Author Topic: My $300 77 CB550F Project  (Read 7807 times)

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Offline chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #50 on: February 09, 2024, 11:26:15 AM »
After 3 weekends, the sanding and polishing of this rear hub is done. It was a lot of work and it's far from perfect. I know some people get them just about perfect. I'm 67 and want to finish this build at some point so this works for me. I lost the new wheel bearings and had to buy a new set. They're in along with a Tusk truing stand. I also have new brake shoes, sprocket, aluminum rim and spokes. I'm going to start putting it together this weekend. I guess I'm going to learn how to true a wheel. The stand was about $90 delivered. I figure someone would have to get over $100 a wheel for it to be profitable.
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Offline denward17

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #51 on: February 09, 2024, 11:28:49 AM »
Looks great from here  :)

This website might help with lacing:

https://bikebrewers.com/lace-motorcycle-wheel/

Offline chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #52 on: February 09, 2024, 01:09:11 PM »
Thanks, I'll check it out
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #53 on: February 09, 2024, 02:32:19 PM »
Go for it. I’ve been doing my own wheels for a while and it is most rewarding!

Offline chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #54 on: February 11, 2024, 10:35:45 PM »
I put a preservative finish on the wheels, hub & spokes. I installed the new wheel bearings and laced up the wheel. I have to say that the time spent polishing the hub now seems worth it. I bought a truing stand and now have to teach myself how to true a wheel. It looks pretty cool to me. It's satisfying to start putting this together.
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Offline chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #55 on: February 12, 2024, 07:09:35 AM »
Thanks to Cal for putting me on to Sharkhide to preserve the finish. I did the hub, rims and spokes and can see using it on a lot of other parts. I'm glad I chose this over trying to clear coat them.

My GF stayed at her daughter's overnight so I decided to treat the hub in my little home office. I don't know why but I never considered how this stuff smelled. It's not a product for in the house. I was worried that the odor wouldn't be gone the next day and that I'd end up tripping from smelling this in a closed area. Fortunately it was ok.

I bought a Kobalt heat gun as it seemed like a good compromise between a real expensive one and Harbor Freight. It heated up the hub so hot that I burnt my finger when I accidentally touched it. A decent tool for occasional use at $49.
« Last Edit: February 12, 2024, 12:37:03 PM by chesterburnet111 »
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Offline chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #56 on: February 12, 2024, 08:49:14 PM »
I wasn't sure if I could pull off truing a wheel up but I managed to pull it off and I think it came out good. This always seemed like one of the dark arts. It's pretty amazing that between forums like this and YouTube, it's possible to learn how to do difficult things that used to be learned over years. 
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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #57 on: February 12, 2024, 10:11:46 PM »
I wasn't sure if I could pull off truing a wheel up but I managed to pull it off and I think it came out good. This always seemed like one of the dark arts. It's pretty amazing that between forums like this and YouTube, it's possible to learn how to do difficult things that used to be learned over years. 
well, yes but...now ya gotta crank 'em out every half hour and if they are not right, you don't get paid.  That is what gets learned over years.  lol
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Offline chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #58 on: February 13, 2024, 12:59:03 PM »
I watched a bunch of videos showing how to true a wheel. Almost all were dirt bike wheels and every one had a disclaimer that dirt bike wheels don't have to be perfect and that street wheels need to be closer. Mine came out better than the dirt bike wheels in the video but they're not perfect. How close to perfect do they need to be? 
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Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #59 on: February 13, 2024, 01:39:44 PM »
Good for you, well done! Some guys use a dial indicator and spend a lot of time. I noticed a while ago that when I check wheels I pull off my projects they are often +1/8” out. When I get to 1/16” of run out or “hop”, I call it a day. My bikes run just fine.

Also, ignore the “lump” either side of where the rim is welded together. A few inches either side can be a bit lumpy and there is no solution. When I’ve put +100 miles on a fresh wheel, I usually go once around and pull every spoke a 1/4 turn. Haven’t had any surprises.

