Author Topic: My CB755 Project - COMPLETED!!!! (Read 34939 times)

mwvachon · « **Reply #125 on:** April 23, 2014, 03:27:54 PM »

BLEAMA > Ballpark guess is about $5K. I have ALL the receipts, and as soon as I work up the courage, I will tally all that stuff up. Maybe I don't wanna know...

mwvachon · « **Reply #126 on:** April 27, 2014, 05:09:13 PM »

OK, busy weekend. Since it was raining off/on both days, and it was only 44 freakin' degrees out this AM, the (heated) shop was probably the best place to be... Put together the new coils, with some of the original hardware - did some blasting and zinc coating to get this stuff looking decent again...

Even though I previously bought new OEM back plates for the tach/speed-o, I decided to have the originals re-chromed (via Brown's again). The replacement OEM plates now come with universal cut-outs for the cables, harness, and trip meter. Just didn't suit me (picky, I know)

Got most of the front brake system squared away as well...

Started getting into the clocks today as well...

Gotta figure out what to do about these broken light diverters...

Tews19 · « **Reply #127 on:** April 28, 2014, 03:12:26 PM »

JB weld.... that should work.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #128 on:** April 28, 2014, 03:16:43 PM »

Quote from: mwvachon on April 27, 2014, 05:09:13 PM

OK, busy weekend. Since it was raining off/on both days, and it was only 44 freakin' degrees out this AM, the (heated) shop was probably the best place to be... Put together the new coils, with some of the original hardware - did some blasting and zinc coating to get this stuff looking decent again...

Even though I previously bought new OEM back plates for the tach/speed-o, I decided to have the originals re-chromed (via Brown's again). The replacement OEM plates now come with universal cut-outs for the cables, harness, and trip meter. Just didn't suit me (picky, I know)

Got most of the front brake system squared away as well...

Started getting into the clocks today as well...

Gotta figure out what to do about these broken light diverters...

Decent-looking is an understatement. Great plating! Looks as good as new.

mwvachon · « **Reply #129 on:** April 28, 2014, 05:44:21 PM »

Tews: I'm not so sure JB Weld would work in this case. The break is right at the 90 deg. bend in the light deflector, not much 'meat' to bind with there. I was thinking of making my own pattern and creating a replacement that has extra support.

mwvachon · « **Reply #130 on:** April 29, 2014, 06:59:22 PM »

After looking over these deflectors, I think I can get away with cutting a small length of aluminum angle stock, drilling out the original rivets and just bolt the defector to the piece of angle and then bolt that to the back plate. Lots of Loc-tite!

David B · « **Reply #131 on:** April 29, 2014, 08:08:34 PM »

Please take some good before & after pics, Mike. I don't think I've seen a repair documented & a buddy has a set to fix.

Dave

Dunk · « **Reply #132 on:** April 30, 2014, 08:47:23 AM »

I just epoxied the reflectors in my gauges, 3 out of 4 were broke. Built up around the base and up the sides as much as I could and I think they'll be fine. I believe I used JB Weld, maybe a dab of superglue to hold them in place to build up epoxy. I too dislike the newer universal gauge backings. I have one correct original and one replacement style on my bike but may have the other original replated. These are the things most people won't notice but drive us detail oriented types nuts. Good luck with the gauges, bike is looking great so far.

cheftuskey121 · « **Reply #133 on:** April 30, 2014, 06:05:48 PM »

I will add that I too used jb weld because both of mine in the speedometer were broke off in the same spot. Nice and clean. Took a bit of time but I got them back in place just fine with the jb weld.

mwvachon · « **Reply #134 on:** May 06, 2014, 06:14:07 PM »

