CB450 clean up

I almost lost my mind trying to figure out a way to get the front brake pad un-stuck from the caliper on the CB450. I tried for hours/days with little success, then went to Fisher Machine. Bobby wasn't able to budge it either, and he recommended we drill it from the back and simply push it out, but I could only find one replacement on eBay for $699, so that wasn't going to happen. Then I went to see Chris at Ace Motorsports, and we just tapped the holes I drilled, and ran some bolts through to push the pad out. It was almost too easy.

As I wait for my part to arrive, I stripped almost everything off the bike, cleaned and painted the frame black (not shown in this photo). I pulled the rear wheel, and will bring it to the Honda dealer along with the front wheel in order to get my new tires installed this week.

1972 Honda CB450 Cafe Project

I've been tinkering with the latest project, and '72 Honda CB450K5, which is on it's way to becoming a cafe racer. I rebuilt the carbs, and it is running much better now. After draining the tank, I found a bunch of rust and crap in the petcock and tank, so I am going to clean it out and coat the gas tank with the Caswell Epoxy coating I used on the Buell.

The front brake didn't work when I bought it, but I knew the master cylinder was stuck, so I ordered a replacement from eBay. The front caliper was completely stuck, I can NOT get the pad out...so I'm working on a replacement one if possible.

I found a great site for parts, Dime City Cycles, and plan to order parts from them tomorrow too!

'66 Chevele - SOLD

It saddens me to report that the '66 Chevelle has been sold, and has left the SHC garage. I really wanted this car, but truthfully I just didn't want to make the investment of time and money required to complete it. Zach likes the '71 Chevelle better, so he will get that for his first car and I will probably get a little cafe racer to keep me happy this summer.

I received dozens of calls for the Chevelle ad from six states (yeah, probably should have asked for more $$$), and one in particular was a pleasant surprise. Craig and I spoke about the Chevelle, our old Buells, and his ’79 Suzuki GS550 project. His objective was to build the bike for the least amount of $ as possible – just a personal goal he set out seeing if it could be done. Admittedly, he cut some corners here and there(skateboard seat pan instead of purchased fiberglass molded) and bartered for some parts(clubman handlebars, etc..). "I’ve just about taken it as far as I want – probably build a seat pad for it soon, but believe it or not, the skateboard kinda conforms to my butt and is pretty comfortable. I may look for something else shortly."

I am inspired, thanks Craig!

66 Chevelle Progress

So, I am on vacation this week, and have been working steadily on the '66 Chevelle...which is good news. I did however place an ad on Craigslist offering to sell the car. I must be off my meds or something. I finally got the car in primer, and just have to get the dings out, the body blocked and painted...but I am at the point that I can cut my losses and walk away before I sink another couple grand into it. Isn't that what I wanted though? A nice 1966 Chevelle? And if I sell it, what then? What would I drive? Aghhhhhh!!!

I have a bunch of calls to return from interested buyers, this is going to kill me. If it doesn't go quick, I'm probably going to order my parts from the swap meet, finish the build and forget about this whole week.

Maybe it's all the paint fumes getting to my head.....

Barrett Jackson Palm Beach 2012

The 2012 Barrett Jackson Auction from Palm Beach is this weekend, April 5-7, 2012 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. As its only collector car auction on the East Coast and the celebration of Barrett-Jackson’s 10th anniversary in Palm Beach, this year’s event is sure to bring thousands of visitors from South Florida and beyond to view millions of dollars’ worth of Classics, Muscle Cars, Hot Rods, Resto-Mods, Exotics, and Contemporary Collectibles as they cross the auction block.
Of course, I should be playing the Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game and watching the live coverage!