Topic: 1975 CB550F Project Penguin. A.K.A. David

[Zaipai]

Ok so I have officially kicked off this project. I started stripping the powder coat from the frame Saturday. Here are a few shots of it in progress. I used a bunch of zip strip but it worked. Also once I removed the paint, I used some sand paper to get down to the bare metal then some acetone cleaner to go over the whole frame.

[Zaipai]

Here is where it stands at the moment. I used a rustolium primer for bare metal. I only managed one coat because the primer ran all over the place as it leaked from the nozzle of the can. Oh well I am hoping it was just a bad can.. tho it went on well. Lots and I mean LOTS of over spray..

[Zaipai]

Well I think this says it all as far as my tank goes.. Luckly Spikeybike is going to hook me up with one he had been working on, just as soon as he gets it coated and all buttoned up.

The brown spot is where I hit it with a torch.. don't ask.. This mess started with a little bubbled paint on the tank I wanted to touch up.. huh..

[Zaipai]

Seems the front forks are off a CB400.. So I picked up forks from a guy in town for $25.. they will clean up ok.. Not great but better then the mess that is on there now. The forks on it now have 90% water and 10% some kind of transmission fluid.. Not sure if they can be rebuilt.. If so I may ebay them unless some one needs a pair of used but functional CB400 forks.. Unknown year tho they do fit the 75 CB550F frame. I also have a CB400 tank that the PO gave me, that is also going to be an ebay thing unless some one wants it, it has a dent but the inside is clean.

[Captainkirk]

Great start on your project! Is this gonna be a resto, cafe, or custom?

[Zaipai]

Good question Captin, I am thinking a little of both so probably more custom then cafe, I thought about making it as stock as I could get it as it was in 1975, but the cost would be way more then I have to spend. So it will be a style in progress.

Hop on www.mibbit.com channel #sohc4 we are in there now talking forks, carbs etc...

[Zaipai]

Ok well with the holidays and the kids being around and relatives etc.. I have not managed to get much done but here is what I have managed to squeeze in..
I am happy so far with the results.. however its just the first light coat (I took the picture before I finished the paint, but its all that colour now)before I place the final coat. Once this has had a few days to setup I will hit it with some wet sanding and a final coat before I clear coat. Spent some time online finding things.. Speedometer, tach (Thanks seaweb!) and some other items..I am also stoked because Spikeybike is making a custom tank for me.. Thanks Spikeybike!!

[traveler]

I am floored!

The silver bike in your avatar...is that what this build is?

I thought the bike was done!

Now I see you are doing a "full on" build!

Congrats...and take your time, do it right, so you will be happy with the outcome!

Really, I am floored!

~Joe

[traveler]

Ok well with the holidays and the kids being around and relatives etc.. I have not managed to get much done but here is what I have managed to squeeze in..
I am happy so far with the results.. however its just the first light coat (I took the picture before I finished the paint, but its all that colour now)before I place the final coat. Once this has had a few days to setup I will hit it with some wet sanding and a final coat before I clear coat. Spent some time online finding things.. Speedometer, tach (Thanks seaweb!) and some other items..I am also stoked because Spikeybike is making a custom tank for me.. Thanks Spikeybike!!

The color on the frame really looks outstanding!  Is this rattlecan or spray gun?

I will be watching this build closely!


~Joe

[Zaipai]

Ok well with the holidays and the kids being around and relatives etc.. I have not managed to get much done but here is what I have managed to squeeze in..
I am happy so far with the results.. however its just the first light coat (I took the picture before I finished the paint, but its all that colour now)before I place the final coat. Once this has had a few days to setup I will hit it with some wet sanding and a final coat before I clear coat. Spent some time online finding things.. Speedometer, tach (Thanks seaweb!) and some other items..I am also stoked because Spikeybike is making a custom tank for me.. Thanks Spikeybike!!

The color on the frame really looks outstanding!  Is this rattlecan or spray gun?

I will be watching this build closely!


~Joe

Thanks for the kind words Joe....
Yes its rattle can, Rustolium special gold, I got it at our local true value. I am having trouble getting plates for my bike from Wisconsin because it has no title and I can't locate the person that had the title last, so Cleveland (on the fourms here) had this 550F frame and a clean title and sold it to me with a few extra parts, real cheep so I figured, as long as I am going to move the motor to the new frame I might as well change it up. Plus Spikeybike is making me a custom tank he was going to use but has no need for. So it was just screeming for me to do a complete rebuild and do what I can. It probably wont win any bike of the month nominations but I believe I will like it. It will be gold frame, black tank and side covers. I know its a color combo that has been done to death but I love it. It will look a lot like the bike below except with a front brake or two and in black and gold. I can't complain, my garage is small but heated and has plenty of light. I am not a welder or have alot of tools so it wont be a major rework. I have the rear rim already and a spare front rim so I can re-lace the front cause the spokes are pitted and all on both the rims I have.

Scott..

[traveler]

Well, here's the thing, as I see it...

If you like a certain look or color, then built it the way YOU WANT IT.

Look at me...  I ride a Black Harley.  How original is that?  Don't care....I like black H/D's...always have always will.  (yes I am a BIG Harley guy...actually a BIG motorcycle guy).

