RobbieRobot Cafe Racer Project in pictures

Well, that's all the house re-decorating done. Three rooms in all (and a pulled muscle in my back). The wife's now happy (about the re-decorating, not my bad back), so I've resumed my work on my project. Basically cleaning up and removing the paint from engine B. I took a chance and bought a head complete with camshafts from eBay for £27. I didn't have great expectations but I was pleased to find that, apart from a broken header stud which has been partially re-drilled off centre, it checks out really good. I think I'll be keeping it in reserve though and give engine B a fair crack of the whip first.
I'd like to extend Christmas greetings to everyone here on XJBikes so here's wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

From Robbie

 

Good luck with engine B and a very merry mad season to you to

 

Ditto on Newb21: Merry Christmas and good luck!

 

Engine 'B' after about 25 hours Dremel work to remove the paint.

 

Engine re-paint.

 

Engine 'B' after re-paint.

 

The first picture had me worried... the last two completely reverse it. Reeeeeaaally makes me wonder if I should pull my engine back out for a paint job... or be lazy and leave it in the frame. Get me off the fence, Robbie: what do you recommend?

 

Is was thinking the same thing from the first pic. But the next two... That looks great.

 

robbie, very nice work, what paint is that.
the can is the wrong way to tell.
cheers
stu

 

Ha ha. Thanks guys. The first picture does look dodgy but I had to get all of the old paint off because a lot of it was flaking. There should be another picture in between with the engine in etch primer. The paint I used is the same paint I used on engine 'A' after extensive research and testing. For the brief life of engine 'A' it held it's colour well and withstood oil and petrol contact as it did during the testing process. I first heard about it on another website where a guy had tested several products and recommended this because it doesn't need oven curing. The paint is Simonez Wheel Silver and is a pleasure to work with. The first engine's lower half was sprayed but the head and barrels were bare media blasted aluminium and the colour match was very similar. BaldWonder, I really wouldn't attempt the job with the engine in the frame. It took me many hours cleaning, de-greasing and dremelling. Then pressure washing to remove debris and particles of old paint. More de-greasing then etch priming. I had the engine slung with a block and tackle so I could get all around it then set it upright to continue spraying to make sure nothing was missed. It's not perfect because a lot of the Dremel tooling marks a visible through the paint but that was also the case with engine 'A' but it still looked good. Most of the side casings and covers will come off now to be replaced by the ones from engine 'A' as they are generally in better nick.

 

Research Por-15. It's an organic paint that cures hard when the temperature gets to 300*. You can spray it or brush it on.
But wear a good mask this stuff will give you a good headache .

 

robbie,
what are those plugs you used to plug the intakes prior to spraying?
cheers
stu

 

looks like the rubber feet off crutches or for a cane.

CN

 

Man, every time I get discouraged, all i do is look at your bike and get the itch to go back into the garage. Your bike is awesome.

 

They are, as CN has commented, the type of rubber feet as used on chair legs, walking sticks, etc. Purchased at B&Q several years ago. I usually find a use for things eventually.

 

That's so kind of you and also very encouraging to me to stick at it despite the freezing temperatures out in the garage. Thankyou.

 

This is an awesome project thread, now all I need is to send my child to college so I can have time… wait she is only 1 year old… oh well, one day

 

Ha ha ecologito, you are in the same position as I was 28years ago. Enjoy it while it lasts. You'll soon wonder where time has gone, as I do now.

 

Automatic cam chain tensioner fitted.

 

Engine 'B' ready to be fitted into the frame.