Author Topic: project 1 of12 started (Read 33020 times)

rb550four · « **Reply #100 on:** May 06, 2012, 08:02:19 am »

CD
I was just thinking, because the issue of rusted shifting forks has come up again, Does your bottom end shift smooth ,and go through all the gears nicely? Only asking so when you get it all back together you won't find out it's time to take it all apart.
My latest rusty machine is also rusty on the inside, forks are all locked up, and I didn't even see if the motor will spin. I expect there will be at least one stuck valve so, I 'll minimize the damage by curbing my curiosity and find out when it gets torn down.
Oh, if you need a cycle couch like that one on the 450 , just say, there are at least 4 of them hanging around here that could fit your machine.

. I've been looking Vermont for bikes, seen really good prices, haven't found one for $75 yet....nice find!
And there is a really good thread on installation of a 650 cam on this forum somewhere,I read it last spring maybe, It'll take the guess work and mystery out of it all. I think that I read that it isn't as easy as just replacing the cam,something to do with machining the front timing chain guide seat position 10mm forward....very informative ,a must read, if I find it , I'll send you it's location.

CafeDawg · « **Reply #101 on:** May 06, 2012, 10:43:24 am »

rb

Not sure on shifting to tell you the truth I've been so focused on the top end didn't even get their yet. The whole engine has been sitting out of the bike for years and everything is rusty. I noticed today that all the bolts on the alternator cover were gone so popped that off and was pretty rusted inside. I'll have to check that. I tried getting the head off but can't get the cam out. Similar problems as goldenarrow, can only get at one of the cam sprocket bolts, and can't get the cam tensioner out. Also realized today I have not one but two broken plugs. Things are not looking so cheery. I'm not really sure what to do at this point. It's still seized, can't get pieces off to break engine down further, idk, might be time to consider finding a new engine. Bit disappointing really, was keen on the idea of upping this to a 605cc and getting some more grunt. Might be time to switch to work on the frame and get a rolling chassis going worry about engine later. Anyway I do have one other question. How the f@ck do the headlight ears come off the forks? I have everything off the forks except the lower triple and the gators. What could still be holding these on? All set on the seat I actually have a King and Queen that's been cut down and reshaped to have a bump at the back then recovered, poor mans "cafe" seat. I had it on my 750F but just got the new Corbin Gunfighter seat for it so the old F seat will go on the 550. Thanks and hope your day goes better than mine.

Respect
CD

rb550four · « **Reply #102 on:** May 06, 2012, 12:04:31 pm »

CD
That looks like a comfy seat. Good for long rides. As for the headlight ears. lift the front wheel off the ground higher than the amount of fork between the trees + a couple inches. PB blaster the rubber grommets inside the fork ears after removing top tree,loosen the bollt on the bottom tree and forks should slide out. if they are stubborn a 12" 1"x1, tap the forks down equally spinning them as you go. When they are out turn out the ears an wiggle (sounds like that would look funny, make sure no one is watching. Just kidding) them out .
My bad on the 650 cam info ,found it in high performance and racing, the set forward on the front cam chain guide has to do only ( as I read it) with a 650 top end transplant. I haven't upgraded to a 650 cam yet.
The easiest way to get into the motor is cut the cam chain although you will need to replace it. Goldarrow had a seized and more patience than I do , and was able to break it free. reading other posts I came across a thread on PB Blaster and Seafoam mix that sounds like a miracle mix for stuck pistons, still have a 500 hanging from the rafters, going out to mix some and try it out.I'll let you know if a miracle has been bestowed to me. Don't let the little stuff get to you, some time might go by but I'll bet you'll end up with a machine as nice as your 750.

