Author Topic: 550K1: the Skyline project (Read 2372 times)

MileHigh_CBfan · « **on:** June 20, 2013, 04:24:48 PM »

My wife gives me a hard time for being a FB lurker, and never posting...so to avoid that criticism here, i'll start putting down some notes on what I'm working on...

I found the bike on CL for sale by a guy who started a resto, but couldn't finish prior to other committments taking over...so i brought it home in boxes and pieces.

Original decal work on tank painted over by previous owner, I can make out some flames, too.

Seat will need a new cover, but good condition overall

I had 2 engines to work from. One had some case damage around the chain sprocket so I cleaned up the undamaged case, broke it open to clean and put on some fresh paint.

Chain slap has damaged one of my engine cases

Needs new rubber but metal will polish up real good
It's now on the engine stand while I wait for some piston rings to come in, so I can get the top end reinstalled. Cylinder block and head both have fresh paint. I'll lap the valves before I close it up, too.

Clean things up, some liquid gasket, and put back together
I put some black gloss on the frame, swing arm, and battery box. I haven't messed with the forks and trees yet. They are in good shape but will need some paint and wet sanding to clear off the corrosion.

I plan to strip the tank and side covers and repaint. I like the sunset orange but I may go with something simple so I can do it myself.

The goal is to get it road worthy, good and clean, and once I'm licensed, riding course certified, etc...I'm taking it to Skyline Dr. in Shenandoah Nat'l Park (hopefully with a group of riders) for a day of curves and hills; hence the project name.

If that happens before winter sets in, all the better... Giddy up.

Vinhead1957 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2013, 02:53:14 PM »

Some projects are not goal oriented! The journey is the fun part. Good luck

MileHigh_CBfan · « **Reply #2 on:** July 06, 2013, 02:04:29 AM »

Piston rings are on and the cylinder block is in place. I opted not to use piston ring clamps. The beveled edge on the bottom of the cylinder sleeve was helpful. I'll put the cylinder head on and tighten things down once i get a missing o-ring for the top of the cylinder block.

I lapped the valves, too.

Found a compressor on eBay

Frame is ready to receive the engine. I like the suggestion to lay the frame over the engine to mount. Looks like a back saver!

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2013, 08:57:33 AM »

Pictures or it never happened

MileHigh_CBfan · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2013, 07:08:08 PM »

Agreed Banker...went back in and modified to include some pics.

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2013, 11:18:50 AM »

Looking good. I am hoping to not have to dig into the engine I am using for my project. But I am kind of looking forward to opening up the stuck engine for the follow up. I've never rebuilt an engine, so it will be a good learning experience.

MileHigh_CBfan · « **Reply #6 on:** September 18, 2013, 06:58:22 PM »

Journey continues. Bike is 95% complete. I got it started last weekend and now I'm just working out some carb issues. 1 is burning rich (black dry soot) and it keeps dying when I turn off the choke. I found the SoCal carb site so that's my next weekend project. Then I can button up my wiring, get the lights in place (thanks cprice and digger for rear turn signals and tailight). Those we're missing from PO's disassembly.

carbs were cleaned and new gaskets...but i have some more work to do; 1 is burning rich, and gas is venting out of the underside tube (bad float valve?),

a bit blurry...apologies ,

headlight will be nearly the last bit back on...do all those wires really fit inside the light bucket? ,

I repainted the exhaust to cover up some corrosion after a light sanding. i don't know if it will last long but it will do for now and is more aesthetic than the rust. exhaust is 4 into 2, side slash cut pipes ,

gauges are slightly different colors. they will do but is that original? remember, i've not seen this bike whole yet...bought it unassembled. ,

i thought i was in trouble when the brake lever was hitting the exhaust...then i discover the adjustment nut on the rear wheel cable fitting. whew! thought these aftermarket exhausts that the PO had were going to be a problem ,

adjusted this to sort the brake lever hitting exhaust ,

based on what my manuals suggest, this isn't a 550 airbox...looks like a 500. there are some additional components that go in the bottom of the box that i'll have to get, along with a different airbox.
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