Author Topic: 1976 CB550 - amateur resto attempt (Read 5943 times)

deimzig · « **on:** November 09, 2009, 05:06:45 PM »

I picked up this '76 CB550 a few years ago. It has 3,100 Miles, runs great, and even has the original set of tires.

Minimal rust and solid mechanics - seemed like a good candidate for an attempt at a cosmetic restore. My intent is to stay factory. I welcome any thoughts or tips or ideas or whatever

deimzig · « **Reply #1 on:** November 09, 2009, 08:16:38 PM »

I started disassembly. No real concerns...

...no concerns except that the right controls had been jimmy-rigged (broken starter button) and the throttle cables from the control module had been wrapped with electrical tape. I will be looking for a replacement.

This bolt is really lame. Socket by hand didn't work. Impact wrench rounded the hex. So then I cut slots in the bolt head with a hack-saw and used an impact screwdriver on it. Broke two bits. So I took the grinder to it knowing that I'd probably destroy the oil filter cover.

hoodellyhoo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 09, 2009, 08:21:02 PM »

Glad to see that you are going to restore that bike. Sure picked a perfect canidate for a resto. That oil filter bolt is a common issure on these bikes. PO's like to over-tighten them which can crack the crankcase.

deimzig · « **Reply #3 on:** November 09, 2009, 08:26:07 PM »

I removed the carbs, airbox, lights, dash, speedometer & tachometer cables, gauges and main wiring harness.

This is where I'm at now.

Questions:

What's the best way to remove the front brake hydraulics... in other words, how do I best avoid making a mess with spilled brake fluid?

Should I stuff something in the open orifices of the engine?

BeSeeingYou · « **Reply #4 on:** November 09, 2009, 10:02:59 PM »

I would plug up the openings into the engine just to keep critters/insects from making a home in there. If you intend to rebuild the caliper and MC dismount the caliper keeping the lines intact and hang it over a bucket and use the MC to force out the piston for cleaning and replacing the seal. Most of the fluid will come out right behind the piston.

deimzig · « **Reply #5 on:** November 09, 2009, 11:30:28 PM »

Removed coils, main fuse panel, chain guard, rear brake pedal & rod, foot pegs, tank rubber bits, seat lock...

...and tried to take off the sprocket cover but the bottom/front bolt/screw is stubborn. Sprayed PB Blaster - will try impact screwdriver tomorrow...unless anyone has any other suggestions?

3rob3 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 10, 2009, 03:39:57 PM »

How weird. I have the same bike, same year, same color. My oil filter housing now looks exactly like yours! I decided to replace it with one of these so I never have to del with it again:
http://www.randakks.com/Engine%20Parts.htm#1

fastbroshi · « **Reply #7 on:** November 10, 2009, 05:20:32 PM »

A cosmetic restore? That thing's pretty cherry, I don't know if I would've broken it down as much as you have. Are you going to get it painted too? Weird how those brown paint jobs always fade to green - ya never know what base they used on those candy jobs. I cleaned the heck outta mine when it was in the same condition as yours, but I had the head off, wiring harness gone, etc.

deimzig · « **Reply #8 on:** November 10, 2009, 10:49:25 PM »

Removed sissy-bar and chrome & plastic rear fenders. I also started to wipe dirt & grime off and did some scrutinizing.

I don't suppose there's an effective way to straighten this fork ear?

Should I replace this wire due to frayed insulation?

I want to take the center-stand & kick-stand off so I can set the bike on a crate once I have the wheels off. Any tips for removing the stands & manhandling the bike up onto the crate?

Also, the chain is grimy and very likely original. Should I get a new chain or just clean the one I have?

dagersh · « **Reply #9 on:** November 11, 2009, 10:11:38 AM »

Nice project. Remove the chain, and check the condition of your sprockets. If they are not too worn, then the chain may be cleaned and reused. I would use liquid WD-40 as it will thin out the gunk on the chain and it will be easy to clean. If you replace the chain, make sure you replace your sprockets as well.

Keep on truckin'!

