Author Topic: Frame Problem! (Read 3343 times)

SteveRogers · « **on:** March 07, 2011, 07:31:02 AM »

So i just purchased a 1977 CB550 over the weekend and have started the tear down. Everything was looking normal until I found a inconsistency with the frame. I will try and post a picture but I don't know what to do, does this mean I have to get another frame?

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff518/anonymous_figure_x/550frame.jpg

underachiever · « **Reply #1 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:03:12 AM »

At first it looked like the front tank rubber stud was broken off and just replace with a threaded bolt further down.

Then I noticed what looks like a big ol' piece of frame missing between the headstock and the right front down tube. I'm not saying it can't be fixed. But not knowing what caused it to get like that in the first place, or being able to ensure proper alignment and strength through what is arguably a very important part of the frame, makes me think you need to speak to a framebuilder and take their opinion to heart.

It would suck to have to scrap the frame, but worse yet is to ride an unsafe bike.

tony

SteveRogers · « **Reply #2 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:05:51 AM »

Yeah, both sides are like this, its very apparent it has been cut.

CycleRanger · « **Reply #3 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:12:56 AM »

Holy cow!
Can you get better photos?

754 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:14:14 AM »

If the numbers are good, try to save it.
I am not clicking on the link, sounds like there is a jole cut into frame in tank area?.. I have a 78 550 neck, may be able to cut out the pieces if you want OEM look.
Welding the frame? Weld, then check, not all stock ones are dead straight.

POST YOUR DAMN LOCATION, is that blunt enough?

SteveRogers · « **Reply #5 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:16:28 AM »

I'll post better ones when I get home, had to leave and blow of some steam.

CycleRanger · « **Reply #6 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:20:33 AM »

Quote from: SteveRogers on March 07, 2011, 08:16:28 AM

I'll post better ones when I get home, had to leave and blow of some steam.

Been there man.
Like when I found the cracked engine case after I bought it...

That cut looks recent, no rust.

754 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:22:11 AM »

I see the pics now, You need the 2 pcs of the top of downtube, and some thin sleeves to put inside the joint when you weld them on..
looks to me like they were prepping to rake the frame..

SteveRogers · « **Reply #8 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:28:02 AM »

I'm sorry rake?

MCRider · « **Reply #9 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:35:21 AM »

Rake = the angle of the steering head. Sometimes changed, kicked forward to accomodate an exended front end. Chopper stuff. A good machinist/welder can fix what you have, it may be better afterwards, stiffer. $100-$200 bucks. (guessing)

Really? · « **Reply #10 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:36:30 AM »

Looks like a wholse section of the frame is missing. I wonder if the PO has the missing pieces.

754 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:38:23 AM »

Rake = neck angle..

On chopper & bobbers , and for certain types of racing, neck angle is increased or decreased..... yours is ready to do if so desired..
You may actually be able to trade it for an uncut one, to someone wanting to rake theirs.

754 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:41:42 AM »

There is other reasons for those to be cut, like forward stretch, or up stretch, but if you did not know rake, not gonna explain those terms..
Remember I have them bits that are missing..

SteveRogers · « **Reply #13 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:46:24 AM »

I will contact the PO but I'm fairly fairly sure it was not his doing, was pretty clueless when we spoke, ill check the second option, I may get lucky and find someone rolling.to trade. Basic, knowledge I have. My previous bikes where ninjas and cbrs. This will be structurely sound of I plugged, those pieces in?

SteveRogers · « **Reply #14 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:10:41 AM »

Quote from: 754 on March 07, 2011, 08:14:14 AM

POST YOUR DAMN LOCATION, is that blunt enough?

Lol sorry eastern michigan

bollingball · « **Reply #15 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:13:51 AM »

Damn I hope you didn't drive that thing home

Is the motor hanging down in the front? Better take up 754's offer or get another frame

JLeather · « **Reply #16 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:22:29 AM »

I assume this came with a title. That frame is not a difficult repair for someone who can weld, especially if you have access to another frame to cut a replacement piece from (I'm sure someone on here will cut it out and send it to you for practically free from a junk frame).

That's not a recent job, because they painted over the part of the neck where that tube went before. My guess is it was actually ridden like this. The tank mount was relocated lower; perhaps they had a tank that didn't fit so they removed those pieces of tubing so the tank sat level? The neck is still attached to the downtubes fairly securely, what you're now lacking is any torsional stiffness in the neck.

Personally I'd fix it if it had a title. If it's un-titled, it's scrap.