CafeDawg · « **Reply #103 on:** May 06, 2012, 09:35:51 pm »

rb

Thanks for the pep talk. I figured cutting the cam chain was the next link well in the chain. Since this is my first engine work on a CB I was hoping not to get into the bottom of the motor. But if that's what has to happen then so be it and I'll learn along the way even if in the result is I end up with a giant paper weight. I'm back at it in the AM tomorrow got the whole day off but do need to get a ride in since it looks like Monday is the only decent day of the week. Also my build thread is listed at the bottom of my post with my signature, feel free to stop by and add your two cents. That way I can stop hijacking Your thread with my questions. Definitely let me know on the Seafoam & PB combo even if it doesn't help with this one.
Respect
CD

rb550four · « **Reply #104 on:** May 07, 2012, 07:01:30 pm »

The newest machine, wasn't able to shift it. Thought it had to be the shifting forks rusted up. Nope, it sat outside for so long that the shifting shaft actually fused itself to the chain cover case. Haven't seen that yet, PITA to get off. PB'd it , gently wedged it in 4 corners, rubber malleted the cover and still broke it. Once removed,manually went thru the gears, all good.Flipped it on it's side and looked up the oil pan opening, nothing broken, primary chain a little slack ( gets changed) ,and no rust. Shouldn't be, PO had 5 quarts of oil in it.Shot some PB at the valves and some sealed very well . Turned it slowly and watched the valves move, none stuck but just didn't seat enough to hold PB long. But here's the good news if you didn't catch the "Turned it slowly", it isn't seized!

Good ,I was running out of rafter room.

CafeDawg · « **Reply #105 on:** May 07, 2012, 09:14:26 pm »

rb I'm just in awe at the shear number of projects you have going. I can barely keep track of the parts and pieces from one build. That's a drag about the shifting but at least it turns. Made some headway on mine today thanks for the suggestion, I cut the Cam chain. Progress is slow but at least their is some.
Respect
CD

rb550four · « **Reply #106 on:** May 08, 2012, 06:22:42 pm »

CD
I've been keeping up with your thread, sunflower seeds? That wouldn't have been on my list of things to look for in a cylinder either.
The case cover isn't wasted but isn't stock anymore. As luck would have it there is a polished replacement on the shelf waiting to take it's place.
Yesterday I was cleaning and painting what I could (gauges,pegs trees...). Today I removed the paint and rust from the frame and made it paint ready. I was going to do it the usual black until I got to thinking what type of machine I should do this time? Old school semi chop restoration , semi stock, or what? I have the extended forks and stuff or I have a 450 that could be the donor of normal sized forks and other not rusty parts.
I've been toying with a dark metallic jungle green for the frame and that 2012 Ford Focus metallic (limey) green for the rest. Both base coat/clear coat. Blackout some of the chrome between gloss and semi gloss, and the pipes in flat black.
The gear box will be Cast Iron color ,the jugs Semi Gloss Black, the head Cast Aluminum color, the same color combo as the red cafe with small red fairing.
Does that green color combo sound too Kawasaki to you?
Should I do another semi chop or Bob (as they are called these days)?
Need opinions please Thanx RB

goldarrow · « **Reply #107 on:** May 08, 2012, 06:39:01 pm »

i'm not really a fan of bobber or chopper. cafe is okay with me. but since you have 12 projects, wait...more than 12, you just got another one recently, right? well, if i were you i would do one of each kind.

cafe, gentlemen's express, the mantlepiece, stock, semi stock, bobber, chopper, rat, and another one of your own style. then leave everything else as parts bike, and donate some of it to me

CafeDawg · « **Reply #108 on:** May 08, 2012, 08:09:56 pm »

rb

I do like the look of a Bobber. Nice solo seat, I don't like riding two up, would be a good look. You do seem to want to use those forks so a Chop or Bob is the way togo. Might be too Kawi although as long as your chopping a Honda why not make it look like a Kawi while your at it, people won't know what it is. Those colors wouldn't be my style but too each is own.

As for my build the Sunflower seeds were pretty funny. I didn't get to do anything on it today. Did check the shifting yesterday, I think I only got first and neutral but with the case being split I guess I'll get a chance to find and fix that problem as well.

What do you use to strip the paint and rust off? I got a soda blaster but doesn't seem to be making much of a dent. It gets grime off but not the rust. IDK could be the small compressor. I'm looking forward to doing some paint work on both my bikes and that Cast Iron and Cast Aluminum look awesome for engine and covers.