Gersh

j-conn · « **Reply #10 on:** November 11, 2009, 10:24:21 AM »

that is where i am at!!!
76 cb550 as well!
cheers

vorhese · « **Reply #11 on:** November 11, 2009, 10:29:02 AM »

I think I have a spare oil filter cover if you need it. Yours free if you pay shipping.
vorhese@gmail.com

Also you can probably fix that ear with a hammer and some wood blocks. It won't be perfect but pretty good.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #12 on:** November 11, 2009, 07:11:34 PM »

How's your exhaust? Those models were notorious for rusting out the bottoms because the pipes wouldn't get hot enough to burn off condensation on short trips and the water would just pool. Again, very nice bike.

deimzig · « **Reply #13 on:** November 11, 2009, 08:09:04 PM »

Exhaust pipes are rust-free, but there's a dent in one, and some scuffs in a couple places. I think I'm going to reuse them & just clean them up best I can.

deimzig · « **Reply #14 on:** November 11, 2009, 10:55:02 PM »

Got the left crank-case cover off. There is white stuff on the oil pressure sensor and more white stuff at the bottom of the oil pump. Anyone know what that is?

steamnjn23 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 14, 2009, 10:18:42 PM »

D, the white stuff you asked about...in my case, it was from moisture. also found that in my carbs too.
of course, i could be wrong.

deimzig · « **Reply #16 on:** November 15, 2009, 11:11:30 PM »

I spent some time cleaning 33 years of grime off the swing-arm & around the sprockets & left crank-case cover. The crud was on there like glue. I also took off the shocks & rear wheel. I'm wondering if I should reuse the shocks? If I do, can I replace the rubber bushings here:

There's some weathering or something that won't easily rub off the rear brake housing... guess I'll have to secure a buffing wheel.

Anyone got any tips for getting this ancient sticker off the fender?

Some shots of the clean-up progress. Not sure how much can be seen in these shots.

gregk · « **Reply #17 on:** November 16, 2009, 04:49:42 AM »

deimzig

i've got the identical bike. As someone else has commented,it's strange that the paint on the tank fades to green?

Good luck with your project.

greg

deimzig · « **Reply #18 on:** November 22, 2009, 09:11:30 PM »

Did some more cleaning today. Also some paint touch-up.

Started to polish a few things. Polishing is hard work & I haven't perfected the technique.

steamnjn23 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 23, 2009, 12:28:40 PM »

deimzig, read this post here. its what i've done and it may help you.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=61880.0

cgancos · « **Reply #20 on:** November 23, 2009, 12:58:59 PM »

I've got the headlight ears from a 78 550. If I remember correctly they're straight, but might need some polishing. I'll try and snag some pictures when I get off work. If you want them, they're yours for the cost of shipping.

JIMLARCH · « **Reply #21 on:** November 23, 2009, 01:22:09 PM »

Quote from: deimzig on November 15, 2009, 11:11:30 PM

I spent some time cleaning 33 years of grime off the swing-arm & around the sprockets & left crank-case cover. The crud was on there like glue. I also took off the shocks & rear wheel. I'm wondering if I should reuse the shocks? If I do, can I replace the rubber bushings here:

There's some weathering or something that won't easily rub off the rear brake housing... guess I'll have to secure a buffing wheel.

Anyone got any tips for getting this ancient sticker off the fender?

Some shots of the clean-up progress. Not sure how much can be seen in these shots.

Get yourself a decent pair of aftermarket shocks. They will make a big difference to the handling of the bike.

dagersh · « **Reply #22 on:** November 23, 2009, 01:56:01 PM »

For that old sticker glue try Goof Off, Goo Gone. You can get them at your grocery store. If not, Mayonaise works.... I know, it sounds weird, but it works.

andy750 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 23, 2009, 01:59:41 PM »

Quote from: dagersh on November 23, 2009, 01:56:01 PM

For that old sticker glue try Goof Off, Goo Gone. You can get them at your grocery store. If not, Mayonaise works.... I know, it sounds weird, but it works.

So does WD-40....

News:

Author Topic: 1976 CB550 - amateur resto attempt (Read 5943 times)

3rob3