Author Topic: CB 500 Four (1972?) Full Restoration (Read 145296 times)

MickB · « **Reply #575 on:** March 09, 2015, 02:58:24 PM »

I remember you spotting a tank at the rear of a photo and asking about it, and none of us saw it, we only saw the object of the discussion.

MickB · « **Reply #576 on:** March 09, 2015, 03:04:41 PM »

Question. I can't see on my frame anywhere on the neck where an ID Plate was riveted only the frame number stamped into the neck.

Did the frame have an ID Plate?

My frame's serial number starts with CB500 1….

What do you reckon, have the serial numbers been tampered with? They look a bit dodgy to me, however, I did buy it from a reputable dealer.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #577 on:** March 09, 2015, 03:33:04 PM »

The 550 and 750 VIN plates are riveted in place by 2 holes on the right side of the frame. I'm not sure if the 500s use rivets to fasten in the VIN plate.

MickB · « **Reply #578 on:** March 09, 2015, 06:00:43 PM »

Cal just on that seal on the 550, I don't think it was lipped on my 500 as I remember, however it wasn't OEM. The lip doesn't show on CSMNL

Should I be concerned?

MickB · « **Reply #579 on:** March 09, 2015, 08:32:01 PM »

Thanks Cal, BTW would it be able to be replaced using a feeler gauge to help the lip into place?

bryanj · « **Reply #580 on:** March 10, 2015, 08:53:22 AM »

That frame number stamping looks genuine to me and was originaly BUILT in April 1971. Only US bikes at that time had vin plates so if it has been imported from elswhere there will be no holes for the rivets. Replica vin plates can be obtain from a man in France and are very good if you think you need one PM me and i will send you an Ebay Link

The shifter seal has no lip and is just pushed in--carefully so as not to damage it on the splines

The output shaft seal also does not have a lip BUT is so tight in the cases the only safe was of fitting is with cases split.

The only lipped seal on the 500 is the crank seal behind the point and that cannot be fitted without splitting cases

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #581 on:** March 10, 2015, 09:23:10 AM »

You may want to cover the splined surface of the shifter rod/shaft with a plastic bag (like a shifter "Jimmie") and then use some lube. This sounds lewd, but it's how Dino did it on his Hack a Week video and it keeps the seal from getting damaged.

MickB · « **Reply #582 on:** March 10, 2015, 10:27:22 PM »

Thanks BJ and others, but I pushed the seal behind the points on and it didn't seem to me to have a lip on it, I remember asking at the time regarding the way the seal was to face and it was metal side in as I thought.

I'm worried now about all these seals, they weren't Vesrah.

MickB · « **Reply #583 on:** March 12, 2015, 12:43:42 AM »

Anyone, have I inserted the seal correctly?

bryanj · « **Reply #584 on:** March 12, 2015, 12:48:57 AM »

I have one in my hand right now and it does go in metal side inwards BUT it also has a lip. Perhaps the pattern one you had does not have lip

MickB · « **Reply #585 on:** March 12, 2015, 12:53:47 AM »

BJ can you post a photo? Where is the lip?

bryanj · « **Reply #586 on:** March 13, 2015, 06:14:47 AM »

Cant do photo's on this jurrassic puter and the laptop is esewhere

if you hold the seal with the metal facing to the right the RH side is 43mm dia, the LH side is 41 dia and it is 8mm wide total with the lip being 2 mm wide on the RH side. Hope that helps.

It the same seal in the same place on the 750

MickB · « **Reply #587 on:** March 13, 2015, 01:24:16 PM »

Thanks mate

Tews19 · « **Reply #588 on:** March 16, 2015, 04:52:06 PM »

Mick, were these the German seals in the red package off eBay for 35 bucks? If yes I got them and they suck. Can't hold oil for poop. That's the reason I have held off for so long to redo my engine. All is good now because I bought 125 bucks in oem seals. Hopefully my engine will be pulled tomorrow to get it back on the road.

MickB · « **Reply #589 on:** March 16, 2015, 05:51:44 PM »

Tewsie thanks but I didn't buy German (don't mention the war), I bought from from good old USA (approx $100), here's hoping.

Bootsey · « **Reply #590 on:** March 22, 2015, 08:01:25 PM »

Sorry Mick, I'm a bit slow on this one, but I stumbled across my old crank seals. Here's a photo of the lip, if it's of any use.

MickB · « **Reply #591 on:** March 23, 2015, 12:27:36 AM »

Thanks Bootsey and the lip is easily seen. I don't remember my seal (behind the points) having that seal and I also installed it after I'd put the cases together, I hope it don't leak!

Plus I've been so busy lately I've not had a chance to do anything to the bike, over the next few days I'll pick up a battery and finish the wiring and timing.

MickB · « **Reply #592 on:** March 28, 2015, 05:06:48 AM »

Well I finally got some time today, installed a new battery, wired up the rear blinkers and put a new end and solder on the starter motor wire.

Now to finish the electrics off, not looking forward to this.

MickB · « **Reply #593 on:** April 11, 2015, 01:38:24 PM »

Been so busy over the last month, nothing really done, but was able to get some work done on the tank. More filler needed still but it's a start. The dint was cut out and a new piece welded in.

Also tried to get the exhaust to fit but a lot more modification needed, booked in for Tuesday afternoon.

MickB · « **Reply #594 on:** April 14, 2015, 02:57:03 AM »

Got into the left side exhaust (I think the exhaust came from a cb400) today with a lot of help from Ivan the Ace Mechanic. We ran out of daylight but are reasonably happy with the end result.

Having a spare head was a bonus, most of the fabrication took place off the bike. After heat and pressure and 3 hours adjusting to fit here's some photos.

Almost there

MickB · « **Reply #595 on:** April 14, 2015, 02:57:14 AM »

Right side exhaust on another day.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #596 on:** April 14, 2015, 08:16:05 PM »

Looks really good.

Tews19 · « **Reply #597 on:** April 15, 2015, 06:30:08 AM »

That exhaust set up is one of my favorites. Great choice.

MickB · « **Reply #598 on:** April 25, 2015, 04:42:21 AM »

Pulled the cam cover off to redo the cam timing and fixed 3 threads that needed helicoils.

MickB · « **Reply #599 on:** April 25, 2015, 04:47:20 AM »

Thanks Cal, cam timing.

I've got to take the clutch off and check the orientation of the plates, I want to check they're assembled correctly. I didn't check the plates as I assembled the clutch.

Also now down to the electrics, I've got to pull the finger out and get it done, not looking forward to it, bought a multimeter to assist, going to ask an electrician for a lesson.

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Author Topic: CB 500 Four (1972?) Full Restoration (Read 145296 times)