Author Topic: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?  (Read 14247 times)

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Offline TwoTired

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #25 on: April 04, 2012, 12:49:23 AM »
I just noticed a lot of uncharacteristic rust on the seat hinge part of the frame.  As if someone did some welding there, perhaps to fit the F seat a little better/closer to the tank.
Some people shouldn't have access to powerful tools, (like toddlers with sledgehammers).  ;D

I guess I just don't appreciate frame hackers.  :-\

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #26 on: April 04, 2012, 08:27:17 AM »
I just noticed a lot of uncharacteristic rust on the seat hinge part of the frame.  As if someone did some welding there, perhaps to fit the F seat a little better/closer to the tank.
Some people shouldn't have access to powerful tools, (like toddlers with sledgehammers).  ;D

I guess I just don't appreciate frame hackers.  :-\

Cheers,

It appears that the PO had to move or replace the stock seat mounts. The weld looks hideous. :(

Not that i could do any better.

Offline TwoTired

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #27 on: April 04, 2012, 12:47:12 PM »
I just noticed a lot of uncharacteristic rust on the seat hinge part of the frame.  As if someone did some welding there, perhaps to fit the F seat a little better/closer to the tank.
Some people shouldn't have access to powerful tools, (like toddlers with sledgehammers).  ;D

I guess I just don't appreciate frame hackers.  :-\

Cheers,

It appears that the PO had to move or replace the stock seat mounts. The weld looks hideous. :(

Not that i could do any better.
Well then, that "repair" could be costly.  The F seat you have is nearly trash.  And now, the correct seat won't fit on the bike as it should.  And neither will a good condition F seat.  Check the rear of the frame cross strap arch.  This normally caries the load of the seat and there should be bumpers under the seat where this contact point is made.  Moving the F seat forward disengages this load transfer point to nowhere functional.

It's gonna be a challenge to correct the seat hinge without a "model" bike to refine/determine the original position in all 3 dimensions.
If your welder is "that good", he'll likely be costly.  I can probably provide some dimensions for you, if you wish to restore.  But, hacked frames are the domain of cafe racers, rat bikes, bobbers, and choppers who deliberately try to disguise the machine's origins.  It can never be "original" again, but it still can have functional utility.  Depends on your goal for the bike and how much you are willing to invest in the "hobby".

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #28 on: April 04, 2012, 12:55:24 PM »
I will have to figure out something when the time comes. I am not really a purist so I have no qualms about it not looking stock. As long as it holds my weight and doesn't fall off, I will be satisfied.

I do have a soft spot for that cafe look...

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #29 on: April 04, 2012, 04:39:49 PM »
Cycle gear doesn't have the right diameter spark plug socket. Great. I guess I'm off to harbor freight to get a grinder :/

Offline TwoTired

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #30 on: April 04, 2012, 04:44:35 PM »
Really, you want one of these...  It removes headaches as well as spark plugs.  (If you know what I mean...)
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #31 on: April 04, 2012, 07:15:46 PM »
Well I figured I need a grinder anyway and this is a good way to get some practice. It is time, to grind.

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #32 on: April 04, 2012, 07:46:24 PM »
Ok, so the socket is now thin enough to fit in the spark plug tunnel. Now my 1/2 drive ratchet is to fat and won't go down far enough. Extension is nowhere to be found. Time to go to O'reilly. Ha!
« Last Edit: April 05, 2012, 10:39:13 AM by aliphian »

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #33 on: April 05, 2012, 10:40:00 AM »
Unexpected visitors showed up last night and stalled my progress. Back at it tonight. Goal: get these damn spark plugs out!

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #34 on: April 05, 2012, 06:55:59 PM »
Ok I got the plugs out. So now I'm thinking I should pull the carbs off and give them a thorough cleaning. I read this post http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=76905.msg857942#msg857942 and I am still having trouble.

I am having a hell of a time trying to get the carbs out of the rubber boots on the front side. The rear was a piece of cake but just attempting to move the carbs at all feels like they are attached to stone with the front boots still on. Any tips? Should I go get my wife's hair dryer and heat the boots up?

Offline geminimotors

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #35 on: April 05, 2012, 07:05:57 PM »
A little heat helps. Some folks have used a narrow ratchet strap around the carb bodies and the frame down tubed directly behind. Sometimes I remove the intake manifolds with the carbs.

