1972 Combat Commando.

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The more I tear into it, the more I wonder. Now I found the tabbed camshaft thrust washer behind the cam sprocket, and the tab was bent and twisted. I am ready to split the cases, so we'll see what I find in there, so far I can see a roller bearing on the timing side. I am starting to realize not all supposed "experts" are. I have found too many bodges and butchery on this bike. All from a well know and still in business shop. Some of the frame stuff might have been the PO, But I know the shop did the superblend bulletin.
 
just have to drill 1 hole to mount it on the LH side forward of the gearbox bolt. It's possible to do it without too much dis assembly with the right drill.
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Any idea how you will adjust the belt once the double adjustor is on there? Left side is a little tough to get to with the inner primary in the way. I'm going through the head scratching process right now wondering how to do just that.
 
No belt, std primary setup. With the LH adjuster installed forward of the bolt, it is easy to access to get to the nuts. I'll post a picture once I get it setup, but it will be a =while.
 
A little update. i have most of the parts for the rebuild. I still need to powdercoat the frame, and as I have 2 to do, I will be building an oven and doing it myself. I designed an oven a while ago, and priced out the materials to be under $400, It will cost that to have my 2 frames done. So I need to build the oven and powdercoat the frame, then start assembly. Most parts are cleaned and ready to assemble. But i need to finish the wifes Buell first. And work on the alloy bike......... It never ends......
 
$400 to powdercoat two frames? Wow I have a friend that runs a PC shop & I knew he was giving me good deals but I didn't know how good. He would charge me $40.00!
 
10years ago I had a friend that would do it for $150, it has gone up since then. If I could get them done for $40 I would.
 
Finished up painting the sidecovers. Not bad for a 4 stage rattlecan job. And yes, I put them on the bike to level the decals.

1972 Combat Commando.

1972 Combat Commando.

1972 Combat Commando.
 
Is that the MetalSpecks like I used? I put about 6-8 coats of clear on mine and it looks lots better that way, plus polishing, even between coats. I'm finding that different cans have slightly different colors. I have one panel that has more green in it than the other. It's pretty obvious when they are right next to each other, my wife noticed it right away, but she's pretty color sensitive.

I'm going to try painting on the panel logos, but I'm procrastinating, going to try it on a test panel first. I have the stencils ready. Lots of the decals and stick ons I don't like too much. Steadfast has a nice tank logo with a wide gold outline, black interior, unlike the others that have a very thin outline, but you will have to cut it out, it's just a big rectangular stick on and you'll have to get it off the backing and onto some small backing pieces so you can place it correctly.

I see why painters charge so much.

Dave
69S
 
Huge labour hours involving attention to detail. My next flight to Asia or Mexico will have a piece of custom made luggage for a tank and sidecovers. Pick up the work on the way home.
 
I used all Duplicolor products with their engine clearcoat, I figured it would be the most fuel resistant. I am going for good, not perfect. There is no budget for paint. i am very happy how it turned out.
 
bwolfie said:
I am going for good, not perfect. There is no budget for paint. i am very happy how it turned out.
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That's the way I feel. And I can re-do it when I drag my boot across the tank.

Dave
69S
 
Looks damn good and I know what it takes to get rattle can to lay down nice and not get dust to bugs in it then rubbed downed clear coat deep shine. I know I've not been as successful yet too. Sun bake or oven bake it then keep it waxed.

The weak area is the filer neck so best wishes tank cap behaves and nozzles don't dribble. Going down is unthinkable.
 
That blue looks great from my house!! I think I am leaning towards doing mine that color or some shade of that darker blue. Last year there was no doubt in my mind, I was going to send the stuff to Brent but now I'll be lucky to have enough duckets to buy the bleeding rattle cans!! I want 15 minuets in a room alone with the banker scum that suck the economy dry. Well, it looks great Wolf show us the tank too.
 
I rattle canned the tank last year, but did a quick and dirty to prevent rust. I need to strip it down and address a few small dings and re do it. I finished up most of the powdercoating the last few nights. I just have the center stand, transmission cradle and frame left. everything else is done. I started in on changing transmission bearings and found some loose bores and a crack. Then I moved on to the engine cases and found more craclks on the primary side case, ughhh.... Now more work. I should have the bike in a roller in a week or two, and a few more once I sort out the cases. The frontend is assembled and sitting in the basment. and I have a bunch of small sub assemblies started. Once I finish the frame it should move a bit quicker.
 
Decided to spray can the frame. I want to try to get the bike done in time for Rockerbox MC show on Aug 4th. So I had my two son's (4 and 6) help me sand the frame, and I got it painted in the nice warm weather.
1972 Combat Commando.


Then after sufficent dry time this happened..

1972 Combat Commando.

1972 Combat Commando.

1972 Combat Commando.

1972 Combat Commando.

1972 Combat Commando.


I still have a few pieces holding me up, trans cradle, center stand, some transmission bushings, engine work to make and install, and few other small items. Once the trans cradle is done I can at least make it a roller.
I made out a RGM order today, so that should be here by the begining of next week, Should be the last of the parts, sans a few I probably forgot.
 
Really comming along bwolfie, I certainly understand about there not being room in the budget for paint. Those side panels look pretty darn good to me. As does the rest of the build, Cj
 
Slowly making progress, hopefully my RGM order will be here tomorrow. I picked up the last of my stainless hardware from Fastenal today. Here is the current state. I need to find some time to finish up the transmission cradle, center stand, battery tray, transmission output bushings, quick change cam bearing, headlight ears, and headsteady. Then it's just a matter of assembly and wiring. The 4th of August is approaching fast.....

1972 Combat Commando.

1972 Combat Commando.
 
I kept my stock seat foam for 40 years. Early this Spring I replaced the foam and cover. (2nd time on the cover but first time with the foam.) The stock seat foam was hard as a damn rock from Day 1 but when I was 21 I didn't care. I was thankful for the small roadster tank so I could take a break. The new foam (from RK Leighton via Walridge) is wonderful. You will be able to continue riding all day long instead of a half hour at a time. Do yourself a big favor and replace it. It is not hard to do it yourself or you can get your upholstery friend to do it. Just get a bunch of those cheapo plastic clamps from the hardware store so you can fit it perfectly before using the clips. I bent up the leading corners on each clip slightly to prevent tearing the seatcover when installing. Most of the work for me was in repairing the fiberglass seat base. It will never break again!

Lookin' good Brent.
 
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