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Author Topic: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550  (Read 3592 times)

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Offline gregk

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Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« on: September 15, 2010, 04:14:30 PM »


Saw the ad in the local trader, CB 550 chrome bike, listed in the " $ 200 or less column"
Got my attention to say the least. 
I went over to look at the chrome bike and sure enough, the frame, tank, front brake caliper, and assorted other parts are chrome! 
bike has been chopperized years ago with extended forks, 16" rear tire and mild ape hangers. 
It appears the motor is stuck, couldn't kick it over.  the owner said it hasn't run in years and has been through several owners.  the bike passed through owner by way of a house. The bike was already there when they bought the place. 
odometer indicates 17,000 km (or miles).  carbs are stuck solid just like the motor.
now my problem is do i walk away, or cart the thing home to sit beside my other two 550 baskets?  i know that i can build one good one out of the parts, but do i need the headache of trying to get a title etc.  Or part the whole mess out.
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Offline Duanob

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2010, 07:32:26 PM »
Pics?

And what part of BC are you from? I was in Fernie earlier this summer (not on a bike), the roads and scenery were fantastic.
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Offline mystic_1

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #2 on: September 15, 2010, 08:00:21 PM »
If the chromed parts are good, I'd say go for it.  It'd cost you more than $200 to have parts like that chromed, and you can always part it out and make a tidy profit.

mystic_1
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Offline JBMorse

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #3 on: September 16, 2010, 05:25:50 AM »
Get it.  I am realizing that the more basket cases and odd parts I have lying around, the happier I get.  Like mystic said, there's more than $200 there in parts anyway. 
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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #4 on: September 16, 2010, 05:33:39 AM »
If it a pre 1979 Honda, and it is under $500, I buy it. 
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Offline gregk

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #5 on: September 16, 2010, 07:22:30 AM »
Quote from: Duanob on September 15, 2010, 07:32:26 PM
Pics?

And what part of BC are you from? I was in Fernie earlier this summer (not on a bike), the roads and scenery were fantastic.

One mountain range to the west from Fernie.  I live in kimberley.
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Offline Duanob

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #6 on: September 16, 2010, 11:34:17 AM »
Kewl! I've been to Kimberly too! Cranbrook, Radium, Panorama. Someday I'll go there on two wheels, I can't wait! I bought my bike due south of you in Post Falls, ID.

If you got the room to store, buy it like people are sayin. You can make some money.
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"Just because you flush a boatload of money down the toilet, doesn't make the toilet worth more",  My Stepfather the Unknown Poet

1974 CB360T
1976 CB550K2 Resurrected
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2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 750ie
2015 BMW F700GS
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Offline Hush

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #7 on: September 16, 2010, 11:44:22 AM »
Dissasemble it, crate it and send it to "MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"
$200 for a chromed up chopper 550...........I wouldn't have to think about it. ;D
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Offline gregk

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #8 on: September 16, 2010, 12:24:18 PM »
I know in my heart that the correct thing to do is buy the damn thing and then decide what to do with it.  As far as the chrome is concerned, I just got a quote to replate two pieces of a 54 Meteor grill ( canadian ford) and it is $ 250.00.  Using these pieces as a bench mark, the chrome work on the 550 would be worth about $ 600.00 or more. 

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Offline fatmatt650

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #9 on: September 16, 2010, 12:33:15 PM »
I was just reading the sept. 1970 issue of  motorCyclist magazine and in the letters column they advised a kid to not get his frame plated. They explained that the chrome plating is far more likely to crack than the original frame material and due to the nature of the bond these cracks will then continue through the frame. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Sounds like it might be a good idea to carefully inspect it for cracks. Either way, sounds like that bike needs to be in your garage.
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Offline seaweb11

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #10 on: September 16, 2010, 01:15:13 PM »
I could use a road trip.
Give me the address......2 chrome bikes are better than 1.
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Offline gregk

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #11 on: September 16, 2010, 01:28:44 PM »


Seaweb, I'll just buy it for you and when your out this way I'll give you a good deal on the other two 550 baskets i have behind the chicken coop.





I must admit, I haven't heard of the plating process weakening the metal.


