Hello All, welcome to my progress page for my 1975 CB550F. To start, I am new to rebuilding and customizing, carbs and motorcycle electronics. I used to ride an 04 CBR600RR and 02 Yamaha R1. Had to sell due to my move back to MN and now I am getting back in the game and thought I would buy a project bike and teach myself how to fix it up and make it a true cafe racer. So here it goes!
Feel free to chime in and give suggestions, links, etc that will help me along the way! Your help is MUCH appreciated!
I’ll be editing with updates the below list as I progress. Hoping this can be beneficial to other beginners that are also in my shoes. Feel free to subscribe to keep up with my progress and updates to this thread!
I’d like to start with a list of everything I know that needs to be fixed/replaced.
1. Fuse box replacement
- Currently it is blowing the main fuse every time I turn the key. I pulled the fuse box/harness and will be resoldering the main connector as it looks pretty bad. Then I’ll hook back up and check with my multimeter which comes tomorrow!
2. Rear Drum brake doesn’t work. I press the foot pedal and nothing.
- I need to investigate further and see if there is something not connected.
3. Gas tank has a dent.
- need to find a local shop that can fix this. I love the blue color.
4. Replace the handle bar grips and ends. Currently looking for instructions on how to remove these and add new ones.
5. Adjust the carbs
- I have the gauge tool
6. Install new ignition maybe
7. Figure out how to install the seat. I’ll post pictures soon.
- Right now it’s tied down with metal screw clamps
8. Replace the seals/top cover thing on front suspension. They are both loose and cracked (see question 1 below)
BIG TIME QUESTIONS:
1. If I unscrew the bolts on top of the fork, will the springs come and shoot up at me? How do I slide on a new seal cover?
2. How much on average should it cost to have a gas tank fixed up? Dent pulled out and paint less dent repair. Add in a few spots that’s need rust removal and repainting. Maybe just repaint the entire tank and replace the super sport stickers? Where can I go for this?
3. How can I remove the gas tank? I know I know, I’ll search the forums when the time is right.
4. Best way to get rid of or minimize the fuel smell. Maybe this is just a normal carb thing?
5. Where do I start when removing the handle bar grips and replacing?
6. What are my options (easy bolt on) for right and left side controls? Is this easy to replace? My current is stock and needs some TLC.
Standby, more issues on the way!
