Author Topic: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?  (Read 1276 times)

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Offline geoluv

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I have a cb550 that I picked up in RI for $450.  It was a true basket case.  I got it running and road worthy but the frame and other bits have considerable surface rust.  What is the easiest and cheapest way for me to treat the rust and then paint the frame with some of the parts removed?  I want to be left with the same semi glossy black finish that the frame was originally. 

Also the forks need to be rebuilt, should I just rebuild them with the stock setup or should I upgrade the internals?  Same with the rears because they are rusty and ugly.  Repops are cheap but I could go for some stock-looking upgrades if you think they improve the ride enough.   I’m not trying to spend a ton of money on the bike because I’m probably going to sell it eventually because  I also have a 1977 cb550F that I’m going to redo and keep for myself. 

« Last Edit: August 01, 2021, 08:21:08 am by geoluv »
1975 CB550K1 Candy Jade Green
1977 CB550F2 Candy Presto Red
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Offline PeWe

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Re: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?
« Reply #1 on: August 01, 2021, 09:06:23 am »
Forum memberTerry in Australia often use Rust-Oleum rattle can with success on his frames.

I used 2k SprayMax satin black rattle can  on some small parts as gauge holders and upper tree (joke).

I have also used "Hammerite smooth finish black spray" on some small parts as chain guide and repair frame under tank where the petcock has scratched during all tank off and on.
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Offline calj737

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Re: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?
« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2021, 09:15:42 am »
Instead of trying to put lipstick on a pig by painting only parts of the frame, spend time with some scotchbrite, elbow grease, and WD-40 and de rust as much as you can reach. Let the next owner deal with a tear down and repaint.

Rebuild front forks with progressive springs and proper fork oil. I’d use 7-10w for a better ride. Rear shocks are worthless on these bikes. But if you’re just dolling it up to sell, simple cheap repops. Or spend more than you paid for the bike on decent Ikons.
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Offline geoluv

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Re: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?
« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2021, 11:00:46 am »
Instead of trying to put lipstick on a pig by painting only parts of the frame, spend time with some scotchbrite, elbow grease, and WD-40 and de rust as much as you can reach. Let the next owner deal with a tear down and repaint.

Rebuild front forks with progressive springs and proper fork oil. I’d use 7-10w for a better ride. Rear shocks are worthless on these bikes. But if you’re just dolling it up to sell, simple cheap repops. Or spend more than you paid for the bike on decent Ikons.

thats exactly what im trying to do; i want to de rust the frame then rattle can as much of it as i can after i remove all the easy bits aside from the engine itself.  I was thinking of usia the stuff made for truck undercarriages.  It's two part:  you first paint the rusted parts with a de-ruster/etcher then paint over it with the supplied paint.  Usually it has an oily surface because its made for the bottom of trucks.  Im ok with a finish that is not the same as the original semi gloss black but Im just asking around to see if anyone knows of a two parts rust/paint kit that leaves the finish i want or if someone knows on a method for easily achieveing it.  I'm willing to simply scrub with wd-40, clean with alcohol, hit with some etcher, then rattle can with Rustoleum if that is the best option.  I'm just asking around for other opinions. 

what do you think about emulators or fork caps with air valves?
« Last Edit: August 01, 2021, 11:05:24 am by geoluv »
1975 CB550K1 Candy Jade Green
1977 CB550F2 Candy Presto Red
Countless vintage bicycles

