Author Topic: 76 cb550f lowbuck build "done" (Read 36822 times)

Seabass · « **on:** August 07, 2011, 02:18:00 PM »

For a little background info I came in contact with a fellow that use to have a motorcycle parts business and was losing his house and had to be out asap.He had a 77cb 750, 74 cb550, 76 cb 550, 79 suzuki gs 400,and a 82 cb 900,plus a bunch of parts.We made a deal that for $250 for all and he would even deliver them to my storage unit.Well since then I have been selling parts to save towards funding my projects and have decided to work on the 76 cb550 F.It seems to be the most promising since the oil is clean,It turns over freely and there is still air in the front tire making me think that it has been running within the last decade or so.It seems to have a gastank from a cb350 but I kinda dig it with the knee dents.Since then I have disesembled the carbs and cleaned them with two cans of carb cleaner and by boiling them in a combination of CLR and water then rebuild kits.I get a strong spark from the ignition so I am hopefull that once I get the carbs on and some fuel she should fire.After I hear her run Im going to tear it down and start the long process of cleaning/polishing ,repairing,replacing and cussing.[/img]

fergie · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2011, 06:39:17 PM »

5 bikes and a bunch of parts for $250? Wow. great score.

Stev-o · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2011, 07:38:36 PM »

First off, welcome!

+1 - wow, what a great deal! My first CB was a 550F, great bike.

Seabass · « **Reply #3 on:** August 08, 2011, 09:41:52 AM »

Need some advice.I am stuck wondering if I should find a air box or try some Velocity Stacks .I know I will have to rejett and tune the carbs for the stacks but I love the way they look but have read mixed reviews.Also I live at about 4800 ft elevation any advice for tuning -clip position jets,etc.would be great

Stev-o · « **Reply #4 on:** August 09, 2011, 07:35:00 PM »

Unless you are an expert carb tuner and have the tools, I would steer clear of the stacks.

Seabass · « **Reply #5 on:** August 10, 2011, 02:45:52 PM »

Thanks you saved me the headache.I think I am going to try to track down some airbox boots and salvage the airbox that I have.

SF · « **Reply #6 on:** August 11, 2011, 08:01:57 AM »

YOU COULD TRY TINTOPS "ANTI POD" AIR FILTER KIT.

Seabass · « **Reply #7 on:** August 12, 2011, 02:19:21 PM »

HOLY CATFISH IT RUNS!

.And well no misses through out the whole rpm range and on the first kick.Well im going to start tearing it down now.I will upload a video shortly.And thanks to DocVile I used his idea of a temporary fix to use corrugated hose as airbox boots untill I can track some originals down.

Seabass · « **Reply #8 on:** August 13, 2011, 06:07:17 PM »

This is a pic of how it sits now.I going to start tear down probally next weekend.

Seabass · « **Reply #9 on:** September 01, 2011, 07:55:13 PM »

Well I did not get it torn down as fast as I thought.I have a three week old baby boy and a two 1/2 year old that have been keeping me busy.But I did make some progress today.Everything is going pretty well so far.My fork tubes are pretty ugly and if anyone has some sugestions on cleaning them up and removing the rust.I am thinking a fine scothbrite pad and some pb blaster.I going to finish taking the rest off the frame and then start on prepping the frame.

Oklahoma 1984 tag

Weapons of Choice

Seabass · « **Reply #10 on:** September 02, 2011, 08:08:51 AM »

I could use a set of 550 F side covers.The K model ones I have will not fit the holes for the tabs.If any one has some at reasonable price let me know.

SohRon · « **Reply #11 on:** September 05, 2011, 07:04:32 AM »

Frankenstuff has "F" model covers; look in the "parts for sale" section.

Seabass · « **Reply #12 on:** September 09, 2011, 06:09:05 PM »

I have read the posts for bent frames and saw a couple good ideas and dont want to beat a dead horse but.I have never ridden the bike and obviously cant be ridden so i would appreciate some tips on some dead give aways and tecniques that i can use that would show some frame damage.Oh ya I dont really want to take it to a frame shop to see because its probally expensive and dont know of anyone locally.

