Author Topic: restoration costs? (Read 3050 times)

GRH_AV8R · « **on:** December 27, 2010, 02:14:24 PM »

Hi All,

Against my advice my younger cousin has bought himself a 78' CB550K for $500.

I say against my advice because it is in pretty bad condition compared to what mine looked like when I got mine... and he's never ridden in his life so.....

So I said that I'd help him out as much as I can being that I'm also in the middle of a restoration of my 77' CB550K.

Getting to the point is there anybody that would have an opinion as to how much it would be for a restoration of his bike, He's thinking enough to get it certified and running smooth on the road...not the full frame off restoration that I'm doing.

If there's any questions I can answer about what condition his bike is in I'll do my best...

-rusted inside tank-
-no current running through electrics
-engine not running
-clean original carbs...best looking part on the bike

The reason I'm asking here and not looking around for parts and prices is because there is just so much with the bike that is messed up or missing completely that I'd hope there would be somebody here that could give a little insight.

Thanks!

Graeme

tango911 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 27, 2010, 02:31:28 PM »

You can spend anywhere from $500.00 to 3000.00+ on a restore. Just depends the what parts it needs and how much the engine needs to get it running. Get some pics posted then check the compression. If the compression is good, then you can adjust the valves, timing, new plugs and clean the carbs, to try and get it running. Once you have it running, then you can focus on the other parts of the bike. all my opinion of course. Im in the middle of a k2 750 restore. im trying for a budget build of $1000.00, includes the purchase of the bike. Some parts im buying new , some im cleaning up and re-using. I made sure the engine was in good running condition before i started tearing the bike down.

2 cents

would love to see pics of your restore and your cousin!!

lone*X · « **Reply #2 on:** December 27, 2010, 02:37:44 PM »

There have been some real dogs brought back to life with the help of the forum members and I would imagine your cousins choice can be also. It would be almost impossible to guesstimate the cost of getting the bike running and road worthy without knowing a lot more than you could tell in this thread. It could be a reasonable amount or it could be an outrageous amount. Totally depends on the condition of the bike and the ability of the mechanic. Almost anything can be resurrected if you put enough time, efforts, and money into it. $500 is probably on the high end of the purchased value from what you describe though. You also didn't mention if the engine turns over or is froze up. The electrics can be sorted out and just about anything else can be repaired or replaced.

Get your cousin signed up with the forum and get some pictures posted and I am sure the members here will be glad to pitch in.

Gordon · « **Reply #3 on:** December 27, 2010, 02:40:06 PM »

In my experience, just a basic mechanical fix-up to get an old sohc4 running decently well and safe (meaning new tires and good brakes) costs about $1000 including the purchase price of the bike. Of course this doesn't apply if the bike was an amazing deal for something that needs little work, or if you just spent $800 on a pile of rust, but for the average neglected sohc4 that sells for a normal price that's about what it usually costs.

cookindaddy · « **Reply #4 on:** December 27, 2010, 02:55:38 PM »

I concur with the advice the others give.

Probably the most importance measure of the health of an unknown engine is the compression test. If it is good, then the bike will run, eventually.

The electrics don't need to be expensive. The safety items are a must but new tires and brake pads and light bulbs etc aren't expensive if the labor is free. The carb is another world of complexity but again, does not need to be expensive.

I spent way too much on my project but that was because I wanted it to look like and run like new and I did dumb things. I discovered this community early in the game, but didn't pay enough attention until I had spent some serious money and then started reading, listening and searching more carefully.

+1 on the advice to get your cousin signed up and to get some pics posted!

KingCustomCycles.com · « **Reply #5 on:** December 27, 2010, 03:24:23 PM »

Quote from: Gordon on December 27, 2010, 02:40:06 PM

In my experience, just a basic mechanical fix-up to get an old sohc4 running decently well and safe (meaning new tires and good brakes) costs about $1000 including the purchase price of the bike. Of course this doesn't apply if the bike was an amazing deal for something that needs little work, or if you just spent $800 on a pile of rust, but for the average neglected sohc4 that sells for a normal price that's about what it usually costs.

