Author Topic: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration  (Read 15732 times)

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Offline Scott S

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'76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« on: August 29, 2013, 07:16:13 AM »
 Some of you may have seen my thread where I snagged a one owner, low mileage survivor from Craigslist:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=125963.0

 The bike was purchased new in 1976 when the P.O. was 16 years old. It was his first bike. His father owned the Honda/Suzuki dealership here in town. He installed the Lester mags before it ever left the showroom.
 The bike was never even titled until the year 2000. From 1976 'til 2000, he rode it with the dealer tag on it and the MSO in his pocket.
 It has 5,065 original miles...only 225 of those miles were put on it since he titled it. It is 100% original except for the Lester's, the 400F handle bars (installed to clear the Shoei fairing he used to run on it), Ouri grips, and E-Z pull style levers. Oh, and the tires.

 My plan is to get it running top-notch and then just clean, polish, buff, shine and save as much as possible. My goal here is to make it look the best I can without OVER restoring it. I'll be asking lots of questions on what to keep/save, what to change, and the best way to preserve this survivor.

 Some pics from the CL ad and a few from when I got her home.






'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2013, 07:18:40 AM »
 The LH rear turn signal is slightly tweaked. I should be able to bend the tab on the grab rail straight and tighten this right up.



'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2013, 07:20:52 AM »
 The paint on the frame is virtually spotless. The foot pegs and kick stand show some wear. Would you leave them alone or carefully restore/repaint?


'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2013, 07:24:37 AM »
 The tank has one little nick and a very, very light scratch. There's also a pea sized ding right in front of the "H" on the Honda emblem on the RH side. The side covers are perfect. My plan here is to carefully buff and polish the original paint.
 The tank is very clean inside, but I'll dump out the old gas and rinse it out anyway.




 You can barely see the light scratch in this pic. Some of the black paint is flaking off the emblems, but I'll leave them be.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2013, 07:24:38 AM »
If it were mine I'd paint. I'd also clean that brake spring. I like shiny. You got some useful extras there, I'm a wee bit jealous.   ;)
« Last Edit: August 29, 2013, 07:26:37 AM by LesterPiglet »
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


Les Ross.            Certified by a Professional

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2013, 07:26:50 AM »
If it were mine I'd paint. I'd also clean that brake spring. I like shiny.

 I take it you're referring to the pegs/kick stand? That's easy enough to do.

 I also have a few more conundrums, but I'm going to wait on a few replies to the current pics before asking about what to do next.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #6 on: August 29, 2013, 07:27:51 AM »
Yes....not the tank.   :o
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


Les Ross.            Certified by a Professional

Offline totty

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #7 on: August 29, 2013, 07:32:30 AM »
Personally I'd just give it a full service, coat it in a protective spray like ACF50 and ride it.
I don't like over restored mirror polished bikes and there are plenty of those about, very tidy bikes with slight patina aren't so common.

Offline Tews19

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #8 on: August 29, 2013, 07:38:51 AM »
Leave as is.... Once in a lifetime find deserves "it's only original once"...

Even with the lesters on... Keep as is..
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #9 on: August 29, 2013, 07:39:48 AM »
Personally I'd just give it a full service, coat it in a protective spray like ACF50 and ride it.
I don't like over restored mirror polished bikes and there are plenty of those about, very tidy bikes with slight patina aren't so common.

 And this is the type of opinion I'm looking for. One option is to do nothing....just safety items and leave it as is.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Tews19

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #10 on: August 29, 2013, 07:43:16 AM »
^^^^^

Follow that advice... That bike is really clean... My k1 is rough but those who I have talked to in person say they love the patina.... Anyone can restore a bike to factory but to find one in factory condition or close to it some 35-40 yrs later........ Real rare
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline KennyRedman

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #11 on: August 29, 2013, 11:54:41 AM »
Personally I'd just give it a full service, coat it in a protective spray like ACF50 and ride it.
I don't like over restored mirror polished bikes and there are plenty of those about, very tidy bikes with slight patina aren't so common.