Careful when you mount a new tire. Lube it well and make sure it is truly centred on the bead, Check both sidewalls and make sure they are sitting evenly all the way around. Congrats on joining the “I build my own wheels Club”.
« Last Edit: February 14, 2024, 05:23:32 AM by BenelliSEI »

Offline HondaMan

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #60 on: February 13, 2024, 07:17:29 PM »
We used 2mm for the smaller bikes (100cc-ish crowd) and 1mm or less for the high-speed touring bikes back when. The surface of the wheel itself is often out by 0.5mm on the older Japanese versions.
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Offline chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #61 on: February 14, 2024, 09:41:49 AM »
Hey Hondaman - I bought your book. Initially I thought it was probably over priced but I've read a lot of your postings and thought they were good. I also thought odds were that's it's an amateurish book. After receiving it, here's my review.......this book is never going to have a huge audience. There just are not hundreds of thousands of people that do this stuff. That being said, what an amazing effort. First, most small publications like this are terribly written. Sometimes they make you think English is their 3rd or 4th language. This is really well written which in turn, makes it easier to grasp technical / mechanical concepts. The amount of information, subjects covered and the detail is astounding. It totally exceeded my expectations. Nothing is worse than trying to decipher poor quality black and white photos. The pictures in your book are in color and high quality. Lastly, the overall quality of the book is excellent. It just looks good. So back to the price.... having it in my possession, I'd say that this is a bargain and I am glad I bought it. It's going to keep me from shooting myself in the foot and my inclination to pull out a hammer when I'm struggling with something. There's probably been a lot of accolades for your effort but I figured I'd throw my 2 cents in as I am a very satisfied customer. Thanks.

In general this site has blown me away. There are so many people that know what they're talking about. I donated $50 because I hope this site stay alive for a long time.   
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Offline chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #62 on: February 17, 2024, 08:44:56 AM »
I'm finishing up the rear wheel and starting the front. I'm wondering about those tongued washers on the rear sprocket. What is the point of them? Are they some kind of lock washer. Can I put flat washers on with some thread locker?
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Offline Godffery

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #63 on: February 17, 2024, 09:05:15 AM »
I'm finishing up the rear wheel and starting the front. I'm wondering about those tongued washers on the rear sprocket. What is the point of them? Are they some kind of lock washer. Can I put flat washers on with some thread locker?
Correct, It's a (primitive) ;) type of Nut locking device. A regular flat washer will suffice as long as you apply some LocTite / thread locker.

Offline chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #64 on: February 17, 2024, 09:07:22 AM »
I'm finishing up the rear wheel and starting the front. I'm wondering about those tongued washers on the rear sprocket. What is the point of them? Are they some kind of lock washer. Can I put flat washers on with some thread locker?
Correct, It's a (primitive) ;) type of Nut locking device. A regular flat washer will suffice as long as you apply some LocTite / thread locker.
I figured as much but with so much experience on this site, why not ask. Thanks.
I'm not totally useless, I can still serve as a bad example

Offline Gurp

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #65 on: February 17, 2024, 11:10:06 AM »
I'm finishing up the rear wheel and starting the front. I'm wondering about those tongued washers on the rear sprocket. What is the point of them? Are they some kind of lock washer. Can I put flat washers on with some thread locker?
Correct, It's a (primitive) ;) type of Nut locking device. A regular flat washer will suffice as long as you apply some LocTite / thread locker.
I figured as much but with so much experience on this site, why not ask. Thanks.

