Author Topic: The Replacement: CB550 (Read 10472 times)

Scott S · « **Reply #50 on:** June 18, 2015, 08:12:24 AM »

After getting the rear wheel back on and the brake straightened out, I installed the exhaust. Pretty tough to do with one person. And I only broke one exhaust stud in the process.

Got the bike jacked up and pulled the forks. Also a little tough to do by myself, mostly because there was some rust in the left fork ear and it was holding on tight. I couldn't spread the triple clamp and pull the fork at the same time.
I managed to get it out and I wire brushed inside the fork ears and sprayed it with rust converter. Sanded the upper forks and triple tree clamp area. I stripped the clear coat off the forks and gave the lowers a light sanding. I have a friend with a killer buffing setup and he's going to help me polish the forks (and my tappet covers while we're at it).

I'll change the oil and add a few washers for some preload. It's hot as blue blazes here.....the forks are sitting out in the sun and, as soon as I'm sure there's no moisture left, I'll spray down the rusty areas with converter, too.

Also cleaned up some of the caliper stuff. I have a new piston, seal and hard line sitting on the bench. Once the front end is back together I'll finish installing the braided lines and bleed the brakes.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #51 on:** June 18, 2015, 09:45:14 AM »

Scott,

The fork tubes obviously have some rust, but I imagine that there is no pitting in the travel area next to the lowers, and the treated oxidation will be covered by the ears. Are you rebuilding/servicing the forks, too. I was just wondering since they were still "assembled" and polishing the lowers can be a little easier disassembled.

Scott S · « **Reply #52 on:** June 18, 2015, 10:01:56 AM »

No....the travel area is fine. Seals are good. All the rust is up in the area covered by the fork ears. The lowers can be polished like this. I've done it before.
The plan is to just change the oil and add 2 or 3 washers on top of the springs for a little preload.

Scott S · « **Reply #53 on:** June 26, 2015, 12:18:33 PM »

Worked on the forks a little bit...
I changed the oil to 165 cc's of 10wt. and added 2 washers for a total of 4.5mm. The front end feels great now.
I also did a little polishing. Several passes with different grades of Skotchbrite, followed by polishing and buffing on my wheel.

Installed the new brake components and bled and adjusted the front brake.

Scott S · « **Reply #54 on:** June 26, 2015, 12:21:27 PM »

Soon, I'll hook up my auxiliary gas tank and sync the carbs and set the timing. After that....just waiting on bodywork!

Ravie · « **Reply #55 on:** June 26, 2015, 02:15:38 PM »

Well done, Scott. That's one good lookin bike, there. Yowza.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #56 on:** June 26, 2015, 03:58:40 PM »

Obviously, I'm a fan of Lesters. Those contrast/highlight models look great. Can't wait to see your paint.

Trad · « **Reply #57 on:** June 26, 2015, 04:23:26 PM »

I'm a FAN!

flatlander · « **Reply #58 on:** June 26, 2015, 11:21:53 PM »

yes the wheels are awesome. i've always been partial to spokes but... could make very good friends with a pair of those!

webbie99 · « **Reply #59 on:** June 28, 2015, 04:48:47 PM »

Impressive work Scott. That is one pretty bike!

Bootsey · « **Reply #60 on:** June 28, 2015, 05:53:39 PM »

Sharp looking bike, looking forward to seeing the tins.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #61 on:** June 28, 2015, 09:10:04 PM »

Scott,

How's the other 550 with the satin metal finishes and the matte dark blue paint coming along?

Scott S · « **Reply #62 on:** June 29, 2015, 11:09:32 AM »

Slow. I finally got the correct Yoshimura rings and then the shop got slammed. That's okay. I have a ton of stuff to do right now. All it really lacks is buttoning up the top end and some wiring, then I can start installing the exhaust, carbs, bodywork, etc.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #63 on:** June 29, 2015, 04:04:00 PM »

Looks great Scott! Very tidy. Do you have the paint scheme decided yet?

David

Scott S · « **Reply #64 on:** June 29, 2015, 04:15:02 PM »

It's going to be Candy Jade Green as long as the shop can match the color. I should have some test strips in hand soon

Scott S · « **Reply #65 on:** August 12, 2015, 03:20:05 PM »

Getting closer and closer....

I still don't feel 100% sure that the tune is just right, but I've done all I can do in the garage, pulling gas from an auxiliary fuel tank. I think the final tuning has to be done on a running/riding bike. That, and the fact that I broke my auxiliary fuel sources when I knocked it over in the garage a couple of weeks ago....

You eagle eyed readers may notice that I'm missing the tappet covers. I'm going tomorrow to my buddy's shop to swap the polished ones on the STF2 project for the ones off this bike, which I painted.
The front brake squeals like a mofo. I'll be ordering new pads soon....that's the only thing I haven't rebuilt or replaced yet.

The paint was done by Travis, aka xtravbs, and it looks amazing. The decals are from Brian/78Whiteorbs. I took Travis up on his special offer for forum members and I couldn't be happier.
Maybe in the next few weeks I can post back with a ride report! I'm still going to swap those 400F pegs over someday, too....

Stev-o · « **Reply #66 on:** August 12, 2015, 03:33:11 PM »

Looks great, Scott. Who installed the decals? Clear coat overed them??

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #67 on:** August 12, 2015, 03:46:16 PM »

That paint is a VERY accurate version of the factory Candy Jade Green. Bravo to your painter, Scott!!

Scott S · « **Reply #68 on:** August 12, 2015, 04:03:26 PM »

Quote from: Stev-o on August 12, 2015, 03:33:11 PM

Looks great, Scott. Who installed the decals? Clear coat overed them??

Travis B, aka forum member xtravbs. He did the bodywork, paint and installed the decals. And did a fine job. I installed the emblems.

goldarrow · « **Reply #69 on:** August 12, 2015, 04:06:58 PM »

I had one just like it, with Lesters and all, nice work Scott.

onetruepunk87 · « **Reply #70 on:** August 12, 2015, 04:07:25 PM »

Wow, bike turned out great, I love those Lesters!

joeyvans · « **Reply #71 on:** August 12, 2015, 04:25:35 PM »

Looking awesome! Queue 'Orgasm Guy!'

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #72 on:** August 12, 2015, 04:31:10 PM »

I wish my stock exhaust was not so ratty. Those 74-76 CB550 4-4 exhausts are so bloody expensive.

onetruepunk87 · « **Reply #73 on:** August 12, 2015, 04:44:46 PM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on August 12, 2015, 04:31:10 PM

I wish my stock exhaust was not so ratty. Those 74-76 CB550 4-4 exhausts are so bloody expensive.

Yea, that exhaust looks mint. I need to find a replacement #3 pipe on mine, it has a little rash. Even with it though it brings a lot of compliments Get ready to have everyone asking where you got them.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #74 on:** August 12, 2015, 04:45:47 PM »

Just tell them you cashed out your 401K and paid $2,600 to CMSNL!

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Author Topic: The Replacement: CB550 (Read 10472 times)