Author Topic: should i, or should i not ???  (Read 1417 times)

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gary delaney

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should i, or should i not ???
« on: September 24, 2005, 10:10:41 AM »
Help,
I have a completely original 1978 cb 5504 k3 with 32 miles (NOT 32k) - 32only - never registered  !
I am well underway and have the bike stripped. I even got new pipes 1,2,3 and 4.
Should I replace things like brake levers etc with new genuine parts as the originals are discoulered?
Should I re chrome the fenders as they are pitted, or should I resist and make do ?
Is originality or cosmetic more important ?
Help and advice welcome.
Gary - Ireland

Offline Gordon

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Re: should i, or should i not ???
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2005, 10:16:31 AM »
If you plan on riding it (which I hope you are), it's not going to have just 32 miles on it for long.  I say do with it what makes you happy.  The fact that it has rust and other issues tells me it's not a show piece anyway. 

Offline Bodi

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Re: should i, or should i not ???
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2005, 11:25:38 AM »
If you're trying to do a restoration to showroom condition, then NOS or new but identical levers should be used. The fenders could be rechromed but doing it right is very difficult and expensive, if you can get used parts that are in excellent condition it will probably be cheaper. The biggest problem is usually the rivets that hold the assembly together; it has to be disassembled for rechroming but those rivets are hard to reproduce properly. Having the individual parts stripped, pits filled, polished, and rechromed should be done by a specialist restoration shop and they do not come cheap.
Doing a concours restoration on a 550 K3 is probably not a wise investment. The 750, 350, 400 are somewhat "cult" bikes and a super low mileage untitled bike - particularly a year 1 specimen - would get an astronomical price if sold properly. The 550, though, doesn't have the cachet or value of the others.

Offline Alan F.

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Re: should i, or should i not ???
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2005, 12:08:39 PM »
Do what feels right to you, for me..... I'd try to polish out the chrome, failing that I'd paint it over, any aluminium parts I would polish and wax. Make it YOUR bike. If you want it to be the way it left Mr. Honda's factory, that's your decision.
Enjoy.

Offline skamania19

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Re: should i, or should i not ???
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2005, 12:29:42 PM »
I agree with AlanF. In my view there's not much value in a high value bike that is so nice you're afraid to ride it. But do what feels right.
« Last Edit: September 24, 2005, 12:45:15 PM by skamania19 »
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Offline heffay

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Re: should i, or should i not ???
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2005, 02:56:24 PM »
hmmmmm... about a mile per year... where'd all that rust and pitting come from?  not saying its not possible but (a perfect specimen ...which i would expect a 32 miler to be) most pitting and rust come from minute damages coming from riding.  sorry... grammer sucks!  anyway, cafe it... chop it... restore it... we'll help you after you decide
Today: '73 cb350f, '96 Ducati 900 Supersport
Past Rides: '72 tc125, '94 cbr600f2, '76 rd400, '89 ex500, '93 KTM-125exc, '92 zx7r, '93 Banshee, '83 ATC250R, 77/75 cb400f