# Maxwell's '74 cb450 cafe build. **URL:** \ **Category:** Builds\ **Created:** [January 8, 2013, 10:35am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067 "2013-01-08T10:35:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2013, 6:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/141 "2013-02-13T06:36:47Z")
Another 3-4 hrs last night and I feel like I got nothing done, but the tail is FINALLY mounted on the bike and looks great. ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/14A548C2-1878-45C6-B3EB-713119A5C99A-7599-000007CCB5482AD2_zps7cec2693.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/14A548C2-1878-45C6-B3EB-713119A5C99A-7599-000007CCB5482AD2_zps7cec2693.jpg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/52E78758-C5B1-4007-A2BD-A3AAE0B92750-7599-000007CCBC96C78D_zpsae1c467e.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/52E78758-C5B1-4007-A2BD-A3AAE0B92750-7599-000007CCBC96C78D_zpsae1c467e.jpg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/F641269B-974F-4A22-AC74-8ED452F5477C-7599-000007CCC31DFD56_zpse8daacbd.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/F641269B-974F-4A22-AC74-8ED452F5477C-7599-000007CCC31DFD56_zpse8daacbd.jpg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/F517FB0B-C38F-428F-A828-CEBEF1CCED4E-7599-000007CCC8001539_zps6fb87447.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/F517FB0B-C38F-428F-A828-CEBEF1CCED4E-7599-000007CCC8001539_zps6fb87447.jpg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/00595DA0-F0D8-4562-B627-4AA5ACD00DF9-7599-000007CCCE9D0217_zpsf0db29dd.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/00595DA0-F0D8-4562-B627-4AA5ACD00DF9-7599-000007CCCE9D0217_zpsf0db29dd.jpg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/C95C6BBB-585C-48E2-BBF6-681000B14BC0-7599-000007CCD4F2F699_zpsadf56c67.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/C95C6BBB-585C-48E2-BBF6-681000B14BC0-7599-000007CCD4F2F699_zpsadf56c67.jpg) I’m happy with the spacing and alignment on the frame, and it folds up to access the battery box super nicely. It’s sturdy as hell too when sitting on it. Now I just need to take it all apart again and spray the haggard seat pan with some paint or plati-dip. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2013, 6:54am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/142 "2013-02-13T06:54:13Z")
looks good! only thing setting off my OCD is the gap between the seat and the tank…I’d have to make some type of trim piece or something to hide the rear tank mount and make a smooth transition to the seat…but that’s me lol ---
**Author:** ![checko](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/checko/32/5422_2.png) [@checko](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/checko)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2013, 7:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/143 "2013-02-13T07:15:05Z")
^ agreed. For blasting, give southtowns sandblasting a call. I had a few sets of wheels blasted for like $60 and he primed them. Had a header blasted for like $20. He seems pretty reasonable ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2013, 7:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/144 "2013-02-13T07:48:14Z")
I get what you guys are saying but I guess it just doesn’t bother me. From a functionality standpoint, the seat placement is perfect. Maybe once I get some leather or vinyl on top I can make a little trim piece to clean it up. For now, i’m moving on to getting this frame done. Calling Southtowns Sanblasting now! ---------- Post added at 10:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 AM ---------- It looks like itll run me like 50 for the frame, and probably 75 based on the phone conversation I had with Southtowns Sandblasting to do a few extra bits and pieces like the rear swingarm, battery box, etc. Boom, done. I’ll be taking the stuff there early next week. ---
**Author:** ![checko](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/checko/32/5422_2.png) [@checko](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/checko)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2013, 8:24am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/145 "2013-02-13T08:24:06Z")
Good deal! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2013, 7:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/146 "2013-02-13T19:03:17Z")
![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/EDB51457-6BE7-4523-8C84-97C844F29A6F-138-00000002E44CD057_zps9dfe91ee.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/EDB51457-6BE7-4523-8C84-97C844F29A6F-138-00000002E44CD057_zps9dfe91ee.jpg) Tightened up the mounting bracket about 3/4" to ease that gap. Happy with it for now. No real progress until I get parts back from sandblasting and painted. In the meantime, I took some old copper pipe lying around the basement and re-sleeved my threaded rod shift linkage for the rearsets. I kinda stole this idea from Nick, but I think it works with my color scheme. :tup: ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/539810F4-7758-480E-A78E-BB7BD1386E61-138-0000000DB72A8384_zpsb2495101.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/539810F4-7758-480E-A78E-BB7BD1386E61-138-0000000DB72A8384_zpsb2495101.jpg) -Paul ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2013, 6:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/147 "2013-02-14T06:16:11Z")
> [@maxwell](#): > > I took some old copper pipe lying around the basement and re-sleeved my threaded rod shift linkage for the rearsets. I kinda stole this idea from Nick, but I think it works with my color scheme. :tup: > > ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/539810F4-7758-480E-A78E-BB7BD1386E61-138-0000000DB72A8384_zpsb2495101.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/e/d/ed247c608b496d990e0ebca0a03a042ce2083300.jpeg) > > -Paul GOD DAMMIT PAUL! I didn’t even do mine yet! lol. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2013, 6:21am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/148 "2013-02-14T06:21:19Z")