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #36 on: April 05, 2012, 08:43:52 PM »
I got it finally. I can't imagine how much it's going to suck to put the carbs back. I like how the manual says:

"Loosen the two 5mm screws at the carburetor insulator and the 4mm screws at the air cleaner chamber. Remove the carburetor."

Uh huh. It's that simple...

Offline OneWheelDrive

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #37 on: April 05, 2012, 11:27:42 PM »
I always laugh when I read that.  What a joke.  After removing and installing 550 carbs what feels like a hundred times, I can finally do it without ripping my knuckles open and wanting to kick the bike over.  To get the rack back into the intake boots, an up and down motion helps. 
1975 CB550 cafe
1971 CB500 stocker
2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S *sold*
1973 CB350F *sold*
1975 CB550K Project "Keeper" *sold*
2010 Ducati Monster S4RS *sold*
1976 CB360T *sold*
1974 CB550K *sold*
1973 CB750K *sold*
1978 CB550K *sold*
2007 Vespa LX150 *sold*

Offline Teatimetim

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #38 on: April 06, 2012, 06:34:47 AM »
Try laying on the frame, pushing down firmly on both sides of the carbs, then start wiggle them lose.  this is what the Clymer manual recomends, and it worked on my 17 year untouch 550k like a charm.

cheers.
Bikes I own:

1974 CB550K
1971 CB450

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #39 on: April 06, 2012, 05:26:42 PM »
I'm gonna try to get started on cleaning the carbs tonight. I have a LOT of reading to do. Any tips that will help keep me from overlooking the obvious?

Offline crysis

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #40 on: April 06, 2012, 05:38:10 PM »
A great way to clean the engine and hard to reach spots is with a small sand blaster. Up here in Canada we have a place called Princess Auto....not sure if they are in the States. Anyway, its a small gun that has a place to put your blast media in and connects to the air hose (it was $12 so it's great for cheap guys like us). The nice thing is that you only need a regular compressor with low CFM. I used "soda" to blast and it worked great. It wont ruin your delicate parts like sand or glass will. If you hunt down a sand blasting supplier, you can buy a big bag of soda for around $30. Regular baking soda will not work as it is too fine. Oh and it leaves a bit of a taste in your mouth but man your hair will wash out nice and shiny........Haha
What doesn't kill you makes you wish you were dead.

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #41 on: April 06, 2012, 06:26:09 PM »
I guess I should really look into getting an air compressor.

Offline crysis

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #42 on: April 06, 2012, 07:47:40 PM »
maybe you're pal has one in the vines....
What doesn't kill you makes you wish you were dead.

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #43 on: April 06, 2012, 10:38:32 PM »
Hahaha. He actually might.

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #44 on: April 07, 2012, 07:13:52 PM »
I just ordered some carb rebuild kits and a Clymer manual. Looks like I will be at a stall for a week or two. Any ideas for what I should do in the mean time?

Offline lucky

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #45 on: April 07, 2012, 07:52:50 PM »
Just take the entire bike apart and start with a bare frame and work your way up to a beautiful new simple reliable motorcycle.

Offline aliphian

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #46 on: April 07, 2012, 08:34:12 PM »
Just take the entire bike apart and start with a bare frame and work your way up to a beautiful new simple reliable motorcycle.

That will probably be the plan but, being a novice, I want to see if the engine will run first. I suppose I should take off the exhaust so that I can change the oil.

Offline Tews19

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #47 on: April 07, 2012, 09:06:49 PM »
First off welcome to the site! World of knowledge here! You have also been blessed you have TT comment on your thread, he is one person who knows everything about 550's.... Listen to his advice..

In regard to the 2 and 3 spark plugs, go to sears, they have a slim 18mm which will fit perfect.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline crysis

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #48 on: April 07, 2012, 09:18:13 PM »
I take it the headers block the oil filter? that seems odd. You should start making a list of things you may need so you don't stall out. Points, condenser, gaskets...
What doesn't kill you makes you wish you were dead.

Offline crysis

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Re: 1975 CB550 - What have I got myself into?
« Reply #49 on: April 07, 2012, 09:22:09 PM »
One more good thing to do is a compression test. (did someone already say that). I'm not sure what it should be on the 550 but I'm sure TT could say.
What doesn't kill you makes you wish you were dead.