Author Topic: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K  (Read 17406 times)

0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,246
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #450 on: May 26, 2024, 09:22:59 AM »
Oddjob, I was looking at the links;the large rubber 'cylinders'? you mentioned.
I imagine you can shape them to fit inside small areas;I want to know,do you put the rubber tips right into the jeweler's rouge to coat them and use it that way ?
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline Oddjob

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 612
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #451 on: May 26, 2024, 09:44:13 AM »
The cylinders are actually really small, around 6mm I'd say in thickness, they are impregnated with polishing compound so you just use them dry as they are shown. They are only a soft type of rubber so yes you can shape them, they won't last long BTW and don't press hard or they'll wear out really fast and come off the mandrel. As I said, ONLY use them when you can't reach with the abrasive discs, you know about those? if not get these off Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/ICAMAS-Bristle-Abrasive-Polishing-Accessories/dp/B0BVBK64GD?pd_rd_w=CsljY&content-id=amzn1.sym.c8a5b9ab-9876-4c56-aa13-e746c73e193d&pf_rd_p=c8a5b9ab-9876-4c56-aa13-e746c73e193d&pf_rd_r=S4HZ6RG0MWD23B66J27C&pd_rd_wg=proUG&pd_rd_r=6ee047ab-c4f1-4c64-abb7-9df6402dcfea&pd_rd_i=B0BVBK64GD&ref_=pd_bap_d_grid_rp_0_2_t&th=1 get the mix of colours at first, the grades are Dark Green is 80, Dark Blue is 120, Red is 220, light blue 400, purple 600, light green 1000 and white is 2500. Use red and upward on carbs dark green on covers then do again with dark blue and work upwards, they'll remove paint, rust, corrosion and will even polish brass etc so good for doing the float pins, just use either light green or white on brass.

The abrasive discs are the BEST thing you will ever buy, they are incredibly hard wearing for nylon, have a multitude of uses and are cheap as chips as we say over here. Try and buy the Icamas ones, they seem to be better than the others. Best tip, don't press hard and make sure the discs are orientated correctly on the mandrel or the fronds will just flick off after a few minutes. 2 on a mandrel is perfect.

That carb was done using red and upwards and ending in light green, took me about 4 hours to do. The covers were done first in dark green to remove all the damage, then upwards through the colours till light blue then polished.
« Last Edit: May 26, 2024, 03:23:54 PM by Oddjob »

Offline RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,527
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #452 on: May 26, 2024, 11:12:03 AM »
I have used these kind of abrasive Dremel bits, yes they wear quickly but for light material removable in tight places they cannot be beat.
Dico makes a synthetic abrasive string wheel that dies some quick work on the rough casting of wheel hubs finned areas smoothing but eroding as well.
Thanks for the links!
Imagine there are US sources for these too...
David
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,246
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #453 on: May 26, 2024, 12:43:02 PM »
I've never purchased or owned any buffer wheel or rouge,etc.
I have done it all w/ finger-tips & it's labor-intensive  :D
I Like the look of those little Dremel abrasive discs  ;)
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline Oddjob

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 612
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #454 on: May 26, 2024, 03:18:49 PM »
I introduced the SOHC UK forum to those discs, they are now extremely popular with a lot of members. However they don't seem to appreciate just how versatile they actually are. For instance, I use them to derust the inside of rear mudguards, they get into the tightest of spaces, it's just a matter of tilting the wheel and working out what works best, sometimes just one on a mandrel is better than two if the area you're trying to get at is really narrow.

I've found uses for them for almost anything, some are quite popular with the wife. For instance, any stainless steel pans at home, bottom all covered in burnt grease etc, 20 mins with those discs and the pan will look brand new, just test to find the colour that removes the stuff without scratching the surface. Wife will be very pleased and you get brownie points etc. I've used them to clean her jewelry for instance, the whites are so fine they remove almost nothing but god do they shine silver/gold up. Use the higher grade wheels to clean up wiring harness connectors, the copper strips inside the handlebar switches for instance. The uses are endless, just use your imagination.

In the carb pic you can just see my polishing rig, use grey soap and felt mops for some serious polishing, I can polish a cover that I've sanded to a mirror finish in 30 minutes.

Sorry to the thread starter for this deviation but sometimes things just go off tangent. 
« Last Edit: May 26, 2024, 04:06:21 PM by Oddjob »

Offline denward17

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,474
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #455 on: May 26, 2024, 04:04:35 PM »
^No problem Oddjob, we are all getting an education here, Thanks for the info.

Offline denward17

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,474
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #456 on: May 27, 2024, 12:13:47 PM »
Was installing the new used valve cover today and thought I was on the downside of the repair.

I was adjusting valves when this happened.........................my feeler gauge broke and fell behind the valve spring.

Luckily, when I removed the valve cover I could see it and was able to fish it out.


Starting over again.........

Offline wolf550

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 858
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #457 on: May 27, 2024, 05:20:24 PM »
that is usually how it went with my builds. its just the universe showing you are on the correct path.
74' CB550 (Sold)
71' CB500/550 (Sold)

Offline BenelliSEI

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,267
  • 1969 cb750
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #458 on: May 27, 2024, 06:14:18 PM »
Take a break……. The get back at it. “If this was simple, any idiot could do it”.

