Author Topic: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop  (Read 23552 times)

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Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #150 on: July 15, 2022, 12:59:03 AM »
Stone, I just PMd you about your for sale add but yessss. And thank you I need one of those for sure.

Getting ready start on the CB again today.
Back from the beach and got a day of sleep.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #151 on: July 21, 2022, 09:46:57 AM »
So let's start off to say. I lost my bearing retainer nut. You know that off spanner nut under the triple.
But tapered bearings in and the bike on the ground rolled outside.
Haven't decided if I plan to part out the motor or what yet. I know I don't plan on using this 500 in the future so that may be the best option.

Painted the upper and lower triple trees and the fork lowers. Def some flex on them. SHTONE is sending my a brace so that will greatly help there. Really liking the look of the frame on the ground. Will prob throw the tank and seat on today to see the overall look before I pull the motor.


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« Last Edit: July 21, 2022, 09:49:46 AM by Gurp »
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #152 on: July 22, 2022, 05:17:15 AM »
Got home from work about 45 min ago and pulled the motor...

Laid it on the wrong side and didn't realize it till I was already dedicated. So it came out the top. Really wasn't that bad though.
Not planning on using the 500 so it may get parted out or given to someone for a go kart project. Gonna set it inside to figure out what I'm doing with it.

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slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #153 on: July 22, 2022, 05:21:21 AM »
Now need to move the motor I'm swapping in so I can tool the frame back onto the lift all the way and take it apart to paint it.

Gonna be time to figure out what I'm doing about a battery box and electric box in now time. Now....
I normally would go with a 4 size battery for a kick only bike but I have a abundance of good batteries. A few of them AGMs.
With that being said no need to waste money on a battery when I have a couple $100 batteries on a shelf that get a rotation on the charger.

Would love to find a Santee style box for it but idk if they ever made on for a 550. Or if a 750 fits.
If I could at least know and get measurements I could have one tig'd up for me at work and powder coated.

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slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #154 on: July 22, 2022, 05:24:33 AM »
Forgot to upload these.


The second picture is where I realized I F**k*d up. But I was invested already so had to do it the hard way then.

Got to do eltric Diag on a power wheels today. Fix my dryer ( thinking it's a thermal fuse again)
And then hopefully if I have time clean the shop a bit today.

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slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #155 on: July 22, 2022, 06:46:20 AM »
Well, today has been a very active day. Was about to lay down for my morning nap and a buddy needed something from me. So I went back out into the shop and get the bike ready to pressure wash for paint.

Also while doing this my shelf backing ripped off. Probably what I get for using a night stand for a wall shelf.

Will have to build another to hold my radio and bin though.



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slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Kelly E

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #156 on: July 22, 2022, 11:19:35 AM »
Are you going with the solid struts on the rear or are you going to use shocks?
Never Give Up - Never Surrender

The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0                                            1971 MGB/GT
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport                          1972 MGB/GT
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD                                   1985 GMC S15
1978 Kawasaki KL 250
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda VF 700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF 1000F Interceptor
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans
1994 Kawasaki Concours ZG 1000A9
2005 Harley Davidson Fat Boy

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #157 on: July 22, 2022, 04:09:46 PM »
Struts.

To continue my productivity today I pressure washed the frame and swingarm. Now just got up buy more sandpaper and paint.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline WhyNot2

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #158 on: July 23, 2022, 06:23:49 AM »
I like those struts.............Got any tips on where I could got some?
If it ain't raining, I'm riding.....~~{iii}?~~prost

If it sounds like I know what I'm talking about, it's because I cut and pasted from someone else.

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #159 on: July 23, 2022, 07:36:39 AM »
If I remember correctly they were a eBay find.
I would check the Honda chopper forum as well as post a feeling with chopper swapper on Instagram if you are on that S.M. as well. May even find some on chop cult as well. Like a lot of our vintage goods it's luck as well.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #160 on: August 04, 2022, 06:49:03 AM »
Absolutely love the cover in from Wolf
Highly recommend dealing with him.
Have my eye on a 750 if I get it I'll be getting a cover for it as well.

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slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Shtonecb500

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #161 on: August 04, 2022, 07:08:05 AM »
Absolutely love the cover in from Wolf
Highly recommend dealing with him.
Have my eye on a 750 if I get it I'll be getting a cover for it as well.

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looks dope.
73/74'' CB500/550 resto-mod - sold
75' 750f 91' cbr f2 swap cafe - mock up
74' 750 chopper hardtail - complete - sold
74' CB750/836kit - Black mix & match - daily rider - always tweaking
71' cb500 K0 survivor - complete
71' K1 - CANDY GOLD/BROWN Winton kit - in process

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #162 on: August 05, 2022, 05:07:40 PM »
Picked this 1975 CB750 up today for a good deal.
Set it back at my buddy's hut with his 75 I'm helping him with.
Brought my XS 650 home to tune the carbs for him.

Hopefully back on the 500 soon.

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slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #163 on: August 07, 2022, 05:30:12 AM »
Frame primed the rest of the way. Been debating on paint.
Appliance epoxy
VHT exhaust paint
Engine enamel.
Majic tractor and implement paint.

Leaning towards the Majic. I've used the brand before. It seems to hold up well in hardness and to UV. Bonus I think I have a few cans of black still under the shelf.

