Author Topic: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now  (Read 46808 times)

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Offline rtbmrgl

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #75 on: September 11, 2014, 11:01:01 AM »
im in
thanks, Mark
Roseville, Ca

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1973 CB500 back yard find 1243 orig mi,  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=124285.0
1976 CB750 Restoring,        http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132997

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #76 on: September 11, 2014, 04:57:03 PM »

 Where is the dampener rod and how do you refill these shocks? 


Just curious, do you have a service manual? If yes, do you ever look at it??
If no, I will buy you one!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline calj737

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #77 on: September 11, 2014, 05:55:05 PM »
Just curious, do you have a service manual? If yes, do you ever look at it??
If no, I will buy you one!
Magnanimous of you, Stev-o. Aren't they free to download from this site? I bet you are the most generous guy at the Open Bar!
 ;D
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #78 on: September 11, 2014, 06:26:32 PM »
Just curious, do you have a service manual? If yes, do you ever look at it??
If no, I will buy you one!
Magnanimous of you, Stev-o. Aren't they free to download from this site? I bet you are the most generous guy at the Open Bar!
 ;D

They are but I figure if he had a hard copy he could put it in the crapper and study a little every day rather than ask you every little question!  ha!!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #79 on: September 11, 2014, 08:02:08 PM »
Just curious, do you have a service manual? If yes, do you ever look at it??
If no, I will buy you one!
Magnanimous of you, Stev-o. Aren't they free to download from this site? I bet you are the most generous guy at the Open Bar!
 ;D

They are but I figure if he had a hard copy he could put it in the crapper and study a little every day rather than ask you every little question!  ha!!

Nope I don't have one, I have planned to get one, but was focusing on getting the bikes right now,  I don't think he minds if i ask questions anyway.  Thats what your all here for ;D
« Last Edit: September 11, 2014, 09:02:10 PM by 2strokeTrush »
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #80 on: September 11, 2014, 08:12:28 PM »
Just curious, do you have a service manual? If yes, do you ever look at it??
If no, I will buy you one!
Magnanimous of you, Stev-o. Aren't they free to download from this site? I bet you are the most generous guy at the Open Bar!
 ;D

They are but I figure if he had a hard copy he could put it in the crapper and study a little every day rather than ask you every little question!  ha!!

Nope I don't have one, I have panned to get one, but was focusing on getting the bikes right now,  I don't think he minds if i ask questions anyway.  Thats what your all here for ;D

PM me your address
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #81 on: September 14, 2014, 10:07:46 AM »
OK so the owner is still MIA on the other 550 I wanted the Engine out of, SOOOOO until I hear from him, I guess This engine will be used for the swap.  Not something I wanted to do, If thats the case I won't be building a Old School Cruiser to sell since I need the engine.  Not Happy, but Im going to be Blowing up his phone!

Anyway, I figured its a long winter why not make the engine look good and ease the pain of painting in the frame.  Pulled the purple 550 engine.  For some reason it was much easier then the 500.  Getting pretty good at this!!  I want to buy the Harbor Freight Engine Stand, and modify it to fit a SOHC4 as some members here have. 



Looks like Ill need a new Tach Gear, I have to go to the salvage yard tomorrow to pick up the 350F after a Idle issue and carb since anyway so I'm sure ill find one!





#1 Plug looked like someone had bent it in....



Still have the 500 engine disassembled, If anyone wants any of it, let me know!



Electric panel on the 550 is a little dusty but not tampered with.



Unsure of what to do about the gauges.  The 500's are small and skinny like the smaller Fours, but will they work with a 550 Engine?  The 500's look much better the the 550's though.  I saw member "Tews" had a decent set for 45$ And 4into1 sell new ones for 99$ each.  Don't know where Ill go with this, but definetly will install led backlights in them from DCC just like I did on the 350F

500....


550....


Points Plate is pretty clean to. 

If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #82 on: September 15, 2014, 08:21:51 PM »
A few guys were asking me about parts and the salvage yard, I went to pick up the 350f today and Snapped some pictures,  Its crazy in there...







If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #83 on: September 15, 2014, 08:42:07 PM »
Wow.  That's a treasure trove, but looks like you have to climb though a lot of stuff to find what you need.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
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2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #84 on: September 15, 2014, 08:51:53 PM »
Wow.  That's a treasure trove, but looks like you have to climb though a lot of stuff to find what you need.

Its Treasure alright, I would love to just walk around pick stuff up to buy, but due to insurance you have to tell the owner what your looking for and he will go get it, your not even allowed inside past here.  Coolest place in Baltimore hands down!
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #85 on: September 15, 2014, 09:49:46 PM »
I like the look of that salvage yard Tyler  8) How are his prices compared to Ebay,etc.?
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #86 on: September 16, 2014, 04:10:48 AM »
I like the look of that salvage yard Tyler  8) How are his prices compared to Ebay,etc.?

