Author Topic: My Build. 1978 Cb550 (Read 1466 times)

eric11 · « **on:** September 13, 2014, 06:55:42 PM »

Hey Everyone, figured I'd post some pictures up of my build. I have about 6 months of owning the bike with around 2 weeks of actual work time hah. It's a 78 550 with 14,000 miles on it. Everything's still a work in progress.

eric11 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2014, 07:15:34 PM »

No, the acorn nut actually came off easy. But it did snap both starter bolts off. And had to drill them out. I'm gonna do a total bolt replacement on the motor considering half of them look like they are about to break anyways.

and yeah i was thinking about the steering the other day. I put my triple tree back together and the way that they set it up doesn't allow for much give. i was having a hard time of getting the nut just tight but not too tight as to where it binds. are the other bearings that much better?

and yeah thanks. ill have to do that. i did make a custom box for under my seat that will also house a smaller battery. ill have to get pics up of that later

eric11 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2015, 07:29:14 AM »

I figured I post a progress report up of my bike. I've been able to finish the motor build with all new gaskets, ring, polishing, bolts and paint. (The bolts were the worst, had to use a saw and nail punch to loosen most of the old Phillips heads). I've also been able to install the motor into the frame with the swing arm, wheels and forks. Then of course I had to test fit my tank:). It's coming along but taking longer then I wanted. I'm working on the brakes now then I'll move to wiring. I also installed the tapered steering bearings and a dynatek ignition!!

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rocs · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2015, 12:46:21 PM »

Looks great. What was the process you followed when painting your tank? What prep?

Stev-o · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2015, 12:54:37 PM »

Motor and tank look great!
How did you polish the motor fins? Want to do this to my RD350.

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2015, 01:14:32 PM »

Really nice looking motor! I was considering doing that same theme to mine but decided against it just because I'm lazy.

But also, these aren't Phillips screws but JIS. It wouldn't have helped you remove them from your motor but if you're ever going to get some new tools, a set of JIS drivers will make removing those screws a lot easier with much less chance of stripping them.

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1978 Honda CB550K

eric11 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 25, 2015, 09:02:27 PM »

Thanks! For the tank I actually didn't paint it... I actually spent some time on it with a grinder and a sanding wheel and created this "brushed" or even a "tiger" pattern in it then I clear coated and buffed it. I loved it when I first did it but now I don't know... I'll have to see when the bike is running.

As for the screws I found that out after I had messed up all of them hah. I tried many techniques in trying to get them out. Everything from tapping them with a drill and reverse threading them ( burned through too many drill bits ) to using a torque driver... It was from harbor freight... Harbor freight can be an amazing place for many cheap tools. Turns out there impact driver is a cheap tool;) what really worked the best was cutting a quick slot in the screw and tapping it with a nail punch. Got about 10 out on first try with that.

Polishing the fins is all about prep before paint. I polished then with sand paper, steel wool and polish. Then paint the head just like normal. After your done with paint take a rag and spray a corner with brake cleaner, then get to polishing. That brake cleaner will take the paint right off your freshly polished fins. Just don't be too heavy handed when polishing, that brake cleaner will ruin any paint it touches.

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eric11 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2016, 10:40:00 PM »

So it has been a loooonnggg time since I've updated this thread. I've gone through several changes since, including my rear hoop placement, several seat color changes, par positions ( I've transitioned to clipons now ) etc. I'm running it with an electronic ignition and a lithium battery tucked under the seat and all has been working well for the past year. Still have some wiring I've been slowly figuring out. She just got hit in a parking lot the other day so I'm in the process of getting her repaired. I love this bike. Don't think I'll ever sell it. Plus I have too much money into it. Hah. But it's a labor of love.