Topic: 73 CB500 Barn Find - love a project!

[beerme351]

Hi,

First off, thank you to all the members who have posted and shared their knowledge (Especially Hondaman!!) and experience on this wonderful community, it has been extremely invaluable to me during my first build, a 77 CB750.   My first Honda rebuild.  Purchased at an estate auction of an old Harley shop owners, sat outside for 20+ years.  Luckily I live in Colorado and there was little to no rust on the bike.  I have thoroughly enjoyed tweaking, adjusting, and most importantly riding this bike, that I thought what the heck that was a lot of fun.  It would be great to do it again.

So the passive search began...and I came across this family in northern Nebraska, who wasn't sure if this bike was rebuildable and just wanted to see it go to a good home.  This bike was their late fathers who passed away from a farm accident several years ago.  So I made the 6.5 hour drive and back in one day to come across this CB500 that was hiding in a barn they were cleaning out.  However, due to some of the rust, it is clear it wasn't always in a barn, but it should be fine to rebuild.  At least it is a mostly complete bike with potential of breathing some new life in it.  The engine is free, which was a relief to find after the long drive.  I have and will be keeping them posted on this project so they can see how their Dads bike is being transformed.

At any rate, my plan is to take my time and go through everything methodically and bring this bike back to glory.  I haven't rebuilt an engine on my own as of yet, (Mark and I rebuilt my 750 engine) and am a bit anxious to do that solo.  I learn most by doing

I've started the tear down, and have come across a number of things that stand out (mystery/question marks) differently from my 750, so I will have plenty of questions!  I do love a project and learning, and looks like I will be doing just that with this beauty.

[denward17]

Good find, following for progress updates.

[BenelliSEI]

Nice find. Good bones. Will be following too.

[newday777]

Congratulations, it looks like a worthy winter project for you.

[beerme351]

Good garage day, most of the dismantling is done.  Not much gave me difficulty, but did come across three items for insight:

1) At the lower triple tree steering stop, it looks like it has been welded/mangled with.  I inspected handle bars, side pegs, and side of engine it doesn't look like the bike was laid down on it's side but it is odd.   This stop, on the right side, isn't stopping as it should, so I'll have to address that later on down the road.

2). There is a bracket that surely isn't stock, I'm guessing this had to be related to the "Vetter" fairing that once was installed?

3) There is a portion of the rear drum brake housing in the wheel that has a chip/piece damaged.  Think it's salvageable? or is a new rear wheel needed?

Cheers

[newday777]

That is a strange welded on bracket

[beerme351]

Back on the project.  After a very extended delay, trying to make room in the garage and fund this project by working on an older Yamaha, it is gone now and able to focus on the CB500.

I've got the frame cleaned up from rust, dirt, and flaking paint, holes from odd fairing bracket welded and filled in. 

My overall philosophy (probably not a popular one) is to try and maintain the history of these bikes, from its journey and previous owners.  Mechanically, as with my previous rebuild, I strive for it to be perfect and running as smooth as the day it left the factory.  But, for example, I don't intend for the paint to be aesthetically perfect on the frame, tank, or side panels.  I only want it to 1) stop rust and not rust further 2) sealed from the elements, but to show some of the patina and history.   You might see some of this with the frame rebuild.

I'm now on to the suspension, wheels, and brakes.

[BenelliSEI]

Looking closely at that “Vetter” bracket, I’m pretty sure that’s a repurposed disc brake pad backing plate!

[Stev-o]

Subscribed, nice project

[denward17]

Just noticed the chipped rear hub.  I would inspect to make sure brake liner was ok, and no hairline cracks in the hub anywhere else.

Appears to be only cosmetic, but could become a problem with riding in the rain.

If mine, I would replace, probably can find a used one on ebay, or put in a Wanted ad here in the appropriate Wanted section.