Author Topic: 1975 CB550 Winter 2013 Build (Read 20564 times)

Chaser60 · « **on:** November 21, 2013, 02:31:52 PM »

Greetings ! I have been reading the forum, looking at so many great builds and getting ideas for my own project. Will start up next month with disassembly. This month I am getting my own plans together and trying to assess budget and costs. Lots of great sources here and on the web overall for parts and such. I am struggling a bit to get an idea as to ball park costs on the services things like paint , powder coat and wheel lacing. I realize much goes into the wide ranges I am hearing including where I am located and how elaborate the paint theme becomes. That said, for those of you in eastern USA or the Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina areas, what have you experienced for powder coat costs on frame parts and smaller engine parts? Same question for a basic 2 or 3 color metallic paint/strip combo on a tank? How about to lace up a wheel after it has been powdercoated? Any recommendations in this area would be greatly appreciated.

If this question is posted in wrong spot, please advise. Here is a pic of the bike as it is today.

goldarrow · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2013, 04:31:58 PM »

That's a clean looking bike. I would say just maintain and run it

KrautKoffin · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2013, 04:35:09 PM »

Quote from: goldarrow on November 21, 2013, 04:31:58 PM

That's a clean looking bike. I would say just maintain and run it

Agreed, if you change it, don't eff it up.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2013, 05:41:44 PM »

It is clean but needs a restore. Paint is faded to green on the tank and some dents/ rust. Pipes are really clean with only a few dents in 2 of them. I went looking for a bike to cafe, but found this one at a good price so i bought it a month ago

All in all just planning lots of cleaning, polishing and fresh paint. Any other mods will be reversible to stock so no frame cutting etc. about 8000 miles and runs great. I have been enjoying the hell out of it before it gets colder than I will ride.

Any help with the budget questions would be appreciated. I will post progress along the way after I get started next month

KrautKoffin · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2013, 05:46:09 PM »

I love faded paint

have fun building it!

Chaser60 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 21, 2013, 06:15:04 PM »

Ha. It does have a certain unique green quality to it. I have seen many like this so I am sure there was something in the Honda paints that caused a lovely green shade

KrautKoffin · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2013, 06:24:09 PM »

Quote from: Chaser60 on November 21, 2013, 06:15:04 PM

Ha. It does have a certain unique green quality to it. I have seen many like this so I am sure there was something in the Honda paints that caused a lovely green shade

Rock that patina

Chaser60 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2013, 08:04:54 AM »

Getting ready to start this project. Took a while to convert a wood shop to a garage. Built the stand and brought the project inside now that there is snow and ice in Virginia. Still not totally settled on direction this will go, but will start disassembly later this week for cleaning, polishing and paint work.

calj737 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2013, 09:42:22 AM »

Chaser - I can help you with repairing/restoring that tank. I live in Richmond and have lots of good resources in our area for powder coating, welding, dents and the like. I'm heading over tomorrow evening actually to pick up my bike from Devin in Fishersville and can happily catch up and look over the bike. Just finishing up a 550 and starting on a 500 next week.

Let me know if you need a hand or some info-
Cal

Chaser60 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 10, 2013, 10:47:06 AM »

thanks, Cal PM Sent

Chaser60 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2014, 07:05:46 AM »

So far the hardest part of this project is making time to get after it. Here is a bit of an update so far.

Goals for me on this first build are to personalize while leaving the frame in stock form, refresh the paint and update some other elements. I also wanted to preserve the ability for an occasional two up ride. Started the basic disassembly process while trying to research various two up seating options. Finally came up with an idea after seeing a thread about putting a badlander style seat onto a CB. That poster had issues with frame fit and support. So I thought why not just use existing pan. But before attacking the pan modifications, I had to decide the rear fender. I always liked the ducktail style rear fenders so first thing was to chop a harley soft tail fender that I got for next to nothing as it had been damaged. Good news, I only wanted the undamaged rear 8 inches. While hunting for the rear fender, I also found a CB front fender with a bent front lip on ebay, so bought that and cut it down too. In this picture, the front fender is not in its final dimensions. I trimmed more off the front after this was taken. Both will be painted to match the bike color scheme ( as soon as I come up with a bike color scheme...)

