Author Topic: '78 550K Resto-Mod (Read 32446 times)

Scott S · « **Reply #50 on:** March 13, 2012, 04:08:48 PM »

There's always one...AT LEAST one....

Working on the engine today and found this buggered up screw on the alternator. Somebody's been in here before. Guess I need to test this one and see why.

Luckily, I have a good, working alternator in my parts supply.

Scott S · « **Reply #51 on:** March 13, 2012, 04:09:57 PM »

Spent a little time degreasing and prepping the engine covers.

Got a coat of paint on 'em....

Scott S · « **Reply #52 on:** March 13, 2012, 04:11:47 PM »

And got the engine partially detailed. Everything from the cylinders UP will be coming off in the next few days.

And I need a gasket for the alternator. I think I robbed it from the gasket set for another engine.

Greggo · « **Reply #53 on:** March 17, 2012, 02:22:42 PM »

Great work so far Scott! I'll be doing all this...someday :-/

tweakin · « **Reply #54 on:** March 18, 2012, 10:20:47 AM »

Looking great. Looks like I will need to change my build thread name, didn't realize you already had on called "resto-mod"

Scott S · « **Reply #55 on:** March 19, 2012, 01:59:36 PM »

Thanks guys! Lots of work but not a whole lot to look at on this update.

Got the head and jugs pulled and sent the barrels and pistons off to the machine shop. The old pistons are now removed from the rods and the old gasket has been removed.

Scott S · « **Reply #56 on:** March 19, 2012, 02:01:11 PM »

Got the bodywork back from the paint shop. I need to take a toothbrush to these badges and get the old wax out.

Scott S · « **Reply #57 on:** March 19, 2012, 02:04:21 PM »

Started putting the tank back together. Does this look right on the gas cap lid? (EDIT: I had the spring under the door in the wrong place. Found some pics online and now it's correct.)
My buddy has been giving me hell; telling me I need to paint a "15" on it.

I didn't mean for the red/orange to be so orange, but I kinda like it. Plus, he's a '49'ers fan and I reminded him today that they need a quarterback and Tebow needs a job!

Needs badges, huh?

Scott S · « **Reply #58 on:** March 19, 2012, 02:06:55 PM »

We got badges!
I 'restored' this set of SuperSport badges for the tank, but the mounting pegs are off by about thiiiiiiiiiiis much. I'll have to get creative with the mounting.

Greggo · « **Reply #59 on:** March 19, 2012, 07:48:51 PM »

Yeah...Harbaugh kinda screwed us on that one I think. Now we've pissed off the only half decent shot we had, while we should have been quietly shopping next season for his replacement.

Scott S · « **Reply #60 on:** March 24, 2012, 04:59:08 PM »

Quote from: Scott S on March 19, 2012, 02:06:55 PM

I 'restored' this set of SuperSport badges for the tank, but the mounting pegs are off by about thiiiiiiiiiiis much. I'll have to get creative with the mounting.

Done!

Scott S · « **Reply #61 on:** March 24, 2012, 05:01:41 PM »

I also got the cylinders back from the machine shop. Picked up a bottle brush and gave them a good cleaning in hot, soapy water, then oiled down the freshly bored and honed sleeves.

All in preperation for a coat of paint.

Scott S · « **Reply #62 on:** April 04, 2012, 01:48:03 PM »

Got back to work on the engine today. Here are the 1.00mm overbor pistons and the cylinder, all ready to go. We decided to use the hose clamp method for compressing the rings.

Worked like a charm!

Scott S · « **Reply #63 on:** April 04, 2012, 01:50:57 PM »

Next up: the ported and polished head...

...and CB650 cam. This wasn't nearly as difficult as we anticipated and no clearancing of the valve cover was needed. The head had been clearanced beforhand.

Scott S · « **Reply #64 on:** April 04, 2012, 01:52:06 PM »

We did a preliminary cam chain adjustment and turned it over by hand a few times. Next up, valve adjustment.

cwchan · « **Reply #65 on:** April 04, 2012, 02:52:27 PM »

Great progress

Did you use the standard head gasket or did you get one custom made?

Scott S · « **Reply #66 on:** April 04, 2012, 03:29:26 PM »

The standard gaskets fit. We did use some copper spray on gasket sealer stuff.

Tews19 · « **Reply #67 on:** April 04, 2012, 05:30:58 PM »

That looks freaking sweet! Please post a pic of it running when complete!

Scott S · « **Reply #68 on:** April 15, 2012, 05:08:00 PM »

Back home where she belongs! It's starting to feel like the downhill stretch now!

Scott S · « **Reply #69 on:** April 23, 2012, 03:51:41 PM »

Got the Pamco installed. Still have to do the final wiring up at the coils tomorrow.

Scott S · « **Reply #70 on:** April 23, 2012, 03:53:57 PM »

Even though the Jardine exhaust is NOS, it had some scratches and scrapes from shelf wear, so I gave it a coating of VHT high temp exhaust paint.

And painted the exhaust collars with Eastwood high temp.

I wonder if Jardine will still honor the warranty?

Scott S · « **Reply #71 on:** April 25, 2012, 05:37:58 AM »

Got the NOS Jardine exhaust installed yesterday. So much for not getting scratches or fingerprints on it!

We had to actually take it all off the bike and make sure the head pipes would seat fully. After that, no problemo. Can't wait to hear it!

basketcase · « **Reply #72 on:** April 25, 2012, 06:12:19 AM »

Hi Scott S, with you using a replacement exhaust will you be selling the original 4-4 on? If so would you be prepared to ship it to the UK?
Great looking bike, love the engine covers in black and finned. Should sound awesome when she runs!
Regards basketcase.

Scott S · « **Reply #73 on:** April 25, 2012, 06:59:43 AM »

I'm willing to sell the exhaust.....you're about the 8th person to ask!
However, it has some dents and dings and very small holes on a couple of pipes. The logistics of shipping it make my stomach turn, though. If someone wanted to pick it up in the greater Charlotte, NC area, we could work something out.

Scott S · « **Reply #74 on:** April 29, 2012, 03:22:33 PM »

Made lots of progress over the last couple of days.

Jetted the carbs and set them up for the engine mods. Raised the needles one clip, set the float heights, bench sync'ed the carbs and installed 105 mains.
Got them back on the bike and MAN, what an ordeal. It's never easy on these bikes, but I swear the late K models are worse....much worse.

After that, I just couldn't stand it. I had to see what she'd look like.

News:

Author Topic: '78 550K Resto-Mod (Read 32446 times)