Author Topic: CB 500 Four (1972?) Full Restoration (Read 138395 times)

MickB · « **on:** October 14, 2013, 02:45:02 am »

I've just purchased a 1972 (I think) CB 500 Four in 3 wooden boxes, it comes with - 3 wheels (1 front and 2 rear), 2 heads, a complete bottom end, forks, side covers, headlight and a complete frame, and stacks of spare parts included. P

I'll post A photo of what it looks like on Friday when the bike arrives on a pallet.

My last bike I built was in 1983 - a 1952 Triumph Tiger 100.

I'm looking to build a full stock restoration as it came of the showroom floor. I remember riding a CB 500 Four in 1973 and it was such a blast to ride, it handled and was light as a feather, it was fantastic down the Great Ocean Road (the best bike ride in the world) in Victoria Australia.

MoMo · « **Reply #1 on:** October 14, 2013, 05:00:42 am »

Welcome from the states. Hopefully, the array of parts you have are in good condition or a full blown restoration to stock will mean a full blown wad of cash to get there....Larry

MickB · « **Reply #2 on:** October 14, 2013, 05:52:08 pm »

Well MoMo I was exhausted after reading all the bikes you've restored and my last one was in 1979 a Honda dirt bike and it was more of a clean and tune.

I hope the "lots of cash" needed doesn't come true, I sort of thought around $2k - $2.5k?

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MickB · « **Reply #3 on:** October 14, 2013, 05:53:20 pm »

Oops, The Honda was 2nd last not last as stated

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Mo · « **Reply #4 on:** October 14, 2013, 06:31:46 pm »

I think you can expect to pay a lot for some restoration quality 4-4 exhausts. Unless you lucked out and got some awesome ones

Good luck!

MoMo · « **Reply #5 on:** October 14, 2013, 06:42:56 pm »

Quote from: MickB on October 14, 2013, 05:52:08 pm

Well MoMo I was exhausted after reading all the bikes you've restored and my last one was in 1979 a Honda dirt bike and it was more of a clean and tune.

I hope the "lots of cash" needed doesn't come true, I sort of thought around $2k - $2.5k?

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The exhausts Mo mentioned could cost half of that 2k you mentioned. I have never done a full blown to stock restoration-too costly for this cheap SOB. I will clean, repaint and replace terribly rusted parts and usually come in at less than 1000 to 1500 depending on the original cost of the bike(never paid more than 600 for a smaller bike and 1k for a 750. Good luck with whatever course you choose....Larry

bryanj · « **Reply #6 on:** October 14, 2013, 11:39:37 pm »

New original 4 into 4 are now discontinued and very difficult/expensive to get, most of the rest is available---worst is the centre selector fork but a 350 twin is the same(K4 type)

dave500 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 15, 2013, 12:55:14 am »

gday mick,once you have a few posts you can stick pictures up,we love pictures,also you might like to start a build thread here in the project shop?let me know if you need anything i have a few bits and bobs handy.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?board=103.0

MickB · « **Reply #8 on:** October 15, 2013, 03:44:31 pm »

Thanks for the encouragement, that was what I was thinking around $2k to reprint, polish, chrome etc etc. I see replica exhaust in Europe for around €600 - €2000! I'll wait and see.
I'll post photos on Friday when bike arrives.

dave500 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 16, 2013, 12:05:03 am »

heres a link,youll find manuals and parts lists.
http://www.sohc4.net/cb500-manuals/

Deltarider · « **Reply #10 on:** October 16, 2013, 01:07:59 am »

You may also consult http://www.honda4fun.com/
> Materiale > Parts List [or] Shop Manual [or] Libretti.
And you can ask us.

MickB · « **Reply #11 on:** October 16, 2013, 04:16:12 am »

Thanks for the links guys - awesome!
Mick

dave500 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 16, 2013, 12:51:45 pm »

this one will be handy,if you know the part number you need you can enter it aswell,they have way more stock than whats listed for each bike.
http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB500K2-FOUR-1973-USA/

MickB · « **Reply #13 on:** October 18, 2013, 03:51:30 am »

It's like Xmas, Bike in 5 boxes arrived today, 13 carbies (3 complete with linkages), 2motors, 2 barrels& heads, 2 alternators, 5 pistons, rings+ a new set of .56 over rings brand new, 2 starter motors, 3 complete gearbox gears, 1 cam shaft, 4 rocker boxes, etc etc.

How the heck do I upload more than -1 photo at a time on tap talk?

MickB · « **Reply #14 on:** October 18, 2013, 04:22:50 am »

Where do the forks come from, cb500 only had 1 disc brake not 2.

Where can I find the year from engine and frame numbers?

Frame is almost ready for the sandblasting, undercoat and then gloss black powder coating.

Plenty of parts missing, gauges, tank, side covers

Deltarider · « **Reply #15 on:** October 18, 2013, 04:30:47 am »

What tornado was that?!

heyitsrama · « **Reply #16 on:** October 18, 2013, 06:10:56 am »

looks like you have a bit of organization to get through. Noticed that your crank cases have pitting/dents did you think about replacing, or refurbishing them?

bryanj · « **Reply #17 on:** October 18, 2013, 08:56:52 am »

I can tell you from an aquired list of numbers that that frame was built in October 1971 so was probably not registered till 72.

Forks are 550

Mo · « **Reply #18 on:** October 18, 2013, 11:36:29 am »

Dude. Thats like. A Cb500 graveyard in a box. The good news is, you look to have everything you need!!

MickB · « **Reply #19 on:** October 18, 2013, 01:18:22 pm »

Thanks for the replies and answers to my question.

Sorry if it was a big download (tornado), I did it last thing while in bed and I was exhausted, I just got it all out.

I'm sure most of what I've got will need refurbing, what I'm worried about is the bottom end, head and topend bearing surfaces are too far gone. I'll post some photos your opinions would be valuable.

Mo you said a grave yard, trust I can bring it back from the dead I'll tell you now it's a bit daunting.

Thanks all.
A

dave500 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 18, 2013, 01:38:05 pm »

man thats an autopsy!the first few days will be just cleaning and inspecting,be sure that frame isnt bent or tweaked before you spend money on it,the two front down tubes should be perfectly straight,check for any buldges around the steering neck indicating its bent,also check the steering neck isnt tweaked sideways,check its not on any stolen list aswell from years ago,i had trouble registering one once,it was stolen but recovered and returned to the owner the same day but not cleared from the system years ago,a dozen long phone calls and stat/dec and three weeks got someone to do a mouse click!looks like fun man.

MickB · « **Reply #21 on:** October 18, 2013, 02:20:56 pm »

Stolen- whaaat! Dave I'm an old man and I've got to think about my heart, don't do that to me. I never thought of that ,I purchased it from a dealer so I'm trusting should be ok.
Thanks for the tips re frame.

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #22 on:** October 18, 2013, 02:47:17 pm »

The VIN for the frame is stamped on the left side of the steering neck (from a sitting on the bike perspective). There should also be a plate on the other side of the neck, but it is not unusual for that to be missing.

MickB · « **Reply #23 on:** October 18, 2013, 02:55:02 pm »

I'm sorry about this but I think my Resto should be in Projects, and I'm unsure of how to move this there

MickB · « **Reply #24 on:** October 18, 2013, 02:56:47 pm »

I figured it out

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Author Topic: CB 500 Four (1972?) Full Restoration (Read 138395 times)