Finally finished with the master cylinder and doing the POR15 sealant in the gas tank. Putting on the gas cap took nerves of steel... I bought the kit with the machined pins and some VERY tiny 'E' clips. I found right away that the pin for the thumb latch didn't line up on one side. I had to take a 1/8" drill bit and open up the hole on the tab for that one side. I covered the tank with towels first - just to minimize any chance of a 'slip'! Had to think about how to get the spring in place and came up with a neat solution (why can't I remember how I did it the first time on the other 750??) I cut down a soft rivet pin that was just under 1/8" diameter so the length was the same as the latch body (didn't stick out on either side of the latch) I then positioned the spring and captured it with the rivet pin. I could then position the latch in the proper position on the tank and push the machined pin in from the left side, forcing the rivet pin out the other side. This also minimized any potential scratches from the spring or latch itself. Next - those VERY tiny 'E' clips... They are so small that they disappeared from view when trying to hold them with my fingers. I first tried my smallest size needle-nose pliers, but no luck (keep in mind I only had the two clips to work with, so losing one on the shop floor was NOT an option! I got a brain-storm and took a small dab of grease and applied it to the groove area of the pin. Next I used a magnetic part retriever and was able to get the clip to 'stick' to the pin, nearly in the precise position to lock it into place. Then it was a simple matter of a light squeeze with the needle-nose pliers and done! I know I shoulda taken pics of this, but I was sweating bullets doing it, so the camera was the LAST thing on my mind! Here are some shots of where I'm currently at. Still need to finish clocks, put on levers, and bleed the front brakes. I'm actually waiting for a handful of hardware to finish up most of this. Hopefully will start this up for the first time by this weekend[?]

Tews19 · « **Reply #135 on:** May 06, 2014, 06:26:42 PM »

Gorgeous! Once done. I see BOTM nomination in the future.

mwvachon · « **Reply #136 on:** May 10, 2014, 01:41:50 PM »

Dropped in the new battery, basic electrical check, hook up the service fuel tank, turn the key and cross the fingers...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IYTELEJlF0

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #137 on:** May 10, 2014, 03:02:05 PM »

Quote from: mwvachon on May 10, 2014, 01:41:50 PM

Dropped in the new battery, basic electrical check, hook up the service fuel tank, turn the key and cross the fingers...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IYTELEJlF0

Nice. I like at about 0:45 where you say, "That's sweet!" and at about 1:22 where we get the double thumbs up followed by a "Woohoo!" Nothing quite like that feeling. I found myself saying, "Yeah!" too.

mwvachon · « **Reply #138 on:** May 10, 2014, 05:53:08 PM »

Soooo... Now that it's running, time to sync the carbs before installing the tank.

I had eyeballed the slides when I assembled the carbs. Amazingly, just #4 was out slightly.

First thing I noticed was how QUIET this engine is compared to my other K1. This motor has none of the chatter I hear from that other engine. I guess the new primary and cam chain, and new bearings will do that...

Still have to finish those pesky clocks, though...

cheftuskey121 · « **Reply #139 on:** May 10, 2014, 06:59:21 PM »

awesome brother. now finish the damn bike!! lol

mwvachon · « **Reply #140 on:** May 30, 2014, 07:34:50 PM »

OK, so it's been just over two years and it's time to bring this chapter to a close. After a few hiccups and setbacks, finally manged to wrap this project up. I was amazed that I was able to hit my target of having this done & on the road by May (2014). Just squeaked in under the wire I guess...

So here's the wrap-up and last few build details...

One of the things I saved to do last was the tach & speed-o. Dunno why, but hey, something has to be last, right? After struggling a bit, I figured out how to button up the tach without beating on the crimp ring (hint: use a heavy piece of bar stock and just press down at an angle with one end to roll the edge back over). Worked like a charm! So then thought the speed-o would take like 15 min... I wanted to clean up the inside of the lower housing and ended up using some lacquer thinner to do the job. I tossed the used rag on the bench and began to organize the speed-o parts. Hmmm... where did I set that face plate down? You guessed it! Right under where that rag landed!~

Took about 10 days to get the replacement. Anyone need a new K1 tach face?

Anywho - the units came out nice.

Spent a little time going over everything and realized I had not fully seated the carb boots...

Hmm... Where do all these go?

Nothing like a color-blind guy trying to sort out a color-coded wiring harness...