Take 50% off the regular parts ebay has, but he will sell complete motors as well.  Excellent people to work with.
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline ThomasD883

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #87 on: September 16, 2014, 05:03:16 AM »
Where in b-more is the salvage yard? I'm local and would love to see that. Trying to assemble a 73 350f myself ;D.



« Last Edit: September 16, 2014, 08:32:19 PM by 2strokeTrush »
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Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #88 on: September 16, 2014, 08:32:42 PM »
Where in b-more is the salvage yard? I'm local and would love to see that. Trying to assemble a 73 350f myself ;D.

its in West Baltimore down Rt40
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #89 on: September 16, 2014, 08:44:23 PM »
Getting little bits and pieces of this project rolling, still no word on the other 550 though >:(

Wanted to get the complete front end off today, so I can begin sanding but I ran into trouble when I attempted to Unscrew the Allen Bots under the Axle as I was told to do.  They don't budge even a little. Hit them with penetrating oil and maybe they will free up, but for now they are stuck good.  I did However manage to dissemble the top tree and can't see any cracks as many others have reported here.  All the washers are they're so I assume thats why.  Wiring harness looks to only have 2 places someone had tampered with but I think I can fix that.







This is where I left off for the night.  I did receive a manual in the mail today, I thought he was kidding but no he actually got me one,  Thanks Stev-O!  I really appreciate it!  I have been reading it, but still unsure of how to remove the forks from here.  I did unscrew the top nut on them, and saw the spring and could smell the horrible old oil, but I screwed it back down when I Left. If someone could help me out on that I would appreciate it as well!

If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #90 on: September 16, 2014, 08:54:21 PM »
An air compressor powered impact will whip those allen's out with a quickness...maybe them guys at the junkyard could buzz 'em out for you if you have no other access...to get the rest of your forks apart, loosen the bottom triple clamp bolts, slide the legs out the bottom (it will probably take one or several good wacks as they are always stuck with rust), and then the fork ears slide off the lower triple sideways...
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #91 on: September 16, 2014, 08:58:53 PM »
Your welcome.  I don't see the spacers in the top triple tree, be sure to get some before you reassemble.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline calj737

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #92 on: September 17, 2014, 05:37:26 AM »
As Sean said, an impact is easiest. Without it, use a propane torch to heat the head directly. Then, an Allen wrench with a box wrench looped over the long end for some added leverage. There are crush washers, pressure and time holding those dudes on. Gonna have to be a man about unscrewing them.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #93 on: September 17, 2014, 07:31:48 AM »
When I loosen those lower allen's I use an air impact just enough to 'break'em free' and then screw them back in just enough to keep the oil in until I get'em on the bench.The job is always easiest if you loosen them BEFORE removing the front fender,etc.,it keeps the lower fork sliders from spinning;the first part of my fork seal replacement is to loosen those lower allen bolts before Anything else.
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #94 on: September 17, 2014, 08:30:55 PM »
   So I finally heard back from the seller of the other 550, bad new is the bike is in New Jersey and he can't get it for a week or so, but he said he would keep me posted so I guess thats good news, Glad to see he is alive still.

   Had another go at it tonight!  Tried heating up the lower allen key, but no luck. But I sprayed some Good Ole Wd40 around the upper top fork bolts in hopes it would slide down the fork and aid in the removal, after this it was as simple as hitting it with a hammer and they both cam out rather easily!  More rust then I imagined though, but thats ok.  After that everything else on the bike seemed to magically just fall off ;D ....In other news I did get that green Ct70 I have been working on to start tonight! Thats gonna be a fun ride!





« Last Edit: September 17, 2014, 08:33:19 PM by 2strokeTrush »
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline Tews19

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #95 on: September 17, 2014, 08:34:20 PM »
Hey stroke, do you have matching 550 gauges?
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #96 on: September 17, 2014, 08:35:36 PM »
Hey stroke, do you have matching 550 gauges?

No Sir, I wish I did.  Maybe the 550 on its way will
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline Tews19

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #97 on: September 17, 2014, 08:37:01 PM »
Well if you are interested I have a set. If interested PM me.  They are off the 78 550 I picked up the other week. I did get nice ones from member bill bent on but those have been put to use.
« Last Edit: September 17, 2014, 08:45:19 PM by Tews19 »
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #98 on: September 17, 2014, 08:45:49 PM »
Well if you are interested I have a set. If interested PM me.

Funny you mention that i was just talking about that in a earlier post^^  Can you PM me some pictures please
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #99 on: September 21, 2014, 08:22:53 PM »
Been doing the whole Anniversary thing with the girlfriend all weekend, but I did manage to finish up my engine stand, Modified to fit a SOHC.  While inspecting the engine from angles not previously obtainable on the bench, I see a chunk taken out of the head gasket.  If I can't get the 77 550 I wanted for the motor, then this motor becomes priority one for the 500 swap, so this will have to be addressed.  Nervous about taking the head and cam out and reinstalling......

If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0