Topic: The Downtown Studio Apartment Build - 76 CB550 Brat Cafe

[sauteplease]

So, I'm going to try and see if I can get that o ring to drop out of the bottom. If I can't, I'm taking my chances.

I'd love to paint it, but yeah, I'm in an apartment with no outside area to paint. I polished all the covers, polished Allen heads, and yes, copper crush washers. So "patina and polished" it is for now.

Thanks guys.



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[sauteplease]

I'll double check my primary chain, too.

[Trad]

I'll double check my primary chain, too.

Necessity! If you're dropping the pan, the o ring is most likely in there. It's good to drop the pan and clean it out regardless.

[flatlander]

is there any reason why you use such wide washers on the cover?
and are you planning to do anything with the chassis and brakes? for function and safety, those would be the best places to start as long as everything is working.

[sauteplease]

is there any reason why you use such wide washers on the cover?
and are you planning to do anything with the chassis and brakes? for function and safety, those would be the best places to start as long as everything is working.

No reason, those were just what I could find that fit.

I have new bearings, bushings, and rebuild kits awaiting assembly.

[flatlander]

that's cool re. the chassis work. check the suspension as well, after 40 years it's likely to be shot.

the washers... they're cheap. i'd just get fitting ones. with the wide ones stuff (dirt) will get stuck on both sides of them and will be a real #$%* to keep clean. personally, i also find it odd looking but that's just me.

the original honda washers were plated, i think with nickel. this is to avoid chemical reactions between the alu and copper. if you want to be meticulous you can still buy them.

[sauteplease]

that's cool re. the chassis work. check the suspension as well, after 40 years it's likely to be shot.

the washers... they're cheap. i'd just get fitting ones. with the wide ones stuff (dirt) will get stuck on both sides of them and will be a real #$%* to keep clean. personally, i also find it odd looking but that's just me.

the original honda washers were plated, i think with nickel. this is to avoid chemical reactions between the alu and copper. if you want to be meticulous you can still buy them.

Thanks.

[calj737]

You don't really need washers on the side covers or top cover. If you do use them, stainless washers are a better bet (future reference). Skip the plated type they corrode over time.

[flatlander]

the 3 bolts on the rocker cover that are on the inside have oil underneath. i understand honda used the crush washers to seal them.
cal, you say it's fine without them, or with steel ones?

[calj737]

Under the breather cover needs a seal, the others all over the engine do not

[flatlander]

those under the cover have them, and also the 3 on each side next to it have some according to the partslist and honda manual.
but good to know the ones on the outside are not really needed.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

You may want to ditch the outside crush washers.  The copper will start with a patina but then it may spread corrosion under and over the washers, and it may make cleaning a PITA. 

[Trad]

I agree with the rest about the copper crush washers. At least get the right size if you are going to use them. haha. All jokes aside, it's a small issue to fix.

[sauteplease]

Alright, alright you guys are all right. The copper crush washers on the breather cover will go. Lol.

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[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Gary Busey approves . . .

[Gene]

Bwaaaahahahahahah!  Hey - where the hell is that emoji?

[Wredas]

Awesome! Going to be interesting how you handle the build in an apartment! Cheers from Sweden

[Lostboy Steve]

Thanks guys.

Roommates? No, I don't have any roommates, so I have no worries there. I do all the smelly work by the kitchen window with a fan behind me. I have a girlfriend, she's got her own place though.

This is a "function first" build.. I've got a bunch of shiny new parts and bolts, spent some time polishing engine side covers and what not over the winter.  I'm considering bolting all the shiny stuff onto the engine without painting it. It could definitely use some paint, but time and proper work space are both pretty limited.

I won't sacrifice function or safety.. clean lines, proportions, overall cleanliness, and the right stance are priorities too.

Might be a little ratty in between the lines, but I just want to get this thing on the road. Time will tell..

I kind of always get jealous when someone builds a motorcycle in a room with carpet. I would most likely die in a structure fire if I played around inside the house like that. Good for you!