Topic: And so...it begins - 1975 CB550F

[Jooky]

Greetings all,

New member here from Richmond, VA and also very new to the world of motorcycles. Took the MSF course over the summer and set out to find a bike of my very own. Found a 1975 Honda CB550F locally on Craigslist for sale, checked the bike out over the weekend, paid for it on Monday, and brought it home last night. Bike has a pretty cool story (as I'm sure many do) and 16K original miles. Previous owner already spent a lot of time and money beginning the restoration. Some of the work he completed:

• New Tires
• New Rear Shocks
• New ignition coils
• New Clutch Cable
• New Spark Plugs and Wires
• New K&N Air Filter
• New Battery
• Carbs cleaned and bench synced
• Valves Adjusted
• Points Adjusted
• Master Cylinder Rebuilt
• Gas tank prepped for lining
• Oil Changed

Things left for me to complete and learn along the way:

• Rebuild Front Caliper and install new brake lines and new brake switch
• Get the gas tank professionally lined
• Replace broken clutch lever
• Replace broken starter switch assembly
• Rebuild front forks
• Replace exhaust

Planning to take the fuel tank to a local shop to get it lined and then will proceed with the forks and brakes. I'll post pictures of my progress along the way.

Already learned a lot from searching the forum in preparation of my first parts order. Look forward to continuing to learn as I get this bike back on the road 

[Stev-o]

Found you.

Why does the tank need to be lined?  If for rust, this is a simple DIY using Caswell Epoxy available on ebay.

Caliper rebuild is basic, really just needs to be cleaned and a new seal installed.

MAny of us here order our brake lines from member Shawn at Slingshot...

http://www.slingshotcycles.com/CB550F_c_45.html

[Jooky]

Welcome from Richmond. Shaun at Slingshot is local too. Interesting paint scheme on that tank. Give a holler if you run into trouble and maybe I can lend a hand or part.

Appreciate that very much Cal. Just finished looking at your 550 build and it’s incredible. I’m tackling this bike in phases, as my experience and tools are very limited. First, I’d like to make it road worthy again and spend some time riding it. Then I’ll spend some time thinking about what I want to change. I’d like to end up with a cafe style bike, but I’m not in a big hurry to get there as I haven’t owned a bike before and want to be thoughtful about the end product. Excited to call this one mine and hope to learn a lot as I refresh some of these old parts!

As per Steve’s comments above, any thoughts on coating the tank myself? I had called Kenny’s Radiator Shop down in Scott’s Addition about the work (recommended by someone else), and he quoted $85 for the job.

[Jooky]

Found you.

Why does the tank need to be lined?  If for rust, this is a simple DIY using Caswell Epoxy available on ebay.

Caliper rebuild is basic, really just needs to be cleaned and a new seal installed.

MAny of us here order our brake lines from member Shawn at Slingshot...

http://www.slingshotcycles.com/CB550F_c_45.html

Thanks Stev-o. The tank has some rust in it. Previous owner prepped it by jostling some wood screws in it to break up any flakes and suggested I line it. I have an untrained eye here, so I certainly look to you all for guidance. I can post pics of what I’m working with if helpful. As per my above, there’s a local shop here in town that will do it for about twice the price of the Caswell kit. Seemed reasonable for experienced hands.

[seanbarney41]

The f type tanks with the recessed gas caps are quite a bit more difficult to line.  There are many threads here with different methods of removing the rust inside.  No need to line a tank that does not leak.

[Stev-o]

Yes, post some pics. If just minor rust, may not need a lining [didnt have one from factory]. There are products and methods to remove the rust.

If there are holes it will def need it.

[seanbarney41]

...oh yeah, that tank paint is stirring bitter sweet memories of my VF500f...DSCN0512 by Sean Barney, on Flickr

and good plan to learn more about the bike and riding before going cafe nutso

[Stev-o]

...oh yeah, that tank paint is stirring bitter sweet memories of my VF500f...

...that blew up?!

[seanbarney41]

...oh yeah, that tank paint is stirring bitter sweet memories of my VF500f...

...that blew up?!

I did say BITTER sweet

[Jooky]

Yes, post some pics. If just minor rust, may not need a lining [didnt have one from factory]. There are products and methods to remove the rust.

If there are holes it will def need it.

Upon closer inspection, the rust in the tank doesn't seem that bad. Certainly no holes that I can discern. The gas cap has the worst of it and I wasn't able to find a replacement earlier today while browsing 4into1.com (anyone have a source for one of these?) Please pardon the picture quality. As you can imagine, taking pictures of the inside of a gas tank in my poorly lit garage with a flashlight and iPhone is not the easiest 

[seanbarney41]

That does not look too bad...I have saved worse looking without lining.

[Stev-o]

That does not look too bad.

+1.  Maybe a soak with Evapo-rust would take care of it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Evapo-Rust-1-gal-Safe-Rust-Remover-ER012/206639586


Look at Scott's tank...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126336.0

[Scott S]

 Love the paint scheme. Very close to something I have in mind for the next project.