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,246
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #459 on: May 27, 2024, 09:54:30 PM »
Denny, this set of narrow. 002-.015" feeler gauges are excellent:they bend rather than break.
I have had my original set since 2015' and use them alot.
These feeler gauges work especially good on points because of their narrow 1/4" wide size.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2024, 02:31:06 PM by grcamna2 »
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,527
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #460 on: May 28, 2024, 03:33:40 AM »
Where can you find those feeler gauges,not familiar with the brand
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline newday777

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 5,602
  • Avatar is my 76 K6 in Colorado w/Cody on back 1980
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #461 on: May 28, 2024, 03:42:49 AM »
Where can you find those feeler gauges,not familiar with the brand
Do a search of Lang 1610.
I just ordered a set on Amazon
« Last Edit: May 28, 2024, 03:45:35 AM by newday777 »
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline denward17

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,474
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #462 on: May 28, 2024, 04:39:08 AM »
Thanks Guys, just ordered a set as well.  Don't want to go through that again.

I can only imagine the heartache if that happened on my 750......ugh.

Offline denward17

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,474
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #463 on: May 28, 2024, 12:23:55 PM »
About a 20 mile shake down run today after installing new used valve cover with pinned shafts.

Sounds like a sewing machine now, much better than before.  Still have to do some tuning, but that can wait a few days.




Offline BenelliSEI

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,267
  • 1969 cb750
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #464 on: June 04, 2024, 12:06:57 PM »
Looks great and now sounds great! Well done.

Offline MRieck

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,589
  • Big ideas....
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #465 on: June 04, 2024, 06:13:34 PM »
Denny, this set of narrow. 002-.015" feeler gauges are excellent:they bend rather than break.
I have had my original set since 2015' and use them alot.
These feeler gauges work especially good on points because of their narrow 1/4" wide size.
I have 2 sets of those feelers.....they are the best....period. ;)
Owner of the "Million Dollar CB"

Offline MRieck

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,589
  • Big ideas....
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #466 on: June 04, 2024, 06:15:43 PM »
About a 20 mile shake down run today after installing new used valve cover with pinned shafts.

Sounds like a sewing machine now, much better than before.  Still have to do some tuning, but that can wait a few days.
I see a dandelion in that lawn....get on it! ;D
Owner of the "Million Dollar CB"

Offline denward17

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,474
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #467 on: June 05, 2024, 08:08:57 AM »
About a 20 mile shake down run today after installing new used valve cover with pinned shafts.

Sounds like a sewing machine now, much better than before.  Still have to do some tuning, but that can wait a few days.
I see a dandelion in that lawn....get on it! ;D

Where?

LOL ... ;D

Offline BallAquatics

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 451
    • https://vintage.dennisball.us
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #468 on: June 05, 2024, 10:44:38 AM »
That's one beautiful bike Dennis.  A job very well done.  The 4 into 4 really makes it!  I'll take one if you're interested in doing another!   ;)
Dennis...  74 CB550  79 CBX  82 Seca Turbo  2011 CBR  2012 NC700X

You will regret the bikes you DIDN'T buy much more than the ones you DID!!!  It's never too late to start a new adventure!

Offline denward17

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,474
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #469 on: June 05, 2024, 01:53:07 PM »
That's one beautiful bike Dennis.  A job very well done.  The 4 into 4 really makes it!  I'll take one if you're interested in doing another!   ;)

Thanks!
I think I am done for a while, unless one falls in my lap.

Offline RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,527
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #470 on: June 05, 2024, 06:30:56 PM »
Mike that's enough to give someone with a beautiful manicured lawn an arrhythmia...or a skipped beat...

Beautiful yard and bike...with temps of 105 today abd 108 and 109 forecasted the next two days any grass is firmly in the brown dormant mode, the wildflowers which were plentiful are now reminder for a wildfire also. My yard had more winter grass than I've ever seen. Praying we don't have wildfires but around Phoenix and in Northern AZ they have had several already. N AZ is a totally different climate, forest and water and green, not the reds abd browns so dominant as seen in Southern Arizona desert...there is green just not as much.
We don't have anywhere near the mosquito problem that Phoenix has because of the lower humidity and dryness either...
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline denward17

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,474
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #471 on: June 15, 2024, 10:16:41 AM »
Put about 175 miles on it since putting back together, running great!

Gonna take it easy for another 50 miles or so for break in.

Fresh oil change with filter yesterday, went with 20w50 Bel Ray.

Think (Hope) I am done for a while except just maintenance, now time to give the 750 some love.


Offline newday777

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 5,602
  • Avatar is my 76 K6 in Colorado w/Cody on back 1980
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #472 on: June 15, 2024, 10:42:39 AM »
Cool Denny.
Have you signed on to the 24 rides/2024(50 miles minimum)in the open forum?
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline denward17

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,474
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #473 on: June 15, 2024, 11:10:57 AM »
Cool Denny.
Have you signed on to the 24 rides/2024(50 miles minimum)in the open forum?

I have not, but saw the thoughtful thread.  So far, most of my rides (at one time) has been less than 50.

I need to look at that in more detail.

Offline denward17

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,474
Re: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K
« Reply #474 on: July 16, 2024, 08:23:26 AM »
I have enjoyed almost 400 miles of riding since put together, bike is running great and pulls good in upper RPM range, with exception to low speed hesitation/gurgle.

I was able to find 4 sets of needle set jets at DR. Powersports in Iowa (Thanks to Dex at Sound Sound Honda), got them ordered.

Want to compare the original Honda needle to whatever I have, updates to follow when I receive them and have time to tear carbs apart .... again.