Jim's 1980 SG Miss September

[Jim]

Thanks Kshansen.... Pete.

 

[5twins]

I think you will like having it and wonder how you did without one before. I know I do, lol. Most seem to suffer from the direct sunlight visibility thing, mine included, but it's not a deal breaker for me. It's not something you monitor constantly like your speedo or tach, just an occasional glance or check. And the cupped hand trick is all that's needed to see it during those peak sun times. But, that's less time than you think, and even just riding through the shade thrown by a tree or building at those times is enough to render the gauge visible again. I suppose the brightness level is a trade-off, so it isn't too bright at night. I find even the factory idiot lights (neutral, turn signal flasher) to be like this. Sometimes they're difficult to see in direct sunlight as well.

I'm using this sealed, waterproof unit in mine .....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-Car-Mo...var=540919508204&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

I haven't tried fitting one into a Special dash pod yet but I'm not sure the oval shaped idiot light windows would allow the numbers to show completely. I'm leaning more towards an external mount in a little sheet metal bracket.

 

[Jim]

I haven't tried fitting one into a Special dash pod yet but I'm not sure the oval shaped idiot light windows would allow the numbers to show completely. I'm leaning more towards an external mount in a little sheet metal bracket.

Inside dim. is about 30mm. The oval window is a platic insert that looks like it will come out without too much trouble. Looks doable to me.

 

[Mailman]

I like it Jim, I think it’s a very clean install.
Now where did I leave my scrap landing gear?

 

[halfmile]

Nice job Jim. Howard Hughes would have certainly approved of your rivets. I think sometimes our best detail work is never seen on the finished product? If this bike doesn`t '"Knock em Dead" on the 19th of May, we`ll always think it shoulda!

 

[Jim]

Thanks Bob... Phil
Yikes!!! That deadline is fast approaching....

 

[Downeaster]

Once the gauges are in, all 3 faces will be flush with each other (same height).

Doh. Hadn't considered that. Should've known Captain OCD would have a handle on an obvious detail like that.

 

[Jim]

After installing the gauges, it looks much better. I think I like it...

Check out the tach.... A damned spider built a web in there. It still works Ok, so I'm hoping it will break down over time.

 

[robinc]

Ha ha. I think I like it too Jim!
Really, it looks great, very cool.
Hey, any voltmeter addition is a mod so ya just gotta decide which way ya wanna go.
Yours is unique for a Special.

Well done!

 

[Jim]

Thanks Robin!

 

[Mailman]

Yeah I like it a lot Jim, I wouldn't change it. By the way, what's happening May 19th? A little M/C show perhaps?

 

[spectra]

Looks great and as for the web well it needs to be used.............only cob webs collect on things that don't move

 

[Jim]

By the way, what's happening May 19th? A little M/C show perhaps?

Yeah, right here in Kansas City. Phil and I want represent the XS community...

 

[Jim]

only cob webs collect on things that don't move

Ain't that the truth.... Here's hopin' a little use will remove it.

 

[Mailman]

Jim, I just re read your thread from the beginning, this build really is one of my favorites. I'm looking forward to your engine build. Just two things, the spider web in your tach? I'm pretty sure you have an ancient spider that's been living in your tach for decades. Here's your tach when you bought your bike.

Hmmm, same spider?
And please whatever you do , don't change your " All seeing eye" seat!

Really Captain , you're awsome! Carry on!

 

[Jim]

Well sumbich... Wasn't there when I rode it, so I guess I never noticed it during teardown.
My wife hates that seat. She'd kill me if I ever tried to use it.
Thanks Bob.

 

[Jim]

Got some cleanin' and painting done yesterday. A couple "before" shots of the front disc and wheel....

Cleaned up the rotor with Roloc discs and painted with satin black....

Masking off the wheel was a real bear of a job. Next bike is gonna have spokes...

After polish and paint....

And (polished) stainless hardware to install the rotor...

Phew.... glad I only got one more wheel to go.

 

[Mailman]

Super nice detail work, as always Jim! It’s easy to make the big peices look nice, but as you say....The devil’s in the details!

 

[robinc]

Nice job Jim!

Next bike is gonna have spokes...

Ya and then ya gotta clean and polish between the spokes, eh?

 

[Jim]

Thanks Bob.