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slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #164 on: August 08, 2022, 09:19:19 AM »
Dug under my shelf and realized I still have a caelse(6 cans) of Majic paint in black.
Had another unopened case in parchment.(kinda a off white)

As Much as I was tempted I didn't use the parchment. Although when I get back around to my "slow progress" build I'll prob use it on the frame. Just bc I can.

Finished the 500 frame today. Now need to start prepping the swingarm and get another can of primer.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #165 on: August 10, 2022, 04:31:44 PM »
Using different size things to figure out how big of a electronics box / battery box I want.
Really like this setup and size especially considering all painted and I'll have side covers.

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slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #166 on: September 04, 2022, 12:43:55 AM »
Been a bit since a update.
I received another beautiful casted part from Wolfe550.
The battery box/electric box is built and welded to the swingarm. Just finished it moments ago at work. It doesn't look the best but I'm very please with it as it's the first thing I've ever Tig welded of my own. Less than 3 hours torch in hand of exp and I build a entire small project.

Next I'll scuff up the swingarm real good and paint it. Then assembly begins. Also picking up what ever might change in the meantime. Likely ign switch mounting.
Might relocate the coils and go with Sportster coils, still undecided on that.

The goal is to ride it mid-spring.
I know it's far off for the little work I have left. I'm very busy and trying to set realistic time-frames for the time I have to spare for this project.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #167 on: January 13, 2023, 06:25:51 AM »
Not a whole lot to update.
Shop is a bit of a mess. Started a small Etsy shop and been making stuff for it. Cleaning up little by little to get ready to assemble the bike. Still need to buy some side covers for it. Other than that it's just assembly and wiring.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #168 on: January 16, 2023, 11:00:45 AM »
So after a off and on effort to clean my over filled shop up.(a common story among us) I've began working on the CB again.
Today I mounted the front end back up mostly(baby steps).
Realized I had misspla Ed the steering stem top nut. So I order it and few other small odds and ends from 4into1.
Going to have to see if I can find my clamp bolts and D washers again. That always seems to be trouble when you start and stop a project, finding all your bits.
Going to get the roller completely ready then take the motor over to a buddy's place that's got a tad more room to paint it and sand the fins. Then I'll slide it in and put on my covers. That's the plan at least.


A bit of a break due to mental health, life, and scheduling/weather. Hopeful to get back on track on the bike and life.

BTW anyone know what sizes the triple tree clamp bolts are off the top of their head? Thinking of replacing them with stainless
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Alan F.

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #169 on: January 16, 2023, 12:50:38 PM »
Good on ya for getting back to it, I hear ya on finding the bits and pieces.

 Looks like it's 8x56mm

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/models-with-no-year/cb500k2-a/handlebar-top-bridge
« Last Edit: January 16, 2023, 12:53:00 PM by Alan F. »

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #170 on: January 16, 2023, 07:30:18 PM »
Hopefully tomorrow is mounting the swingarm and rear wheel. Also on tomorrow's agenda is Tig a mount together so I can blast and powder coat it at work.
The stem nut was m24 I believe. 4into1 had it and few other odds and ends.

Gotta help the ole lady get the house back in order tomorrow and make it to the gym.

slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Kelly E

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #171 on: January 16, 2023, 07:42:21 PM »
So after a off and on effort to clean my over filled shop up.(a common story among us) I've began working on the CB again.
Today I mounted the front end back up mostly(baby steps).
Realized I had misspla Ed the steering stem top nut. So I order it and few other small odds and ends from 4into1.
Going to have to see if I can find my clamp bolts and D washers again. That always seems to be trouble when you start and stop a project, finding all your bits.
Going to get the roller completely ready then take the motor over to a buddy's place that's got a tad more room to paint it and sand the fins. Then I'll slide it in and put on my covers. That's the plan at least.


A bit of a break due to mental health, life, and scheduling/weather. Hopeful to get back on track on the bike and life.

BTW anyone know what sizes the triple tree clamp bolts are off the top of their head? Thinking of replacing them with stainless

We use banker boxes with lids that we label for the bike. Every assembly is bagged with a paper tag written in ink not pencil in the bag before it goes in the box. Sharpie comes off of Ziplock bags from being handled.
Otherwise we'd never be able to keep it straight since we're old and decrepit. 8)
Never Give Up - Never Surrender

The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0                                            1971 MGB/GT
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport                          1972 MGB/GT
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD                                   1985 GMC S15
1978 Kawasaki KL 250
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda VF 700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF 1000F Interceptor
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans
1994 Kawasaki Concours ZG 1000A9
2005 Harley Davidson Fat Boy

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #172 on: January 18, 2023, 12:02:18 PM »
That's a pretty good idea I'll have to do that on the next one!
After I get this done I'm pulling out the original CB I've had laying dormant for years. It's the other thread in my signature. It's going to get some bigger changed. Since the skills I've picked up in the years since that bike I'll be building it to what I dreamed it to be back then. With a few changes of course.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #173 on: April 03, 2023, 03:50:15 PM »
Today the ole boy seen the light. Slapped the rear wheel on so I could get my sporty on the lift. Hadn't seen the stance since I've painted the frame. I might throw the tank and seat on tomorrow to get a better look.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline wolf550

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Re: 1973 Cb500 poor boy chop
« Reply #174 on: April 03, 2023, 04:57:05 PM »
looking good gurp
keep it up
74' CB550 (Sold)
71' CB500/550 (Sold)