Author Topic: Completely rebuilding my grandfathers 76 CB550F (Read 2451 times)

BRose70 · « **on:** July 26, 2015, 07:32:11 AM »

In case you guys missed my newbie intro, my name is Brandon. I am 24 years old and about to start my last semester of mechanical engineering at Arkansas State University. My dad owned an auto body/mechanic shop and ive been working on cars my entire life. I currently have a 1966 F-100 and a 1970 Dodge Challenger. However, this will be my first motorcycle so any input/feedback is appreciated.

I recently acquired my grandfathers 1976 CB550F. The bike has been sitting for almost 30 years. Ive already started the tear down process and the bike has ended up being a little rougher than i originally anticipated. I have not really decided what direction i want to go with the bike. I want to modernize it a little bit, but i do not want to go overboard and lose the look of a classic motorcycle. The bike is currently about 90% tore down and i am about to start on rebuilding the engine. The first 2 photos are from when i got the bike, the rest are photos of the tear down process.

zekd · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2015, 10:29:05 AM »

sweet ride! can't wait to see the progress.

kap384@telus.net · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2015, 10:38:31 AM »

Subscribed

jaguar · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2015, 11:01:38 AM »

Why would step one be to take the whole thing apart?

BRose70 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2015, 01:30:44 PM »

Quote from: jaguar on July 27, 2015, 11:01:38 AM

Why would step one be to take the whole thing apart?

Been sitting 30ish years. Engine siezed, wiring is a mess, brake is locked somewhere, tank needs work. Figured that i might as well tear the whole thing down and inspect everything piece by piece.

BRose70 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 27, 2015, 09:28:14 PM »

Not sure why only 1 of the 5 original photos loaded. But this is the current condition of the bike. Have had the jugs filled with ATF for about a week now. Going to try to free the pistons tomorrow

mrbreeze · « **Reply #6 on:** July 27, 2015, 11:25:58 PM »

You jumped the gun by taking it all apart......but that's OK. You can still get the engine unstuck but its easier with the engine in the frame and using the rear wheel (gently) to turn it over. I don't know about anyone else but I'd like to see a pic. of the Challenger.......One of my favorite muscle cars. My first was a 69 Chevelle SS396 that I still sometimes wanna kick my own a$$ for getting rid of!!

jaguar · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2015, 03:37:05 AM »

Yup, there is no reason to take the bike apart first.
Really makes things much harder to do right.

calj737 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2015, 05:32:34 AM »

I tend to be on the same side of tear it all down, make it better than new, and then assemble as I go. Depends really how involved you planned to get and the condition of the motorcycle really.

You can unstick an engine, but, wouldn't you really rather disassemble it, inspect everything, replace what should be, and then put it back together? Since it was his G-dad's bike, I believe he will keep it a long while. So time and money invested into this way is somewhat moot. Make it perfect, Brandon! Make your family proud, and keep that bike for as long as you can so your offspring can enjoy it.

When you attempt to rotate the crank, do NOT use the bolt under the points cover! It will shear off. Use the bolt under the stator cover instead. And if ATF doesn't free it up, pour some kerosene into the cylinders and light them afire. (Outside only

) and let the heat cook the rust from the rings. Been there, done that. Expect to bore the cylinders and new pistons/rings as a result of the rust.

Ask me how I know-

kslrr · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2015, 06:39:37 AM »

Subscribed

Stev-o · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2015, 06:47:39 AM »

Good story, welcome from Texas. I too would have tried to "unstuck" the motor while it was mounted in the frame, I am in that boat right now.

+1 Pic of the Challenger! [I had a '73 Cuda]

BRose70 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2015, 06:56:52 AM »

Here are a few pics of the Challenger build. Was a 5 year build. Worked on it whenever i had spare money to buy parts. This is the vehicle my dad used to teach me how to work on cars. He would do one side of the car while i watched, then he would have me do the other side. Also attached a picture of the old f-100

Once i got the engine out, i realized that it would have been much easier to free with it in the frame. I was actually considering bolting it back in to try to free the engine. I have not removed the swing arm yet, so bolting the engine and rear wheel back up wouldn't be too grueling of a task.

Stev-o · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2015, 07:03:44 AM »

Very cool, nice job! The 550 will be a piece of cake compared to that.
Looks like a big block, what motor is in the Challenger?

BRose70 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2015, 07:40:11 AM »

Quote from: Stev-o on July 28, 2015, 07:03:44 AM

Very cool, nice job! The 550 will be a piece of cake compared to that.
Looks like a big block, what motor is in the Challenger?

