Author Topic: CB 500 Four (1972?) Full Restoration (Read 141196 times)

MickB · « **Reply #1025 on:** April 29, 2016, 01:46:40 AM »

BJ really appreciate the reply and it comprehensively answers my concern. Work unfortunately gets in the way of lots of other more exciting things.

Too easy, the little curved part holds it in.

I presume the hole in the gasket must be there to let any oil out that seeps out.

Why didn't they just use a spacer to keep it in place or easier still a screw in plug just like the other 3 plugs.

bryanj · « **Reply #1026 on:** April 29, 2016, 11:20:54 PM »

Cutting a thread costs more and takes more time than reaming a hole that has been machined to provide oil flow, also its easier to remove and clean out the secret additive that can get anywhere oil does (Cr*p). Its like the crosshead screws, might only be 1cent each less than the later hex head but think of how many millions they buy!!

That plug is an easy thing to miss, I found out about it when checking oil flow to the top end before fitting generator-----took me 2 days to find the plug in the most obscure corner of the workshop!!

You have done well and got a nice bike there.

I now spend a lot of time on the UK forum as I live there, come and have a look on http://www.sohc.co.uk

MickB · « **Reply #1027 on:** April 30, 2016, 12:10:09 AM »

BJ thanks for your update and the suggestion to look at the advance mechanism, I had it 180° out.

Honda would save on a production line bit by bit.

I am a member on the UK site so I'll make sure I drop in for a chat with the Poms.

I found this on Thursday in the shed and a mate's son came and cleaned it for me today while I fixed the front brake light(it works now) and fixed an installation mistake I'd made with the headlight.

I've installed the incorrect steering stem, the one on the bike doesn't have the steering lock. A beginners mistake.

While I'm waiting for the parts from 4 into 1 and CSMNL I'll paint it and install it so it'll be the correct stem.

Also a big thank you to Dino and Hack a Week, I watched his points gapping and how to set the firing by using the multi meter a number of times, a huge help.

bryanj · « **Reply #1028 on:** April 30, 2016, 01:07:17 AM »

Multi meter works but if you get an old idiot light bulb holder with bulb and put a croc clip on each lead then connect one lead to the casing and the other to the spring that tensions the contacts, with the ignition on the bulb will light at the exact point when the contacts open, I think this is shown in the Honda manual.

What I actually have is a side marker bulb holder from a Daf 105(don't tell the boss) with about 9 inches of cable and croc clips with a 12 volt 501 bulb works ideal on timing and also for chasing lost electrons in the loom. I can put up a pic if you want or even post you one, but that may be pricey from UK to you

MickB · « **Reply #1029 on:** April 30, 2016, 04:07:51 AM »

Great idea, I'll make one as I've got plenty of idiot light wiring with bulbs

MickB · « **Reply #1030 on:** May 06, 2016, 04:44:24 AM »

BJ a photo would be great.

Swapped over the steering stems, just need to put all back together.

MickB · « **Reply #1031 on:** May 06, 2016, 10:30:33 PM »

Swapped steering stems now I'm wondering if it's from a 750?

Note the small gap. I can't get the gap to close.

Any ideas?

MickB · « **Reply #1032 on:** May 07, 2016, 12:27:02 AM »

I've got to work out why there's a gap at the top the the fork ears. Anybody got an idea?

Since the tank lining is new should I rib eye it with petrol before I use it?

Only need to put the tank and side covers on then register it.

Bought in October 2013 finished May 2016, I thought 2 years, but summer was so hot I couldn't be bothered, and it's May in Sydney and we're still getting 30° (86°F)!

Swapped out the oil passage plug - no leaks and bought 3 new oil plugs, still to install. I think I'll change the oil when I swap the plugs over, comments?

Big big thank you to Calj737 the ace (for his sarcasm - which as we all know is the lowest form of wit and he's very good at it), SohRon for his build, BJ from the UK, Boostey, Resto Fan and many others for their builds and photos, many were an inspiration to me to do things better. The tips and tricks in the forum and the answers when I got stuck (electrics). The parts that were offered and sent to me.

Trad · « **Reply #1033 on:** May 07, 2016, 12:50:29 AM »

It's idling nicely. Great job!