That's were I am quite often with Honda issues. Why not just ask the biggest collection of experts worldwide. They are right here and more than friendly.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

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Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Godffery

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #66 on: February 18, 2024, 06:46:09 PM »
I'm finishing up the rear wheel and starting the front. I'm wondering about those tongued washers on the rear sprocket. What is the point of them? Are they some kind of lock washer. Can I put flat washers on with some thread locker?
Correct, It's a (primitive) ;) type of Nut locking device. A regular flat washer will suffice as long as you apply some LocTite / thread locker.
I figured as much but with so much experience on this site, why not ask. Thanks.
Another thing you could do with the Sprocket area;  You could trim some extra off the Sprocket cover plate by eliminating the outer flange and some of the inner area, which also shows more of the sprocket itself.
 https://previews.dropbox.com/p/thumb/ACI9IMQzPwcv9TC5upBk072C7ZX3ZXVbC7g3twX3qtBTiB4ri416aY5oJNq6QQLkbdEDENInjcoIZRTloqHB-q-O-r5zNplDYuZnBW_vY5C4JKlpaHuzesUuZ14G7Rjg8tKfQy_yLkJ5xxfSPIFpcAZM-H5-aL6EaINe30ugMhE_hlcUMx4TbraK0Wj0YwhmMU1l5bYTa3C9YTdkWUK_dFzI9K2CGpmLUigDGxvvCpOivFmnUAhF1sJQHnqPxVanNmKZBAcnmh9PWLXAankADgttd4XNemwsnpPoN_3nEq7vHU4hI7UP7G9I-gTQlO-AusVVj9AFIgPZ2vOz16iwMvEv/p.jpeg

 https://previews.dropbox.com/p/thumb/ACL-wDI_a4UOGz8dWdfOuguPWrIXQVnnK1o0tuBIqniLzy7fihDiZri9dUx_BmZnh2F5D2LF-kYWxwl3tOgAtWxw-D6y_X4XF5wAUaW4VFkqPjKGiu6LkWTsxdCQBCqxPcb9KoqC33FvhUl6nfUZt5reBfiGQxJtiLpAvPGwN9jGVAi-BR3OXj5EHhKYBGYEhFb95x1dGUhzvBgBdCujQke64CPDsMMd1oy-XZ-NkhOqlLzPDUSC49B2oqoHSP927N0DwYI_pu2rNa-3HwmfAKuXJajflcWqqUoJrHvEPazTOgMM8ouDJyR31KLNwPJZ9cOXJbrNOsvHvEuQbh557rCU/p.jpeg

Offline newday777

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #67 on: February 18, 2024, 06:51:13 PM »
I'm finishing up the rear wheel and starting the front. I'm wondering about those tongued washers on the rear sprocket. What is the point of them? Are they some kind of lock washer. Can I put flat washers on with some thread locker?
Correct, It's a (primitive) ;) type of Nut locking device. A regular flat washer will suffice as long as you apply some LocTite / thread locker.
I figured as much but with so much experience on this site, why not ask. Thanks.
Another thing you could do with the Sprocket area;  You could trim some extra off the Sprocket cover plate by eliminating the outer flange and some of the inner area, which also shows more of the sprocket itself.
 https://previews.dropbox.com/p/thumb/ACI9IMQzPwcv9TC5upBk072C7ZX3ZXVbC7g3twX3qtBTiB4ri416aY5oJNq6QQLkbdEDENInjcoIZRTloqHB-q-O-r5zNplDYuZnBW_vY5C4JKlpaHuzesUuZ14G7Rjg8tKfQy_yLkJ5xxfSPIFpcAZM-H5-aL6EaINe30ugMhE_hlcUMx4TbraK0Wj0YwhmMU1l5bYTa3C9YTdkWUK_dFzI9K2CGpmLUigDGxvvCpOivFmnUAhF1sJQHnqPxVanNmKZBAcnmh9PWLXAankADgttd4XNemwsnpPoN_3nEq7vHU4hI7UP7G9I-gTQlO-AusVVj9AFIgPZ2vOz16iwMvEv/p.jpeg

 https://previews.dropbox.com/p/thumb/ACL-wDI_a4UOGz8dWdfOuguPWrIXQVnnK1o0tuBIqniLzy7fihDiZri9dUx_BmZnh2F5D2LF-kYWxwl3tOgAtWxw-D6y_X4XF5wAUaW4VFkqPjKGiu6LkWTsxdCQBCqxPcb9KoqC33FvhUl6nfUZt5reBfiGQxJtiLpAvPGwN9jGVAi-BR3OXj5EHhKYBGYEhFb95x1dGUhzvBgBdCujQke64CPDsMMd1oy-XZ-NkhOqlLzPDUSC49B2oqoHSP927N0DwYI_pu2rNa-3HwmfAKuXJajflcWqqUoJrHvEPazTOgMM8ouDJyR31KLNwPJZ9cOXJbrNOsvHvEuQbh557rCU/p.jpeg
Jeff
Your links aren't working
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 grcamna2

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #69 on: February 18, 2024, 09:18:50 PM »
Jeff,I show an error code.
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 newday777

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #70 on: February 19, 2024, 02:09:20 AM »
Still the same error code Jeff.
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 chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #71 on: February 19, 2024, 07:15:08 AM »
I started the front end this weekend. The forks were still together in the bottom triple clamp with the wheel, speedo, brake and fender. This motorcycle only had 9700 original miles and you can see that most of it is in good condition. Still the axle was frozen to the spacer and speedo and the brake caliper fittings are impossible to remove. I ordered a new one.

For anyone that might be interested. There are a lot of parts that I've taken off that are in good condition. I actually bought a 2nd front fender to cut up because the stock one is in very good condition. Same goes for the stock fork tubes and rims. There's slight rust on them. I was hoping to pick up a few bucks to pay for some of the stuff I'm buying but mostly I wanted to get good parts into the hands of people that need them. At some point I'll take pictures along with some other good parts and officially post them for sale.
« Last Edit: February 19, 2024, 06:48:10 PM by chesterburnet111 »
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Offline Godffery

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #72 on: February 19, 2024, 07:28:58 AM »
Still the same error code Jeff.
Well heck, I haven't been able to post pix on this forum for some time now?  It seems that the system changed a while back and since then, no luck.  =?
If anyone wants to see what I'm talking about, send me a 'Personal Message' and I'll email them to you.

Offline newday777

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #73 on: February 19, 2024, 07:43:27 AM »
Still the same error code Jeff.
Well heck, I haven't been able to post pix on this forum for some time now?  It seems that the system changed a while back and since then, no luck.  =?
If anyone wants to see what I'm talking about, send me a 'Personal Message' and I'll email them to you.
If it's pictures taken with your phone, screenshot the pictures and crop the excess off. The screenshot reduces the sizing parameters to fit the forum requirements.
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 chesterburnet111

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Re: My $300 77 CB550F Project
« Reply #74 on: February 25, 2024, 09:21:52 AM »
The further I get into this build the more respect I have for people that build the old bikes and are covered with rust. I got the front wheel totally broken down to it's components and it's smaller and in way better condition than the rear was. I'm hoping to have it polished and ready for reassembly today.

I bought a second front disc brake and new calipers. I was able to make sure that I bought the correct used disc and I did. I stripped all of the paint off the centers and they are in great condition. I will be sending them off to Truedisc to have them grind the surface and drill them. They offer better performance and eye appeal. Looks like a cool company.

I remembered to take a before picture of the front wheel. The rear looked even worse. I've been using a Dremmel with brass wire wheel to get the paint off after stripper was applied. It's tedious but does a good job without damaging the surfaces. I've tried a bunch of different brass wheels for the Dremmel and they all disintegrate between 1 and 5 minutes. I buy hundred packs now off Amazon  for about $15 and they work as well as any I've tried. As they disintegrate, they throw off the brass wires like little missiles that embed themselves into your clothes and exposed skin. They will penetrate a heavy sweatshirt and teeshirt to your skin. Not really painful just annoying. Make sure you wear a full face mask if you choose to use these. I wouldn't want to have to pick those little brass wires out of my eyeballs. If you have no Dremel experience, buy the good ones. I toasted the cheap  one in a matter of hours. I picked up the good one and that's held up to extended use.
I'm not totally useless, I can still serve as a bad example