Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Yesterday I have started working on the basic shape for my Cafe Racer seat. I am new at this so I hope I do not bugger it up.
I am also going to be doing the fiberglassing myself. I have also never done any fibreglass work myself, so it's all just going to a big learning experience for me.
Bellow I will post some pics as I go along, for you guys to comment and give advise, maybe it will help someone else to do this job themselves.
Step 1 make 1000 measurements
Step 2 make sure you got spray glue.
Step 3 make sure your small kids don't poke their fingers into your Floral Foam blocks.
Step 4 have fun cutting.
I was supposed to use spray glue, but used craft glue instead.
Don't do this, It makes it hard to cut out your shape, because the craft glue is very hard when it dries.
Late night, I could not wait, so I just grabbed a bread knife and started cutting. After doing 1000 measurements.
PS. measurements don't help much once you start cutting away, because you cut all your guide lines away anyway. So you just do it by eye.
I'll carry on cutting & shaping tonight.
I am also going to be doing the fiberglassing myself. I have also never done any fibreglass work myself, so it's all just going to a big learning experience for me.
Bellow I will post some pics as I go along, for you guys to comment and give advise, maybe it will help someone else to do this job themselves.
Step 1 make 1000 measurements
Step 2 make sure you got spray glue.
Step 3 make sure your small kids don't poke their fingers into your Floral Foam blocks.
Step 4 have fun cutting.
I was supposed to use spray glue, but used craft glue instead.
Don't do this, It makes it hard to cut out your shape, because the craft glue is very hard when it dries.
Late night, I could not wait, so I just grabbed a bread knife and started cutting. After doing 1000 measurements.
PS. measurements don't help much once you start cutting away, because you cut all your guide lines away anyway. So you just do it by eye.
I'll carry on cutting & shaping tonight.
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Interesting work.
You could make card molds for the profile at important locations.
Lejaun79 wrote:PS. measurements don't help much once you start cutting away, because you cut all your guide lines away anyway. So you just do it by eye.
You could make card molds for the profile at important locations.
Cosky's great (free) online manual: http://cosky0.tripod.com
forum links to common technical issues
If you really like this site and you would not like to see it vanish soon, have a look there: Urgent: Future of HondaCB650.com Forum
forum links to common technical issues
If you really like this site and you would not like to see it vanish soon, have a look there: Urgent: Future of HondaCB650.com Forum
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
That green floral foam is the F**king Devil. You're going to have fun separating the fiberglass mold from that powdery crap. Good for you though. I might try white craft styrofoam next time. Its a little more difficult to cut, but you can pick up a special electric knife at a craft store for like 10 bucks that will absolutely glide through it. It's a lot stronger than that floral foam, plus you won't have to worry about kid fingers messing up all your hard work.
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Now we're talking.
Just a bit more sanding down and checking it on the bike to see if it looks good.
Just a bit more sanding down and checking it on the bike to see if it looks good.
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
And re-checking if it looks ok.
And here's some more toys I will play with tomorrow.
And here's some more toys I will play with tomorrow.
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
step 5
Before staring the fibreglassing, check if the "U-bar" you made you is the correct measurement.
Amend your design if need be.
Step 6
Remember to listen to the experts. If they say do not add the hardener to a full tin of resin in one go...then don't.
I learnt the HARD way. Really, it went hard before I could use 1/4 of the tin.
(please note that this is my very first attempt working with fiberglass, so I just had the internet google professionals' knowledge.
I applied about 1kg of resin and about x4 layers of glass-fibre (300mg) so far.
And wear rubber gloves, this helped.
I guess If you know what you are doing you will tell me to wear protective eye-wear and mask, but this is SA and we play rugby. hahaha
(if you do not know what I mean...rugby players do not wear protective gear)
Before staring the fibreglassing, check if the "U-bar" you made you is the correct measurement.
Amend your design if need be.
Step 6
Remember to listen to the experts. If they say do not add the hardener to a full tin of resin in one go...then don't.
I learnt the HARD way. Really, it went hard before I could use 1/4 of the tin.
(please note that this is my very first attempt working with fiberglass, so I just had the internet google professionals' knowledge.
I applied about 1kg of resin and about x4 layers of glass-fibre (300mg) so far.
And wear rubber gloves, this helped.
I guess If you know what you are doing you will tell me to wear protective eye-wear and mask, but this is SA and we play rugby. hahaha
(if you do not know what I mean...rugby players do not wear protective gear)
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Almost done with seat, just some more measuring and fitting to do.
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
And it's almost done.
And now even closer to being finished, next step will be the upholstered seat.
And now even closer to being finished, next step will be the upholstered seat.
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Man, that looks really sharp!
Good work!
Are you planning on keeping the battery in the stock location?
Good work!
Are you planning on keeping the battery in the stock location?
1980 Honda CB650z RC03 (café racer)
My build thread here on HondaCB650.com -- My YouTube channel -- My Instagram
Honda CB650 Fours 1978-1980 Owners Workshop manual
My build thread here on HondaCB650.com -- My YouTube channel -- My Instagram
Honda CB650 Fours 1978-1980 Owners Workshop manual
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Yes, I will be replacing the side covers with something else, but keep the standard airbox and battery in that position.
The guys here in SA suggest I stay away from the pod filters, we have wet winters and the wind is always blowing in Cape Town
I was thinking of making a small compartment under the bumbox to store cellphone/ wallet, or gloves. There is enough space under there to store a bike cover.
The guys here in SA suggest I stay away from the pod filters, we have wet winters and the wind is always blowing in Cape Town
I was thinking of making a small compartment under the bumbox to store cellphone/ wallet, or gloves. There is enough space under there to store a bike cover.
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
My seat is finally awesome.
just need another topcoat spray and then I have to fit the tail light.
Sweet.
just need another topcoat spray and then I have to fit the tail light.
Sweet.
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Very nice work on the seat!
Yes keep the factory air box, or make another one to fit later when you have everything else perfect.
Are you going to fashion a rear fender and mount it?
Your bike looks very clean, I am surprised as your location eats chrome and plated accessories.
Did you figure out how to get things shipped in easily?
I checked around a bit and was told that FED EX had a program that works the best for your location.
Keep up the nice Clean Work!
Bob
Yes keep the factory air box, or make another one to fit later when you have everything else perfect.
Are you going to fashion a rear fender and mount it?
Your bike looks very clean, I am surprised as your location eats chrome and plated accessories.
Did you figure out how to get things shipped in easily?
I checked around a bit and was told that FED EX had a program that works the best for your location.
Keep up the nice Clean Work!
Bob
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
You're my hero. I might just have to do this and consider selling the one I (stupidly) bought off of Dime City.
Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Respect!
Great result.
Great result.
Cosky's great (free) online manual: http://cosky0.tripod.com
forum links to common technical issues
If you really like this site and you would not like to see it vanish soon, have a look there: Urgent: Future of HondaCB650.com Forum
forum links to common technical issues
If you really like this site and you would not like to see it vanish soon, have a look there: Urgent: Future of HondaCB650.com Forum
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Re: Cafe Racer Seat - work in progress
Hey quick question, how and what did you use to mount the fiberglass mold to the bike frame? I am in the process of building my own seat and could use some help...
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
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