Topic: 73' CB500 Four

[Shtonecb500]

I'm not sure what you guys consider a tear down and rebuild but I pulled everything off of the bike but did not take the engine apart.

I've repainted everything, degreased everything, soaking anything rusty in Metal Rescue, and installing some new features, trying to keep the bike with as many original parts as I can.

The only thing not original is the headlamp from a CL77 305....love that inset speedo.
If you haven't tried Spraymax 2k clear coat and looking for a good one...that is it.

This is the first time I've done anything like this so youtube, this forum, and google have been my best friend...one thing I realized was true was how much you end up putting into your bike if you decided to work on it.

The tank has been fun, prepping and painting and applying the pin stripe decal was interesting.

The picture of the bike with the white portion on the tank was right before I decided to break it all down....that was the moment when I could have left it alone but the faded frame just bothered me too much. The first time I lined up the decal on the tank I had them set too far forward and didn't realize it until after I sprayed some primer on there..so I lined it all up again and did it right the second time.

the engine has been painted black but its going to have some chrome parts showing with a few orange areas to tie into the orange "F" that is on the side cover.

[riverfever]

I really like what you did with the paint. Tank looks exceptional.

[Shtonecb500]

Thank you.

[calj737]

Nice. On your intake manifolds, theres a small JIS screw for the vacuum port. It looks as though you painted it while assembled/installed. Take a moment now, and remove that screw with a JIS bit, so when you install the motor and vacuum synch the carbs, you can get that little dude out.

Paintwork looks great and really like the color!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Great job painting that tank!

Wow.  You did paint that motor pretty much whole with the manifolds attached.

What are you plans for wheels, tires, suspension?

[Shtonecb500]

Thank you.

Yes, the only thing I took off the motor were the carbs before I painted...is that bad?

I blacked out the wheels and I'm keeping the tires because they are still in good condition...Ill post a picture of them.
Im keeping the dual shocks and will most likely upgrade the shocks at some point but they got a paint job as well.
I might put some firestone vintage looking tires on this bike, I like the idea of white walls but I'm not sure yet.

[JetgreenK1]

That paint job is absolutely stunning. Can't wait to see the finished project!

[calj737]

It's not preferred to paint an engine fully assembled. Removing some of the covers, the manifolds, etc is not a large undertaking, and does avoid the issues you now face of removing necessary screws. It can all be overcome, but I encourage you to deal with those issues now, while the motor is out of the frame and more easily accessed.