Author Topic: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel" (Read 346063 times)

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #1100 on:** November 19, 2016, 01:28:12 PM »

Quote from: riverfever on November 19, 2016, 07:37:11 AM

Max Hasan aint got #$%* on me.

Especially since he's Max Hazan.

riverfever · « **Reply #1101 on:** November 19, 2016, 03:32:57 PM »

Well it was a joke from the literacy teacher in me. A fair amount of the time, in the English language, when an /s/ is trapped in between two vowels it takes on the /z/ sound.

riverfever · « **Reply #1102 on:** November 19, 2016, 04:04:11 PM »

Ok I'm done geeking out on English words. I mocked up the controls a bit just to see what things would look like. Had to slide the MC in a bit more to fit the m-switch on that side. I'll have to order a new upper brake line.

Worked on sanding the clamp a bit more as well.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #1103 on:** November 19, 2016, 04:05:12 PM »

Chris that's far nicer than giving them the " Thanks SA! " an acronym/acronysm for s_ a_
David

riverfever · « **Reply #1104 on:** November 21, 2016, 05:06:04 PM »

I think I've decided that, instead of just ordering a new upper brake line, I'm going to just do a new master cylinder and full line. Just does't make sense to drain the fluid, replace the upper line, bleed it all, and wire it up if I'm thinking about doing a new MC this spring. Search seems to be down. I did find a thread here through Google that talked about the importance of keeping the piston the same size. So I think I'm looking for a 13-14mm piston MC with a remote reservoir. Does anyone use on they recommend?

Kinda like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Master-Cylinder-Right-side-FZR-YZF-CBR-ZX-GSXR-13mm-1-2-bore-BLACK-front-brake-/231259055499?hash=item35d81d258b:g:TLwAAOSwhh5TnIU4&vxp=mtr

riverfever · « **Reply #1105 on:** November 25, 2016, 05:18:51 PM »

After days and days of sanding, I finally started polishing the top clamp last night and finished up today. There's a few spots I'm not happy with but I think that's more an issue with me than anything else.

The old mirrors broke when I removed them (really weak pieces that were inside the bars) so I had to order new ones. Got the grips and mirrors installed today. Can't get over how clean the left side looks right now. Obviously, the clutch lever isn't attached in this picture.

Front end is getting there. New MC should be here soon and then I need to order a new brake line. Might also be ordering a new clutch lever. Still marinating on that.

And this showed up tonight.

Still need some small stuff like proper connectors and a crimp tool. Crimpin' aint easy yo.

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #1106 on:** November 26, 2016, 08:08:31 AM »

I have the kit from VintageConnections if you'd like to borrow the crimper tool. I'm in town Sunday then latter part of next week. It IS easy

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #1107 on:** November 26, 2016, 10:36:11 AM »

Hot damn, those bars are looking good with the new switches.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #1108 on:** November 26, 2016, 01:42:13 PM »

Chris
What is the clearance looking like on the right handlebar and tank...throttle cables may need rotated down and away to add clearance for tank. It looks like they are rotated towards rear and down rather than down or front and down.
Looking good and the moto eye candy is nice!!
David

riverfever · « **Reply #1109 on:** November 26, 2016, 02:21:58 PM »

Hey Jerry...I appreciate that offer buddy and I may take you up on it. The only concern I have is that I don't anticipate this wiring project happening quickly. I really want to take my time and make sure I get everything just right. I don't want to borrow the crimp tool for too long.

Thanks Don. So much of what's going on the bike right now has been influenced by builds on here and yours are included.

David...good eyes. I haven't had the tank on the bike in a bit and everything is loosely tightened right now because I still need to move things out of the way and drill the bars for the m button wires. I drilled the steering stops and installed limiting screws long ago because I had to use them with the Tarozzi bars.

bill440cars · « **Reply #1110 on:** November 26, 2016, 04:51:25 PM »

Totally enjoying this build, consider me tuned in. I started a Café Build on a '78 CB550, quite awhile back, but "Life" interrupted and got me WAY off track. May have to dig it out and see what I can do. Certainly have a lot of possibilities, from your thread and a few other, from over the years, to give me ideas to put together my own version.

riverfever · « **Reply #1111 on:** November 27, 2016, 07:28:20 PM »

Thanks a lot Bill. I wasn't real thrilled with this project over the last year and gave it a lot of thought before ordering all this stuff but the bike isn't worth much at all not running and I would really like to see this thing completed. Although...it still has a long way to go.

Stev-o · « **Reply #1112 on:** November 29, 2016, 03:05:23 PM »

I'd say you've graduated to "Master Polisher"...can I send you a triple top or two?!

riverfever · « **Reply #1113 on:** November 29, 2016, 06:49:09 PM »

The new master cylinder showed up today. It was listed as new on eBay but gave me pause when I found it stuffed into a plastic shopping bag after opening the standard shipping envelope. Once I saw it I was disappointed. It's dusty and the lever is all scratched up. Paint looks horrible. It really looks like a take off part. I know this is not a show bike and $65 isn't much for a MC but I really don't want to install a scratched part on a bike I've been sweating and fighting with for over three years now. I contacted the seller so we'll see what he says.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #1114 on:** November 29, 2016, 11:29:02 PM »

I am betting if the seller does not make it right then ebay will. If listed as new it should be new. Hope it turns out OK. Did you buy a Tokico, Brembo, Nissen? Sometimes rebuilding a good condition used one can give you a good substitute to plunking down several hundred for a new one.
David

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #1115 on:** November 30, 2016, 09:51:56 AM »