+1

angeldeville · « **Reply #6 on:** December 27, 2010, 03:31:43 PM »

I've got so many spare parts now I can get one running for the price of a gallon of gas....

pearsonm · « **Reply #7 on:** December 27, 2010, 03:47:22 PM »

I'd like to know the answer as well. I want to tear my '78 750F down to the last bolt and do a resto mod but if I'm honest with myself I'm just a working hack with a two-car garage and a box of tools. Track days are my passion right now anyway. Depending on the cost I can see the value in handing it over to a professional.

Below are some websites I've found in my search, not including all the custom and cafe builders. I'd like to call Bruton's and JW's but I'm afraid I would just be wasting their time. I'm guessing the cost would be at least as much as a used, modern Bonneville, R-model Sportster or ZRX.

http://brutonvintagemotorcycle.com/
http://www.charlies-place.com/
http://www.vintage-motorcycles.com/
http://www.jwsdreammachines.com/index.html
http://www.vintagehondacb.com/VintageHondaCB/Welcome.html

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #8 on:** December 27, 2010, 04:06:05 PM »

Quote from: pearsonm on December 27, 2010, 03:47:22 PM

I'd like to know the answer as well. I want to tear my '78 750F down to the last bolt and do a resto mod but if I'm honest with myself I'm just a working hack with a two-car garage and a box of tools. Track days are my passion right now anyway. Depending on the cost I can see the value in handing it over to a professional.

Below are some websites I've found in my search, not including all the custom and cafe builders. I'd like to call Bruton's and JW's but I'm afraid I would just be wasting their time. I'm guessing the cost would be at least as much as a used, modern Bonneville, R-model Sportster or ZRX.

http://brutonvintagemotorcycle.com/
http://www.charlies-place.com/
http://www.vintage-motorcycles.com/
http://www.jwsdreammachines.com/index.html
http://www.vintagehondacb.com/VintageHondaCB/Welcome.html

Throwing money at nothing. These bikes are that easy to work on that it isn't worth paying anyone to work on them, apart from the fact that it will cost you a small fortune, sorry mate but thats not good advice....I bought my first 750/4 when i was 16,started buying them from an old bike shop in Brisbane and restoring and fixing them by myself with no previous experience {everything but engine work}. With the help of this forum there should be nothing that can't be fixed by yourself...You just have to want to do it. If your rich then pay who ever you like....

Mick

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #9 on:** December 27, 2010, 04:12:26 PM »

I'll probably be at about $15,000 in my 75 750F this time. That includes about $7000 in an engine "upgrade"

and enough new Honda parts and NOS parts to probaly make my bike 85%+ NOS/NEW. Just depends on what you want to do and the availability of parts. I've picked parts from 8 countries and pretty much grab anything I don't yet have. Some I've had to pay dearly for and some I've gotten good deals on. Many of these parts are non-existent unobtainium parts and I realize that if I ever want then I gotta pay out the ass. Won't do it again but I just had to do it this once now that I can.

Really? · « **Reply #10 on:** December 27, 2010, 04:12:41 PM »

Paid $900 for Momma's and in total I am in at about $2300 (inc. the $900). It is not ground up resto but it seems darn close. I have gone through darn near everything on the bike. Polished or replaced most of the bolts and washers too.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #11 on:** December 27, 2010, 04:18:26 PM »

Quote from: Jerry Rxman Griffin on December 27, 2010, 04:12:26 PM

I'll probably be at about $15,000 in my 75 750F this time. That includes about $7000 in an engine "upgrade" and enough new Honda parts and NOS parts to probaly make my bike 85%+ NOS/NEW. Just depends on what you want to do and the availability of parts. I've picked parts from 8 countries and pretty much grab anything I don't yet have. Some I've had to pay dearly for and some I've gotten good deals on. Many of these parts are non-existent unobtainium parts and I realize that if I ever want then I gotta pay out the ass. Won't do it again but I just had to do it this once now that I can.

