Author Topic: 1972 CB500 - Project Swamp Thing (Read 5357 times)

nietzsche · « **on:** August 30, 2010, 06:44:56 PM »

I was given this Honda as a gift, for helping my buddy with his 1949 Indian Arrow while he was in the sandbox. It had been sitting outside for at least 3 years; the PO said it was running when it was parked, but after a quick look over I knew it was going to take some work.

I'll just put up a few dirty pics, and come back tomorrow to catch the thread up to where I'm at now!

-Where it was parked

-Mold patina

HedNut · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2010, 07:08:17 PM »

OH WOW!!! It even grows vegetation....see! These bikes are amazing...you could survive on a SOHC alone! ahah

Looks like you have some work cutout for yourself! I'll be following this one! Great save man!!

Greggo · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2010, 08:03:49 PM »

You've definitely got your work cut out for you. What are your plans for it?

starshiplazyboy · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2010, 08:10:14 PM »

You should name that bike Swamp Thing.

Cbowers · « **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2010, 11:23:29 PM »

PROJECT SWAMP THANG

nietzsche · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2010, 01:52:45 AM »

Quote from: Greggo on August 30, 2010, 08:03:49 PM

You've definitely got your work cut out for you. What are your plans for it?

I'm trying to not look too far past getting her to turn over ... On first diagnosis I knew something was broken/seized/not right, and just last weekend tore into it to find rings rusted.

but got the cylinders free, and after removing the rust and gunk, nothing appears to measure outside specification ...

I'll get back tomorrow with more on Project Swamp Thing (Working title)!

nietzsche · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2010, 04:32:33 AM »

Tried a few different ways to get the crank moving in the beginning, one of them was to reef real hard on the "Special 23mm nut" on the points side ... don't do this.

Since I couldn't move the crankshaft to get at the other cam sprocket nut, I figured I had to cut the camchain. Chalk another item to the replacement list. $:-\$ (Also on the list: Tappet inspection cap - stripped head, SS bolt set - stripped a bunch of crosshead bolts, etc.)

Where I'm at now, I'd like to clean and inspect everything in the cases, replace the bum parts plus rings & hone, and just try and get it started. I'm on a budget, but while I've got the engine apart I'd like to get it all brought back to glory.

I don't have a picture for you, but it looks like one of the exhaust valves is stuck open. I don't know if I should take it to a machine shop and have them grind the valves and seats and tell me if it's good to go, or order a new valve from dave silver et al. and figure out how to DIY a valve compressor tool ....

Much inspiration gained from your build, Hednut. I spend so much time thinking about this bike, it's awesome to have such niche expertise right here.

HedNut · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2010, 06:32:16 AM »

Excellent! You're well on your way! This is the best forum ever!! I had an old Ford Ranger...and they had a site call the Ranger Station...it was excellent... but no where near the EXCELLENTé of this "Ménage-du Great People y du Plethora of awesome information, brains and creativity" She's dirty...but it's all there! and I think it'll turn out great for you!!
Cheers!

RContino · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2010, 08:54:03 AM »

Nice, I just cracked open a similar beast (my first rebuild) and am surprised to find that it's what's on the inside that counts

... will be checking back to see if we share any more hardships.

Greggo · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2010, 09:52:17 AM »

Those carbs look MONEY!

fantino · « **Reply #10 on:** August 31, 2010, 10:34:25 AM »

Make a note to carefully inspect the valve guide where you've got that stuck valve. Those guides crack under a bent valve like nobodys business (don't ask how I know :-p).

Duanob · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2010, 01:49:03 PM »

Quote from: Greggo on August 30, 2010, 08:03:49 PM

You've definitely got your work cut out for you. What are your plans for it?

Yes what are the plans? Frankly if you're planning on an oiriginal restore you are looking at huge bucks. The motor is only a small part of it. Things like OEM seat, tank paint scheme and emblems, side covers and emblems, OEM pipes are all big big bucks. And that's just a start. You might consider a bobber or cafe for this in it's current state. Just sayin out of experience. Call me Eyore!

nietzsche · « **Reply #12 on:** August 31, 2010, 03:29:54 PM »

Quote from: Duanob on August 31, 2010, 01:49:03 PM

Quote from: Greggo on August 30, 2010, 08:03:49 PM
You've definitely got your work cut out for you. What are your plans for it?

Yes what are the plans? Frankly if you're planning on an oiriginal restore you are looking at huge bucks. The motor is only a small part of it. Things like OEM seat, tank paint scheme and emblems, side covers and emblems, OEM pipes are all big big bucks. And that's just a start. You might consider a bobber or cafe for this in it's current state. Just sayin out of experience. Call me Eyore!

