Author Topic: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"  (Read 13638 times)

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Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #50 on: April 11, 2016, 05:44:01 PM »
Hello, all:

Progress has been a little slow, but I've now got the head and cam cover on.  One problem - I either lost the washers and nuts from the later model cam cover or they weren't on it when I got it.  It's hard to believe that I could have lost them - I'm pretty solid at my bag and tag abilities, but it's equally hard to believe that they weren't on it.  Regardless, I need some new ones.  Does anyone know what size they are?  It should be easy enough to replace them. 

This question begs another question - is there a parts list for engine hardware sizes by part/location?  That would be a great resource.

1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #51 on: April 11, 2016, 05:51:01 PM »
Also, and quite possibly a bigger deal - I got the new fork tubes from CycleX on Friday and just had the time to open the box (was out of town all weekend).   I ordered the standard length.  When compared to the stock forks, they're not the same. These pics are with the top of the tubes lined up.  The difference in length doesn't bother me, but I'm concerned about the grove location being about 12mm further up on the new ones.  Opinions/suggestions are welcome and requested...


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #52 on: April 11, 2016, 06:39:17 PM »
Thanks! That answered that question.

Does anyone know what size they are?  It should be easy enough to replace them. 

This question begs another question - is there a parts list for engine hardware sizes by part/location?  That would be a great resource.
Try this-
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550-four-cb550k3-1977-usa_model1015/partslist/E++01.html#results

Scroll down the list until you find the bolt/screw listed (often 6x40 meaning 6mm diameter and 40mm length). Pitch for 6mm is 1.0, 8 is 1.25. Some 10mm are fine pitch at 1.25, some at 1.0 (very fine). None are 1.5 so if you must replace a screw or nut, buy the pair together.
1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #53 on: April 11, 2016, 07:02:11 PM »
Hey Jeff....consider switching to stainless socket head screws, is this place close to you?


http://www.fwbt.net/default.aspx?page=home

Or you can buy a screw kit on eBay. 


Call Ken at Cycle X about the tubes. 
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #54 on: April 12, 2016, 02:12:45 PM »
Steve - Ken says the fork tubes are fine.  I didn't clear explanation, but "it doesn't matter" was in there somewhere.

I need to check out the Fort Worth place. I've heard of it, but forgot all about it.


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #55 on: April 12, 2016, 02:22:44 PM »
Hey Jeff....another option is the bolt kits on ebay, pretty good value if you need them all.

Not sure if the head cover is included but would think so...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-1971-78-CB500-CB550-POLISHED-STAINLESS-MOTOR-MOUNT-BOLT-KIT-/310474090680?hash=item4849b2a8b8:g:~FgAAOSwAHZUMrTh&vxp=mtr
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #56 on: April 24, 2016, 06:14:21 PM »
UPDATE:

I probably should stay more up to date on this. But progress is slow enough that regular posts wouldn't have much to say.

So, I've got the head/cam cover installed.  The front suspension is rebuilt and installed withthr roller bearing upgrade.

AND, I lasted and tried my first wheel!  I'm quite happy with it, though I know a seasoned professional could improve on the work.  It's not as hard as everyone makes it out to be - just slow down and pay attention. 






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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #57 on: April 24, 2016, 06:42:03 PM »
Nice!   This HAS to be done by Oct.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Godffery

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #58 on: April 24, 2016, 07:00:51 PM »
 Nice jom on the wheel!
What are you doing for brakes? Any Upgrades...?

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #59 on: April 24, 2016, 07:30:32 PM »
That's the plan, Steve.  Looks like you'll have no trouble getting the Park Racer ready by then.

G - just stock brakes.  This only thing custom on this bike besides exhaust will be slightly bobbed fenders and a more attractive (IMO) tail light.  Everything will be stock, but  clean and fresh.


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Godffery

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #60 on: April 24, 2016, 08:11:44 PM »
 Ok, if you have any issues with them just LMK and I could help you get the most out of the stock brakes.

http://www.vinmoto.org/gallery/v/VinMoto-Garage/album03/Godfferys-Garage-123/Parts+and+service/

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #61 on: May 01, 2016, 07:12:20 PM »
Quick update for this weekend:

I cleaned up the rest of the hub/axle/speedo/etc. parts for each wheel and laced the rear wheel.  Next weekend, I'll install both wheels to verify alignment of hubs with rims before putting the tires on.  Close to having a roller!

I'll get my carbs back from Nils at Restocycle in a few days, but he was kind enough to send porn ahead of the real deal:






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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline zammykoo

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #62 on: May 01, 2016, 07:17:12 PM »
Those carbs are looking mighty fresh!


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Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #63 on: May 01, 2016, 07:26:19 PM »
Carbs look great, good decision!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #64 on: May 02, 2016, 08:23:29 AM »
Nils does great work.  He really turns the clock back on used parts - even better than new.
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 Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #65 on: May 08, 2016, 05:03:55 PM »
Quick update:  wheels on for quick check prior to spooning on the tires.   Won't get much done next weekend - youngest daughter high school graduation party...




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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #66 on: May 08, 2016, 06:02:44 PM »
Looks good Jeff but def need some rubber!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #67 on: May 08, 2016, 06:12:50 PM »
She rides on rails, man!!!


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #68 on: May 08, 2016, 08:32:11 PM »
Congratulations on getting your youngest out of the house!
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 Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #69 on: May 08, 2016, 08:34:45 PM »
Congratulations on getting your youngest out of the house!

Yeah, but you have tuition to look forward to!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #70 on: May 09, 2016, 04:38:12 AM »
Luckily, we're in pretty good shape on tuition.  I don't expect to put the bikes on hold, but I won't be buying any Black Shadows, either.


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #71 on: May 09, 2016, 04:48:49 AM »
Luckily, we're in pretty good shape on tuition.  I don't expect to put the bikes on hold, but I won't be buying any Black Shadows, either.


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #72 on: May 21, 2016, 06:56:42 PM »
Time for a question or two.  I got the tires mounted this week, so the bike is now sitting on its own weight. 



The next step is to drill the holes for the front and rear fenders so that I can send the body work off for paint.  I to set the bobbed rear fender, I wanted to get the lines of the fully assembled bike, so I put the new seat and filthy tank on.

My question is about mounting the tank.  When I got the bike, the rear rubber mount for the tank was MIA.  I have a new one, but I'm not sure it's I'm using it correctly. 



Also, the front "ears" of the tank seem too wide.  The under dimension is roughly 4 and 3/8". 



The outside-to-outside dimension of the rubber bumpers is 4".  When installed, the tank is remarkably wobbly.  I moved the bumpers out a bit, which helped, but not a lot.  It seems like the tank is barely mounted to me. 

I know this seems pretty elementary, but it's a bit of a puzzle to me. 


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #73 on: May 21, 2016, 07:06:28 PM »
The rear mount is correct, the "ear" to the rear.  It wobbled even after the rear mount was securely on?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #74 on: May 21, 2016, 08:10:48 PM »
The rear mount is correct, the "ear" to the rear.  It wobbled even after the rear mount was securely on?
Yep.  Without the rubber bumpers pulled slightly away from the frame, the tank "brackets" only contact about a 1/4 inch of each bumper. 
1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville