Topic: Side Cover Cross Compatibility?

[winston]

My K7's left side cover disappeared on Friday...which is a drag.

I did a Search here for the topic, but didn't find anything spot-on...my question is whether anyone's figured out which side covers from different Honda models and different model years "can" work on other Hondas?

For example...can 750A covers "fit" a 750K or F from the same year?

Could 1979 CB750K covers fit or be made to work on a '78?

Do 76 650 side covers work on a 76 750?

And so on...

I've ordered a JC Whitney "custom fit" (love that phrase) for the time being...but maybe there's something "creatively OEM" that could be sourced....or not.

Any data out there on the topic?

[Geeto67]

My K7's left side cover disappeared on Friday...which is a drag.

I did a Search here for the topic, but didn't find anything spot-on...my question is whether anyone's figured out which side covers from different Honda models and different model years "can" work on other Hondas?

For example...can 750A covers "fit" a 750K or F from the same year?

Could 1979 CB750K covers fit or be made to work on a '78?

Do 76 650 side covers work on a 76 750?

And so on...

I've ordered a JC Whitney "custom fit" (love that phrase) for the time being...but maybe there's something "creatively OEM" that could be sourced....or not.

Any data out there on the topic?

Her is what I know from trial and error:

1969 to 1976 K are all interchangible with each other despite looking different (they don't interchange with any other years).

1977 and 1978 K only fit each other and 1977-78 F on the Left side (never tried the right)

1977 and 1978 F left side only works on 77-78 F and 77-78 K (but they are different in shape, 77-78 F left sides are hard to find)

1975-1978 F right side covers are interchangible with each other (may work on 77-78 K also)

75-76 F Left side covers only work on those bikes.

550 and other displacement bikes don't work on a 750. 1979- 1982 K and F don't work on a SOHC - the most forward mount on the side covers is part of the tank.

The maier replacements are crap - the David silver ones are supposed to be good but I have never seen one.

If you want to do without covers get a custom oil tank and show style electronics.

Drag racers used to make their own out of aluminum sheet when needed.

I have a pretty nice 77-78 750 K Left side cover on my F right now (in burgundy) If someone were to offer me a spare 77-78F Left side cover I could be convinced to part with it.

[spacemonkey]

Thanks for that information, that is very useful!

Do you have information about the "Maier" or "David" sidecovers?  Anyone have links, pics or anything?  I am guessing that the Maier are the ones from JC Whitney.  Where can I find any info about the David sidecovers? 

Thank you!

[SD750F]

Maier Side Covers... Find the factory link here:

http://www.maier-mfg.com/

What I have heard not the highest quality and requires external bolts to attach to the frame. I had my eyes open all the time on eBay and found a couple rights for my 78 750F and one left with a piece missing. A little fiberglass and bondo and I will be like new again for spring riding! And I have a set of perfect side cover emblems for my year too!!!

Scott

[spacemonkey]

I have my sidecovers, but I cracked both of them trying to get them off.  (They are very brittle, and in 10 deg F weather they get even worse!)

Does anyone have recommendations about how to repair them?  One is cracked and I broke a tab off of the other.

Thank you for your help!  I just found this board and already it is a huge help!

[IndianRider]

I have my sidecovers, but I cracked both of them trying to get them off.  (They are very brittle, and in 10 deg F weather they get even worse!)

Does anyone have recommendations about how to repair them?  One is cracked and I broke a tab off of the other.

Thank you for your help!  I just found this board and already it is a huge help!

i cracked my left side cover tab (bottom tab) this saturday the day i got it .. i bonded it back on with super glue .. also, to reinforce the point, i am planning to patch the back side of the cover with some fiber glass material (auto parts store) ...  should be strong enough ..

[upperlake04]

Any data out there on the topic?

 Check this thread for info on places to cross-reference parts  for different bikes.   http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=15240.0

Does anyone have recommendations about how to repair them?

  I reinforced them on the inside with fiberglass cloth and polyester resin after preparing the surface by 120 grit sanding. The bond is still good and solid a year later.

[nteek754]

Hey all Ihave repaired many of the sidecovers talked about in here I se fiberglass resin and matt and cloth and sometimes tiger hair depends on  how bbad they are damaged I had a guy on here  a year or two ago  sent me his covers to what I thought was to patch but he wanted them reinforced so they wouldnt  crack  did them up for him and he was somehappy with the outcome  I at the moment have a really nice set of the 550 four sidecovers in super shape and I wont ever use them myself but am gonna  reinforce them and put them up for sale  so if anyone is interested let me know I can even paint them for ya but not with the  original honda paint  but have a good array of  colors let me know  seven fifty four evr Craig in Maine

[spacemonkey]

Where does one get the "fiberglass resin"?  Any brands to look for or avoid? Any sites or tips on how to use it?

Thanks!

[csendker]

I cracked one taking it off in the colder months, since then, I shoot the grommet with WD-40 before I reinstall it to help the next extraction.  And I keep an eye out on e-buy for stock replacements. Bid low on many, snagged a few that slipped through cheap.  Never hurts to have some spares lying around.  Now to figure out the painting issue...

[mick750F]

I have my sidecovers, but I cracked both of them trying to get them off.  (They are very brittle, and in 10 deg F weather they get even worse!)

Does anyone have recommendations about how to repair them?  One is cracked and I broke a tab off of the other.

Thank you for your help!  I just found this board and already it is a huge help!

   I use this method, suggested by Terry in Australia many moons ago, for repairing sidecovers. It works great.

    A direct quote from his post...."I use the "Superglue and Baking Soda" method for repairing them, which works much better than any of the above mentioned "cures". (all of which I have tried with limited success, and mucho mess, particularly with epoxy) The good thing about the superglue and soda method is that it is instant, and mess free. This stuff can be filed, then wet sanded for invisible repairs, and won't damage your paint or ever crack again in that spot.

There are no "tricks" involved, just clean any grease or oil out, "Vee" the crack,(from the back if you're worried about your otherwise nice paint finish) or chamfer around the broken off tab, pour a little baking soda into it and drip some superglue (liquid, not gel) onto the baking soda, and a few seconds later, you're done, time for another vegemite Butty and a can of VB! Cheers, Terry."

Mike

[SD750F]

I have noticed with my side cover grommets because of their age, they have vulcanized and harder than factory fresh. So before I spend some time using the original grommets with my newly repaired and costly side covers, I am going to replace all the grommets with new, more pliable ones... A few dollars now will help save the side covers later...

Scott

[Dave K]

Everytime I take a side cover off, I lube the grommet and the tab with Armor All. It has worked well for 33yrs.

[nteek754]

Hey all you can get the resin at any auto parts store if not there a boat biulding place or mariner I use to biuld boats and  had supplies left over from that  when you go to mix the resin and hardner  wwarm it up first and do not put too much hardner in it will get too hot and melt  or warp the cover (my rookie dazes) now if your fixing like  rust on a car no prob you can get away with  mixing a hot batch  make sure the cover is clean of oils dirt and I usually scratch it up to get a good adhere  there are alot of  differant epoxys out there now  up here in Maine  I go to V I P and they have a good selection of  tubes some just for plastics depending on the crack  you just have to make sure you go wide enough to make it stronger  good luck seven fifty four ever Craig in Maine

[Geeto67]

still have a left 77-78 K left sidecover for sale in the parts section if somebody's looking.