I've been lurking for a while, checking prices and availability, so I think my cost expectations will be pretty accurate. Definitely not trying to return to stock everything. Function will take precedence over form, but hopefully that ends up looking pretty badass.

starshiplazyboy · « **Reply #13 on:** August 31, 2010, 07:13:07 PM »

Quote from: nietzsche on August 31, 2010, 03:29:54 PM

Quote from: Duanob on August 31, 2010, 01:49:03 PM
Quote from: Greggo on August 30, 2010, 08:03:49 PM
You've definitely got your work cut out for you. What are your plans for it?

Yes what are the plans? Frankly if you're planning on an oiriginal restore you are looking at huge bucks. The motor is only a small part of it. Things like OEM seat, tank paint scheme and emblems, side covers and emblems, OEM pipes are all big big bucks. And that's just a start. You might consider a bobber or cafe for this in it's current state. Just sayin out of experience. Call me Eyore!

I've been lurking for a while, checking prices and availability, so I think my cost expectations will be pretty accurate. Definitely not trying to return to stock everything. Function will take precedence over form, but hopefully that ends up looking pretty badass.

Good luck. Our projects are on a similar trajectory. Mine's a 1975 cb550F that had "Beer Wing" stenciled on the tank in krylon. I was going to bring it back to stock, but I ended up going in a minimalist direction. If I can't fabricate it or get it used for a reasonable price I didn't really need it in the first place.

Gunner_CAF · « **Reply #14 on:** August 31, 2010, 07:23:35 PM »

I have restored three old bikes back to stock on a tight budget. If you want a museum quality, yes you can pay big bucks for all the right parts. If you want a good looking rider, shop around, and use a little imagination and fabrication, you can do it reasonable.

Good luck!

Gunner

nietzsche · « **Reply #15 on:** September 01, 2010, 07:37:05 PM »

Quote from: Gunner_CAF on August 31, 2010, 07:23:35 PM

I have restored three old bikes back to stock on a tight budget. If you want a museum quality, yes you can pay big bucks for all the right parts. If you want a good looking rider, shop around, and use a little imagination and fabrication, you can do it reasonable.

Good luck!

Gunner

Going for the latter, thanks for the affirmation Gunner!

Quote from: fantino on August 31, 2010, 10:34:25 AM

Make a note to carefully inspect the valve guide where you've got that stuck valve. Those guides crack under a bent valve like nobodys business (don't ask how I know :-p).

Mental note made. I haven't looked too far into it, spent most of my time today splitting the cases, but here it is:

Sorry, sometimes macro is TOO macro.

Shift forks are pretty damn rusty, but don't look too bad as far as their grabbing surfaces?

Rods are real red, too ... again, no deep pitting so I'm not putting any rusty parts on the replacement list, yet.

My next step is clean and polish everything that ain't broke while I'm waiting on funds to order the replacements. I'll be using turpentine before wet-r-dry sandpaper, then polishing with a wheel and rouge. The Works in my rusty tank.

nietzsche · « **Reply #16 on:** September 01, 2010, 07:44:44 PM »

Oh yeah, BTW, the engine components separated:

HedNut · « **Reply #17 on:** September 02, 2010, 04:29:53 AM »

NICE!!!....nothing a good scrub-a-dub and TLC can't take care of!! She's definately got some internal character too! Great Progress So far man!! Cheers!

nietzsche · « **Reply #18 on:** September 20, 2010, 03:16:13 PM »

Recently won an eBay auction for 4 sets of new standard size piston rings. WesternHonda.com lists them (part no. 13011-323-014) at $28.53/set, so I think I got a steal at $48.00/4 sets.

I also placed an order with Z1 Enterprises last week; some superbike bars, new cam chain, SS bolt set, etc.

That stuck valve seated with some coaxing, but I did a leak test with some mineral spirits, and a different valve dribbles. I've made a note of it, but want to make some progress before I address it. Don't need the cases split to diagnose it later.

On my way now to get some more supplies for cleaning (aircraft stripper, wire brushes, cloth wheels, polishing compound) de Harbor Freight, so once parts start coming in maybe it'll just fall together ...

nietzsche · « **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2010, 04:28:06 PM »

Painted the crankcases with VHT High Temperature Caliper Paint (900º).

I masked, painted, and baked the crankcase halves and oil filter housing separately. Surface prep included detail cleaning with wire brushes and WD40, some sanding in areas, and brake cleaner finish. As per rattle can instructions, cured in oven at 200ºF for 1 hour.

First light coat:

Finished product:

News:

Author Topic: 1972 CB500 - Project Swamp Thing (Read 5357 times)

starshiplazyboy

starshiplazyboy