Topic: Project "Sleeping Beauty" by a 1st time bike restorer-er-er

[PrairieRider]

Hello all,
1st time poster starting a restoration.

I have a 78 CB550K, that I bought from the original owner back in 1991.
It ran great back then, but I stopped riding until very recently. (mainly due to the HORRIBLE INSURANCE RATE IN MB, CANADA  $1,500)
I only got a garage in the last couple years so the bike was stored outside under a tarp for 13 years.
Well I've decided that I have to get this bike back to life.

I also have a basketcase 550 that i got for free from a buddy of mine as a parts bike

The bike i'm redoing has/had a windjammer fairing and fiberglass saddlebags, which have both been removed.
-Her cables are all siezed,
-her 2 into 2 exhaust is usable but I'd rather get a new one (maybe a Mac Perf 4 into 1, but it can't be louder than 92db at idle)
-She needs a new seat cover (maybe a new seat)
-She needs new tires
-I'd like to upgrade her shocks and front fork springs. (fork seals too)
-I figure i'll redo the clutch, install new wheel bearings, relace her with new spokes, redo her brakes....
-thinking of adding a 2nd disc to the front...  not sure if i can do that with parts from the basketcase 550


I'm not sure what her engine is like after sitting all that time...  anyone know how to clean oil galleries if needed ?
At the very least i want to replace all her gaskets, replace the cam chain and clean up the valves.

I don't have any pics yet but I will post some once I get the uploaded to a photo hosting site (any photo hosting recommendations ?)

Anyhow...
Thanks for the great forum/site. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and you having a laugh at my meagre efforts.

Cheers !

[PrairieRider]

Here are shots of the CB550 that i'm using for parts...  was hoping it was in better shape but oh well..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30560294@N08/sets/72157624127659807/

[traveler]

Welcome to the forum.  Good luck on the build.

~Joe

[PrairieRider]

Thanks Joe !

Just looking at your build pics....
What grit did you use to sandblast the top tree and handlebar clamps ?
How has the Duplicolour with ceramic additive stood up ?  Some people powdercoat their frames but i'm wondering if I could save the hassle and expense.

Cheers,
Roy

[traveler]

The sandblaster was one from a body shop in town, and I'm not too sure other than the owner told me it wasn't the REALLY corse stuff.

The engine paint works well.....provided you give it TIME to harden up.

If the frame is stripped down, and you can afford it, and there is a local guy who can do it......then powder is always the best, IMHO.

Next would be sandblast the frame, and paint the frame using a primer and then top coat, either epoxy or if rattle can, then use the engine paint....you can get it in primer and top coat.

These Honda frames seem to be full of rust in the corners and pockets....at least heavy surface rust....and the best way to clean it up is sandblasting.

In short either will do.....if you can afford it, go powder.

~Joe

[PrairieRider]

In short either will do.....if you can afford it, go powder.

~Joe

Hmmm wonder if powder coating will impede future frame repaints ? I'm leaning towards a white fram.. but i want the option to paint it black in the future if needed.  "I see a white frame and I want it painted black.... I'm not sure what I'll do or if I may add a haaackk......".... hehe sorry

Project is on hold for a short bit....  My wife told me in no uncertain terms  "if that bike is running before you finish restoring my truck.. you are sleeping in the garage !"

[PrairieRider]

Doe anyone know of a good parts source in Canada or in Minnesota, North Dakota ?  My truck project will be finished soon and I need to start ordering parts for the 550.
I need the usual suspects... cables, clutch, gasket kit, carb kit, drive chain, cam chain tensioner, tires, spokes, rims.

[LesterPiglet]

I don't have any pics yet but I will post some once I get the uploaded to a photo hosting site (any photo hosting recommendations ?)

Cheers !

www.photobucket.com

[Killer Canary]

Hello,
if the cable ends aren't broken off, and the cable is only seized, they can be lubed and brought back to life. Save you $50 to use on other things. I installed an EBC clutch in the Canary past summer and it doesn't slip as hard as I try.I got it from Motovan or Parts Canada.
Too bad you missed out on Godzilla when he passed through in August!

[PrairieRider]

Thanks for the heads up about parts canada. Now I just have to download their catalog so i can read it offline.
Joe @ canadian motorcycle is a dealer for them, and I like supporting one of the last few "true" motorcycle shops.

Yeah...  Any chance he's coming through this summer ?
Looking at the map on the thread, it shows him going through Manitoba in July. I'm hoping, likely beyond all hope, that I'll have the bike on the road by then.

[Killer Canary]

I didn't think he would be allowed back!