I am somewhere around you on price Jerry, maybe closer to 20 grand when finished....

Actually i don't care because i don't plan on selling this one and it has all the mods i have ever wanted to do to one of these old bikes, it also makes it unique, especially here in Aus.
I have collected enough bits to build another cool bike as well, so that one will be sold to bring costs down a bit....Maybe there's enough bits for a 3rd......Damn these bikes are a disease....

Mick

cookindaddy · « **Reply #12 on:** December 27, 2010, 04:58:31 PM »

Now I don't feel so bad.
I paid too much for the raw bike, about $2000 and then spent another $2000 or so.
The best thing I bought was a non running parts bike for $300. It provided the engine that now powers my bike.
I sold parts from the parts bike to about $1000 so far to net the $2000 extra above.
I don't think it is an expensive hobby.
Time consuming yes, but that is what hobbies are for??
And it looks so fine and it runs great! Almost like new!

pearsonm · « **Reply #13 on:** December 27, 2010, 05:27:02 PM »

Quote from: Industrial Rocket on December 27, 2010, 04:06:05 PM

Throwing money at nothing. These bikes are that easy to work on that it isn't worth paying anyone to work on them, apart from the fact that it will cost you a small fortune, sorry mate but thats not good advice....I bought my first 750/4 when i was 16,started buying them from an old bike shop in Brisbane and restoring and fixing them by myself with no previous experience {everything but engine work}. With the help of this forum there should be nothing that can't be fixed by yourself...You just have to want to do it. If your rich then pay who ever you like....

Mick

I’m rich? Awesome! Now I can do all those things I haven’t had the money - and therefore time - to do.

The guy’s asking for information. I’ve thought the same thing he has and have researched it. I’m more than willing to pass along what I’ve found. It doesn't need to be anymore dramatic than that.

TwoTired · « **Reply #14 on:** December 27, 2010, 05:46:41 PM »

Tires, tubes, and balancing.
Battery,
Brake master cylinder kit, front brake overhaul.
Gas tank replaced or refurbished
Chain and sprockets.
Exhaust system replacement.
Anything obviously broken replaced.
Seat?
Fuse box and terminal replacement/cleaning.
The odd cable or two.

The above usually costs about $1000-1500 added to the purchase price, depending on how you shop and how patient you are for inexpensive parts to become available, and gets you a reliable utilitarian bike, NOT a restoration to stock.

You want to restore to showroom stock, with all the pretty bits, add another $2000-$5000.

Cheers,

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #15 on:** December 27, 2010, 06:05:52 PM »

Quote from: pearsonm on December 27, 2010, 05:27:02 PM

Quote from: Industrial Rocket on December 27, 2010, 04:06:05 PM
Throwing money at nothing. These bikes are that easy to work on that it isn't worth paying anyone to work on them, apart from the fact that it will cost you a small fortune, sorry mate but thats not good advice....I bought my first 750/4 when i was 16,started buying them from an old bike shop in Brisbane and restoring and fixing them by myself with no previous experience {everything but engine work}. With the help of this forum there should be nothing that can't be fixed by yourself...You just have to want to do it. If your rich then pay who ever you like....

Mick

I’m rich? Awesome! Now I can do all those things I haven’t had the money - and therefore time - to do.

The guy’s asking for information. I’ve thought the same thing he has and have researched it. I’m more than willing to pass along what I’ve found. It doesn't need to be anymore dramatic than that.

No need to get your panties in a knot. most 3rd party restorers are bloody expensive {researched.? there have been a few guys here that have been ripped off by restorers} and these bikes are easy to work on. You are correct, they guy was asking for advice and yours wasn't that great, it will be much cheaper to do the work himself with the help of the forum and he will find probably all the parts right here.....No drama at all just telling it like it is. If you bothered to read the rest of my post you would have found that i started restoring or rebuilding these bikes when i was a teenager with no help at all, they are easy to work on and parts are readily available in the US and the "if your rich" was for the OP and in no way derogatory.

