Topic: Really discouraged, What stories do you have where you pulled yourself out?

[Vossero]

I got this 1978 CB750K5 for 500 bucks in pieces, it had everything, but not really, after assembling a lot of things just little pieces were missing, throttle cable cant be found, a few engine screws, little pieces here and there, It just looks so bad and Im really discouraged because I really dont know what im doing. Ive researched and researched and watched hundreds of videos, but it just seems impossible...Im missing hoses from the oil tank, and the gas tank and i have no idea where to get those...what are your stories of when things dont look so good and you pulled yourself out of the hole and finished your project?

[flybox1]

get yourself the HondaMan 750 book, download the shop manual, and step into the light 

I just picket up a 750F3 engine, in 1000 pieces last weekend.  it will be my first total engine build.
now way i'd take it on without those books and this forum....

Ive tried to be as realistic as possible, and have given myself until next fall to finish it. 
I also know its not going to be cheap, or done overnight. 
Make a list of all the things you think need to be done, and in somewhat of a logical order. 
Try to complete 1 or 2 items per week.
Rushing will only frustrate you.  If it doesnt happen, its all still sitting in the garage for another day. dont sweat it.

All the info and help is here.

[iron_worker]

Check out:

www.cmsnl.com

or

servicehonda.com

or several others. Most of the parts you listed can be had pretty cheap. There are also places that part of bikes that would probably have what you need.

Like said above ... be patient.

IW

[flybox1]

post up some pictures of what you are working on.
1978 and K5 kinda throw up a 

[brooze72]

Sounds like someone jumped in the deep end without flotation devices or swimming lessons. 

Take a deep breath, we're here to help.  That being said, realize that it won't come together in a week, it's going to cost more money & you're going to lose some skin off your knuckles as well as practice all the swear words you know.  If you're still willing to try reassembly after my pep talk, start posting pictures and you will be guided along the path to roadworthiness.

If not, find someone willing to help or do it for you, no shame in admitting you need help, that's a route I've used before.

[HondanutRider]

... that's a route I've used before.

And he rides a really nice CB500.

[Vossero]

I have an album online, but i cant link it in this post for some reason...how do i post the pics? its a nice sized album, im sure you guys would have good advice if you could look at them

Link Below

imgur.com/a/A9DCo#0

Some of them are just pictures of pieces i need to replace, I do have the carburetors in there but i don't think i took any pictures of them, but I'm pretty sure they are good although i haven't done any internal inspection, but this project looks just awful and i really DO want to fix it up, but the engine is missing the breather cover and the screws for the head and the breather cover...is there a place where i can get every screw for the engine? I wish there was like...a book like back when i was a kid and i played Lego's and it showed like...4' screw x28, 2' screw x12, 2cm nut x20 blah blah blah, is there anywhere i can take an inventory?

[FrankenFrankenstuff]

Just go over to the "Inspiration  gallery" thread. Take your time. You can do it with the
Help of the  forum.....and $$$$$$$.

[754]

 First off tellus where you are..may have help right nearby..
 Get a manual..read it ..repeat..repeat..repeat.. Then it gets easier..

[XLerate]

I have a project parked out front. Not a bike, but a project for sure. I had no garage, no work space but a 4'x8' sheet of 1/2" plywood laying on the ground in an open field and nobody around to help me: no help at all on anything. I'm currently rated at 100% disabled with 2 terminal illnesses. Supposed to lay around in my bed scratching and moaning, watching TV till I die.

Not me. My mid-60's Dodge Town Wagon now has the '90 Cummins 4BTA Diesel engine installed, along with the custom fit '91 Dodge 6BT intercooler hidden behind stock front grill. That's the I/C that everybody said was impossible to install there because it wouldn't fit. Well, after some drastic metalwork there's 1/4" to spare on each side, 1/8" to spare front and back, and had to remove all hood latch hardware and make up custom latch from scratch, modify intercooler and custom build all the air tubing and install a different intake manifold and grid heater delete box. It's installed and is virtually invisible behind stock grill. The new turbo rebuild parts of a larger compressor wheel and smaller compressor housing are installed, and the injection pump is tweaked just right.

Cummins Adaptor Plate with Dodge/Cummins bellhousing with the rebuilt NV4500 5 speed trans is installed, along with the custom built motor mounts fabbed from scratch from 1/2" steel plate, along with the custom built trans cross member. Also the Tom Woods Custom Driveshaft, connected to the new DANA 60HD rearend, right in front of the custom 32 gallon aluminum fuel tank. Whole truck is now completely 100% rewired. The custom metal work at dash, new gauges and new overhead console is done, and the whole inner top of the station wagon style body is now plated with new sheet aluminum. Got the matching custom aluminum door panels done. The new bucket seats and console are installed, along with replacing all the front cab flooring, cab mounts and firewall metal with 3/16" steel plate, and replacing rear floor. There's also a new front axle, new front swaybar and shocks, new steering box and custom steering damper with the extended steering column with added u-joint. Several other items not listed.