As for the gap on the fork ears. Do you have room to remove or clearance any spacers from the steering neck assembly? That would bring the triple clamp down a bit and eliminate the gap you have. It could be at the bottom of the head tube as well, bringing the lower bridge upward.

calj737 · « **Reply #1034 on:** May 07, 2016, 02:53:41 AM »

This ^^^^^ (about the stem height).

I bet that engine running is an aria to your ears! Don't forget to put a large fan in front of the engine to circulate some air while idling. These are air-cooled bikes after all

And at 30c, she won't be happy for long.

I'd rinse the tank with petrol as a precaution. Catch the wasted petrol and inspect if for any rust flakes before using the tank. Sounds (pretty hard to tell) that a vacuum synch may be in order? Warm up the bike, synch it, then set your idle once and forget it. Properly synched, the idle will be steady and strong when warm and you won't need to fuss with it going forward. If she's a bit stumbly while warming, run a bit of choke until you get a couple of Kms on her.

Best part of the video was putting a face (devilish handsome I might add) to an avatar. I imagine the grin will be there for days

MickB · « **Reply #1035 on:** May 07, 2016, 02:46:36 PM »

Cal I've put a POR15 tank sealer kit in it, I hope there's no rust found.

calj737 · « **Reply #1036 on:** May 07, 2016, 02:48:19 PM »

Right! Won't be, had forgotten about that. Install the tank, fill her up, and go ride that beauty!!!

RAFster122s · « **Reply #1037 on:** May 07, 2016, 02:59:20 PM »

Sounds great and looks great too. I bet you are super pleased with the results. Congrats on the hard work paying off. Coming into better riding season for you in Australia, so she's ready to be enjoyed.

David

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #1038 on:** May 07, 2016, 04:41:40 PM »

Sounds fantastic. Purring like a kitten!

bryanj · « **Reply #1039 on:** May 08, 2016, 03:30:19 AM »

Picture as requested mate, cost me about £1 to make I will post you one if you want but postage is unknown

MickB · « **Reply #1040 on:** May 08, 2016, 04:59:20 AM »

Raf and CB750 thanks for the support

Bootsey · « **Reply #1041 on:** May 08, 2016, 07:56:20 PM »

Great work Mick, not half bad considering it started out as a couple of wooden crates!

MickB · « **Reply #1042 on:** May 09, 2016, 03:23:33 AM »

Fixed the gap on the fork ears, I hadn't installed the forks correctly into the top triple tree.

MickB · « **Reply #1043 on:** May 13, 2016, 03:42:25 AM »

Yahooooo

calj737 · « **Reply #1044 on:** May 13, 2016, 04:12:38 AM »

And he rode off into the sunset, never to be seen again. The townsfolk never did a get chance to say, "Thanks!" to the Stranger

MickB · « **Reply #1045 on:** May 13, 2016, 04:17:31 AM »

calj737 · « **Reply #1046 on:** May 13, 2016, 04:19:37 AM »

Phew! Glad you're back, Mick!

Got one of you whipping past on the back wheel only?

MickB · « **Reply #1047 on:** May 13, 2016, 04:21:03 AM »

Had a lot of trouble posting the return trip for the thank you.

4 into 1 exhaust leaves the left side a lot to be desired, 4 into 2 would've looked far more balanced.

calj737 · « **Reply #1048 on:** May 13, 2016, 04:23:36 AM »

In all seriousness, Mick, the bike looks spectacular! Really a beautiful and first rate restoration

There was some promise of a Father/Daughter ride when you completed the bike, yeah?

MickB · « **Reply #1049 on:** May 13, 2016, 06:15:16 AM »

Thanks Cal, it ain't perfect (like SohRon's), but I really happy with the final look.

I'm happy for my first attempt at a resto, paint by Mick ain't first rate, some scratched had to be repainted without taking it back to bare metal.

I'm glad I swapped over the steering stem to the one with the steering lock (I wanted the bike as close to original as I could manage), the pulling off the front end after swapping the stem made it better after putting it back together than the first attempt.

Learnt lots, wouldn't make the same mistakes if I do another resto.

I certainly will never build a bike from a pile of parts again.
I'd happily do another if it was a complete bike.

Maybe a CB750!

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Author Topic: CB 500 Four (1972?) Full Restoration (Read 141196 times)