Got the front mount in today. Used a gusset for strength. -11 F this morning, this winter is dragging by. Next the rear mount, squaring it up, and then the hardest part, the top.
Got the front mount in today. Used a gusset for strength. -11 F this morning, this winter is dragging by. Next the rear mount, squaring it up, and then the hardest part, the top.
Rear mount after welding, top gusset, double thick at the screws with a stiffener added. Looks like there's another small but useful storage area.
Last edited by 8ninety8; 02-27-2013 at 05:05 PM.
that looks really great, looks like the hard part is over now?
// 1975 BMW R90/6 (cafe'd)
// 1967 Aermacchi/H-D Sprint 250 SS
// 1973 VW Type 181 Custom SOLD)
Pipes welded in, looks like there's room. Another problem solved.
Last edited by 8ninety8; 03-13-2013 at 10:03 PM.
Didn't have a 45mm die stock, so made one out of a piece of hard maple drop. A little off center, but it worked out just fine. Always check what's laying around before wallet is extracted.
Last edited by 8ninety8; 03-07-2013 at 10:22 PM.
Bumps planished out, shaping up, gauge reduced slightly.
And the right side fits too. Tight, clean, looks like it'll work.
Last edited by 8ninety8; 03-18-2013 at 06:14 PM.
Looking great, keep it up!
// 1975 BMW R90/6 (cafe'd)
// 1967 Aermacchi/H-D Sprint 250 SS
// 1973 VW Type 181 Custom SOLD
Superkraut, just had to push it outside to get a proper look at whether it looked like a turd, too low at the top, or, if welding should be invested now. I think the top doesn't curve enough, not high enough. The stock tank drops by about an inch from the center to the front, this one drops only about a quarter inch. Don't know what'll do yet. Here's the next prob., make the right side a reverse copy of the left side.
Last edited by 8ninety8; 03-05-2013 at 11:38 PM.
Didja take any full-on side shots while it was out in the sun?
"It is what you discover, after you know it all, that counts." _ John Wooden
Lew Morris
1973 R75/5 - original owner
Lew, got another side shot although starting another top piece to see what'll it look like. The stock profile is hard to beat. When it's done aesthetics will make it either a laugher or a second look. Wasn't that important when started, but now, better to pay attention to detail. Can't pound out the current top piece anymore, it's too much pounded if you know what I mean. Too thin.
Last edited by 8ninety8; 03-05-2013 at 11:35 PM.
I agree with your observation, not enough curve or height on the top, it that's what's great about what you're doing. Just take it off and make a new one
I'm building an aermacchi right now for my daughter and hate the stock sportsterish tank. Bought a leggero version off eBay and set off to cutting it up and welding it (widening it and stretching it). Then I came across a benelli tank that looked perfect, picked that up and just modified the frame and the mounting ears to accept the tank. I wish I had the talent to do what you're doing and just make exactly what I want out of a piece of aluminum, would save me a lot of headaches - or maybe introduce an entire set of new ones
I love this thread of yours
// 1975 BMW R90/6 (cafe'd)
// 1967 Aermacchi/H-D Sprint 250 SS
// 1973 VW Type 181 Custom SOLD
This effort is self-taught, stiff learning curve, never pounded a piece of Al before now, got a big pile of bent up scrap, might use some of it to stitch together an S-fairing for the front, with hand wind deflectors, and a cool headlight grill out of brass. Got to think ahead. Actually getting really worn out by this project, probably one of the hardest modifications I ever tried On my R90. Hope those pipes will weld into the 3003 alloy.
Last edited by 8ninety8; 02-24-2013 at 10:06 PM.
This is about the final shape, third top piece is a charm, knee sockets will be pushed way in, and looks like a five piece top, may just let the welds show, this is not a perfect looking bike, no reason to change now. Meant to be ridden down the road all day with a little style grace, and hard into the setting sun, bugs soon to be waiting up here, 4 degrees this morning, snow about every other day, temps 25 degrees below normal, whereTH is global warming when ya need it.
Looks like it is coming together nicely.
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