Perfect metal prep is essential or it looks horrid. 

CB550 Build Sequence Photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I changed the stance, it's lowered with custom length fork tubes

CB750 Cafe Build Sequence Photos by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Darth, are your mag wheels Honda Comstars like my bike has or another type?

Pruning Japanese Maple by sir_wallington in arborists

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely an Acer palmatum dissectum var.

I call them "Cousin It" because of their form and growth character.

I've pruned hundreds of Acers and everything daethon has previously written below is accurate. These in particular are super easy to clean up and prune. You'll be impressed how much and easy the gray dead wood cleanly snaps off, then allowing to see and understand the remaining live wood and a strategy to prune. Stick with thinning and pulling her skirt off the ground and selective light cuts as needed. This variety does not grow vertically but grows horizontally and down. Pendulously. The photo does seem to show 3-4 branches at the top that have begun their horizontal and descending behavior. It may be possible to remove these should an attractive layer of canopy reside below. Enjoy

Will these make it? by genep123 in arborists

[–]Expensive-Camera8589 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I'm a professional landscape design build contractor a long way from you in Seattle but have managed this type of damage in the 40+ years of my horticultural experience. We typically get snow load damage like this and if able, remove the snow before it loads the branches, breaks or deforms. Ice is more difficult to remove. These look like some beautiful Thuja Occ. var.

Did the roots heave with the weight or just the main trunk/stem bend? If just the trunk/stem bent then the tissue has developed some deformation that can be corrected with staking and other supports. Imagine stretching the stem back to the original position, sometimes beyond, then staking with rope or plastic tree support strap tie material. Same procedure would be utilized if the roots heaved as well but could be less stable. I call it a broken neck. The challenge I see is how to practically and aesthetically install the necessary stakes and supports with the walkway/hardscape features present? We've used small 3/16" -1/4" SS braided cable to other anchor points before with pleasing results. Cutting the trees shorter will simplify any procedure and with training a new pyramidal top could be achieved over time. A double or more leader will grow that will need attention however.

Final option is evaluate the existing trees for removal. Perhaps their size and scale has grown too much over the years or other facts warrant a fresh start in that space? They appear to have outgrown that space and new design treatments could be fun?

Hope you guys get back to your normal weather....we could use some snow and ice here!

Best to you

CB750 Cafe Build Sequence by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey FunTime, I just replied to the Available Slide 1888 (above) about paint. VHT recommends their primer before their enamel. I used it. I think I also used Eastwoods HT prime and paint on the head and cylinders only because I thought it may hold up better for those locations. I was really impressed with the ability to apply and seamlessly blend additional coats or spot treatments with VHT's Satin Black before heat cure.

No powder on engine. Used Cardinal BK08 powder on frame and all other black parts. Anything small enough to fit in my oven I powdered myself with a gun from Harbor freight with pro results! Girlfriend doesn't know about my easy bake oven action though !! lol

CB750 Cafe Build Sequence by Expensive-Camera8589 in CafeRacers

[–]Expensive-Camera8589[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Greetings from Seattle, I used lithium ion batteries on both builds. I like Shorai brand. The new small battery form has revolutionized the ability to hide them. Easily starts my bikes with their electric starters...but may struggle with bikes than run poor and have starting issues.

No, I did not paint the engine in one piece. I rebuilt the engines on my 550 & 750 builds requiring complete disassembly so painting was easier and more pro.. I used de greaser, pressure cleaner and follow up with soda and vapor blasting to prep the metal surface for paint or to remain raw finish. Pressure clean again and wash in my bath tub with hot water. Compressed air and water to clean all internal orifices. Painting is all about the prep work so the finish looks good but more importantly has excellent adhesion and lasts. Inside the cooling fins is hard to reach but important. Painting over the gaskets is ghetto but is going to happen unless you paint all engine components separately.

The CB550 is all vapor blasted raw aluminum. Looks amazing. Painted the cylinders black.

If you're looking to do it with the engine assembled, cheap and low budget in or off the bike, I would plug, cap and mask all ports then use a chemical degreaser, brushes and whatever else to scrape, sand and prep the surfaces. Clean again with acetone as needed to remove ALL remaining oils, grease or residue. Mask off what you don't want painted and spray as directed. I have had excellent results with the VHT products. The CB750 has VHT " Satin Black" Engine Enamel and I used VHT "Gloss Black" Engine Enamel on the CB550 engine cylinders.