Topic: Changing Tank Locks

[corbinsa]

Anyone know if I could take the tank lock off my 78 550 and put a pushbutton in there? The tank has a different key than the ignition, and I only want to carry one key, so I'd like to just remove that lock and put something else in there. I'm not worried about theft or anything, as I have a garage.

Thanks
Steve

[cbjunkie]

steve - in all the discussions concerning locks vs. pushbuttons i've never seen anyone say it cannot be done - i'm sure someone will chime in with a comment on how frustrating the pushbuttons are, but i had one on my 350 and never had a lick of trouble with it.

i'm a one-key seeker, myself - good luck with your quest. 

junkie out.

[csendker]

I have the standard pushbutton.  It's a two-hand operation, but I have no problems.  If you have the standard Honda lock, it was my understanding that any key would work.  Real tight security.

From an ad:

"A New Old Stock Chrome Gas Cap lock for the Honda CB 750 SOHC, CB 550, 550, 400 and 350 4 cylinder and the CB / CL 450 350 and other Hondas of the era. It is in new condition and is a 3 piece unit (it has the lock assembly, mounting screw and special nut for mounting). It replaces the stock thumb latch on the older Honda gas tanks. It has no key (any key will open it, it is not keyed) and has the part number 69789 on the bag."

[Bill Vaughan]

You fellows may be aware of this already, but there was a specific reason that Honda replaced the push button with the lock - and it wasn't theft.  The push button latches proved fairly unreliable in terms of remaining closed and keeping gasoline in the tank in the event of an accident.  So bad was the problem that there was a (US-based) recall on several models in the mid-seventies that still stands today.

[Jay B]

Yep, any key will work. In fact, any small screwdriver or anything else you can stick in there and turn with will work. The old push buttons look better IMO, but they also break easily if you don't use both hands to close them and just slam them shut.

[bryanj]

Ah but doesnt the 78 550 have the flap over the cap with a small flush keyed lock in it? These ones were numbered, dont see how you could fit a pushbutton as the lock has two legs that pull inwards when the key is turned to unlatch from the wire clip. You could just drill out the tumblers so that you use just the end of any key

[CharlieVT]

The tank lock on my 74 CB550 turns with anything. New key, screwdriver, anything that fits into the lock.
Did you give it a try?

[corbinsa]

I tested my lock, and yes the 78 has the flap over the gas cap, and yes it will work with anything that will fit in the hole, which is a bonus, so I WILL only have to carry 1 key, sweet! Thanks!