That's what I'm going for with my bike- a 40 year old bike that looks like a 40 year old bike. Clean and rust-free, but not super shiny.  Like it's been taken care of pretty nicely over the years.

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #12 on: August 29, 2013, 11:57:15 AM »
 The brakes seem to work just fine, but I'll flush the fluid anyway.



 I am a little concerned with the paint peeling on the caliper holder. I'm wondering if the seal is leaking by a little bit?


 The hoses, while in good shape, are also 38 years old. For less than the cost of new Honda hoses, I can have Slingshot Cycles make me a set of braided stainless. I could have them done in black or dark grey so they blend in.....thoughts?
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline KennyRedman

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #13 on: August 29, 2013, 11:58:18 AM »
The paint on the frame is virtually spotless. The foot pegs and kick stand show some wear. Would you leave them alone or carefully restore/repaint?




These are really easy to tear down and clean up.  I used the wire brush on my bench grinder and took off 99% of the rust and old paint.  It took me maybe 45 minutes to do all 4 pegs.

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #14 on: August 29, 2013, 11:59:54 AM »
 And while we're down here around the forks....they have the cracking clear coat thing going on. Maybe fresh fork oil and leave them well enough alone?



 You guys are making it kind of easy for me. My GF also votes for making it safe, making it go and stop like it's supposed to, and leave everything else original....even if it is a little scruffy.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #15 on: August 29, 2013, 12:00:38 PM »
The paint on the frame is virtually spotless. The foot pegs and kick stand show some wear. Would you leave them alone or carefully restore/repaint?




These are really easy to tear down and clean up.  I used the wire brush on my bench grinder and took off 99% of the rust and old paint.  It took me maybe 45 minutes to do all 4 pegs.

 Oh, I know how easy it is. That's what makes it so tempting. But...should I do it? They're only original once.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #16 on: August 29, 2013, 12:08:52 PM »
 The engine has the same deal. Clear coat hazing, slightly dull aluminum, and a little chipping paint on the valve cover area. Leave it alone, or try to gently restore it to how it would have been when it left the factory?
 Not TOO shiny .... but as it would have been when new, maybe?



'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Dream750

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #17 on: August 29, 2013, 01:27:38 PM »
Nice bike and color. ;)

When it comes to correcting original survivor bikes, here are a couple of thoughts regarding originality and cosmetics:   
 
The presence of dirt, rust, grease and corrosion was never factory original. This also applies to any nuts, bolts and screws showing unsightly tool marks.     
 
Questionable, incorrect, deteriorated or damaged parts can sometimes be replaced with good used unmolested originals as the patina tends to blend right in.
 
Or just leave it alone to preserve the past history.
 
Either way = the win!


Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #18 on: August 29, 2013, 04:40:22 PM »
 I can understand, and go for, the sympathetic restoration. I'll probably get it running and stopping as-is, and do as suggested; just slowly and carefully clean up existing parts without going overboard.
 Hand polish the side covers with mild steel wool or skotch-brite, paint up the pegs (but only after disassembly....no overspray on the nuts and bolts, springs, etc.), buff out the paint, etc. Keep it as close to original as possible without letting stuff deteriorate or going the other way: TOO shiny and perfect.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #19 on: August 29, 2013, 04:41:43 PM »
 One thing that's always bugged me about Honda's: Why are the mirrors different heights?



 And what are these holes/grommets on the fork ears for?

'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline MiGhost

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #20 on: August 29, 2013, 10:15:07 PM »
What a great find you have there Scott.

It's great to see that it will get preserved for the real treasure that it is. Far to often they fall into the hands of a hack with the mindset that it is of no real value because they got it for so cheap.