In answer to the OP's question, you should be able to get most, if not all the parts from this site, just ask here or in the parts wanted section or just start a build thread in the project section and take it from there. This is probably the cheapest place to get your parts, its very rare that anyone here charges exorbitant prices. Good luck with the build and be sure to ask plenty of questions.....

Mick

Doctorlumen · « **Reply #16 on:** December 27, 2010, 06:19:27 PM »

TwoTired nailed it, I think. My 400f was $1500 to buy, and then about $3000 after that in parts and some labor. Add to that at least $800 in tools. God knows, if I ever sell her, she'll go for eight grand at least. Because love is expensive, dammit!

Something to impress upon your cousin, though, is to not skimp on the important bits. Brakes, suspension, and final drive can make a world of difference to an otherwise basket-case bike. And, adding to an already stated item: A compression test tells you a lot, but a leakdown will give you a much better idea what is in store for you and your cousin once you pop the head.

Good luck!
Z

pearsonm · « **Reply #17 on:** December 27, 2010, 06:38:11 PM »

Quote from: Industrial Rocket on December 27, 2010, 06:05:52 PM

You are correct, they guy was asking for advice and yours wasn't that great..

Again, I gave the OP information, not advice or a lecture. He and everyone else is free to use it as they wish.

I do appreciate your unsolicited and narrow criticism, though. If you have any more for me please put it in a PM so I can delete it rather than muck up this poor guy's thread. Thank you.

dave500 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 27, 2010, 08:51:10 PM »

something else probably not considered is tools,what does he have? ,what can he borrow?what does he need to buy?bench vice,impact screwdriver,torque wrench,multimeter let alone sockets and ring spanners.power drill,wire wheels,drill bit set,tap set, carb syncro set,compression guage,tyre(tire) levers,decent screw drivers,decent pliers,telescopic magnet,timing light,feeler guages,even some books on basic bike repairs and engine operation would be handy,heaps of rags,small bins for parts and washing parts in.

Really? · « **Reply #19 on:** December 27, 2010, 09:18:58 PM »

Tools are one thing I do not count into the cost, even if I picked up a couple during the bikes times with me. To me they are a lifetime investment and go into the collection I have gathered since about 12/13. Heh, I still have my first rollaway and top box. I repair what I can to any vehicle I own/pay for.

And, like TT basically said, how far is he planning to go with it? Also, how much of the work will he do with his own hands.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #20 on:** December 27, 2010, 11:54:05 PM »

Quote from: pearsonm on December 27, 2010, 06:38:11 PM

Quote from: Industrial Rocket on December 27, 2010, 06:05:52 PM
You are correct, they guy was asking for advice and yours wasn't that great..

Again, I gave the OP information, not advice or a lecture. He and everyone else is free to use it as they wish.

I do appreciate your unsolicited and narrow criticism, though. If you have any more for me please put it in a PM so I can delete it rather than muck up this poor guy's thread. Thank you.

Get over it mate, you have completely misread my first post, it was not written with any attitude at all and was my opinion based on my own experiences, you added the attitude. I have owned around 20 of these old bikes as well as at least 10 other bikes, old and new and worked in bike shops, i wouldn't say that what i said was either narrow or critical, you also asked for advice, you don't have to listen to it. A little gets lost whilst typing {still foreign to me} but i intended no malice...

I apologise for the hijack..

Mick

GRH_AV8R · « **Reply #21 on:** December 28, 2010, 12:11:09 AM »

WOW tonnes of replies!

Thanks for all the input guys

I'm actually just showing him all the replies right now...

-Him "FAWK that's alot of money"
-Me "hehehe your gonna have to get a job now"

It looks like he's going to have to get a job to pay for this...

