Topic: Proper Tool or Hack it?

[34barab]

I need to disassemble the rear cushions on a CB750K1.  I don't expect to be doing this on any more bikes.  So I would like to know if there is a safe method without using a spring compressor, or what type of proper spring compressor to buy.

[Pielz]

+1 was wondering about this too and couldn't find anything online. Wanted to paint just the spring.

[ekpent]

 I've used a bar clamp in the past to compress it enough to get the clip collars out.

[spotty]

i made my own shock compressor from two bits of wood and some threaded bar, if i can find it in the shed of doom i'll whack a pic up

maybe have a look on google for home made/redneck/ghetto spring compressor

its dead simple to do

[Kelly E]

I just have my big fat buddy push down on the spring while I pop the collar out. Works great and only costs a couple of beers.

[Don R]

 This^ L0L!

[Little_Phil]

I managed to do my 500s with a couple of ratchet straps fixed either side of a vice. If shocks have chrome covers you have to tie the strap off on the spring and then wind spring so the strap goes up inside the covers slightly.

[kerryb]

yeah!! what he said.
But when my buddy arrives and we have a few, we wander off and do other stuff instead!

Here's mine, steel strap and threaded rod.  use the impact driver to turn the rod and tighten the nuts down.

crude, but effective and cheap.

[mattsz]

i made my own shock compressor from two bits of wood and some threaded bar, if i can find it in the shed of doom i'll whack a pic up

maybe have a look on google for home made/redneck/ghetto spring compressor

its dead simple to do

Same here.  Plenty of plywood scraps kicking around (no idea why that thumbnail is sideways!):

[flatlander]

I just have my big fat buddy push down on the spring while I pop the collar out. Works great and only costs a couple of beers.

that's it.
if you have no buddy, ask a random stranger as this really only takes less than a minute. and after, you may actually have buddy 

[34barab]

All very good and helpful ideas.  Not sure what direction at this point.

I’d like to rechrome the springs and the shields, but I don’t know if it’s possible with the condition of the springs.  I’ll research that on the forum to figure next step.  Meanwhile, if anyone knows of a good thread on this subject, please suggest.  Thanks again.

[Kevin D]

Are you planning or riding this bike?

I had no trouble manually removing the spring keepers and then found that the dampers were totally shot. I got a pair of Hagons to improve the ride and handling from Dave Quinn, but he no longer in business. NobleHops, a member here, handles Ikon shocks.

[34barab]

Are you planning or riding this bike?

I had no trouble manually removing the spring keepers and then found that the dampers were totally shot. I got a pair of Hagons to improve the ride and handling from Dave Quinn, but he no longer in business. NobleHops, a member here, handles Ikon shocks.

Haven't tried yet but I believe the bike is ready to ride as is.  I don't expect more than a couple hundred miles a year.  And I'd like to keep it as original as possible.  But thanks for the lead.

[Kevin D]

original as possible

My goal too. But I like my modern tires, modern paint job, modern drive chain, modern brake line, working shocks. It was the performance of the rear shocks that got me to replace them. Here is a pic of the Hagons mounted. Chrome body, chrome spring, chrome cover. Cover is a bit shorter than the original. I don't know if the old covers can be made to fit. When you get the springs off, give those old shocks a workout.

[34barab]

original as possible

My goal too. But I like my modern tires, modern paint job, modern drive chain, modern brake line, working shocks. It was the performance of the rear shocks that got me to replace them. Here is a pic of the Hagons mounted. Chrome body, chrome spring, chrome cover. Cover is a bit shorter than the original. I don't know if the old covers can be made to fit. When you get the springs off, give those old shocks a workout.

The shocks look good, the bike is a gem.

[Keith]

I made one also. 3/4 plywood and two threaded rods

[34barab]

i made my own shock compressor from two bits of wood and some threaded bar, if i can find it in the shed of doom i'll whack a pic up

maybe have a look on google for home made/redneck/ghetto spring compressor

its dead simple to do

Same here.  Plenty of plywood scraps kicking around (no idea why that thumbnail is sideways!):

Looks like 1/8" bar and 3/8" allthread?  3/4" plywood?

[spotty]

yep, looks just like that, works a treat

[mattsz]

Looks like 1/8" bar and 3/8" allthread?  3/4" plywood?

Sounds about right - it was awhile ago!  The bar is probably overkill, but I didn't have any big washers, so I cut up an old unused 8-inch corner brace, kind of like this one (you can see the offset holes in the pic in my previous post):

[1976cb750f836]

Go hagons, they actually work (much improved ride), stock honda shock junk in my opinion. And 40-50 year old, waste of time and $.

[34barab]

Got the shocks off (removed the mufflers anyway for cleaning) and managed to muscle the spring retainers out.  Shock in the vise, pull down on the shock shield, pluck at the retainers.  I'm not strong, just determined.

Left shock still has some fluid damping, but right one is a pogo stick.  Can these be rebuilt?  NOS seems expensive at about $1000.  Reproductions about $250, but I wonder about the quality.  Haven't looked at the Hagons yet.  All feedback welcome.

[seanbarney41]

How do you intend to use the bike?  Shows? touring? sport riding? commuting? permanently parked in the living room?

[34barab]

No plans to show the bike, but I do lean toward original as much as possible.  Occasional use, no more than 200 miles a year, easy local roads and some highway.  Might try a longer trip one day.

[seanbarney41]

I wouldn't worry about it too much for that small amount of use.

[Don R]

Check 4into1 and Z1 parts, contrary to popular belief, among at least one guy. Z1 also has Honda stuff.