I got into this deal here because I have always liked SOHC Honda's, and a guy I met on another Harley forum started building racers...one thing led to another, and here I am...building a racer SOHC4!!

I am spending some big bucks getting the alloy CR750 style tank and seat...but that is the style that works for me....You gotta do it your way, or you will never be happy with it.

I hope you have fun with it!  Too bad you are not local...I'd be more than willing to lend a hand!

This is exciting stuff!  you are building a ground up CB 550!!

I really like the color on the frame!  Make sure you use some foam over the tubing when you install the motor so the paint dosen't get destroyed!

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Well, here's the thing, as I see it...

If you like a certain look or color, then built it the way YOU WANT IT.

Look at me...  I ride a Black Harley.  How original is that?  Don't care....I like black H/D's...always have always will.  (yes I am a BIG Harley guy...actually a BIG motorcycle guy).

I got into this deal here because I have always liked SOHC Honda's, and a guy I met on another Harley forum started building racers...one thing led to another, and here I am...building a racer SOHC4!!

I am spending some big bucks getting the alloy CR750 style tank and seat...but that is the style that works for me....You gotta do it your way, or you will never be happy with it.

I hope you have fun with it!  Too bad you are not local...I'd be more than willing to lend a hand!

This is exciting stuff!  you are building a ground up CB 550!!

I really like the color on the frame!  Make sure you use some foam over the tubing when you install the motor so the paint dosen't get destroyed!

~Joe

I agree, I think most here are just into bikes, in fact many have Harleys, Suzuki's etc.. I would have a H/D also, if I had the cash, the guy across the street has a gun metal gray one that I drool over. sigh.. However I am putting one kid thru collage, another one just got braces and all just on one income.. so.. Maybe in 4 years..

I am really just moving parts from one bike frame to another. The only things I am changing this winter that I have to buy is the back tire, front spokes and the gas tank other wise I am using every thing I can from the one frame and moving it to the one I just painted. The hard part is going to be moving the motor from the one frame to the other. I picked up some blue painters tape to wrap around the frame for the motor transfer so I hope that keeps the frame from being scratched.

Fingers crossed!

Scott~~

[SonnysTile]

i was told to use pipe insulation rather than tape.

the mass of the motor will tear right through the tape...

pipe insulation is the right size and slotted to pop right on and off!

[Zig]

pipe insulation will prob melt at these temps and tape looks way kool.
(oops.......read all before posting, my bad)

[Spikeybike]

hey Zap, just found this, tagging along

LOVE that color ... i've always liked black and gold too

[traveler]

The "easy" way to do it, is to get some soft carpet, foam etc. to lay the frame on, where it won't get scratched up....lay the frame on it's side, and lower the motor into it.  Drop in a couple of mounts, tighten them down a bit, and then stand the whole mess back up!

Lay a towel over your crate, jack whatever, and lift the bike on to that.

Then touch up paint as necessary, and move forward with the build.

~Joe

[Spikeybike]

actually , you got it backwards  you lay the motor on it's side  shimmed with 2x4s and place the frame over it

[traveler]

right.

Was trying to give the basic idea.

Alot easier than trying to get the motor in from the side when the frame is upright!

~Joe

[Spikeybike]

i've never tried it , but it looks easy enough

every time i've had my motor out the bike has had too many parts on it to try

i wouldn't recommend attempting it with wheels or a front end on   

[Zaipai]

Sounds good. I think I will try the pipe insulation sounds like a better idea then the tape, the only reason I was thinking tape was thinner and would not get in the way where the pipe insulation seems like it would get in the way.. but if so I can cut it easy enough.. I just have to figure out how I am getting the motor out of the old frame. I need the swing arm etc.. off it for the new frame but I may need to wait to put those on until after the motor is mounted. All I have is a 1 ton jack stand, so some how I will have to get the frame and motor on that then put on the swing arm, triple tree's and wheels.. at least that sounds like the way to go.

[traveler]

1. remove front end
2. remove rear wheel and chain
3. disconnect all cables and wiring from motor
4. lay the frame on it's side (carpet underneath to keep from scratching up side of motor)
5. remove motor mounts
6. Lift frame off of motor
7. stand motor upright
8. clean and detail motor.

Can be done in an hour to 2 hours. (not counting engine cleanup/detailing of course  )

~Joe

[traveler]

i've never tried it , but it looks easy enough

every time i've had my motor out the bike has had too many parts on it to try

i wouldn't recommend attempting it with wheels or a front end on   

I pulled a motor out of a sportster with the bike still complete.  Layed some cardboard unhooked all the cables, etc....pulled the motor mounts on one side and layed her over.  Pulled the remaining motor mounts, and hefted the bike off the engine.

Whew!
 
~Joe

[Zaipai]

Ok.. that sounds like a good plan.. hum.. what do I put under the frame to hold it while I remove the wheels, 2x4's?? If so I will have to go get some. Other wise it should work well doing it your way..

[Zaipai]

Ok so the dismantling has begun on the old bike frame..

[Zaipai]

Well I got a bit more done today, I managed to get a few hours in the garage.. Here I finished the final coat and half put together the foot peg to see what it will look like. The black rubber on the foot peg is really nice shiny dark black it just does not show here in the picture well.. but it looks cool..