Chaser60 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 13, 2014, 07:15:11 AM »

Here are the seat pan fabs. I have lots of experience with wood, but metal is obviously a different animal. Lots of trial and slow cutting, bending, hammering. Recheck fit and repeat. Here is what the pan now looks like.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 13, 2014, 07:16:50 AM »

And here is how it looks on the frame.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 13, 2014, 07:23:14 AM »

Finally, I mocked up a the foam using green florists foam and the same techniques that i have seen on this board and You tube for making a seat pan forms. This foam is not functional, it was meant to help me see how this will look and to be sure that my seat guy, who will not have access to the bike can help sort issues before he cuts foam and covering materials. I think I like how this is going. Feedback always welcome. I am having a blast doing things I have never done before. The forum and the knowledge of the members has been hugely helpful.

This is a bit off topic, but how do you embed multiple images inside a single post?

KrautKoffin · « **Reply #14 on:** January 13, 2014, 08:52:27 AM »

Imageshack.us, upload them there. Copy the 'direct' link and paste it between the [IMG] and [ /IMG] tags.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2014, 06:17:56 PM »

Thanks for the help on posting.

Well have been at a good bit of the tear down since I last posted. Before sending the tank, front and rear fenders off to paint, I wanted to get the taillight, rear signals and license plate bracket modified and test fit. Here are a couple pics. May have to alter the plate bracket, but will not do that until I have begun re-assembly of the rear end to ensure full travel without tire contact.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2014, 06:42:41 PM »

Side view

Chaser60 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2014, 06:49:50 PM »

Tear down gaining serious momentum.

Frame has been supported under the engine since last picture. I am having a blast with this project. Next steps get the engine out of the frame and final prepare parts for powder.

2strokeTrush · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2014, 10:27:16 PM »

Quote from: Chaser60 on December 10, 2013, 08:04:54 AM

Getting ready to start this project. Took a while to convert a wood shop to a garage. Built the stand and brought the project inside now that there is snow and ice in Virginia. Still not totally settled on direction this will go, but will start disassembly later this week for cleaning, polishing and paint work.

Glad to see im not the only guy here who build his benches instead of buying them!

Chaser60 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2014, 05:09:09 AM »

2strokeTRush, One of my other hobbies is woodworking, so for me, it was never a question of building or buying. I may have to steal the visitor parking sign. I have to confess, I am in over my head from time to time on this and wake in fear that the bike will still be on the stand by summer. This forum and the collective knowledge of the members has been so valuable. However, posting a reminder on the bench to "move along" may be a good idea !

calj737 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 22, 2014, 05:14:15 AM »

Chaser - how about "No Loitering" instead. Should give you kick in the boot you need!

Chaser60 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 22, 2014, 05:41:38 AM »

Cal - No doubt. Just sent you PM to your email re: shocks

2strokeTrush · « **Reply #22 on:** January 22, 2014, 07:19:12 AM »

Quote from: Chaser60 on January 22, 2014, 05:09:09 AM

2strokeTRush, One of my other hobbies is woodworking, so for me, it was never a question of building or buying. I may have to steal the visitor parking sign. I have to confess, I am in over my head from time to time on this and wake in fear that the bike will still be on the stand by summer. This forum and the collective knowledge of the members has been so valuable. However, posting a reminder on the bench to "move along" may be a good idea !

Yes that sign is a reminder to me as well to have it out by spring! And yes this site is a freakin wealth of knowledge. I would never have been confident enough to tear into my 350f if i didn't know i could post a pic and get tips from people here. Plus good parts are always floating around

Clinto · « **Reply #23 on:** January 22, 2014, 01:14:05 PM »

that bike was perfect before. A lot of people (including myself) would give a lot for a nice stocker like that

Chaser60 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 22, 2014, 06:03:39 PM »

Far from perfect but in pretty good shape overall. That is why i am not cutting any frame or original parts. Anything I am modifying, is bought off a wreck and I am keeping all the original parts so when I want to go back to original I can. This is a light modification with a high dose of polish, paint and safety items like suspension, bearings, brakes etc.

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Author Topic: 1975 CB550 Winter 2013 Build (Read 20564 times)