Author Topic: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*  (Read 9464 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« on: December 11, 2014, 04:17:47 PM »
Hey guys,

I have started the process of freshening up my CB550. This was my first vintage motorcycle and I named her purple rain. I bought it late spring of 2014. She's a great bike and has never let me down. I figured I may as well freshen her up some for the next 14K miles.

My plan is to strip the bike down to the frame and paint with with Eastwood paint since they are local to me here in Pennsylvania.

I will then replace some parts and polish her up.

Plan:
  • Paint frame
  • Replace right side bent fork ear
  • Polish up all nuts and bolts
  • Polish engine covers, valve covers, rocker side covers, and other miscellaneous aluminum pieces.
  • Possible replace engine gaskets
  • paint engine

I plan to use all the original parts that are on the bike. I will not be painting the side covers or gas tank.

Here are some before pictures and some progress shots.

Before pictures:
1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2014, 04:21:36 PM »
Starting the tare down
« Last Edit: December 11, 2014, 04:23:54 PM by rocs »
1975 CB550k's

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,315
  • Central Texas
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2014, 06:30:13 PM »
Along for the ride....update?
« Last Edit: March 02, 2015, 06:00:18 PM by Stev-o »
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

hank3841

  • Guest
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2015, 04:25:37 PM »
Love that color. I had an exact duplicate of your bike back in the day.  Bought her off the showroom floor as a young GI. I'll watch this thread for sure.

DH

  • Guest
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2015, 01:23:13 PM »
Is your rear grab bar stock or from another year 550? Seems like it kicks up a bit higher in the rear.  That color
stands out while being conservative at the same time, and a lot of adjectives can be used to describe it. Very nice.
« Last Edit: March 03, 2015, 01:31:37 PM by DH »

Offline Bankerdanny

  • Eventually I will be old enough in reality to be
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,626
  • Endeavor to persevere
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2015, 08:15:49 AM »
Harbour Freight sells a chassis black paint that looks terrific. I used it on my 550 frame and it has just the right amount of gloss.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2015, 07:38:41 AM »
Hey guys, sorry for the lack of updates. It was a cold winter and I don't have a heated garage yet. Because of that, i wasn't able to paint due to the temperatures. Things should start rolling now. Heres a couple pictures. Got the engine cleaned up and almost ready to paint. Also go the frame stripped down and almost ready to paint.





1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2015, 07:41:18 AM »
Is your rear grab bar stock or from another year 550? Seems like it kicks up a bit higher in the rear.  That color
stands out while being conservative at the same time, and a lot of adjectives can be used to describe it. Very nice.

To be honest, I am not sure if it is stock or from an other year. I don't have any other 1974's to compare it to but now that you have mentioned it, I will look into it.

I agree with your comments about the color. I really like it a lot.
1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2015, 07:45:19 AM »
Harbour Freight sells a chassis black paint that looks terrific. I used it on my 550 frame and it has just the right amount of gloss.

Hey Danny,

Your frame came out great. I think I am going to paint my frame with a Black Appliance Epoxy. Its strong paint and durable. My friend recently did his and it came out great. Heres a picture of his frame after we put the engine back in.



1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2015, 01:42:13 PM »
So I have decided on my paint for the engine and the frame. Here goes....

Engine
  • VHT Engine Enamel Light Gray Primer (1 coat)
  • VHT Engine Enamel Nu-Cast Aluminum (3-4 Coats)
  • (Possibly, Would like some opinions on this) VHT Engine Enamel Gloss Clear Coat (1 Coat)

Frame
  • Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy

Afterwards, I am going to Bake the engine using a cardboard box and a heat gun for an hour or so. Im gonna closely monitor it for safety reasons and to not burn down my garage!
1975 CB550k's

Offline Retro Rocket

  • Eggs are hard due too a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 19,279
  • ROCK & ROLL
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2015, 03:01:26 PM »
The frame mods on your friends bike are very well done,  More pics as it evolves would be nice... ;D ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2015, 03:09:14 PM »
The frame mods on your friends bike are very well done,  More pics as it evolves would be nice... ;D ;)

