Topic: New project for a first timer CB550 build - Slowly getting back to it!

[bambuhiphop]

Small update.

Working on the clutch side cover. Got it all cleaned up and first coat of glyptal on it. Just needs a little touch up.





Also did a color test on the dipstick. I think this will look good 

[bambuhiphop]

Got started on the top half of the case. This thing was narly to clean. Went through 6 brass brushes on it. This is with the first coat of Glyptal. Getting the final coat on tonight.



And then this came in the mail back from APE last night. All I can say is drrooooooooooollllll 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Wow. I hope you ride it like a raped APE.

[Restoration Fan]

Dayum.  That should be some serious weight savings on that crankshaft. 

And you're getting incredibly good at the Glyptal application.  Really nice work.

[bambuhiphop]

Wow. I hope you ride it like a raped APE.

That's the idea!

Dayum.  That should be some serious weight savings on that crankshaft. 

And you're getting incredibly good at the Glyptal application.  Really nice work.

Looks like about 4 lbs got taken off. The Glyptal application has been a fun learning experience. I know it isn't really a critical thing to do but I glad for learning something new!!

[RAFster122s]

That Glyptal red is really going to clash with your paint job though...

just kidding

Looks nice. What colors does Glyptal come in, as that appears a different shade than I remember seeing it on other motor builds. Or, is it different brands use different colors?
Ignorant, but how much does Glyptal cost for a can if I may be so bold as to ask? What brand did you choose and why? Where did you source it from? I know, lots of questions... just curious what drove your decision process.
I realize it is to seal the casting and help oil return to the sump but, it also has insulating properties. So, is it applied in a thin coating?

Ape does such nice work. Their prices show in their handiwork...very top shelf work and top shelf prices. Normally, all I've heard is positive things.
So, you intend to spend time reving her pretty high to lighten the crank.

Be sure to insure your bike for what you have in her as sometime the unthinkable happens and you are faced with the nasty fight with an insurance company if they don't have the value right.

She's looking pretty!

What are you doing for the oil passages to keep the Glyptal out of them? Cork plugs or rubber stoppers or something similar? Or does the Glyptal not flow where you don't paint it?

[RAFster122s]

Got some starter parts and primary chain in the mail. Painted the starter and finished masking the case.

Still new in the OEM bag. 


Starter needed to be cleaned up. Took care of the internals. Bought new brushes and springs, and o-rings. While it was apart I used it as a test paint piece. Even though it will not be seen once on the bike I wanted to give it some extra protection. Turned out ok. Learned some things for when I paint the case.

Hey,
I was looking at your starter, catching up on the thread a bit...
The copper looks exposed on the part coming up on some of the heavy wires to the commutator segments. Has the enamel or coating flaked off of those wires? None of those wires are touching each other or are close to one another where they could possibly arc across one another (any evidence of that with black carbon spots and pit points where the spark bridged from one wire to another?)?  I know it is kind of late, but I think I would scrub the wire, they are usually enamelled motor wire or are coated with an insulating coating. I would use some liquid electrical tape and paint those if it isn't going to cause an interference  with the assembly just to be safe and to extend the life of the starter. You did a top not job cleaning it up.
Did you buy your brushes from Honda or another supplier. I need to go through my starter and do the same as you have done.
Did you change the bearings as well? I'm assuming the starter has bearings or bushings in the case ends. Probably oilite bushings...less expense and longer lasting and it probably doesn't need to spin a real high rpm.

David

[bambuhiphop]

Hey David,

Thanks for catching up! I will try and answer everything to the best of my ability!!

Really happy with how the crank turned out. They had it what felt like forever but that was just because I was anxious. I'm not in a rush. Plenty left to buy and install

This is going to be the fun weekend blaster so it will probably rev'd a it 

You best believe it is going to be insured for as much as I can get. This is an expensive build for a few reasons but at the end of the day I will have something unique and personalized to me. I have no plan of reselling.

Glyptal:
To steal a line from someone. "You can get Glyptal in any color you want as long as it is red". Red is the only color it comes in. The last pic was a little brighter due to my flash. I was trying to show more detail. It really is closer to a maroon or dark brick red. Glyptal is actually the brand name. They have a few products. This paint is 1201. Glyptal Company was originally the chemical research division for GE way back.
I got the can from Eastwood and it cost about $50. Definitely not cheap.

I decided to use Glyptal for a few reasons: I wanted to the oil to flow better and not pool, coat the rough casting, more easily clean pieces if it comes back apart, and I really wanted to try something new in all honesty. I did a lot of research and watched some application videos and came to the conclusion it could fit my build and be something a little different.

You can get it in a spray version but I went with the more "traditional" approach and brush painted. Coating isn't very thick and when it air drys it has a rubbery feel to it. Unless you get heavy handed with it, meaning you apply enough for it to run, it stays where you put it. I have kept it away from the galleys, but if any of it is to close to something it shouldn't be I will clean it off with gum cleaner and a cue-tip before I bake it to harden it. Once it is hardened it should be solid for a very long time.