Seabass · « **Reply #13 on:** September 09, 2011, 06:25:50 PM »

Money spent so far-
Bike - $50 ( five bikes at $250 divided equaling $50 each)
Battery-$40
Headlight ears-$16
Throttle-$18
Fork seals-$20
Misc- oil/fluids ,filters, cleaners $50
Airbox boots -$20
Carb rebuild kit-Four came in a shoebox with the carbs,purchased one because I lost a idle mix screww-$17
Total-$231
My goal is to do most of the work myself and find used parts when ever possible so hopefully I can keep it under a grand and have it done by june.Sounds like plenty enough time but with two kids under the age of three and a full time job might be a challenge.

Seabass · « **Reply #14 on:** September 16, 2011, 04:40:24 PM »

If I was to remove the the passenger peg mounts/loop would I be exiled from the forum.I don't see how these bikes can fit two healthy Americans anyways.The bike is a longways from ever being able to be original and would cost a whole lot more than I want to spend.Let me know if this is complete sacrilege.

immortal · « **Reply #15 on:** September 16, 2011, 04:53:59 PM »

Very nice project you have there! Good luck with it!

MattInVA · « **Reply #16 on:** September 16, 2011, 05:01:29 PM »

Quote from: Seabass on September 16, 2011, 04:40:24 PM

If I was to remove the the passenger peg mounts/loop would I be exiled from the forum.I don't see how these bikes can fit two healthy Americans anyways.The bike is a longways from ever being able to be original and would cost a whole lot more than I want to spend.Let me know if this is complete sacrilege.

Happens all the time.

Seabass · « **Reply #17 on:** September 16, 2011, 06:32:10 PM »

Cool I don't want a bunch of hate mail.It will look a lot cleaner in my opinion.

Seabass · « **Reply #18 on:** October 12, 2011, 04:49:10 PM »

Finished up the frame and swingarm.I am now starting on stripping the tank.the yellow on the frame is a more true yellow the what the photo shows because of the camera.

Seabass · « **Reply #19 on:** October 14, 2011, 08:32:07 AM »

Stripped The paint from the tank and concaved the knee dents a little.I am starting to prep the tank for the skim coat to smooth everything out.

lucky · « **Reply #20 on:** October 15, 2011, 09:05:50 PM »

Can you tell us the story on that American flag on the wall?

Good build story too.

Seabass · « **Reply #21 on:** October 16, 2011, 08:15:46 AM »

It was a old flag that was being retired from a near by park.Since coming from a military family I could not let it be discarded.It is pretty weathered but some day maybe I can restore it and build a flag pole for it.

Seabass · « **Reply #22 on:** October 24, 2011, 03:01:35 PM »

Started the mock up.The tank has a long way to go but paint will be towards the end.The ebay seat pan seems to fit fine and I am going to start working on the spacers and seat pad.I have started to remove the paint from the upper triple tree and have painted the lowers.I am going to replace the steering bearings with the all balls kit. Seems to be a good bang for the buck but any advice on removal and install would be appreciated.Also I love the spray on 15 minute paint stripper works like crazy I am never going to strip anything by sanding again.I would love to find a reasonable price set of used side covers to keep cost down but I have a feeling I am going to end up buying new.
Updated cost so far.
Prev.total-$231
ebay seat pan- $98
Misc materials,paint etc-$24
Total-$353.00

DavePhipps · « **Reply #23 on:** October 24, 2011, 05:36:08 PM »

It's too late now, but yes these bikes can haul two healthy adults around no problem. I would have kept the footpegs. Great for the significant other in your life.
Comfy bike 2 up compared to sport bikes

immortal · « **Reply #24 on:** October 25, 2011, 05:55:34 PM »

I'm really liking this project...subscribed!

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Author Topic: 76 cb550f lowbuck build "done" (Read 36822 times)