Older tops on Newer carbs

[Rasputin]

Anyone know of a good reason I should not use the tops from an older set of carbs 78/79 on a newer set 80/81. The only difference I can see is the smaller post for the spring to sit around.

[cywelchjr]

That would do it for me right there. With the smaller post, the spring would be able to wander at the top and might cause things to bind making the vacuum piston not work properly.

[Rasputin]

That is exactly what I was wondering Cy. I am trying to think of a way to stabilize it without being to bulky and causing other problems. I could just use the later tops but the gold on them is so pitted that even after sandblasting they look terrible, so I am looking at other ideas.

[crazy steve]

Stick four dabs of JB Weld around each post, then cut/file it to the right diameter. Although I've seen early tops on late carbs with no problems, so it might be worth trying...

[81xsproject]

The top of the spring is flat. The surface around the cone on the cap is also flat. Install carefully. They will be fine.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Sand / Buff

You could sand the right ones smooth with 320 then 1000 grit, then polish them to look like chrome with a buffing wheel and metal polishing compound

That is exactly what I was wondering Cy. I am trying to think of a way to stabilize it without being to bulky and causing other problems. I could just use the later tops but the gold on them is so pitted that even after sandblasting they look terrible, so I am looking at other ideas.

[crazy steve]

You could sand the right ones smooth with 320 then 1000 grit, then polish them to look like chrome with a buffing wheel and metal polishing compound

The later type tops are steel, not aluminum, so once they're rusty/pitted replating is the only fix....

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Ok

Cool, I didn't know that What about primming, sand / filling the pits then painting them with chrome / alum paint

The later type tops are steel, not aluminum, so once they're rusty/pitted replating is the only fix....

[crazy steve]

Cool, I didn't know that What about primming, sand / filling the pits then painting them with chrome / alum paint

If you're going for the 'OEM' look, that won't cut it....

Couldn't resist....

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Alsa

Here is the paint I use for that kind of stuff, looks pretty close to OEM to me

http://alsacorp.com/products/killercans/kc/killerchrome.htm#showcase

It is kina pricey, but I have 5 spray cans of the "killer chrome" I would sell for 1/2 price + S/H if intrested

If you're going for the 'OEM' look, that won't cut it....

Couldn't resist....

[jwhughes3]

That looks great

Lon that looks like chrome to me!

Nice job.

John

[old_skool]

Here is the paint I use for that kind of stuff, looks pretty close to OEM to me

http://alsacorp.com/products/killercans/kc/killerchrome.htm#showcase

It is kina pricey, but I have 5 spray cans of the "killer chrome" I would sell for 1/2 price + S/H if intrested

Holy crap, That's some good chrome paint, pricey, but I think it might be worth it for some applications.

[Rasputin]

I am going to paint all the gold parts of the 81LH a different color including the wheels so I am not really worried about the chrome. Thanks for the idea and I may want to use that on future projects, just not this one. I do know the flat tops and flat springs should not move, but I wanted to know what you fellows thought.
I just used my caliper to find the depth of the spring keeper is also different as the later ones are 7.5mm and the earlier ones are 10mm. I just do not want to find out after prep and paint that I made a major goof. Thanks to everyone for the input.

[TopCatGr58]

I didn't comment earlier because I didn't have any closeup photos of mine.

I've got the later 81 carbs, and I sanded them to remove and smooth out the pitted cracked chrome surface. I then primered and painted and clear coated with the same stuff I did my tank/fenders with! I think they look good.



T.C.

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Godzilla

Way to cool TC, Godzilla rules

I didn't comment earlier because I didn't have any closeup photos of mine.

I've got the later 81 carbs, and I sanded them to remove and smooth out the pitted cracked chrome surface. I then primered and painted and clear coated with the same stuff I did my tank/fenders with! I think they look good.



T.C.