Catch ya later
CD

rb550four · « **Reply #109 on:** May 08, 2012, 08:47:33 pm »

I start off with a grinder Makita $30 type a brass wire wheel $12 ( course or medium) ,takes it all right off, did the last frame in a little over 2 hours. If there is stubborn, hard to get to spots with a blaster to finish it up. Oh,and degrease first, I like engine degreaser or Simple green and a trip to the car wash.
I'm really not leaning any direction towards stock or extended forks yet. Maybe the paint job will be strange enough to handle stock or too outrageous and need to be stretched out a little, to remove attention from the color. Could just be that the color choice sucks and it can be repainted. Hard to say without seeing it first.I suppose we can make that decision after paint.
Some of my 550's have nice stock seats, the rest are solo seats that I've sewn up,The 650 is better for riding double wife says.

goldarrow · « **Reply #110 on:** May 08, 2012, 08:53:58 pm »

If you're looking to get rid of the 550 stock seat, make me first on your list please

rb550four · « **Reply #111 on:** May 09, 2012, 02:58:36 pm »

GA,
That looks like a nice seat on your bike, the perfect size for a young rider to cruise with Dad on.
Working really close to home today, had some sunshine around lunchtime , so I ran back to the garage and painted the frame.
Oh no what color? BLACK . I thought about the non "Yeah man, that sounds cool" that I didn't get as a reply and thought, better to play it safe and go closer to stock. There will be enough color on it without a metallic jungle green frame, that may be a little too over the top.
And black goes with anything. Better choice?

CafeDawg · « **Reply #112 on:** May 10, 2012, 10:27:05 pm »

I do like black. That's my plan on the 750 and on the frame and fenders for the 550. I also like silver and browns especially if you go the Bobber route, maybe a brown leather seat too. I think the greens could look really cool but I've never ridden anything that flashy so I shy away from it.

CD

rb550four · « **Reply #113 on:** May 11, 2012, 02:16:39 pm »

I think that you are right, a green frame is a kinda flashy, didn't do it this time but no guarantees next time.

So this is what I started with.I'm taking it slow on this one, for some reason my wife thinks I should spend more time in the house recently.

and this is what it looks like an hour ago ,since then forks and headlight bucket had been added. I'm putting on the wiring harness now so I thought I might take a little break and shoot some pics out.

CafeDawg · « **Reply #114 on:** May 11, 2012, 02:37:38 pm »

That looks great rb not flashy at all, really like it....
Looks like it'll be on the road soon.
CD

rb550four · « **Reply #115 on:** May 12, 2012, 03:17:07 pm »

I BROKE DOWN THE LAST 500 ENGINE THAT WAS SWINGING FROM THE RAFTERS. Put every concoction in those cylinders, nothing. Well I won't be calling the pope and letting him know that there has been a miracle. Air impact in a 1 1/4 upside down socket on a rag while swinging. Salvaged the pistons...look good. Have pics later. This entire engine must have been in the river.Cases cleaned and painted, crank cleaned so far.
The engine bench was loaded, itwas time to crack open the last 500 and this is what it looked like

and the clutch looked like something was growing on it

I was just going to switch pistons into the other engine but, this one looked more challenging to rebuild. The gears are rusty, the shifting fork are rusted solid,oh this is going to be fun.

Tews19 · « **Reply #116 on:** May 12, 2012, 04:03:22 pm »

What is the green color? Freaking sweet. You painted yourself in the garage? Nice skills

rb550four · « **Reply #117 on:** May 12, 2012, 05:05:07 pm »

Yeah, I painted that last year but the acid and the pesticides in the flood water ruined the finish on all those machines .The plan is to get the machines healthy , then reshoot all the tinwork. Last time I used a single stage paint, this time it gonna be base coat/clear coat on all of them.
Can't buff out single stage to a decent luster ,so I was never satisfied with the finish. Bc/cc glows after a good buffing and stays that way plus it dries fast so there may be some multicolor designs coming up this time. I just have to be careful not to go overboard.