440 bored .030 over, Holley Street Dominator intake, 870cfm Holley carb, 2.5" headers, Mopar Performance .484"/.484" camshaft, stock "452" cast heads with Edelbrock valve springs, Mopar Performance valve covers and air filter, MSD 6AL Digital Ignition, BeCool aluminum radiator, external transmission cooler, 2200rpm stall TCI torque converter, 3.23 gears, 1 1/8" front sway bar, 7/8" rear sway bar, 1.03" torsion bars, front and rear torque boxes, and soon to be getting an Auburn Pro-Series limited slip differential and an electric fan set up.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2015, 07:41:46 AM »

Subscribed.

VERY nice job on both vehicles. And I agree with Stev-o that the 550 will be a piece of cake in comparison.

But I'm also in Cal's boat regarding the build....if it were my grandfather's bike, no way would I have just unstuck the engine and tried to ride it. In my opinion, it was a good choice to go ahead and tear it down so you can find out what needs/needed to be fixed and/or replaced.

Do it right the first time and it saves you having to go back and do it again.

Good luck.

Ron

mrbreeze · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2015, 11:44:25 AM »

An SOHC and a super sweet Mopar............. what else does a guy really need?

BRose70 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2015, 01:39:08 PM »

Before I do something I'll regret, is it possible this engine is stuck to the point that I could shear this bolt off?

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2015, 02:40:30 PM »

Turn the bolt to the right with a breaker bar. You'll be fine unless you're jumping up and down on it.

Stev-o · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2015, 03:28:26 PM »

Quote from: mrbreeze on July 28, 2015, 11:44:25 AM

An SOHC and a super sweet Mopar............. what else does a guy really need?

Kawasaki Z1 900 wouldn't be a bad thing to add, Fred!

mrbreeze · « **Reply #19 on:** July 28, 2015, 10:06:09 PM »

Quote from: Stev-o on July 28, 2015, 03:28:26 PM

Quote from: mrbreeze on July 28, 2015, 11:44:25 AM
An SOHC and a super sweet Mopar............. what else does a guy really need?.......cept 1 or 3 large breasted goddesses always at my service and.......OH YEAH!!....a Kawasaki Z1 900..............

Kawasaki Z1 900 wouldn't be a bad thing to add, Fred!

Fixed it......

Stev-o · « **Reply #20 on:** July 29, 2015, 03:02:46 PM »

Quote from: mrbreeze on July 28, 2015, 10:06:09 PM

Quote from: Stev-o on July 28, 2015, 03:28:26 PM
Quote from: mrbreeze on July 28, 2015, 11:44:25 AM
An SOHC and a super sweet Mopar............. what else does a guy really need?.......cept 1 or 3 large breasted goddesses always at my service and.......OH YEAH!!....a Kawasaki Z1 900..............

Kawasaki Z1 900 wouldn't be a bad thing to add, Fred!
Fixed it......

Now you're talkin!

BRose70 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 31, 2015, 10:17:54 PM »

Quick update: i have gotten all of the valves freed from the head, still have not gotten the pistons freed. I had a budget in mind when i started this project and i have realized now that said budget is going to be exceeded. (you'd think after restoring 2 classic vehicles that i would have realized you almost always go over the original estimated budget) i have made some minor progress. All of the original plastic connectors were chalky and broke just trying to get them separated. Got some new connectors on ebay and have installed new plastic connectors in the wiring harness. Currently getting the master cylinder broken down for rebuild (seals were dry rotted). 3 weeks from now i will be starting my last semester of engineering school. I will be working a lot less so progress will most likely slow down significantly. Will keep you guys updated as i make progress.

A few side notes (feel free to give your opinion on my ideas)
-For the brake system, as of now, im thinking of having the rotor turned, rebuilding the caliper (if needed), and the only upgrade will be stainless brake lines
-I am going to run individual air filters, so im going to fabricate a catch can
-Planning on making a custom plate to fit under the seat to hide the wiring

I am also looking for a decent set of carbs, and a decent 550F tank

calj737 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 01, 2015, 03:23:58 AM »

Thinning and slotting or drilling the front rotor is pretty common. Definitely replace the piston seal on the caliper, and possibly the piston itself if it's pitted.

BRose70 · « **Reply #23 on:** October 11, 2015, 04:33:17 PM »

Hey guys, been a while since ive been on here. Once school started back up the progress on the bike almost came to a standstill. Havent gotten much accomplished recently other than trying out a few color combos. Mocked up a few color schemes just by using cheap spray paint. Two of my good friends own the local powder coating company so once i decide on a color combo, a lot of stuff will get blasted and powder coated.

Still in the market for a solid tank if anyone has a spare for sale.

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Author Topic: Completely rebuilding my grandfathers 76 CB550F (Read 2451 times)