SteveRogers · « **Reply #17 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:30:11 AM »

Clean title and it was a tank that was from a different bike, the fit was embarrassing. So it looks as if I need some frame pieces and a decent pair of hands.

754 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:37:24 AM »

Steve, got your location now. Let me look at neck today, see of I can trim it smaller. Can probably ship by mail.
I would post a thread here or in Projects, seeing if someone planning to rake theirs can maybe trade..

crazypj · « **Reply #19 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:41:16 AM »

It looks to me like some know nothing dimwit wanted to fit a longer tank so just chopped section of frame out.
The fact it's painted doesn't look like it was done for a neck angle alteration
Did you buy it as a 'unfinished project'?

nomad · « **Reply #20 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:44:47 AM »

If it's what you're needing and you're willing to drive a few hours...

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/mcy/2246481657.html

SteveRogers · « **Reply #21 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:45:18 AM »

The PO said he bought it like it was said he drove it around 2 years prior and than put it away. I knew there where issues, but now with this who knows what else there is.

SteveRogers · « **Reply #22 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:46:23 AM »

Oh good eye I wonder if he will part with just the frame.

apex_seeking · « **Reply #23 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:47:33 AM »

Ahhhh....the infamous PO strikes again!

nomad · « **Reply #24 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:56:24 AM »

Quote from: SteveRogers on March 07, 2011, 09:46:23 AM

Oh good eye I wonder if he will part with just the frame.

You might be able to buy it all, keep the frame, sell off the other parts you didn't need and come close to getting the frame for free. Or you'd have a parts bike to steal from.

nomad · « **Reply #25 on:** March 07, 2011, 11:07:30 AM »

More:

I also have a spare frame (no title on spare frame)...
http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/mcy/2252064525.html

-------------------------------------

http://tippecanoe.craigslist.org/mcy/2205911937.html

SteveRogers · « **Reply #26 on:** March 07, 2011, 11:13:37 AM »

I will be calling tonight thanks a ton.

SteveRogers · « **Reply #27 on:** March 09, 2011, 09:41:22 AM »

nomad · « **Reply #28 on:** March 09, 2011, 10:07:27 AM »

I saw that you're looking for a welder in another thread... could you not find another frame? Btw, in the bottom picture, why does the right tank rubber appear to be hanging lower than the left one?

SteveRogers · « **Reply #29 on:** March 09, 2011, 10:33:57 AM »

I couldn't find one that would constitute the drive, my only vehicle happens to be a hummer, and gas prices and me aren't on talking terms. I'm not sure those are supposed to be there to begin with, that looks as if they where PO made. The tank it came with was not stock so my theory is they POtified in order to make it work.

Roach · « **Reply #30 on:** March 09, 2011, 11:05:11 AM »

i thought all hummer drivers liked spending there money on gas... all jokes aside

i think you need to think about spending some money on the drive to get a good frame
if there are a couple around jump on it they wont be there for long and it could take along time to get another one

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #31 on:** March 09, 2011, 11:13:59 AM »

Nomad, I saw your ad. I grew up in Mokena so it caught my eye.

nomad · « **Reply #32 on:** March 09, 2011, 11:16:11 AM »

Quote from: Bankerdanny on March 09, 2011, 11:13:59 AM

Nomad, I saw your ad. I grew up in Mokena so it caught my eye.

Those weren't my ads. I just found them on CL and posted them here for Steve to check in to. I'm actually in North Carolina.

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #33 on:** March 09, 2011, 11:19:21 AM »

Ah, I wondered about the mismatch.

The one in Illinois is the town next to where I grew up. It's funny though, my family also had a cottage not far from the location in the Indiana ad.

SteveRogers · « **Reply #34 on:** March 09, 2011, 11:31:30 AM »

Well 754 said he could mail me the peices that I need, thats the cheapest route at the moment. I just need a some welding expertise.

Roach · « **Reply #35 on:** March 09, 2011, 01:51:18 PM »

i just find it so strange to why the PO would do that....the things PO's do i guess :

apex_seeking · « **Reply #36 on:** March 09, 2011, 03:02:58 PM »

I think it's crazy that the PO rode it like that!

754 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 09, 2011, 08:17:52 PM »

Steve, I can cut them off around the tach cable area, if that is what you want, then you shorten to fit. Then I can cut around the weld at the upper end of the flattened tube (part you are missing). I can maybe cut out the tank mount pin or just whip up a new one, then you drill yours out, slip the new one in and weld in place..
I saw your note we can figure that out next couple days..

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Author Topic: Frame Problem! (Read 3343 times)

bollingball

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