Topic: 77 cb550k - frame swap with a 76 k.... What am I getting myself into?

[kickstarted]

Hi all and thanks for reading this-

I've had a 77 550 K3 model that I've been hanging on to for some time, it's got a bent neck from a previous collision with a curb but all the parts are there and it's pretty much complete and in otherwise great shape. I've been half-heartedly looking for a new frame for a little over two years, searching craigslist and ebay for a good price every now and then. This morning, I found a 76 frame and motor that's not too far from me and decently priced. I'd like to do a frame swap (and leave the engine in) but I'm wondering if the differences between a 76 and 77 will be anything more than a simple unbolt,move,bolt on replacement. I've got no welding experience nor know anyone that can weld, either, which has been keeping me from jumping on any of the F frames I've found over the last few months.

Also, new frame has no title. Anyone know if re-titling it in TX would be worth the hassle? Perhaps I should pass and keep searching.

Thanks again for reading and I hope some gurus here can help!

OJ

[Bankerdanny]

Nothing really. It's a simple swap, I think the only real difference is the ears for the passenger pegs. There are some differences in the wiring harness. The '76 has the key on the frame by the engine, the indicator light setup is different and the '77 gauge bracket doesn't fit on the '76 upper triple. But you can swap the '77 forks right onto the '76 frame. I think you can even just use the '77 upper triple with the '76 lower.

It should be a pretty straight forward swap.

[kickstarted]

Thanks for your reply, I'm about to head over and pick up the frame and engine