Took about 5 months and it's 99% done and runs like a scalded dog. Buddy says it has more power than his Dodge 6BT truck that's 2 liters bigger. Gets up to 32 mpg, never fails me and is a joy to drive. Not bad for a worn out, busted up, crippled old man who's supposed to be dead a few years ago, huh?

From one restorer mechanic to another, Get off your duff, quit your snivelling and get on it, boy! Seriously though, some fine fellas around here with a jaw dropping library of knowledge and experience in their noggins are here to help and really do care and will help. Don't give up, that's for sissies, ain't no sissies here! When you're done it won't be perfect bolt for bolt and hose for hose, never is, but it will be yours and YOU DID IT and you can then be justifiably proud of it and ride the wheels off it with a stupid grin on your face. I dare ya!

[chrima]

It can be overwhelming when looking at everything.

Break it down into functional chunks that you can celebrate the completion of as you go. It’s those little successes that will keep you going.

For example, I would start with getting the bare minimum needed to fire the engine up (test compression first, and do the maint. Steps, timing, valves, etc). So for this, you don’t need brakes, lights, turn signal, fuel tank etc. Once you get that done and see the motor will run, you can work on brakes, or work on the tank. Listening to that motor fire up is the best motivation for me.

Anyway, that’s how I try to tackle it. Otherwise I find myself spending time and money on things I don’t need yet, or can’t use because the thing won’t start. Why rebuild the brakes if the engine won’t start, why buy turn signals if it won’t go down the road.

Hope this helps

[farinhite]

I felt the same way last year, when I started my first rebuild. I like to think that I have an engineers mind, but I knew absolutely nothing about motorcycles.

So I read, and read, and read.... and read.

And read some more.

But honestly the best thing is to read this forum inside and out, and don't be afraid to ask stupid questions (after searching the forum for an answer first of course). I think the people here are generally very nice, super helpful, and don't mind helping out the n00bs. It's nice to have more vintage CB enthusiasts in the world... because maybe they'll be enough of us that Honda will start making the 4-4 exhausts again and we don't have to pay $900+ for a set...

But I digress.

Welcome to the forum, and start asking stupid questions. We're all here to help.

[DustyRags]

Vossero, you came to the right place. Last August, I just picked up my first bike, and started doing an oil change. That turned into a massive 50-day top-end rebuild. Going into this, I had no experience with motorcycles, almost none with engines, and almost no tools. The good folks here guided me through, encouraged me when I needed it, busted my balls when I needed it, and were very, very helpful with information, tricks, tips, cautions, explanations, etc.

Seriously, don't think twice- start a continue this project thread and they'll help you (I say "they" because I'm a noob and have never touched a 750). Discouragement is part of it. Discouragement, and pushing through that, is how we come to love our bikes.  You've got a good start there- it's going to take a lot of work, but you can do it. When it's done, you've have a real screamer of a bike.

Go download the manual, and then start asking questions. Post lots of pictures (you can start posting pics and links once you've created 5 posts), and help will be forthcoming.

[bjbuchanan]

Well for starters there are complete engine screw kits for like 22$ on ebay.... And that breather cover most people will probably just give to you. Even if they won't it would be a cheap part. Engine oil lines can be had used, in fact I have a set sitting out right now that I was gonna post up

If you search the classifieds you can find stuff. There is also another section partway down where you can post specific items you need. I just got a 4-1 exhaust after posting there

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=cb750+engine+bolt+kit&_sacat=0&_from=R40

You can also start a build thread. With spring around the corner more ppl will be on the board so you will get plenty of feedback and comments

Just remember too that it is only a motorcycle. This is a tiny project compared to cars. Get Mark Paris's book from Lulu and go to the faq section and download the manuals. Most of the time that stuff, complete with searching the left hand searchbar I can get anything done. I rarely if ever post a question because the huge amount of resources on the site. Got a question, search it. It works well

[bjbuchanan]

And good luck, it will suck less soon

[ekpent]

First off tellus where you are..may have help right nearby..
 Get a manual..read it ..repeat..repeat..repeat.. Then it gets easier..

I agree with Frank. Tell us where you are at and maybe somebody close by can help you out a little.Join the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club if you have one in your area so you can meet and network with fellow vintage bikers. Nice bunch of Guys around my area in the club.And of course as mentioned you have come to a good place here for help and support.

[Magpie]

A few things. Ask a lot of questions here, you'll generally get a positive response even if it's been asked many times before. We've all been where you are, some us (me) many times. Get a good manual and parts book. I think they can be downloaded from some where on this forum. If you get really pissed off and want to chuck the whole gd thing on the floor (like me at times), put the tools down and back away slowly. It will wait for you come back when you're ready. And, a friend of mine sent me this. I have it posted in my workshop.

