Topic: TEWS' 1975 550F build *****UPDATED 04/23/2012***** SHE RUNS! VIDEO

[Tews19]

As the summer nears the end I was looking at my orange beast and decided now is the time.. In the next week I will start my winter rebuild.. No engine rebuild as it has only 6k and drives extremely smooth... I am hoping for some help from you fellow members when it comes to parts to purchase and colors to choose.

I took off the rear passenger pegs and cut the ears off today. I hope to get a few more miles before the end of next weeks...


That is what she looked liked when I brought her home.

Left side ear cut off..


Right side ear cut off...


I already removed the muffler as is was completely rotted through...The header is in decent shape and i am looking for some insight for what I should buy for the exhaust set up.... Go with the Lossa 12" reverse megaphone muffler...http://cafebikerentals.com/parts.html

 Leaning more towards the Lossa...

Or go with the full set up from carpy...http://www.cb750cafe.com/parts.php?id=170

Or do i go with a MAC 4-1?

I already bought new set of fork seals and plan to purchase progressive springs as suggested by members from this site....

Sometime this week I am also looking ot purchase Timken tapered bearing and a new triple tree as mine has one of the stops broken.....

I am not sure how I should go about purchasing a new sprocket... Any suggestions as to what sprocket to buy? I am looking for reliability and yet some more pep...

I also changed out and cut my new superbike bars and have installed these to see how I like and I like so no changing them out.....

I plan to order Hondaman's fuse box for this bike as well as I have done for my 550K....

I am removing the rear fender so that will be in my posting of parts for sale... I want to move my battery to the rear under the seat I plan to have fabricated and move all the electrical to an area where I can have the current location open.. I like the bare look..

I plan to install the Dyna system, should I add Hondaman's

PAINT- Frame powder coated a metalic silver...
TANK will be sent to Johnny5 soon as I plan to have the knee dents the Georgia Bulldogs red, the middle black and the remainder of the sides will be silver....

Not sure if I should powder coat the forks the GB red as well..

All turn signals will be replaced as well...

Braided brake lines as well.

If any of you can think of anything that i am missing that would be great to have some input..

[sopo400f]

That fairing is unreal!
Your bike looks to be in decent shape.

[Tews19]

Here are some upclose pictures of the rust...  I hope I can remove it all... Besides the steel wool I have been using any other suggestions?

[Stev-o]

I vote for the Lossa pipe. Don't know anything about it, but I had a Mac and didn't care for it. And be careful about Carpy stuff, pricey and reports of bad workmanship.
The rims look pretty rusty, what is your plan for them? I'm sure they will clean up but the chrome will be spotty? Or powder coat??

[Tews19]

I vote for the Lossa pipe. Don't know anything about it, but I had a Mac and didn't care for it. And be careful about Carpy stuff, pricey and reports of bad workmanship.
The rims look pretty rusty, what is your plan for them? I'm sure they will clean up but the chrome will be spotty? Or powder coat??

Thanks Stev-0, I was leaning towards the Lossa and cinect it to my headers... Lossa was polite and warned me i will need to rejet with this pipe... He offered to send them with the purchase...

As the rims go I have been busting balls using steel wool 000 to rid the rust... JAGS told me to use 500=600 grit sandpaper.... WIll be driving to Menards for that....

[Bob3050]

Use some kind of chrome cleaner like Dupont's or Mother's along with the steel wool. It's messy but it really helps. It will shine a lot better but you cannot get rid of the pits entirely. Also if your fork stop is the only reason to replace the stem you could have it welded instead. Could save you some money.
Bob

[Tews19]

Use some kind of chrome cleaner like Dupont's or Mother's along with the steel wool. It's messy but it really helps. It will shine a lot better but you cannot get rid of the pits entirely. Also if your fork stop is the only reason to replace the stem you could have it welded instead. Could save you some money.
Bob

Are saying I should weld the broken thumb thing on thr triple tree rather then buuying a used one? HMMM

[Mcwilliams570]

I am not sure how I should go about purchasing a new sprocket... Any suggestions as to what sprocket to buy? I am looking for reliability and yet some more pep...

Not sure what ones to buy sure someone can recomend one stock sprockets are 17 front and 37 rear you can go 17 front 38/39 rear will give a bit more pep off the line but will lose some top end and probally gas milage but shouldnt be a huge difference. The stock setup is pretty darn good though.

Matt

[Tews19]

I am not sure how I should go about purchasing a new sprocket... Any suggestions as to what sprocket to buy? I am looking for reliability and yet some more pep...

Not sure what ones to buy sure someone can recomend one stock sprockets are 17 front and 37 rear you can go 17 front 38/39 rear will give a bit more pep off the line but will lose some top end and probally gas milage but shouldnt be a huge difference. The stock setup is pretty darn good though.

Matt

SO far leaning towards stock.... Since mine are in great shape, should I not mess w them?

[Mcwilliams570]

You can leave them for now see how you like it can always change it another time.

[sopo400f]

Crud cutter's  must for rust with the steel wool, will clean those rims.

[Scott S]

I've had good luck with 0000 steel wool and Windex to remove rust. It may not get all of it off, but you'll be surprised at the results.

 MAC makes a replacement megaphone that with fit that 550F header.

[Tews19]

Thanks guy for the info already... I been slaving with the 000steel wool. I am going to try the sand paper next and if I have to anyone ever use soda?

[jaguar]

you cant sand chrome....well atleast not to try and make it look better

[65Ch3v3LL3]

Mythbusters used aluminum foil and coca-cola to great success. It actually beat out chrome polish in their rusty bumper test.

[Lostboy Steve]

I mean if youre gonna go nuts there are some serious two stage powdercoats that look awesome!


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[Tews19]

I mean if youre gonna go nuts there are some serious two stage powdercoats that look awesome!


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I actually have a guy who is powder coating the frame and other bits and pieces... What is stage two? I will bring it up to him... If I powder coat the rims will I have to relace the rims ?

[Tews19]

I decided to go with the Lossa set up.... Now what is the correct way to messure to order the proper one? from outside of the header it is 2.5" but I do no tthink it is the same as the 750 which I think is 2.5... Any idea what I am doing wrong for measuring?

[Mayor08]

The inside diameter inlet on the Lossa muffler must be the same size as the outside diameter of your header pipe this will allow the Lossa to slip right on. 

[Tews19]

Thanks Mayor....

Found something very cool and not one on a bike in person...http://www.roccitycafe.com/item.php?path=store/1alloy,
The seat is 420 but ready to be placed on and ridden..... How will this handle up to the weather and normal driving? ANyone have experience with this maker?

[Cheffish]

I used his stuff. He's a good dude and a member here also I think. He answered all my questions and was real helpful. Do a search here for benjis if you're thinking of going that route.

[Tews19]

Stripped most of the parts I was able to in the time allowed.
Anyone in needs of parts I made a for sale thread..

[Mcwilliams570]

Looking good Looks like your rims cleaned up nice..

Matt

[Tews19]

There is still rust and I cant get rid of it.... 

[Tews19]

Made some progress today. Borrowed a friends lift...Removed both wheels, electrical, started to remove the forks and when they wouldnt move the last inch I realized I didnt not remove the top bolts.... Now I need to purchase a 23mm socket.... I also removed the carbs and air filter box......This is going a lot easier then i thought it would... I have been playing it smart and labeling every bolt and piece into its own ziplock bag so I wount have to putz around with that aspect when I get her back together..