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Offline zanorak

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #12 on: September 16, 2010, 06:16:54 PM »
Hell, I'd ride that sucker! Paint on some flat black graphics and wear a cyberman outfit. You'd be the bomb! :D

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #13 on: September 16, 2010, 06:24:26 PM »
The 3rd [basketcase 550] is the charm!!  Go get it...now!!
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Offline zzpete

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #14 on: September 16, 2010, 06:25:14 PM »
Sell it to Terry . He loves Chrome!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Offline IHWillys

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #15 on: September 16, 2010, 10:19:43 PM »
Quote from: gregk on September 16, 2010, 01:28:44 PM
...I must admit, I haven't heard of the plating process weakening the metal.

I don't know about the chroming of steel(plating base metal with nickel and them chromium over that)affecting ti in such a manner but I do know that plating can alter the characteristics of the base material.  For example, anodizing aluminum drastically decreases the fatigue life of the aluminum. 

Ken
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Offline 754

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #16 on: September 16, 2010, 10:37:18 PM »
chromed steel gets hydrogen embrittlement, if not baked soon after chroming.. usually a problem on highly stressed parts such as spokes. seen a few frames chromed that seem to hold up well, but the racers avoid the problem by only nickel plating..

 buy it for the chromed tank & S&W shox.. the chrome actually looks pretty good..(condition wise)
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Offline kenneyginter

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #17 on: September 16, 2010, 10:51:53 PM »
buy it great deal
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Offline CBGhia

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #18 on: September 16, 2010, 10:56:10 PM »
Looking at the frame, are you sure it is not nickel? The frame may be dirty and the tank recently cleaned, but look at the difference between the frame and the swing arm.   I would LOVE that tank!
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Offline zanorak

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #19 on: September 17, 2010, 04:43:35 AM »
If you buy it you have to promise us to WEIGH IT!
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Offline Tintop

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #20 on: September 17, 2010, 05:01:30 AM »
Quote from: 754 on September 16, 2010, 10:37:18 PM
chromed steel gets hydrogen embrittlement, if not baked soon after chroming.. usually a problem on highly stressed parts such as spokes. seen a few frames chromed that seem to hold up well, but the racers avoid the problem by only nickel plating..

 buy it for the chromed tank & S&W shox.. the chrome actually looks pretty good..(condition wise)

Actually most race organizations will not let you use chromed parts, especially suspension.  The problem is that the metal can crack under the chrome and not be visable.  With nickle, if the metal cracks it shows in the nickle.

Buy it!  As others have said, there is more than $200 worth of parts there.
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Offline gregk

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #21 on: September 17, 2010, 08:30:46 AM »
Quote from: CBGhia on September 16, 2010, 10:56:10 PM
Looking at the frame, are you sure it is not nickel? The frame may be dirty and the tank recently cleaned, but look at the difference between the frame and the swing arm.   I would LOVE that tank!

is there any way to tell if the frame is plated nickel?  It looks slightly duller than the tank but that might be tarnish. 

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Offline 754

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #22 on: September 17, 2010, 08:36:01 AM »
 I does look like nickel.. a bit more yellowish sheen when polished.. chrome is brighter..
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My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

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Offline Duanob

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #23 on: September 17, 2010, 08:59:38 AM »
What condition is the tank in? Any dents? Rust? That would be worth > $200 in good shape. Unless you live in Arizona!
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"Just because you flush a boatload of money down the toilet, doesn't make the toilet worth more",  My Stepfather the Unknown Poet

1974 CB360T
1976 CB550K2 Resurrected
1976 CB550F2 Barn Find
1979 CX500 VG "HONDA-GUZZI"
2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 750ie
2015 BMW F700GS
Another 1976 CB550K Cafe?

  __o
_- \_<,
(*) /' (*)

Offline Mavryk03

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #24 on: September 17, 2010, 10:08:51 AM »
BUY IT before someone else does, then you will be kicking yourself  :D
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Offline mystic_1

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #25 on: September 17, 2010, 12:39:04 PM »
So, have you bought it yet?

:D

mystic_1
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Offline gregk

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #26 on: September 17, 2010, 02:30:40 PM »

I'm going to stop by again tomorrow and have another look. 

Yes the tank does have two small dents, right about where your knees would touch. 

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Offline seaweb11

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #27 on: September 17, 2010, 05:54:52 PM »
I'm still willing to take a drive ;)
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Offline Hush

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Re: Get this - ad in local paper for chrome 550
« Reply #28 on: September 18, 2010, 12:31:24 PM »
You're just a chromaholic Seaweb. :D
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I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!
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