Heres his build thread. I should try and convince him to start one over here as well. He does amazing work. He has a few other completed projects that are mind blowing.

http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28850
1975 CB550k's

Offline Retro Rocket

  • Eggs are hard due too a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 19,279
  • ROCK & ROLL
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2015, 03:34:31 PM »
The frame mods on your friends bike are very well done,  More pics as it evolves would be nice... ;D ;)

Heres his build thread. I should try and convince him to start one over here as well. He does amazing work. He has a few other completed projects that are mind blowing.

http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28850

He certainly has some skills... ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,315
  • Central Texas
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #13 on: April 20, 2015, 04:12:21 PM »
So I have decided on my paint for the engine and the frame. Here goes....

Engine
  • VHT Engine Enamel Light Gray Primer (1 coat)
  • VHT Engine Enamel Nu-Cast Aluminum (3-4 Coats)
  • (Possibly, Would like some opinions on this) VHT Engine Enamel Gloss Clear Coat (1 Coat)

Frame
  • Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy



Since you are asking, I would not do the clear gloss on the engine.  The VHT will leave a nice looking finish.

What sheen is the appliance epoxy paint? If you are going for stock, semi-gloss is what you want.

A freshly painted motor looks fantastic, I did my K4 last year and was real pleased with the VHT.  Prep prep prep is the key.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #14 on: April 20, 2015, 05:37:43 PM »
So I have decided on my paint for the engine and the frame. Here goes....

Engine
  • VHT Engine Enamel Light Gray Primer (1 coat)
  • VHT Engine Enamel Nu-Cast Aluminum (3-4 Coats)
  • (Possibly, Would like some opinions on this) VHT Engine Enamel Gloss Clear Coat (1 Coat)

Frame
  • Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy



Since you are asking, I would not do the clear gloss on the engine.  The VHT will leave a nice looking finish.

What sheen is the appliance epoxy paint? If you are going for stock, semi-gloss is what you want.

A freshly painted motor looks fantastic, I did my K4 last year and was real pleased with the VHT.  Prep prep prep is the key.

Thanks. Ive been at the engine for a few different days already getting all the gunk off it. I have been using mineral oil as a degreaser and will use some brake cleaner as the last step before drying it and primer.

I already ordered the clear so I will use it to coat the nuts and bolts to protect it after polishing.

The appliance Epoxy is a gloss black. I have seen it used and was happy with the results.
1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #15 on: May 03, 2015, 07:58:34 PM »
Small update:

So I got the engine prepped and painted this weekend. I premiered it with VHT high temp primer and used a heat gun to help "bake" it. I followed the same steps with the final coat as well. Ill be adding an additional cast aluminum coat this week. Heres a couple pics.





1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #16 on: May 03, 2015, 08:02:06 PM »
I also finished stripping the old original frame paint off. I got a full coat of primer on it and will let it cure for a day before a final coat of primer. Afterwards, ill start putting on some appliance epoxy paint. Thanks @67camaro for the idea.



1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #17 on: May 28, 2015, 06:21:41 PM »
Getting everything ready for install and also a picture of the engine installed.





Frame was primed and painted with Appliance Epoxy. I also cleaned all the other parts such as battery holder, ignition bracket, electronics board and speedo brackets and primed and painted with the same appliance epoxy.

The engine was prepped and painted with VHT cast Aluminum paint. Everything has been coming out great. I am using all of the original nuts and bolts. Just polishing them up and clear coating to prevent rusting.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2015, 06:24:59 PM by rocs »
1975 CB550k's

Offline Restoration Fan

  • My wife will never call me
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,966
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #18 on: May 28, 2015, 06:52:43 PM »
Looks beautiful.
Ron

Stella - Logan's Senior Project    78 750K http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=141761.0

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #19 on: May 28, 2015, 07:31:17 PM »
Excellent job with the paint.   ;D
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
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #20 on: May 28, 2015, 07:44:51 PM »
Thanks!

Anyone have any ideas on rewrapping my wiring harness?
1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #21 on: June 16, 2015, 07:36:46 PM »
So I am slowing making progress. I keep wanting to paint every little piece before I put it back on the bike. Right now I want to paint the following parts and wanted to know what everyone else was using for the paint.