Starter:
The copper wires did get scrubbed. I may go back and recover and if I do I will just use some glyptal. That, in fact, was its original purpose. I haven't tested it yet. Plan to as I get closer to installing it back on the bike. Right now it is wrapped up. Thanks for the advice though!
They are Honda OEM brushes that I got off eBay for $10. They were new in the bag and cheaper than the other places I go for OEM parts. I changed out the the springs, brushes, and both seals. The old brushes still had a lot left. It was only lightly abused so I figured that was enough.

Hope I answered everything with some level of intelligence, but please let me know if I need to expand on anything.

[bambuhiphop]

Nothing earth shattering to share but the weather was behaving this weekend so I was able to get both case half's and the cylinder head primed. Just thought I would share some pictures.

Progress is going a little slow in other areas. I have been trying to track down a few parts that are no longer produced through various channels. Just about have everything. Also, got my crank, and rod bearings figured out. Will be ordering those soon. Transmission is in a box and will be heading our for undercutting here soon. Still need to do some touch up, clean up, and baking on the parts to harden the Glyptal.

Then I have to get some case bearings, case pins, and some odds and ends to start assembling the lower half of this engine!!

One half primed. Other masked.


And primed.


Need to Glyptal the center


I think my technique is improving. These were sprayed on different days at different temps and they look the same.


Nothing inside, but hey, almost looks like a motor!!!

[Trad]

Really nice work! Looks so clean.

[Godffery]

   Hay man,
What'cha using for Engine paint?

[bambuhiphop]

   Hay man,
What'cha using for Engine paint?

Primer is VHT engine enamel (SP148) and the color is, also the VHT enamel, cast iron (SP997).

[Godffery]

Okay, just make sure you don't spill any gas on it, especially before the motor goes threw some heat cycles.
Anything that comes out of a rattle can will come off with gas.
I like to use POR15 or Eastwood for a durable highly chemical resistant paint.  Only draw back is, you have to use a spray gun or brush it on.

[bambuhiphop]

Okay, just make sure you don't spill any gas on it, especially before the motor goes threw some heat cycles.
Anything that comes out of a rattle can will come off with gas.
I like to use POR15 or Eastwood for a durable highly chemical resistant paint.  Only draw back is, you have to use a spray gun or brush it on.

I am baking everything. Just put all the parts in the oven to cure the primer and the glyptal. 2 hours in the oven at 260. I will do the same thing once I lay color down and then I will assemble. My thinking is I should be pretty good at that point for nitro resistance. I thought about Eastwood. Really liked it but don't really have the setup to spray like it needs.

[Godffery]

Well that should help quite a bit!
let us know how it turns out, I tried baking in the oven once and got blisters popping up in the paint. = /

[bambuhiphop]

Well that should help quite a bit!
let us know how it turns out, I tried baking in the oven once and got blisters popping up in the paint. = /

I will for sure. I was given some advice to bake the primer hotter and then color coat to avoid the blisters in the final color. Something about the size of the pore in the metal at different temperatures. I also spent copious amounts of time on prep work. That seems to be helping.

[bambuhiphop]

I seem to go quiet for periods of time. Mostly because I get to busy... Anyway, I have been working on the bike a little here and there when I have the time. I got all the engine parts I had primed and painted with Glyptal baked so I am getting closer to reassembly. I have mainly been amassing parts and such. Not really picture or update worthy. That said I recently got the following:

- Case bearings (71, 75, 95)
- All new case pins and dowels
- Intake studs
- Crank bearings
- Rod bearings
- Magentic oil plug
- New brake arm

I also dropped my cylinder cover (when it was also done) and killed it so I am getting another and starting from scratch on that.

I did also get something back in the mail today (hence the update) that I am pretty stoked about...

Transmission gears back from Gast!!! They are oh so purtty



Still have some plates in the air. Should hopefully have some better more consistent updates in the near future.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Why would you need new case dowels?  Assuming they are not missing, these are not wear items.

[bambuhiphop]

Why would you need new case dowels?  Assuming they are not missing, these are not wear items.

A number of them got a bit mangled when I took them out. So rather than mess with it I just order new ones.

[bambuhiphop]

Picked up some permatex 518, ordered some redline, and a Vesrah gasket kit. That is really the last of the parts to order before the lower half can get put back together!

More importantly I started fitting some things back in the case. It's been awhile since I touched some of these parts. Been looking at old pics and diagrams quote a bit. Cleaned some of the parts that have been sitting for some time. I got the kick shaft and oil guides (a & b) back in. Also, pressed a new bearing for the primary shaft in the case lower. Finally, started the dry fit for the primary with the crank.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

All the pretty bits that no one but you (and us) will ever see!  Nice job with the glyptal. 

[bambuhiphop]

All the pretty bits that no one but you (and us) will ever see!  Nice job with the glyptal. 

I know right! I was just making the comment the other night that I almost don't want to finish it because of the pretty bits, but I will!!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

That knife-edge crank is pretty sweet.  Have you determined whether it is safe to rev higher with the lightened crank, and if so by how much?

[bambuhiphop]

That knife-edge crank is pretty sweet.  Have you determined whether it is safe to rev higher with the lightened crank, and if so by how much?

I haven't yet, although know it can rev higher safely I don't know by how much. I can pull the paperwork that came back with it that lists the balance specs... I feel like I remember seeing 10k...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Are you using an electronic rev limiter or just eyeballing it?