I used to paint camo on Army vehicles in the late 70's when they made the switch from olive drab green.... That was laquer, this is a little different .... but always fun.

CafeDawg · « **Reply #118 on:** May 12, 2012, 08:46:04 pm »

rb that engine makes me feel better, if you can get that rusty scupper running mine should be a piece of cake. It does look like it was submerged in water lol. Glad it finally came loose for ya and wasted no time you already have the cases painted, damn you chew up some ground. Was it Irene that flooded you out?

Respect
CD

rb550four · « **Reply #119 on:** May 12, 2012, 09:28:41 pm »

Yes it was Irene. We have 2 dams upstream from us , one provides NYC with water, and the second is a hydro-generator plant that produces power for NYC. They both were kept full if NYC needed the power or water, they were supposed to get slammed,didn't happen , she ended up stalled over both reservoirs, dumped 15" of rain. sucked.
I rebuilt my wife's store,not in the plan but, well .... looks great again.
I'll be starting my movie theater this week. It's not going to be a movie theater. It'll be more like a club with a Honda theme 500' on one side on a checkered floor,550's on the other side ,also checkered floor and workshop type backdrop. The center is to be epoxy'd in Black with double yellow lines in the middle going straight out the doors,white line (each side) will boarder the edge (like a road). I'm thinking of hanging a few bikes up by the ceiling maybe one over the bar,not sure yet.
Somebody said why don't you just paint them up nice and hang them,They wouldn't even have to run. It would be too easy! and who whats stuff laying around that doesn't run? Need someplace to park all these bikes anyways.
Yeah, it was Irene.

CafeDawg · « **Reply #120 on:** May 13, 2012, 07:03:48 am »

rb Irene sucked for a lot of people seems their was a Katrina element to your flood where man made structures and government misjudgement lead to greater wreckage for you. Mother nature is a #$%* though no way around that. Here in VT we had 13 towns end up as islands with no way in or out, all the bridges washed out. I was lucky where I was we were hit harder that spring with flash floods. I have friends in Waterbury that lost everything their house and garage with the two cars in it had a foot of mud in them. Good to hear that the rebuilding process has started, the club sounds like a cool idea/place. Also a good place to keep all your projects so others can enjoy them too. Good luck

CD

rb550four · « **Reply #121 on:** May 13, 2012, 05:21:39 pm »

I heard that Vermont got slammed too. No paddles , same creek.
I felt lucky, at least my house was sparred and friends came to help and new friends came to help, SIENA COLLEGE'S BASKETBALL TEAM WAS IN MY BASEMENT BUCKETING OUT MUD !! People came from around the world to help. Just when I thought the world has gone to hell and someone should push the button, there is this new reality, maybe it isn't as bad as it seems. It really was an awakening for me, I met good people from everywhere helping us any way they could in this crappy little town, it still amazes me and each time I see a disaster on the news I just want to jump in the truck and help and when I get finished with this mess ,that's what I plan to do.

CafeDawg · « **Reply #122 on:** May 14, 2012, 09:49:19 am »

I know what you mean on both ends of the spectrum. I deal with people all day at work and my interactions do nothing to reassure me that the people are worth much. And yet seeing Vermonter's rise up and help each other was amazing. High School kids help dig out my friends house of the mud, all the loggers and heavy machine operators just showed up and started moving debris and shoring things up. No need to ask, just doing the right thing when people needed it most. It is a healthy reminder of what we are capable of when at our best. At a minimum sounds like it inspired you to pay it forward, maybe some good will come out of it all.

Respect
CD

rb550four · « **Reply #123 on:** May 15, 2012, 05:30:18 pm »

Haven't been in the garage since Saturday, going through withdrawal .

goldarrow · « **Reply #124 on:** May 15, 2012, 07:58:43 pm »

We'll be here waiting for your return

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Author Topic: project 1 of12 started (Read 33020 times)