Quote from: RAF122S on November 29, 2016, 11:29:02 PM

I am betting if the seller does not make it right then ebay will. If listed as new it should be new. Hope it turns out OK. Did you buy a Tokico, Brembo, Nissen? Sometimes rebuilding a good condition used one can give you a good substitute to plunking down several hundred for a new one.
David

I hope so, too! I've had some mixed luck resolving things when items arrived not as described.

riverfever · « **Reply #1116 on:** November 30, 2016, 05:49:00 PM »

Quote from: RAF122S on November 29, 2016, 11:29:02 PM

I am betting if the seller does not make it right then ebay will. If listed as new it should be new. Hope it turns out OK. Did you buy a Tokico, Brembo, Nissen? Sometimes rebuilding a good condition used one can give you a good substitute to plunking down several hundred for a new one.
David

I haven't heard from the seller yet. To be honest, I had a heck of a time finding one. I typed in 13mm motorcycle master cylinder into eBay and they were all from Hong Kong or China. This one I bought was the only one located in the US. Here's the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231259055499?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I would love some suggestions on what to get that won't cost me a few hundred dollars. Cognito has this one that I'm now looking at:

https://cognitomoto.com/collections/triple-clamps_handlebars_controls/products/front-brake-master-cylinder-assembly

RAFster122s · « **Reply #1117 on:** December 01, 2016, 03:52:49 AM »

David Silvers Spares has a rectangular one for about $45 on their us site. Aftermarket but good quality.
Dime City carries universal radial nissin MC for $140-150
Couple ebay sellers of chinese made MCs that cx500/gl500 /650 crowd have used with excellent results. Some are crap (identical looking) from other sellers but this one is good. I am getting that info. They are rectangular style like DSS one and less than 35 if still going for same kind of money. Will get back to you with more.
DSS also has a round cb550 style for little $.
But with clubmans you need the fluid level to not drop to where it could pull air into the mc...so some mcs aren't ideal for that usage.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #1118 on:** December 01, 2016, 04:39:31 PM »

Bummer. If you didn't care that it was modern and a little more robust than needed for single rotor, I'd just send you my used Braking 19mm for dual calipers off my CB550. It's overkill for a single stock caliper.

riverfever · « **Reply #1119 on:** December 01, 2016, 05:37:25 PM »

I heard back from the seller and he's going to take it back for a full refund which is great. I was tempted to try another one from the same seller but I think I'm going to pass. After speaking to Master Po the other night, I need to make another order of some electrical components and then I'll be ready to start wiring the bike up. So I'd like to get started on that part of the project. I can come back and figure out the front brake next month. Right now I'm looking at Nissin 14mm unit.

bwaller · « **Reply #1120 on:** December 01, 2016, 06:20:37 PM »

I'm guilty of not back tracking to see what you plan for brakes, but check the Vintage Brake chart for M/C sizing and I'd recommend one of these.

https://store.bevelheaven.com/Brake-Related-Parts/12mm-REC-Brembo-Master-Cylinder-Front-Brake/

RAFster122s · « **Reply #1121 on:** December 01, 2016, 06:21:54 PM »

Chris, great news!
Are you going to use that cool black braid Master Po likes to use on his builds?
Don't forget some good heat shrink with the braid.

riverfever · « **Reply #1122 on:** December 01, 2016, 06:28:45 PM »

Quote from: bwaller on December 01, 2016, 06:20:37 PM

I'm guilty of not back tracking to see what you plan for brakes, but check the Vintage Brake chart for M/C sizing and I'd recommend one of these.

https://store.bevelheaven.com/Brake-Related-Parts/12mm-REC-Brembo-Master-Cylinder-Front-Brake/

Thank you for that link Brent.

riverfever · « **Reply #1123 on:** December 01, 2016, 06:40:51 PM »

Quote from: RAF122S on December 01, 2016, 06:21:54 PM

Chris, great news!
Are you going to use that cool black braid Master Po likes to use on his builds?
Don't forget some good heat shrink with the braid.

Cal and I spoke the other night and he was nice enough to walk me through the McMaster site and Cycle Terminals so I could put an order together. It's the same materials that he uses but...that doesn't guarantee the same results. I'm more than a little nervous about undertaking this part of the project. I think this is will be harder than the top end rebuild because I just don't really comprehend electricity. But I'm planning on working very slowly, asking questions when I get stuck, and making sure it's all tight.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #1124 on:** December 01, 2016, 08:22:15 PM »

So, is it just the single piston caliper planned for now?
Do you intend to go to dual discs or consider a front end swap? Or is that down the road now. I think you can get HH pads now for the stock calipers. It is a step in the right direction.
Godffrey Garage, Jeff, can hook you up with thinned and drilled rotors, but the improved wet weather performance of slotted I do not know of any sources for that service.
But, a drilled rotor will do better in the wet than undrilled. Not that you can use a lot of brakes in the wet...you would still like to have the best stopping available in wet and dry for a bike you do ride. Just remember the cars around you can stop much faster than you.

I hope your build over this winter gives you the desired fun this spring and summer. It is frustrating to be unable to enjoy the bike yet.

BTW, if you need heating in your workspace consider investing in Infrared heaters as they warm you up very well. They will also warm your tools beneath a heater like that. If you are working in an unheated space the rubber or foam mats will provide a thermal break to allow you to not have your heat sucked out through your feet or body in contact with the floor/ground.
A sheet of 1" blue foam can serve as a good thermal break if you need to be on the ground or standing outside in freezing weather. Piece of cardboard above and below the foam can help the foam last longer. Or use some contact cement (3M 77 or 92 ) to glue the foam to the cardboard applying the glue to the cardboard. It can eat the foam ( solvents in the spray)

I looked for your brake setup but only saw the stock photos and nothing to indicate different in last couple of pages.

News:

Author Topic: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel" (Read 346063 times)