Topic: New guy with cb550

[Sschultz242]

Hey guys!! Been trolling here for a few weeks now as I've been trying to decide/figure out what to do with my new to me 76 cb550 four. Bikes has been sitting in a barn for nearly 15 years so I know I've got my work cut out for me just to get it running.  I know I want to turn it into a semi stock/semi cafe project.  But before I even get there my question is, where do I start with this thing?! 

As I said, first is getting the engine freed up and running.  Obviously there's no set rules on what to do, but you guys are experts here, what would you do?  Thanks for your time and I'm looking forward to a long fun project and reading some great info from you all!

[luap]

scroll around here lot of good threads on chemicals to use to free up a stuck motor, get a manual good set of MM sockets,wrenches,impact screw driver 7.00 harbor frieght, parts list, an have a good time with it

[Cheffish]

Take your time and enjoy it. You've got alot of work to do. Use the search function. All the answers to your questions are here. And lastly, post pics!

[Stev-o]

Welcome. First thing to do is get the motor "unstuck". Unless it had a mech failure, the rings are most likely rusted to the cylinder. 
Look here...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=77533.0

[Sschultz242]

Thanks guys.  Quite the welcome so far.  Thank you steve-o for the link too.  I had been reading up on how to unstick the engine for a few days now and that link sums up every thread I read on here in one link!! 

Ordered the Haynes repair manual this morning.  Now its a waiting game.  So many things I want to do to this bike!  I'd post picks, but honestly, shes not pretty!!  PO set her down a bit :/  Handle bars are bent, gauges got broken, head light bracket bent.  Plus side is, is the forks and frame look good!  Any who, I'm babbling. Thanks again guys

[bender01]

Hey. Welcome! Did you find that bike in Wells River?

[Sschultz242]

Hey. Welcome! Did you find that bike in Wells River?

Wells River?!  Im not familiar

[bender01]

Its on the CT river. Its on the VT side. I know there is one in a barn there.For a long time. Its rough so Im glad thats not yours. Ill look for the C/L add. He has alot of rough bikes. The add always says NH/VT border . Its near where I am from.

[Sschultz242]

I think I know the posts you are talking about.  See a lot of them from him actually.  The one i got is rough, wont deny that at all, and honestly I dont know if its workable, but I'm trying anyway.  Worst case,I'll just have another unfinished project in the garage haha

[Stev-o]

  Worst case,I'll just have another unfinished project in the garage haha

No no no, we won't have any of that around here!

Start by taking off the bent up parts and making a "parts needed" list.

Then go shopping here...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?board=34.0