Topic: 73 cb500k cafe build

[tennesseebreeze]

A couple weeks ago i answered a Craigslist ad about a parted out bike, a 500f. I've been riding a 78 cb400A (my first bike) and I've wanted to graduate to a four cylinder. I'm also in the process of restoring a 71 cl100 scrambler so I answered the ad as a lark, feeling like I didn't need another project. The guy had torn the bike down in the worst possible way, cutting electrical lines and cables. But he had nearly a complete bike with original paint, side covers and the like. He gave it to me everything for $50.00 with no prodding. I wasn't about to argue. I think it cost me more to arrange a truck and get it home. Anyway, the first pctures are of when I found it, then partly assembled. I'm crazy about this rustbucket, and can't wait to ride it.

[mrbreeze]

Looks like way better than $50 to me!! Does it have a title? You may not wanna put too much $$ into it if ya can't get it registered. Welcome to the forum.

[tennesseebreeze]

Thanks! No, it does't have a title. But where I am a bike older than 30 years has a good chance of being registered without a title. That's what the freindly girl at the courthouse said anyway. It needs some perts for sure, but seems like it won't break the bank.

[cb]

The 500 Four badges on the side covers cost nearly $50 each.  Looks like a good buy.

[MoMo]

It is a K model,  the F had a 4 into 1 exhaust and if my memory serves me well was not made until 1975.  Welcome...Larry

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Smoking deal!!!  It's going to require a LOT of work, but it was a steal of a deal.

[Stev-o]

It is a K model,  the F had a 4 into 1 exhaust and if my memory serves me well was not made until 1975.  Welcome...Larry

He means 500 Four, Larry. [as opposed to 500T - DOHC]

[brooze72]

Larry is right, "K" model, great deal for sure, side covers & tank alone worth way more than what you paid!

[tennesseebreeze]

Yeah, I meant as opposed to the twin. I thought the F stood for four. Still learning.

Putting it together last weekend I started cataloging her needs. I found a rear shock mount broken and a broken upper triple tree. The tank has rust in it and won't be cleaned until I can get the cap open. The cap is in good shape but I don't have a key,  it's a round key with a hexagonal center which seems like a pain to jimmy or replace. I've seen keyless latches that fit for an inflated price, so I don't know what to do there. It's missing the entire airbox and the 4 into one air boot. The gauges were rusted through and I've already got new ones. The rear wheel too, is rusted through the chrome, but I may paint that one black and give it a white wall. The tires, surprisingly, are in good shape. Needs a seat, as well. I may be able to just use the pan I have. A real pain will be soldering all the electrical back together. A battery, some cables, and some love and I think it could be great.

Thanks everybody for supporting a newcomer. If anybody has any of the parts I mentioned, I'd be grateful hearing about it.

[tennesseebreeze]

Oh yeah, and the 4 pipes, dinged and a little rusty, say cb750K on them. Honda, but not original to the bike, I expect.

[Mcwilliams570]

You should be able to use any key that will fit and it should open the gas cap. Looks like a fun project good luck.

Matt

[rtbmrgl]

A couple weeks ago i answered a Craigslist ad about a parted out bike, a 500f. I've been riding a 78 cb400A (my first bike) and I've wanted to graduate to a four cylinder. I'm also in the process of restoring a 71 cl100 scrambler so I answered the ad as a lark, feeling like I didn't need another project. The guy had torn the bike down in the worst possible way, cutting electrical lines and cables. But he had nearly a complete bike with original paint, side covers and the like. He gave it to me everything for $50.00 with no prodding. I wasn't about to argue. I think it cost me more to arrange a truck and get it home. Anyway, the first pctures are of when I found it, then partly assembled. I'm crazy about this rustbucket, and can't wait to ride it.

Great deal, I just restored a '73 CB500 last summer, I love the bike.

[rb550four]

Great deal! I usually pay $100 for something like that. Does the engine turn over ? This is going to be allot of fun for sure.

[MoMo]

You should be able to use any key that will fit and it should open the gas cap. Looks like a fun project good luck.

Matt

Matt,  it is a special key from an aftermarket latch.  Hope all is well...Larry

[mrbreeze]

Yeah.....any key should work. You have to push down on it while turning.

[LesterPiglet]

I've just answered this strange latch question in another post. Use pointy nose pliers. The latch is not standard.

[tennesseebreeze]

Well I had a chance to work on the bike this weekend and got a little accomplished. First off, after assembling some of it, putting on the wheels and back fork, I discovered I couldn't roll it. I removed the rusty chain and had to remove the back brake which was seized up. I was able to run it through the gears. I tried neutral and fifth gear and was not able to get the motor to turn. I tried kick starting it and it seems it's frozen. Big disappointment. I definitely need some advise on this. I read that I should try to take the plugs out and spray some PB in there and let it soak, then try to turn it over. Good news is that I made my own key for the gas tank out of a 5mm socket that I ground down to size. Tank is rusty but not pitted.

[Stev-o]

Sounds like your motor is stuck (rings rusted to cylinder). This is common when motors sit too long. 

Remove plugs, mix a 50/50 cocktail of ATF/acetone and pour in the cyl and let it set a day or two.  Then roll the bike if possible, in fourth gear, and drop the clutch.  Good luck.

[tennesseebreeze]

Thanks! Would you replace the rings as a matter of course after I get it unstuck, or just see how it runs first?

[MJL]

A bout the title, I'm told that you can register it in Vermont , then transfer the registration to your home state and get a title that way. I haven't tried it yet.

[calj737]

If you get it unstuck, a dc an fire it up, do so. That will tell you whether rings are needed. Expect it to smoke a good deal after un sticking due to solvents added to the cylinders.

[tennesseebreeze]

Alright. Here's the latest. I mixed up the 50/50 ATF and acetone and poured it into the cylinders and left it for a few days. I turned the nut in the center of the points chamber and it only moves about half a turn before stopping. But it is moving. It will move smoothly half a turn in either direction. Good thing I had my face out of the way because it shot acetone about 8 feet into the air! It seems that it stops with the fourth cylinder at in the up position. I'd love to hear some theories about what might be going on and why it would just stop.

[calj737]

Going forward, rotate the engine off the bolt on the left side, not the right. If you shear that bolt under the points, you'll be very unhappy.he left side is 14MM if I recall.

Sounds as though either 2 or 3 cylinders have rust in them at the bottom of the stroke. Engine shouldn't hang near the top if the engine is rotating. My 500 was quite stuck. I thought the 1-4 were the problem until I realized the moisture had settled at the bottom of the stroke for 2-3. I'd encourage you to continue with ATF/Acetone filling 2-3 with 1-4 up. See if you get any fluid draining into the oil pan. Wait a few days, then repeat the rotation.

You've made great progress, keep at it.

[tennesseebreeze]

Thanks man. I apprieciate the great advise. I definitely didn't wrench the bolt very hard to get it to move. So maybe it's not as bad as I feared. I'll keep working at it, for sure.

[Stev-o]

Only shot 8'?  I have the record of 17'!

If possible, roll the bike in fourth gear and drop the clutch.