Double Decker!

Hoping to enlist a couple friends to do rides with me so I can take them both out at the same time...

Thanks all for following this post... Now it's time to enjoy this thing!

Tews19 · « **Reply #141 on:** May 30, 2014, 07:46:41 PM »

Congrats on the finish! May I be the first to nominate you for BOTM for the next month!

albertaboy · « **Reply #142 on:** May 30, 2014, 07:52:17 PM »

Yes, A very nice detailed build. Congrats and enjoy.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #143 on:** May 30, 2014, 09:27:03 PM »

Gorgeous. Looks like next month will be a stocker battle vs. Seth's rocker.

edhaeuser · « **Reply #144 on:** May 30, 2014, 10:16:43 PM »

WOW, awesome job! That sure is a beautiful 750. Congratulations! I keep hoping that I might finish mine up this summer.

mwvachon · « **Reply #145 on:** May 31, 2014, 04:01:58 AM »

BOTM nominations?!?! Let me get some real glamor shots posted!

Dunk · « **Reply #146 on:** May 31, 2014, 04:03:37 PM »

Looks like we got done right about the same time! It looks great man, well done. I almost went with the red Yamiya kit, but I think I prefer the Polynesian Blue. I believe I snatched that out from under you.

Mine still has a few odds and ends to sort out. Most obvious that stands out is the seat. How do you like the Yamiya seat? The upholstery looks to match the original. If you had to do it again would you go for Yamiya again, recover what you had, try the $200-$250 repops (not K1 correct, either K0 or K2), or search for NOS?

Whereabouts in NH are you? I'll be in Maine about 30-40 mins north of Portland in the lakes region for most of July and have been thinking I'd like to bring my bike.

mwvachon · « **Reply #147 on:** May 31, 2014, 06:28:12 PM »

Cad > Yeah, I so wanted that Polynesian Blue, but now that I've got this all together, that red really pops! I'm not sorry I had to settle for the 2nd choice.
As to the seat, I bought a NOS unit for the family heirloom (the gold CB750-K1) when I restored that one. The Yamiya seat matches that one almost exactly. Having all the hardware and rubber bumpers on it is also a major plus. I'd buy another Yamiya seat in a heartbeat. The funny thing was, I had already bought a reproduction cover and had most of the material (except a decent seat strap) to do a recover myself. Then I made quite a bit of $$ at a swap meet back in April and decided to spring for the new seat instead. Another move I don't regret. The Yamiya units are much less $$ than the NOS units you typically find on eBay.

If you do get up this way, we do have to hang out! I'm only an hour south of Portland. Would love to get together and possibly ride. It was cool enough to get out on one K1 and now I'm lining up friends to pilot the Red K1 as well so we can double the impression! Think what it would be like to have 3 of them together!!!
Shoot me a PM and we can exchange contact info.

mwvachon · « **Reply #148 on:** June 01, 2014, 06:01:29 PM »

OK, spent the last two days doing about 300 miles on this bike. The only hiccup appears to be a balky neutral switch. I tested this unit when I first assembled the engine, but all I checked was that I had ground when in neutral. Guess I should have checked ALL operating modes... The light does come on in neutral; it goes out switching to 1st - and promptly comes back on again! It goes out going into 2nd and may (or may not) come on again. Over time, it just goes on and off for no discernible reason, however all symptoms are directly related to shifting and do not appear to be caused by a short or grounding elsewhere. I'm going to wait until the next oil change and swap it out then. Other than that - it rides like a brand new bike! I'm so pleased with this. Today, I got my brother-in-law to pilot this one while I rode my other K1 and we did a tour around the big lake (Winnipesaukee). We ran into a lot of 'fans' and had a blast discussing old bikes, restorations, and fond memories . . .

albertaboy · « **Reply #149 on:** June 01, 2014, 08:12:10 PM »

Great glamor shots. Nice country you live near.

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Author Topic: My CB755 Project - COMPLETED!!!! (Read 34939 times)