[Jooky]

+1.  Maybe a soak with Evapo-rust would take care of it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Evapo-Rust-1-gal-Safe-Rust-Remover-ER012/206639586

Look at Scott's tank...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126336.0

Thanks for the links Stev-o. I'm going to make a run to Home Depot at lunch today to pick some up. My only concern with using any chemicals is any ill effects on the paint job. I believe the tank/bike were painted in 1980 from some documentation I received with the bike, and I assume that is lead based paint. I'll be sure to read the instructions carefully, review the other post you linked, and be careful not to get any on the exterior of the tank.

[Jooky]

Drop that cap into EvapoRust as stated, it'll be good as new by morning. The tank too can be filled with it, then soak for a day or two, and you'll be right as rain. If the EvapoRust leaks, then you know whether some brazing or lining is required. I can help you with any of that.

Where in Richmond is home? I'm out of town for 10 days, but when I get back, we can definitely get out for a ride. Best you ride with an old duffer like me since you're a newbie  (if you can keep up, that is) 

Once again, much appreciated Cal! I'm out in the West End off Springfield Rd. Once she's road ready and I've spent some time re-learning the basics in my neighborhood, I'd be happy to go for a ride. I'm most definitely a motorcycle newbie, so I won't be pushing any envelopes anytime soon! I still need to acquire all my riding gear, but right now much of my budget is diverted into the bike!

[Jooky]

Love the paint scheme. Very close to something I have in mind for the next project.

The paint was probably half the reason I bought the bike! I love the retro appeal. And who doesn't love good ole Red, White, and Blue 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Love the paint scheme. Very close to something I have in mind for the next project.

Reminds me of the original VFR but goes back even further.

[Jooky]

No worries Jook, I'll loan you a bike to get your feet wet. I've got plenty of young riders at the house, and a very good learner bike for you to ride. And all the gear available you will ever need while riding.

I'll be in touch for the weekend of 11/4-5 maybe and we will get you out and about before the COLD sets in 

Unfortunately, I'll be out of town that weekend up at Skyland with the family, but I'd definitely like to meet up and get a ride in sometime!

In other news, I'm taking everyone's advice to heart. Went out at lunch and picked up a gallon of Evapo-Rust to treat the tank. Didn't have enough time to prep the tank, but I went ahead and dunked the gas cap as it has the worst of it. Hit it with a wire brush, took off the old rubber gasket (have one on order, even though the one I took off is likely still ok), gave it a quick rinse and in the drink it went. I'll see how it's doing when I get home this evening. Fingers crossed!

[flatlander]

nice, another 550 f-er getting back on the road.
and nice for you: you have one of the most knowledgable guys around the corner from you, when it comes to these bikes. ditch that family weekend

[Jooky]

Well, not much has transpired since my last communication. Still need to pull the forks and replace the seals and get the brakes plumbed up. I managed to get the center stand installed, thanks to the creative minds here and a fist full of change:


My exhaust (or lack there of) is in sad shape. I'm wondering if any of this can be salvaged as the headers are still solid, and I'd like to keep the stock flanges (just like the way they look). The muffler rusted off and was trashed before I received the bike. The collector is also in sad shape and to my untrained eye, I don't think there is enough viable material here to weld anything directly on. Is this worth trying to salvage, or should I just purchase something aftermarket?


Hope to make some more progress on the bike this week, if I can get some time to myself in the garage!

[Stev-o]

That exhaust looks pretty shot.  You possible may be able to use the head pipes and weld on a collector? Look here...

http://www.coneeng.com/collector_components.html

[Jooky]

That exhaust looks pretty shot.  You possible may be able to use the head pipes and weld on a collector? Look here...

http://www.coneeng.com/collector_components.html

  Looks to be more trouble than it's likely worth to just preserve the OEM flanges/look. I've been eyeballing options from Delkevic and Hindle. Any other options to consider?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I am very happy with the Hindle 4-2-1 (full stainless). 

MotoGP Werks occasionally produces a 4-1 Yosh replica but they sell fast and are more expensive (but well made).

Lossa makes a great 4-1 that YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE TO CHANGE YOUR OIL FILTER.
Mandrell bent with a Cone Engineering Muffler
https://www.lossaengineering.com/products/lossa-brand-4-into-1-exhaust-that-fits-honda-cb500-cb550?variant=49225573254
Mild Steel $465
Stainless Steel $650
You can have it ceramic coated AND Jay will also weld on an appropriate mount tab (to stabilize the rear of the pipe so it doesn't overstrain your head) for your model if you want.

[Stev-o]

That exhaust looks pretty shot.  You possible may be able to use the head pipes and weld on a collector? Look here...

http://www.coneeng.com/collector_components.html

  Looks to be more trouble than it's likely worth to just preserve the OEM flanges/look.

Just depends how much you like the swooping head pipes on the 550F? Since your bike is not close to original, prolly doesnt make sense for you. Don has given you some good options...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

One more advantage of the Hindle -- you can keep your center stand.