Topic: Ross’s 1975 CB750 K5

[Galactica]

Ya, I had done a compression test.  I can’t remember the values, and can’t find the paper I wrote it on, but I remember it was acceptable.  It may well get better when I can actually get it out for a few good runs and re-check it.  I don’t have my own compression gauge and borrowed one from Rick at Burnaby Kawasaki.  I did not do a leak down test. 

[Galactica]

Gonna get blue and clear today.

[Galactica]

Well, it’s blue.  My painter wants to let it sit for the better part of a week so the paint well cured before he applies masking for the black cheeks.  So probably in a couple weeks time I’ll have them on the bike.

FYI, if you order paint from VMR, be sure to order 2 pints.  One will not be enough.  And now that my painter has seen the Planet Blue, he reckons he could fairly easily matched it up and saved me some $.  But I didn’t have an example at the time.  I do now.

[BenelliSEI]

Worth the wait!

[Galactica]

Can’t wait to see it in sunlight.

[denward17]

That's beautiful!

Is it a candy color or is the blue the base coat?

[Galactica]

That’s Planet Blue from VMR Paint and clear.  I can’t wait to see it in sunlight.

[willbird]

Well, it’s blue.  My painter wants to let it sit for the better part of a week so the paint well cured before he applies masking for the black cheeks.  So probably in a couple weeks time I’ll have them on the bike.

FYI, if you order paint from VMR, be sure to order 2 pints.  One will not be enough.  And now that my painter has seen the Planet Blue, he reckons he could fairly easily matched it up and saved me some $.  But I didn’t have an example at the time.  I do now.

I wonder how much paint it would save to do a basecoat of something close like most body shops have as leftovers ? or they did back in the day anyway. But then maybe more danger of getting a funny looking spot without enough coverage ??

[Galactica]

I’ve no knowledge of painting other than rattle can.  And I’m rubbish at it.  Would never consider painting a tank and side covers myself. 

My local paint shop wasn’t able to find a paint code/recipe for Planet Blue.  I didn’t have a correct sample for him to match.  I wanted it as correct as possible so I ended up paying the price of HMR’s product.  Once my painter had it done, he reckons he could have matched it for much less $. 

Oh well. 

[gearsoup]

Well, it’s blue.  My painter wants to let it sit for the better part of a week so the paint well cured before he applies masking for the black cheeks.  So probably in a couple weeks time I’ll have them on the bike.

FYI, if you order paint from VMR, be sure to order 2 pints.  One will not be enough.  And now that my painter has seen the Planet Blue, he reckons he could fairly easily matched it up and saved me some $.  But I didn’t have an example at the time.  I do now.

Out of curiosity, how much did he hit you with for the paint job? I took some photos to a couple paint shops and I'm not that comfortable with the idea of paying more for a paint job than I did the bike itself.....

[newday777]

Well, it’s blue.  My painter wants to let it sit for the better part of a week so the paint well cured before he applies masking for the black cheeks.  So probably in a couple weeks time I’ll have them on the bike.

FYI, if you order paint from VMR, be sure to order 2 pints.  One will not be enough.  And now that my painter has seen the Planet Blue, he reckons he could fairly easily matched it up and saved me some $.  But I didn’t have an example at the time.  I do now.

Out of curiosity, how much did he hit you with for the paint job? I took some photos to a couple paint shops and I'm not that comfortable with the idea of paying more for a paint job than I did the bike itself.....

What did you pay for the bike and what have you been told the cost of a paint job?

I had to pay a grand for a quarter panel scratch repaint 5 or 6 years ago on a Lexus. I was flabbergasted to say the least. This isn't the days of Earl Schibe $59.95 paint jobs!.....

[MauiK3]

Beautiful color
Just a reminder, when reinstalling the wings on the side covers, be sure they are facing forward.
Don't ask:-))

[willbird]

Beautiful color
Just a reminder, when reinstalling the wings on the side covers, be sure they are facing forward.
Don't ask:-))

I had a look at mine I put on over 20 years ago, yup backwards :-).

[Galactica]

Ok.  A few things to unpack.  I paid $1100 for the complete non running bike.  By the time I’m finished, I’ll be into it for $7,000-$7,500 and it’ll be worth ~$5,000.  All in CDN$. 

My friend just bought a really good running complete ‘75 K5 for $4,000.  Not nearly as nice as mine will be, but he can ride it for a couple of years and still sell it for what he paid.  What I’m doing makes no sense I know.

I don’t know yet how much the paintwork will cost.  I was told $1,500ish.  If that holds my total cost will be ~$7,100.  Going forward I expect a few more expenses hence a $7,500 final cost.  My intent is to keep this bike until I don’t do motorcycles anymore.  That’s part of my rationalization. 

Thanks for the heads up on the wing orientation.  I’ll probably be putting them on in the next day or so.  I’m hoping the tank will be done by the end of the week. 

[BenelliSEI]

Nice to hear I’m not the only one that get’s “upside down” on these projects! Did the sticker arrive?

[denward17]

I know the feeling well, upside down here as well on a 750 last year, and again this year on a 550.

When I see people complain about the selling price on FB or other venues, it just doesn't make sense to do this; however, those people don't have a clue what a project bike will cost these days.  At least I have a good feeling about getting on it and riding anywhere, knowing it was put back together right.

[Galactica]

Nice to hear I’m not the only one that get’s “upside down” on these projects! Did the sticker arrive?

Yup, just arrived.  Thanks so very much John.

[Galactica]

Emblems on.

[BenelliSEI]

Nice to hear I’m not the only one that get’s “upside down” on these projects! Did the sticker arrive?

Yup, just arrived.  Thanks so very much John.

Great!

[newday777]

Emblems on.

👍

Very nice

[gearsoup]

What did you pay for the bike and what have you been told the cost of a paint job?

I paid $1.4k for the bike, was quoted 1.5-2k for the paint job.

[newday777]

What did you pay for the bike and what have you been told the cost of a paint job?

I paid $1.4k for the bike, was quoted 1.5-2k for the paint job.

👍

[Galactica]

So my paint shop is a bit slow getting to finishing my tank.  It’s the owner himself who’s doing it for me.  But he’s swamped.  Lots of work, Lower Mainland drivers being what they are, and employees who just don’t seem to want to work.  But maybe that’s a good thing as I’m beginning to second guess putting clear coat over top of the stripes. 

Now, I don’t believe that back in the day, Honda cleared over top of the stripes.  I just thought that it would protect them somewhat.  But if Honda didn’t, why should I? 

It adds extra steps that must be determined BEFORE the stripes are applied.  You have to sand and clear first, then apply the stripes, then clear again.  And then, if you don’t want the stripe edges to show, you have to sand them again. 

I’m wondering if any of you have used the stripes from Vintage CB750?  That’s where I got mine from.  Are they good quality?  Did you clear over top of them?   If not, how well do they stand up to things like UV rays and spilled gasoline?

[BenelliSEI]

I just applied the decals to the very dry paint and then the shop cleared over them. They didn’t sand the edges but used enough clear they were well buried. I’d clear overtop for sure, other wise you risk them shrinking and pulling back and away later.

[Galactica]

That’s great, John.  Thanks.