The speedometer gauges
Headlight bucket
brake caliper

Thanks!
1975 CB550k's

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,315
  • Central Texas
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #22 on: June 16, 2015, 07:41:27 PM »
I use satin sheen auto caliper paint, get it at your local auto parts store. 
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #23 on: June 17, 2015, 04:08:30 AM »
Thanks Stev-o

What would you recommend for the control switches? I bought a new right hand controls switch but need to paint my left to match now,
1975 CB550k's

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,315
  • Central Texas
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #24 on: June 17, 2015, 09:17:10 PM »
Thanks Stev-o

What would you recommend for the control switches? I bought a new right hand controls switch but need to paint my left to match now,

That's a tough one I'm in the same boat with my 550. Bought a new Honda R control (made in China, that pissed me off) but a new L is not available and will not match.  I believe they were anodized so paint won't match. I've seen some nice powder coated controls.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Restoration Fan

  • My wife will never call me
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,966
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #25 on: June 18, 2015, 04:37:35 AM »
Thanks Stev-o

What would you recommend for the control switches? I bought a new right hand controls switch but need to paint my left to match now,

I used VHT Gloss Black when we painted ours, then painted the red areas with red model paint.

The stock switches weren't a gloss black but were more of a flat black but we had cans of the gloss left and just decided to use it.

To paint the red areas, use some model paint and a very fine paint brush.  Let the red fill the recessed area and then "spill out" a tiny bit onto the black.  (Obviously this is done well after the black paint has dried and cured.)  Let it sit for about 2 or 3 minutes and then take a slightly damp rag and gently wipe the excess red paint off the black, trying not to let it get down into the recessed red area.

Hint:  If you wipe the red paint immediately after some gets on the black area, it tends to grab some of the still wet red paint from down inside the recessed area and pull it out with it.  If you let that harden for a minute or two, it's still wet enough on the excess to come off easily but it doesn't pull out the red part that you want to leave quite so much.
Ron

Stella - Logan's Senior Project    78 750K http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=141761.0

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline 70CB750

  • Labor omnia vincit improbus.
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,802
  • Northern Virginia
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #26 on: June 18, 2015, 04:40:10 AM »
Or you can use Sharpie Oil based paint pen:

http://www.sharpie.com/enus/pages/oil-based-paint-marker.aspx
Prokop
_______________
Pure Gas - find ethanol free gas station near you

I love it when parts come together.

Dorothy - my CB750
CB750K3F - The Red
Sidecar


CB900C

2006 KLR650

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #27 on: June 28, 2015, 05:55:21 PM »
Small update. Moving along with assembly.

Ive been hitting all the rubber and plastics with Turtle Wax Trim Restore. Everything's been coming out great. Its taking a lot of time painting all the parts and clear coating all of the nuts and bolts. I am hoping to have the wheels on this week. I decided to just use the original wheels prior to tare down. I am just going to clean them up good and just get the bike ready to ride this season. I have a vacation coming up in 2 weeks and I would like to trailer this bike down with me. Its going to cut it really close tho. Not sure if I can complete this by then.

1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #28 on: July 13, 2015, 06:16:49 AM »
some progress

1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #29 on: September 30, 2015, 05:26:40 AM »
Some more progress
1975 CB550k's

Offline rocs

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 468
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #30 on: September 30, 2015, 05:32:02 AM »
Except for a couple miscellaneous nuts and bolts coming in the mail today, this bike is done for the moment. I say for the moment because I still need to source the following parts

 - Fresh 1974 CB550 seat (Currently a cb750 seat sitting on it)
 - Better condition CB550 four into four exhaust (These have some dents and scrapes)
 - NOS Boss Maroon Metallic tank.

But until then, here is the current final pictures. I am very happy with the outcome.







1975 CB550k's

Offline marting100

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 95
Re: Freshening up my 1974 Boss Maroon Metallic CB550 *Purple Rain*
« Reply #31 on: September 30, 2015, 06:21:22 AM »
Nice work!!