XS650 Scrambler Build

[halfmile]

Drilled the last holes today. I do use a stepped centering bit. I`m not nuts about the pattern but it does save the support ribs. Here are a few pics. Also I counted the holes and it has 4 more than my Prom Date.

 

[Jim]

You goin' polished or painted?

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

I wonder if those holes will whistle.
Maybe at 88 mph...

 

[Jim]

I wonder if those holes will whistle.

Gives new meaning to the term "tuning my engine" don't it?

 

[CoconutPete]

Beautiful!

 

[gggGary]

Edward R. Murrow reporting from the scene

Or....

PS I like the holes!

 

[halfmile]

Sanded off some of the oxidation and pits. Looks like it will polish up OK.

 

[halfmile]

Made a double O-ring tach drive block off plug.

 

[racerdave]

You have some real talent half. Do you have any vids/sound of your white tracker running?

 

[fredintoon]

Drilled the last holes today. I do use a stepped centering bit. I`m not nuts about the pattern but it does save the support ribs. Here are a few pics. Also I counted the holes and it has 4 more than my Prom Date.
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Hi halfmile,
well, bugger me! 43 years as a machinist and machine designer and this is the very first time I've seen or heard of stepped centering bits.
Guess you learn something new every day if you ain't careful.
As to your prom date's hole count, most folks have 10 if you count the eye-holes or 100,000+ if you include the skin pores and the holes in your
cast cover are either too many or far too few to fit either, eh?

 

[halfmile]

The guy I got the bits from said that`s what they were. They are from Boeing Aircraft in Wichita. A salvage Co. here in Topeka sells them by the pound when they get them. I have a 5 gallon bucket full. They are oddball sizes like 1/4" in is really .2496 etc. There are numbered and lettered bits too. Most are new and sharp as hell. Good thing too because I can`t sharpen a bit to save my ass! I`m sure someone with aircraft experience will know what these are. Holes

 

[halfmile]

Did a rough cut polish on the aluminium "Stuff". Tomorrow I`ll do the final quick polish and clean up. I pick up the frame on Wed and drop off the parts to be chromed at the same time. Things are starting to fall into place. A small lottery win would certainly speed up the process!

 

[Jim]

A small lottery win would certainly speed up the process!

A big one would be even better. Then you could share it....

 

[halfmile]

Polished up all the parts to be chromed. Frame was done today and I`ll pick it up and leave the chrome off tomorrow.

 

[Jim]

A chrome sidestand..... hmmm.... never thought of that. I bet you're chompin' at the bit to get that frame back.

 

[halfmile]

I picked up the frame and dropped off the parts to be chromed ( 2-3 weeks) I need it NOW. Anyway the official assembly started Today! I hunted for 1 1/2 hrs this afternoon for the rear shock bolts and washers. When I had this mocked up in the basement I just through all the bolts etc that was on the bench into a plastic tub and took it all to the shop. They were at the bottom of the tub. Imagine that. I didn`t make a lot of progress but at least it`s a start.

 

[Jim]

Pretty good days work for an old man....
That looks beautiful Phil!!!

 

[MrBultaco]

I didn`t make a lot of progress but at least it`s a start.

I'd say that was a very good progress day....
It looks like you layed the frame over the engine. This from another thread about engine install.
Beautiful, halfmile....

 

[halfmile]

Thanks Jim & Tom. I did lay the frame over the engine, slid in the bottom and lower rear bolts and sit it upright. Took about 20 seconds tops. I did put rubber cups over the exh studs. In without a scratch. Piece of cake!!

 

[CoconutPete]

Did a rough cut polish on the aluminium "Stuff". Tomorrow I`ll do the final quick polish and clean up. I pick up the frame on Wed and drop off the parts to be chromed at the same time. Things are starting to fall into place. A small lottery win would certainly speed up the process!
View attachment 114880

Looks gorgeous halfmile!

What do you protect these pieces with after you polish them? Anything? Or do you just have to maintain/clean them a lot to keep them looking nice?