Crabby's Build

RustiePyles · Apr 28, 2021

Stepped end faces out, just the way you have it. The pipes should fit into the flanges, they are tight. It takes some dressing and massaging to get the pipes into the counterbore. The flanges do stand quite proud with the gasket installed, you can turn the flanges down on a lathe to fit the way you want and even to run stock pipe collars, But you need to do it before you start welding pipe to em.

CrabbyCustoms · Apr 28, 2021

RustiePyles said:
and even to run stock pipe collars, But you need to do it before you start welding pipe to em.

That's great,thanks! I would like to keep the stock pipe collars. Appreciate the info.

CrabbyCustoms · May 7, 2021

I've been practicing my welding by attaching small sections of tube. My welds are atrocious but with work they clean up nice and they seem strong.
I'm trying to figure out how long to make the exhaust? I'm going to secure the pipe to the foot controls and to secure the muffler i'm going to weld a bung onto the frame but I trying to decide on 2 different spots for the bung depending on the length pipe I use?

5twins · May 7, 2021

With welding, practice makes perfect, or at least better, lol. And you'll discover your welding will greatly improve your grinding skills, lol. Get some flap discs for your grinder, they give a nice smooth finish. Grind the big lumps off, finish with the flap disc.

You might want to weld a 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" adapter to the end of your pipe so the muffler can be mounted without using any of those reducer sleeves. They always leak.

CrabbyCustoms · Jun 8, 2021

You might want to weld a 1 1/2" to 1 3/4" adapter to the end of your pipe so the muffler can be mounted without using any of those reducer sleeves. They always leak.[/QUOTE]

Good to know as I can't seem to make the supplied reducer sleeves fit. I'm going to search for an adapter and weld.
The headers are basically finished. Today I removed the test fit engine and i'm welding on the tcbros kickstand tomorrow.

I have a question? I noticed with the change of climate that the headers began to flash rust. It's now been 4 months since I finished rebuilding the engine. I'm storing it in the garage how worried should I be about it starting to rust inside? Should i think about putting a dehumidifier in my garage?

Thanks!!

TJZ662 · Jun 8, 2021

You can always try anti-spatter, if you’re still getting too many bb’s. It should make cleaning up the welds and around the haz go a bit smoother. Dynaflux is my go to brand. Sweet build you’ve got going on as well

CrabbyCustoms · Jun 11, 2021

I'm trying to install a TCbros kickstand. It seems my header is getting in the way. I'm wondering if anyone has encountered this and if they have a suggestion?
I was thinking of trying to weld another piece of 1 1/8in tube under the existing frame rail to try to get the kick low enough to clear the header.

Jim · Jun 11, 2021

Well, the position of the original side stand was about here. Maybe try there instead of as far aft as you're currently trying?

Jim · Jun 11, 2021

Also... stock geometry has the header running above it's mount tab. Yours has the header running below it.

RustiePyles · Jun 11, 2021

Why are you running you header so far below the frame? I think your gonna have a problem with any side stand.

X77S · Jun 12, 2021

Looks like you need to suck it up tighter to the bottom of your foot peg mount. In my mind exhaust pipes would be the last thing to fab, after all other things are installed.

As far as your exhaust tips I think the taller setup looked best.

I'm slowly working on mine, but I haven't had time to work on it in couple weeks. Looks like we went the same direction on the frame.

Scripto VU · Jun 12, 2021

Jim said:
Well, the position of the original side stand was about here. Maybe try there instead of as far aft as you're currently trying?

View attachment 193125

sidecar ?

CrabbyCustoms · Jun 12, 2021

RustiePyles said:
Why are you running you header so far below the frame? I think your gonna have a problem with any side stand.

Thanks so much for all of the input, it's very helpful. Unfortunately due to the foot mounts I bought I didn't have enough room to run the headers above the mounting tab so I had to run it below but now that I look at it it definitely looks too low in terms of the geometry of the bike. I may have to take another stab at making my headers):

RustiePyles · Jun 12, 2021

You could do what I did and just move them both to the other side…

CrabbyCustoms · Oct 21, 2021

Figured out my exhaust situation. I 'm attempting to run them down under the middle of the frame then popping out behind the engine. The look is way cleaner than what I had before. I'm glad I screwed it up. I still have to finish fabrication but the weather has been so nice that I've been able to paint right up until today, but looking at the forecast today will be the last day.

First off I finished painting the Honda that I had started before the XS. I still have to buff and polish but I'm happy with my first attempt. I screwed it up a few times and had to strip it and start again! Applying the decals was the scariest thing i've ever done! Never want to do it again.

I also started painting the XS. I cut down the front fender and painted the metallic base. Painted and molded the rear fender and sissy bar. On the sissy bar I also painted the grey metallic, to get an idea as to what the bike colours will look like, I've also decided to add some Pagan Gold candy accents to the silver pinstripes but I have to learn how to airbrush first.

Over the last week i've done the body work for the XS tank, I was surprised that a new tank would need to be completely body filled but you could see all the imperfections so I molded around fuel hole and tang welds, underneath I leveled it all. Today I put some epoxy primer on it and noticed that it will need more body work. Fun Times!

Jim · Oct 21, 2021

CrabbyCustoms said:
First off I finished painting the Honda that I had started before the XS. I still have to buff and polish but I'm happy with my first attempt.

If that's your first try at painting I'm damned impressed. :cheers:

CrabbyCustoms · Oct 21, 2021

Jim said:
If that's your first try at painting I'm damned impressed.

Thanks. Yes first attempt, although technically I painted it 3 times!

TX650A Van Islander · Oct 31, 2021

Nice work Crabby! I agree about installing decals - terrifying it was, and I didn't do the painting myself either like you did.

CrabbyCustoms · Dec 19, 2021

Hi All! I'm hoping to take advantage of a Lowbrow discount code and purchase my master cylinder control. I've found one i like but i'm unsure if it will work with my stock XS brake calipers?

I have two options to choose from 9/16in bore or 5/8in bore, will either work? or neither work?

Any advice is most appreciated!

Screen Shot 2021-12-19 at 11.37.06 AM.png

Screen Shot 2021-12-19 at 11.32.37 AM.png

TX650A Van Islander · Dec 19, 2021

I should think that the one with the bore closest in diameter to the original would work, however I am not certain and look forward to the response from those with more knowledge and experience than me.

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