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?
« Reply #4 on: August 01, 2021, 04:44:33 pm »
my advice?  the nice original paint and pipes warrant a good job on the frame.  If you take all the easy parts off, all is left is the engine so then that is easy too.  The original frame paint was not satin, it was gloss, just not a modern base coat/clear coat kind of gloss.  Any gloss black single stage will look good.  I recommend using a paint that is capable of bonding to bare metal such as rustoleum, especially their appliance epoxy is very good and even tougher than the standard paint.  No primer!  Primer is what makes paint easy to chip and scratch and when you do, the damage jumps right out at ya.  Sure, there is better paint, but it is gonna cost a lot more and probably require the use of a spraygun.
Whatever you do, surface prep is key.  You don't need to remove all the old paint.  That o.g. stuff is still super tuff and makes a good base layer for whatever you put over it once sanded.  Start sanding with 60 grit to get rid of rust pits.  Be sure any old paint remnants are feather edged.  Work your way up to 400 or so, no finer.  Rattle can paint needs some relatively coarse toothe to grab onto.  Prep all your small parts, like swingarm, brackets, etc. and you can do 'em all at once or in small batches.
« Last Edit: August 01, 2021, 04:53:30 pm by seanbarney41 »
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Offline rb550four

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Re: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?
« Reply #5 on: August 01, 2021, 05:44:36 pm »
Why not sell it the way it is for what it is? I know I would rather buy an "honest"bike free of last owner's messing around with it. That way you know what you're buying.... Give it a good wash down and shine up the chrome a little so it isn't too ugly, and looks like a promising project for the next guy who may want to go through a soup to nuts restoration. Worst case scenario would be if you go through all this work and it still looks like it needs work. But, let's say you bust your butt on it and it looks decent, all that work, and the offers can't get the dollars back at  sale for your efforts, then to top it off, the new owner wants to trash everything you worked on, saw off the seat  and make a flat black cafe/bar hopper bike that will probably be uglier than you bought it. You know it'll either be a wreck or never finished. And when you see it on craig's list again,you won't want it because the last owner couldn't keep his hands off it and sell it as an honest bike.
  On the other hand , if you're gonna keep it , show it off and be proud of it, do it right.
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Offline Kelly E

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Re: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?
« Reply #6 on: August 01, 2021, 06:28:23 pm »
It's easy to pull the exhaust, wheels, forks and swingarm. Then lay it down on some padded wood blocks on the right side. Unbolt the motor mounts and lift off the frame. We can totally strip bag and tag a bike in about 6 hours. It's just not that hard.
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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
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1984 Honda VF 700S Sabre
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Offline geoluv

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Re: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?
« Reply #7 on: August 01, 2021, 07:16:26 pm »
The 4 into 4 pipes are in a lot worse shape that’s they look.  Holes all over them.  Baffles rusted in place.  I am going to patch the holes but it won’t be pretty.  It only has one original side cover the other side is an unpainted black repop.  (Anyone know someone who can paint it jade green for me?)

The frame paint needs a lot of help.  I agree with the no-effort flip but in my native Brooklyn the difference between and ugly rusty bike and a pretty decent looking bike could be 1-2 grand when I go to sell it.  A little elbow grease goes a long way on vintage motos and bicycles in this city:)

In a past life I was a vintage bicycle mechanic and I scrubbed and flipped literally thousands of bicycles from the 60s through the 80s.  Exact same concept: maximum visual appeal with minimum time money and effort. 

I don’t want to keep this bike I have the ‘77 f model in waaaay better shape with original 4 into 1 and 650 cam waiting for it. 
1975 CB550K1 Candy Jade Green
1977 CB550F2 Candy Presto Red
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?
« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2021, 08:25:20 am »


In a past life I was a vintage bicycle mechanic and I scrubbed and flipped literally thousands of bicycles from the 60s through the 80s.  Exact same concept: maximum visual appeal with minimum time money and effort. 

 

Sounds like you know what to do.     I have done a partial paint repair on a frame, I just sanded it smoth and painted it with semi-gloss black paint, turned out good.

550 parts are pretty cheap on ebay [or on this forum] small bits that are super rusty or damaged can be cost effectively replaced [such as your rear shocks].

For maximum value when selling, keep the bike as stock as possible, dont be tempted to purchase cheapchinaparts.

Good luck
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline 754

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Re: Best *cheap* way to paint rusty frame? Update CB550 fork internals?
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2021, 11:12:32 am »
Cheapestvthing to do and it looks better,, ckean off tge rust and oil the bare spots , then wipe of excess..
 Looks pretty good on original paint motorcycles and bicycles..
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