People who do what you do, to the degree that you do, deserve a great deal of accolades for your work. It is very tough for people to complete such tasks but even a greater talent to have a vision of the finished product and make the hands do what the mind's eye sees. The only way to complete this kind of undertaking is exactly the way you are.

Hang in there, Cliff.

[brooze72]

This is turning into a truly inspirational post, nice going guys, if this doesn't work on him, hopefully he'll post in "bikes for sale..."

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Use Photobucket.com for your pictures. After uploading your pictures just click on "img code" for each picture one at a time then paste it in your post. That easy.

[XLerate]

Pretty amazing the response you've gotten here already, Vossero, huh? I originally came here a few months ago, just dropping by  after picking up a 750, a project for later down the road, maybe this summer. I asked a few questions and got a tremendous feedback, extremely helpful, very friendly, quite surprising! Because of that I hang around here and check out the site everyday now just because of the atmosphere even though I'm doing nothing on the bike. Some real good guys more than happy to help.

I FULLY agree with looking at the project as sub-systems and attacking one at a time. That way it becomes managable and also allows you to learn all there is to know about that particular sub-system. Before you know it you end up being the guy giving advice to others here ha!

When disassembling stuff make liberal use of plastic baggies, empty soup cans etc. for parts storage, marking them with a Sharpie to remind you what's what. On other parts the Dollar Store has packs of little cardboard key tags on a metal ring that you can clip to big pieces to label them. They also have dirt cheap assortments of food storage containers with snap on lids, like a dozen in several sizes for a few bucks. Also most metal parts you can mark directly with a Sharpie Indelible because it washes right off metal with alcohol or gas. Masking tape is a loser for labels though, not good.

Use your camera liberally during disassembly and when you store the pics label them with assembly/disassembly notes. Keep a running record written out to help you when you come back to reassemble stuff, "The big tab thingy goes on the left, right under the metal tube going to the..." type of thing. These records are invaluable on reasembly of complicated parts and systems.

You came to the right place, no doubt, enjoy yourself and yes, get a build thread going.

[wvshooter]

Don't mean to minimize your feelings but it's a 1978 Honda 750k. A gazillion of these bikes were sold. If you were trying to restore something a little obscure yes you would have a challenge. Bottom line... all parts for these bikes are available and relatively inexpensive and there is a ton of information easily found.

Couple things. Don't try to restore the whole thing in your mind at once. Start by thinking only about restoring a rolling frame. That's the frame, hubs, wheels and tires. Once you get the rolling frame finished then start working on the other components. Things like the headlamp, fenders, brakes, electrics, etc.

These bikes are so simple. You could probably restore five in the time it would take to completely restore a forty year old car. Start educating yourself and don't forget to enjoy the experience.

[stickman]

Welcome to the sohc forum.

Sounds like you are missing enough parts that you may want to consider finding a donor parts bike.  All those missing parts add up quickly when purchasing new or used, especially with shipping cost added in.   If you could scrounge up one for $100 ro $150, not only would you have many of your needed parts but also a look see on how things are attached.  Any parts you don't need, you could swap with someone else like you.  Try to find others in your area who share the same enthusiasm about sohc's.  They will be a good source for advice and parts.  These bikes are really simple to work on and this group will assist you along the way.  Best of luck to you.      Stickman

[brandEn]

It can be VERY overwhelming if you look at the whole bike as one big pile of nuts and bolts. I can give you a suggestion that works for me. Just focus on one section or sub-assembly at a time. Just focus on how the swing arm attaches to the frame. When thats done the triple tree. Then the forks. OK now rebuild the front hub. Now the rear hub. Just work like that. If you look at the parts fiche online it will show you bolt sizes and every single part. This coupled with a shop manual, and this forum and you will be on the road in no time.

[XLerate]

Another thing: be 100% realistic about what is possible. By that I mean if you're on a shoestring and it's going to stay that way then act accordingly. If you're stone broke there's no point in day dreaming about powder coating the frame and chroming the engine. Instead you should be looking into what's the best bang for the buck in spraycan paint.

Decide ahead of time and stick to it on what level of restoration you're shooting for. On that truck I mentioned, a huge amount of work is done but it's REAL ROUGH around the edges, because I wasn't shooting for a 'Restoration'. What I wanted was a super solid driver that I could enjoy for the rest of my life, not something to make other people oooh and aaaah about how trick it is.

Also good to decide now: stock or custom or high performance, and how high the 'high performance' is for you. We're super spoiled now with some of the insane stuff with 2 wheels you can buy now! Fact is a bone stock Honda 750 is one wild ride for someone who really knows how to ride it and has tons of big grin peformance under that twist grip.

Set realistic goals and stick to them so you won't be disappointed in the results. If it's just a learning experience then enjoy the experience. Main thing is to have a good time doing it, that's really what it's all about. Good advice on that from the member's posts above.

[Vossero]

Wow...this is a ton of great motivation, definitely found the best forum for what i need, this is gonna be great, thanks everyone!