Topic: CB750F tank badge installation puzzle

[TwoTired]

I have the brand new CB750F tank in one box, and the side badges in separate ones.  I'd like to get them assembled together.

But, there must be some trick about it, that has eluded me so far.

There is this thin metal strap that goes across the tank indentation, onto which these metal pinch things attach.  The badges have posts that inserts into the pinch things.  Trouble is, the metal strap bends in before the pinch things slide over the ends of the badge posts, making the pinch things out of reach of the badge posts.  I don't think hitting it with a hammer, though tempting, is the right thing to do.

This is supposed to be a blind assembly.  How can you support the metal strap during assembly?

Thanks,

[CharlieVT]

Options I might consider:

1. Remove the pinch things (retaining clips) from the metal strap. Install them on the ends of the posts of the badge. Install the badge with the retaining clips already on the posts.
or
2. Make sure the retaining clips actually fit over the ends of the posts on the badge. Use a small instrument to open the retaining clips or a small file to taper the very end of the post to facilitate the start of the post into the clip.
or, or in addition to one of the above
3. Find a small piece of plastic or some other type of support you can slip behind the metal strap to support it, and leave it in place after the badge is installed.

[mick750F]

   How are you trying to install them? Just giving them a straight on push? Have you tried working them up and down while applying pressure? I just switched the badges from one tank to another on my bike. The "emblem clamps", Honda's term, remained in the tank when I switched them but in the past they've also come out with the badges. When that has happened I re-install them back in the tank before installing the badges. Working them up and down while applying pressure seems to work best. You definitely shouldn't be applying so much pressure that you're bending the mounting strip.

Mike     

[TwoTired]

Okay, I'm just trying to press them on.  But, the pinch nuts won't spread enough to grab the pins.
I thought about tapering the pins. But, there is only 0.044 inch (1.1mm) travel for them to engage. 
Seems like I should prebend these brand new pinch nuts so they don't have to deflect as much to make it over the pin's shoulders.  But, spring steel can be brittle and I'm concerned they may snap and breaks.  And, I didn't think to buy spares back when they were still available.

I'm wondering if I have to not only make the pinch nuts less agressive, but also pull out the metal feature on the tank (without chipping paint) to allow for more pin engagement depth.
Think this approach will be successful?

Here's a pic of the bits I'm talking about.

[mick750F]

   I'll take a close look at mine tomorrow and see if I can figure out what's going on with yours. Have you tried to remove the pinch nut thingies from the tank to see if the pin will fit in them that way?

Mike

[TwoTired]

Have you tried to remove the pinch nut thingies from the tank to see if the pin will fit in them that way?

Yes.  They will have to spread half the thickness of the post.  I fear I couldn't get them off again without breaking something.  The pinch nuts aren't very compliant at all.    If I force them on, they will go half way down the post.  Then they won't engage the tank metal.  Perhaps if I make some sort of depth stop...  Or, use the hydraulic press to limit momentum...

But, then will they fit into the tank metal without sliding down the post further and missing the captive engagement needed to hold the badge on?  Or, just bend the tank metal in...again.   I'm beginning to wonder if I have the right pinch nuts.   Honda P/N 87311-634-600 is on the bag.

Sure looks like they expect a smaller or tapered post.

I can't imagine how the standard Honda Mech could install these quickly, as delivered.

As Bert Gummer says;  "I feel I was denied important intel for the mission."

[Chris in Ramsey]

   TT, my micro fiche for the '77-'78 Supersports gives the part number as: 87311-516-000. HTH

[TwoTired]

My microFiche lists two numbers for the "emblem clamp" with no useage differences.
87311-516-000
87311-634-600

I can only speculate why.  Maybe different vendor sources.  Maybe there was a running change to the post diameter on the emblems that this clamp campensated for...  Or, perhaps some pencil pusher felt that the parts were similar enough to interchange (years after any manufacturing issues could be encountered).

I think I'm gonna try bending the clips I have...

Thanks, for the help guys.

[TwoTired]

They're ON!
I ended up tweaking the mounting clips.  I couldn't even get them to slide onto a drill shank bit the same size as the badge posts! No way they could be used in original form.  Here's a pic of the tank and badges.  I'm wishing now that I had sprung for a new petcock assembly when they were still available.  I'd be good to go, now!

Cheers,

[mick750F]

They're ON!
I ended up tweaking the mounting clips.  I couldn't even get them to slide onto a drill shank bit the same size as the badge posts! No way they could be used in original form.  Here's a pic of the tank and badges.  I'm wishing now that I had sprung for a new petcock assembly when they were still available.  I'd be good to go, now!

Cheers,

    Gimmee gimmee   Nice tank Lloyd and congrats on getting the badges on without resorting to a hammer. I checked out mine today and ended up breaking one of the clips messing around with it. Luckily I have a spare or two. What I did find is that the posts on all four badges I have do indeed taper a bit. .115 to .125 give or take. Don't know of that's by design or from use. The posts only grab at the very end of their travel so if that mounting strip is at all bent in chances of getting a good grip are pretty slim.
   
   My parts list shows the same two numbers. I agree with your speculations.

   Good luck with the rest of your rebuild. Chances are that once you get to ride it some you'll begin to look for ways improve the handling.

Mike

[Arkabas]

Hey guys,

I recently installed old emblems on my 71 CB500 but the clips I ordered did not work out for some reason. Instead, I used shrink tube (two layers) on top of the emblem pins to bulk it up and inserted them directly inside the tank holes. Worked great, no free play at all, and cheaper than using the clips IMO. Sharing it here in case someone else runs into this.

Cheers!