The mystique of the survivor is that it is still original, and unaltered. That being said. There are some things that would be expected to show wear, and age like the flaking paint on the engine, and forks. But items that would be considered general wear, and maintenance like seals, and gaskets would be replaced. Modifications like the lester wheels would be accepted because they were available at the time, and are a true period correct upgrade.

A true purist would insist on keep those original brake lines, and leaving the stand, and pegs as they are. But the only machine that would fit the true purist view is one that was never fired up, or ridden. If you plan on riding the bike. The safety, and maintenance items must be taken care of.

As far as the pegs, and stand are concerned. I would look for replacements that you could paint, and clean up. Keep the originals safely packed away to pass along with the bike.

To answer your question on the mirrors. Look at the switch housings, and notice how they are not lined up with each other. These get moved to fit the riders personal feel on the bike.

Enjoy
~ Ghost

Grey Ghost '80 CB650C: Updated Stock Restomod. Period Custom Cruiser (OEM harbags & trunk, Wixom Ranger fairing, Jardine turnouts)
Bad Moon '83 XJ750MK Midnight Maxim: Full Dress Tour Deluxe w/ X-1 Fairing

Offline Tews19

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #21 on: August 30, 2013, 06:16:21 AM »
Rubber grommets on the fork ears are for the wires from the turn signals (wires go through)... The ears were off at one point or another...
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #22 on: August 30, 2013, 07:08:11 AM »
Leave as is.... Once in a lifetime find deserves "it's only original once"...

Even with the lesters on... Keep as is..

My thought too. Go head and respray the footpeg brackets and kickstand if you want. Maybe you have one of the vintage motorcycle paint guys make a small batch of paint so you can lightly touch up the scratch on the tank to protect it.

But otherwise, shine and ride!
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline sanglasmick

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #23 on: August 30, 2013, 07:10:53 AM »
Please do what you "feel" is right. The bike is a gem as it is, and as you rightly say "only original once". but if you do touch up a few bits like footpegs, will it really take from the bike? I don't think so.

While the bike has obviously been laid up for a while, time still rolls on. Sensible mods will only add to the bike. I'm thinking braided brake lines, (available to look like originals), foot pegs and stand painted. New tires, etc. I think this will make the bike safer and more enjoyable in the long run.

Keep any parts you take off and put them away safely. Then you can't loose.

I'm Very jealous! :P
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=103837.0
1977 CB550F2, 1974 Sanglas 400E, 1981 XJ750A.

Offline Scott S

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Re: '76 CB550F Survivor: Preservation vs. Restoration
« Reply #24 on: August 30, 2013, 07:19:03 AM »
 Just checked the brake hoses....still soft, supple and like new, but with a date code of 7/75 (upper) and 3/75 (lower). I think it would be a smart move to replace them.

 I just ordered some genuine Honda parts: fuel line, breather hoses, brake caliper seal (in case this one is leaking and that's why the paint on the caliper holder is flaking a little), drain plug washers, etc.
 I already have carb O-rings and seats on the way. It shouldn't take much to get this one sorted.

 I'm a big fan of the Pamco, but this bike starts instantly, even on old gas, and idles well. I thought about getting a Pamco and covering the wires with the cloth covering to disguise them.

 What about tires? I do plan on riding this bike. I'm not a real canyon carver...you won't see me dragging any pegs.
 Would you go with some nice modern tires, or something similar to what came on the bike? My GF just put a set of these Duro tires on her CB400F and loves them. The shop said they balanced very nicely and easily. Great vintage look.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-CB350-CB350F-CB360-CB400F-KZ400-XS400-GS400-DURO-RIBBED-FRONT-REAR-TIRE-/370887546385?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item565a9ed611&vxp=mtr

 Sirius Con. also has some tires for the 550, though I'm leaning toward modern tires at the moment.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-CB450-CL450-CB500T-CB500F-CB500-CB550-K-CB500F-DURO-FRONT-AND-REAR-TIRE-/130963601877?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e7e09f9d5&vxp=mtr
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650