78 GS550 cafe project

[78gscafe]

Well being new I started to post my build in the owners section and that appears to be the wrong place. I bought a 78 GS550E in January and have been making cafe modifications. So far I have a GSXR 1100 front end, GSXR wheels, GS1100E swingarm, GSXR rear sets, GS750 carbs, and a GS450E tank. Currently in the process of making my own seat and carving out the mold for my tail section that I am then going to fiberglass. Trying to keep the build updated and am posting all the pics here

http://community.webshots.com/user/shekawatiguy?track_pagetag=/page/photo/goodtimes/friendsfun&track_action=/MediaInfo/MediaAuthor

This is what she looked like when I first bought her.

[78gscafe]

Updated pictures of how the build is going.

http://community.webshots.com/user/shekawatiguy

[Zooks]

Looking good. Very keen to see it together.

[dashingemt]

tank

I love the tank, how/where did you get/make it?

[78gscafe]

Well the tank came from a friend who was clearing out his apartment and I basically stole it. It is off of a GS450E, I think it was an 82. It doesn't look like much has happened lately but there has. The wheels were sandblasted and sent out for power coating, I picked out a semi gloss black trying to blend them into the tires. The seat has gone onto version number 3 and the rear set brackets got welded on. And a bunch of other parts showed up.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/558571021dwbiRo

[LeeGS550E]

Nice work on the seat. Makes me glad to see I'm not the only one around here with a sewing machine in the house. Is that your final seat design, or are you going to keep tweaking it? And what type of foam did you use?

[78gscafe]

Thanks, I hope this is the last iteration of the seat. I'm only 18 and trying to save cash anywhere I can without the reducing performance or design so I used the foam from the original seat with some additional padding I found around the house.

[Zooks]

............with some additional padding I found around the house.

You've got the Cafe spirit right there in that sentence.

Experiment and adapt. The two greatest teachers when it comes to machinery (IMHO).

Please put the bloody thing together 8-[

I can't wait to see it.

[78gscafe]

Had some extra time today so I made a few fixtures to mount the seat and passenger pegs. I also cut the hoop on the back shorter for a tighter fit. Will try to get it all welded later tonight.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/558579493OJwbYb

[78gscafe]

Got the tail section, passenger peg brackets, and seat mounts welded.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/558589419NazqxF

[Zooks]

I was a professional welder for many years and I must say they are some of the nicest welds I've seen.

Lookin' real good buddy.

[LeeGS550E]

Looks like your coming along fast on this thing. It looks like you have some experience with the upholstery work. I'd suggest that when it comes time to finally put it together, heat the pleather up with a hair dryer or a wall heater. That makes it easier to stretch out. Also, if you're seams don't lay flat, you can use spray adhesive on the back side of the seam, and spread the seam flat against the surrounding fabric, sticking it flat on itself. I also found that gluing strips of foam inside of your pleats will cause them to bulge and gives it a nice "plush" look. Good work, keep it up. Heres an example of what I mean about using foam inside of the pleats.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t42/zumw7332/GSAprilSeat.jpg

[78gscafe]

A bunch of parts showed up yesterday including the wheels back from powder coating, the front calipers, rear caliper, and the first of more than likely a few versions on the front fender.

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/558646623pDoDYQ?track_pagetag=/page/photo/goodtimes/friendsfun&track_action=/Owner/MediaInfo/AlbumTitle

[78gscafe]

Spent some serious time with the grinder cleaning up the entire frame. The turn signals showed up so some brackets were made for them and the taillight. The battery box mount was also figured out. The seat was also finalized.

http://community.webshots.com/album/558693886yzVLlU

[78gscafe]

Started carving the foam for the tail last night.

http://community.webshots.com/album/558699102QUalVE