I'll make sure to let him know about sohc4.net and make sure he gets an account soon.

Thanks!

Graeme

dave500 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 28, 2010, 01:35:57 AM »

make sure you tell him to take his time and not rush into it,try a "do the hardest part first"then all the rest can only get easier approach.

faux fiddy · « **Reply #23 on:** December 28, 2010, 04:05:12 AM »

Quote from: dave500 on December 28, 2010, 01:35:57 AM

make sure you tell him to take his time and not rush into it,try a "do the hardest part first"then all the rest can only get easier approach.

It's the proverbial sh8 sammitch here. The more bread you got....

How pristine and accurate do you want it etc, are all determining factors. Mixing year models for identical parts bugs the purists. Taking/ investing your time is a best plan. I reccommend spending countless hours on flea-bay researching each part needed with the search engines. Find the sellers who actually do the auction instead of having exhorbitant buy-it-nows and inflated shipping prices. Find your parts that way and take your time. You can find things like side covers and tanks for a reasonable price by just spending lots time online, and buying smart.
Some of the sellers are reasonable enthusiasts with a little extra junk on their hands that they can make a few bucks off of. Others treat it like they have the goose that lays golden eggs.

Prospect · « **Reply #24 on:** December 28, 2010, 04:54:34 AM »

Check out the General FAQ (halfway down the page). There is a cost breakdown of a cb550f resto cost.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=2894.0

wardenerd · « **Reply #25 on:** December 28, 2010, 05:47:55 AM »

well i did not know crap about the 550 I bought for $400. It would run but not well. It would stop but you could drag your feet to more effect. It looked like crapola. but it wasn't rusty and it was an F model. Found out what F meant later. No muffler but a fair exhaust. Electrics in bad shape. Jury rigged by the PO. seat ripped. Needed plugs. Had three different brands installed. Chain was crunchy. Left switch not so good. No petcock just rubber hoses with off on plastic valve. Bad tires. worn sprocket. rusty light sockets nasty carbs. Right front fork seal leaking. tank had been PORed and it had the original keys. $800.00 to make it rodworthy. I have more in it than its worth but I didn't buy it to sell. I ride it everyday the weather is above 30*F. It is great fun.

RRRToolSolutions · « **Reply #26 on:** December 28, 2010, 08:32:04 AM »

As you know and have seen, it's like asking how deep is deep, how far is far. It's all fun and the more he has to dig into it, the more you'll both learn from the experience. Regards, Gordon

This is $1,500 of parts, chrome, and powdercoat and maybe 30 hours of my time.

This is $10,000 in parts, chrome, powdercoat, and 200 hours of my time.

This is $15,000 in parts, chrome, powdercoat, and at least 350 hours of my time.

cookindaddy · « **Reply #27 on:** December 28, 2010, 08:39:29 AM »

Wow Ilbikes! All great examples. Nicely done

Trav-i · « **Reply #28 on:** December 28, 2010, 12:21:21 PM »

Gordon,

As always those bikes look great in pictures, and even better in person.

faux fiddy · « **Reply #29 on:** December 28, 2010, 01:42:27 PM »

Quote from: Ilbikes on December 28, 2010, 08:32:04 AM

As you know and have seen, it's like asking how deep is deep, how far is far. It's all fun and the more he has to dig into it, the more you'll both learn from the experience. Regards, Gordon

This is $1,500 of parts, chrome, and powdercoat and maybe 30 hours of my time.

This is $10,000 in parts, chrome, powdercoat, and 200 hours of my time.

This is $15,000 in parts, chrome, powdercoat, and at least 350 hours of my time.

I bet the time in hours is underestimated.

dave500 · « **Reply #30 on:** December 28, 2010, 11:47:31 PM »

i can taste the paint on that water bottle suzi,it tastes like,,,,victory!

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Author Topic: restoration costs? (Read 3050 times)

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