I can switch it back! lol Super happy with the spacing on the tail section now too… tires will be back tomorrow and then ill just be waiting on the frame! ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2013, 8:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/149 "2013-02-14T08:37:10Z")
inspiration: ![http://25.media.tumblr.com/112cb3ee5ae6d298537f86408bc917fe/tumblr_mhg71dY1IA1rwscqto2_1280.jpg](http://25.media.tumblr.com/112cb3ee5ae6d298537f86408bc917fe/tumblr_mhg71dY1IA1rwscqto2_1280.jpg) this is probably the most detail-oriented cb450 I’ve ever seen. Every aspect of it is pure beauty. Thought you’d enjoy… ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2013, 8:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/150 "2013-02-14T08:40:38Z")
I’d almost feel bad riding that. Holy hell thats nice. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2013, 10:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/151 "2013-02-14T10:36:52Z")
IDK… to me that thing seems kinda dorky. Too much brass I think. Black w/ brass is going to be the new black wheels w/ polished lip. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2013, 12:32pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/152 "2013-02-15T12:32:05Z")
![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/8E6DBF6E-FD40-483B-B4F4-184D2C978589-1454-000001AF2E27C86A_zps5c209ce4.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/8E6DBF6E-FD40-483B-B4F4-184D2C978589-1454-000001AF2E27C86A_zps5c209ce4.jpg) Mmm, beef. Maybe i’ll have a weekend project after all. I just got these back from Lee at Empire in OP. Everything looks great. My plan this weekend is to clean up some of the minimal surface rust on the spokes, mask and paint the spokes, while leaving the outer chrome rim alone, as there is no pitting or rusting on those. I feel this will be a solid solution until I invest in some excel rims down the road. -Paul ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2013, 12:49pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/153 "2013-02-15T12:49:16Z")
gettin’ close man! ---
**Author:** ![GV1390](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/gv1390/32/5432_2.png) [@GV1390](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/GV1390)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2013, 2:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/154 "2013-02-15T14:16:08Z")
I’m jelly, mines in pieces. Fuuuuuuuu. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2013, 3:50pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/155 "2013-02-15T15:50:58Z")
Fuckin’ beauty. ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/8A411359-6D92-4276-9222-DD591A4AC5C1-1454-000001BC525CD0AE_zps0b161b84.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/8A411359-6D92-4276-9222-DD591A4AC5C1-1454-000001BC525CD0AE_zps0b161b84.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Willybeen](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/willybeen/32/7351_2.png) [@Willybeen](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Willybeen)\ **Post date:** [February 15, 2013, 4:06pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/156 "2013-02-15T16:06:45Z")
Thats scary. Smaller tire nwxt time? ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2013, 7:42pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/157 "2013-02-16T19:42:57Z")
> [@Willybeen](#): > > Thats scary. Smaller tire nwxt time? I’m not worried about it. The swingarms being held up freehand moreso to show the clearance with regard to width, the tire won’t be that close to the front edge of the swingarm. I’m super happy with the fitment after much research. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 2:17pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/158 "2013-02-18T14:17:39Z")
Wow, I posted that last pic and update from my phone, and looking at it on a normal computer now, yes it looks sketchy. Clearance is absolutely ideal and I am very happy with how it will look and perform. The picture is very decieving. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2013, 7:24pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/159 "2013-02-18T19:24:44Z")
![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/DB72B7D6-0465-47F2-A6C1-066814B9D7C4-2081-000001930893C03D_zps50d01bd8.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/DB72B7D6-0465-47F2-A6C1-066814B9D7C4-2081-000001930893C03D_zps50d01bd8.jpg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/37D8A9A3-200B-4D76-A68E-70506108F83B-2081-000001930D7E2AB3_zps892396cd.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/37D8A9A3-200B-4D76-A68E-70506108F83B-2081-000001930D7E2AB3_zps892396cd.jpg) For the minimal amount of time and effort it took to get this rim looking good again, I don’t think i’ll be painting them for now. It’s nowhere close to perfect, but will look good on the bike. -Paul ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2013, 11:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/160 "2013-02-21T11:15:39Z")
![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/B332D0E4-7898-4BE9-B275-BACCF9857E58-401-0000001EDC92926B_zpsdda12da5.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/B332D0E4-7898-4BE9-B275-BACCF9857E58-401-0000001EDC92926B_zpsdda12da5.jpg) No real progress. Bought the pitbull stands for sale here from 08GT500, stoked. I haven’t been able to get out to Southtowns Sandblasting on lunch but tomorrow looks like it should work with my schedule. Parts to be Sandblasted: -All 3 engine mounts -battery box -Frame -Swingarm -top triple tree -Paul ---------- Post added at 02:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:08 PM ---------- Oh yeah, I ordered just a few more things too… -Small headlight ears to replace the rusty clunky OEM ones -Rectifier (I noticed mine had an exposed wire… keep that battery juiced up!) -Tapered steering stem bearing kit, very necessary -racing style vintage grips (gum golored-natural rubber) -155/160 main jets ( i still need to source 40/42/44 pilots for Keihin carbs) [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067.md?page=7) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067.md?page=9)