Author Topic: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED  (Read 24154 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,368
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #25 on: December 29, 2016, 03:44:04 PM »
Did you use an enamel paint and bake it, or an epoxy paint?  You do very nice work and know how to clean and polish...
clearly seen in the photos.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #26 on: December 29, 2016, 04:04:00 PM »
Hey Johnie - why do you prefer paint over powdercoat on the center and side stands? 

 I usually have these powdered to take abuse such as stones that may get kicked up.
+1
I suppose it's more authentic with paint.
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 Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #27 on: December 29, 2016, 05:05:52 PM »
I do not have the equipment or set up for powder. I have always used the Rust-Oleum products and if properly prepared it stands up real well. Plus, this spray makes it look more 70's than powder.
« Last Edit: December 29, 2016, 05:07:50 PM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #28 on: December 30, 2016, 01:06:12 PM »
Replaced some damaged rear blinkers. Got my new Sunstar sprockets and they are the identical look of the OEM. Will get that bolted down after I do some work on the spokes. Have to admit the OEM sprockets with 9,700 miles looked dang good, but new owners love to here the words "new pockets and chain".
« Last Edit: January 02, 2017, 07:46:17 AM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #29 on: January 10, 2017, 08:23:50 AM »
Got the rear half of this bike done. New Conti, wheel bearings, sprockets and chain. OEM chain guard still has the info sticker in place.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2017, 08:26:42 AM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #30 on: January 10, 2017, 08:28:20 AM »
Got the front bearings installed yesterday and my new Conti is on order from my local dealer. Next the forks come off for cleaning and seals.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2017, 08:31:18 AM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,041
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #31 on: January 11, 2017, 04:38:01 AM »
If all goes well, I am purchasing that same exact bike in NC this weekend. 

I was wondering, I notice more experienced folk move around the bike and may have several mini-projects underway as they wait for parts, etc.  As first-timer, you think it would be smart for me to focus on one thing until complete?  Carbs, wheels, electrical, etc.?

Also, the ole ATF to free a seized engine.  Is that added after draining what oil may be in there first or as an additive?
Fezz - The single most important thing for anyone (Newbie or Old Pro) is to stay organized. If you document what you are doing, old parts to be serviced or replaced, while you work on them, you can attack multiple mini tasks while you wait on services or parts to show up. Of course, space, time and money all play important factors in that too.

If your engine is stuck, add the ATF/Acetone mix directly through the plug holes. It won't take much, maybe a few ounces only since you are filling up the combustion chambers and likely 2 of the 4 pistons are at or near TDC. Leave the engine oil in tact. Drain the whole thing afterwards and replace the oil filter.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #32 on: January 11, 2017, 05:52:27 AM »
A word of caution Fezz...you will leave the plugs out while the 50% acetone/ATF mixture works in the chambers. When you attempt to kick it over cover those plug holes with a towel or you will have oil flying all over the place. Good luck with it.
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,324
  • Central Texas
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #33 on: January 11, 2017, 07:39:10 AM »
...you will have oil flying all over the place.

BTW - I hold the record with my K7 ...  17 feet!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,041
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #34 on: January 11, 2017, 08:29:13 AM »
...you will have oil flying all over the place.

BTW - I hold the record with my K7 ...  17 feet!
Everything's farther in Texas!  ;D
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #35 on: January 11, 2017, 10:18:04 AM »
I thought it was you Stev-o
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline seanbarney41

  • not really that much younger than an
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,836
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #36 on: January 11, 2017, 04:56:35 PM »
...you will have oil flying all over the place.

BTW - I hold the record with my K7 ...  17 feet!
Everything's farther in Texas!  ;D
yeah? well I hold the record for long distance mouse nest ejaculation out the muffler on first start up...5 ft. 7in.!
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,041
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #37 on: January 11, 2017, 05:23:18 PM »
yeah? well I hold the record for long distance mouse nest ejaculation out the muffler on first start up...5 ft. 7in.!
Oddly, I don't think I'd be boasting about how far I made a mouse ejaculate on a public forum. Different strokes for different folks I guess  ???
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline riverfever

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,796
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #38 on: January 11, 2017, 05:32:47 PM »
yeah? well I hold the record for long distance mouse nest ejaculation out the muffler on first start up...5 ft. 7in.!
Oddly, I don't think I'd be boasting about how far I made a mouse ejaculate on a public forum. Different strokes for different folks I guess  ???

Hahahaha!! Different strokes. I see what you did there.  ;D ;D
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline seanbarney41

  • not really that much younger than an
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,836
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #39 on: January 11, 2017, 07:35:59 PM »
yeah? well I hold the record for long distance mouse nest ejaculation out the muffler on first start up...5 ft. 7in.!
Oddly, I don't think I'd be boasting about how far I made a mouse ejaculate on a public forum. Different strokes for different folks I guess  ???
what evs...least something ejaculated
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline SF

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 527
  • I burn gas very well
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #40 on: January 12, 2017, 06:24:25 AM »
Hats off to the PO's for taking great care of this one.  Interested in how the oil gauge was hooked up.
92 wr250 sold
98 zx6r sold
04 zx10r
73 cb350 twin
75 cb550f
75 cb550f
72 r5c
rgid springer bobber project

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #41 on: January 12, 2017, 07:34:02 AM »
Fezz might want to continue this thread over in your project thread. Going to get a bit confusing running this in my project thread.
« Last Edit: January 12, 2017, 07:57:11 AM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,324
  • Central Texas
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #42 on: January 12, 2017, 07:54:54 AM »
"If all goes well, I am purchasing that same exact bike in NC this weekend." 

Fezz should actually buy a bike first!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #43 on: January 12, 2017, 07:55:59 AM »
Back to my project...got the front end off and now going to clean and repack the steering bearings. Gosh those are so dry. I do this on all the bikes that are not notched. Then will get into the forks. Bought the new seat cover from Gumtwo and will be installing that soon.
« Last Edit: January 12, 2017, 07:58:50 AM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #44 on: January 13, 2017, 08:29:42 AM »
Looks like the PO packed the lower steering balls as 2 balls were missing. The top was very dry. Got that task done.
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,324
  • Central Texas
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #45 on: January 13, 2017, 08:32:49 AM »
You had spare balls?!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #46 on: January 13, 2017, 11:49:45 AM »
Yes I did. Every man should have spare balls!! :)
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline strynboen

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,883
    • http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=u19s7ha13dvu0hgcdvsgkktg20&/topic,60973.0.html
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #47 on: January 13, 2017, 12:06:54 PM »
there must not be total filled..if it looks like one ball is missing..but you not can get ine ekstra inn....37 balls..in both..
i kan not speak english/but trying!!
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=60973.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144758.0
i hate all this v-w.... vords

Offline seanbarney41

  • not really that much younger than an
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,836
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #48 on: January 13, 2017, 01:25:29 PM »
Yes I did. Every man should have balls to spare!! :)
ftfy
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,609
Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #49 on: January 13, 2017, 05:14:36 PM »
Picked up my front Conti from the dealer and always check to be sure they have the tire on in the correct position. I do this because once they had it backwards. Sure enough, they had it flipped around. I check it before I even put it in the car and it saves me a trip back :) They are really good about it and I have to admit they treat me real good and give me discounts on the parts. They are great to work with too.
« Last Edit: January 13, 2017, 05:16:15 PM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA