Author Topic: New user on Forum :) 1976 CB550 k2? (Read 11837 times)

RuffTuffGuy · « **on:** September 10, 2011, 10:27:35 PM »

My dad has always been dreaming of having his nice big Harley, although he has always grown up on either a CB550/750 and I'm unsure of years. Well he got his Harley, and he does love it, so he gave me his old 76 CB550/k/f/??? (There are no logo's or easy identification) that has been sitting for a few years. He kinda just kept it up to keep running and he never really did much to it look wise. I guess you can say its a natural rat bike. It had some rust on it and instead of replacing parts, he kinda cleaned it up and painted it instead (Fenders and such). ha ha. It does still run, but its rough.

Everything is Rough and Rigged on this bike. My dad is all about me jumping into stuff and figuring it out on my own. I've got a manual, and downloaded all the information you guys have posted up on here. Which is really impressive!

First thing first...I have to clean the carbs. Now my dad says he cleaned them before and their is a bit of corrosion on the floats, the screws in the float bowls are stripped. I may just end up buying some new carbs, but then again, I really don't want to spend money if there is a slim chance I could fix them. I just don't know where to look for these parts and all. I know the kits are out there, but they may not have the parts I need.

I also need to either fix or buy a front wheel brake caliper because they are garbage. The bike was dropped before my dad owned it and he never tried to straighten the handlebar or turn signal. So I guess I'll need new turn signals and mounts, including a new handlebar of some sort. Oh yea, my right hand controls don't work right. So I'll be shopping for new controls that will allow me to use the push button on the starter. This bike has only been kick started for yeaaaaaaaaaaars. When you push the button in, it does turn the starter, but it wont stop! Bad button or whatever.

Let's see, I'll need new tires due to dry rot and the battery does not hold a charge anymore. I'll need all new cables for the clutch and throttle. Some of this is an easy fix, but honestly what scares me the most is having to deal with these carbs. The diagrams and all look really confusing, and I'd be pissed if I lost a little spring...hahaha.

Now, I have no real direction with this bike. I saw all that cafe stuff, but I'm not really interested in that. Although they do look cool, I think I'd rather have a comfortable stroll then the forward lean. I hate to say I am like my dad, but I really just want to get this bike a bit better then what my dad had it so I can ride it around town without being embarrassed by what it looks like! Its has a custom orange/black paintjob that could be used still, but I'm not really digging it.

If anyone has any ideas, I'd REALLY REALLY REALLY appreciate if you could lend me a hand with your knowledge, tips, and trials! I'll post pictures of the bike shortly and I'll try to keep up on the post of my project.

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2011, 10:30:18 PM »

Welcome to the forums and we love pictures

Matt

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2011, 07:38:51 PM »

OK, So I was able to take some pictures, and tear apart the bike a bit. My main focus was basically to make sure what all I might need to get this going again.

So here we go...

You can tell it was dropped, due the the turn signal damage.

Caliper that needs some love. I lost all fluid..

Engine...

Homebrewed cushion and backrest...Hey it did the job.

Bent handlebars. Yes I need some cool new handlebars.

These carbs are going to be so much fun...blah.

Absolutely no back pressure from the front brake lever. Dirty brake fluid.

Ha ha, the starter button that would not come unstuck! I had to use needle nose pliers to take it out.

I'd love to get all new switches and levers.

My poodle keepin me company, check out his mohawk.

How does everything look?

Tearin down, easier then what I thought. I thought for sure everything was going to fight me.

Taking the airbox out, piece by piece. The boots are shot...

The carbs come out...

Its pretty nasty, its really going to need cleaned...

.

This F&%$in screw will not come out for the life of me...after about 10 min of messing I almost stab my hand with a screwdriver and throw it across the garage. I'll be looking for some new screws.

The floats aren't in the best shape, and some epoxy was used...huh?

Now, as of what to do next, I need to read up and take some notes because as I see things I might be buying new carbs. What do you all think?

Bob3050 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2011, 08:57:56 PM »

I don't know what other problems the front caliper has but I see the bleeder has been replaced with a bolt. If the threads for the valve are bad NAPA auto parts has a very neat and easy to use repair kit. Cheap too.

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2011, 09:18:06 PM »

Actually that is exactly what the problem is I just haven't seen how bad the threads are. I'll check into that and it sounds like a plan! Thanks!

Cheffish · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2011, 10:56:59 PM »

Holy spray paint batman! But seriously, it looks like you got yourself a nice bike. Just needs a little love. Get a bleed valve for that caliper and then rebuild it. You obviously have a leak in the system you just need to find it. I Wouldn't give up on those carbs yet either but you should ask the experts on these forums. Post those in the sohc4 bikes section and see what they think. Good luck with the project. Keep posting pics!

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2011, 11:17:59 PM »

Yea tell me about the paint. I'm not sure, I might actually keep it that way. Kinda gives it that old ratty look I was talking about. The paint on the engine actually cleans up really nice. Its the paint on the handle bars and mufflers that just look awful. Since I will be getting new handlebars, and maybe some new mufflers in the future, I'm not really worried about it. I found I can buy some already pre-painted black handlebars, and I thought I might go with some exhaust wrap when I get a new exhaust system. Honestly looks aren't too important right now as function is. As for the carbs, I just don't know what to do with them. I have experience working on cars and all but I never touched a bike. So I'll need some help on these.

lucky · « **Reply #7 on:** September 12, 2011, 01:39:07 AM »

When I see really oily greasy parts it makes me happy because I know it will clean up nice and no corrosion.

When I see dry parts and white chloride powder I fear the worst.

The messed up screw in the carb. Brass and aluminum corrosion. It is the worst combo of metals as far as corrosion potential. A steel screw in aluminum would be better.
Always tap on the screw FIRST with a metal hammer before tying to remove. The tapping with a hammer helps to break the molecular bond between the two parts.

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 12, 2011, 10:16:46 AM »

Yeah doesnt look to bad. I think it is pretty cool to have a bike that was passed down from your dad to you...

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #9 on:** September 12, 2011, 06:01:52 PM »

Well it's not his "childhood" bike, he bought it just to ride about 10 years ago for $100 dollars. He fixed it up, fell in love with riding again then bought a Harley. Now it's my $100 bike.

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2011, 08:03:37 AM »

Ok quick question people. Does a 750 engine bolt right on this frame?

rickmoore24 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2011, 08:49:30 AM »

You have a nice bike to start with, shouldn't take much to get her running again. Good luck!!!

Rick

Cheffish · « **Reply #12 on:** September 20, 2011, 09:47:19 AM »

Quote from: RuffTuffGuy on September 20, 2011, 08:03:37 AM

Ok quick question people. Does a 750 engine bolt right on this frame?

don't think so

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #13 on:** September 20, 2011, 03:26:02 PM »

Yea after looking over forums I saw you can't. Ok thanks

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 20, 2011, 08:10:15 PM »

on all that paint...it seems guys who can't afford masking tape, quite often, can't afford good paint either...so get a gallon of laquer thinner and some fine steel wool and you may be surprised how easy that stuff comes off...

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #15 on:** September 20, 2011, 09:40:18 PM »

Haha. Yea well actually all that paint on there is aircraft grade, laquer won't put a dent in it. My dad grabbed it up when they were changing up inventory where he works. I cleaned it up some and it's actually really black and really shiny. It needs touched up some. I'm not to worried about the looks of the bike just yet. I'm actually thinking of a rough rat look.

Cheffish · « **Reply #16 on:** September 21, 2011, 07:29:12 AM »

So the carbs are nasty but how's the motor? Is that why you asked about a 750 swap?

lucky · « **Reply #17 on:** September 21, 2011, 07:55:50 AM »

Just because the float bowl screws are stripped, you think you have to get new carbs!

Just grab onto those screws with some small vice grips.
Order OEM screws.

Please do not throw the carbs in a trash can. Take them to any cycle salvage place and turn them in.

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #18 on:** September 21, 2011, 09:46:03 AM »

I didn't say I needed new carbs just because of the screws! I just pointed that out. I got the screws loose anyways. There is epoxy in there for some reason and it gunked it all up bad. That's why I wanted new carbs, you must not have read my second post. I may be a newb but I'm not going to throw out my carbs because of a couple screws and I wouldn't give my carbs to a salvage yard either.

Cheffish · « **Reply #19 on:** September 21, 2011, 10:25:33 AM »

I realize the carbs just need rebuilding. Thats why I was asking what shape the motor was in

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #20 on:** September 21, 2011, 11:43:20 AM »

I was replying to "lucky," cheffish. The motor is fine. I'm a bigger guy and I heard the 550 is really meant for guys under 200. I thought maybe it was the same frame as the 750. I'd just get a 750 motor and drop it on.

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #21 on:** September 26, 2011, 06:10:16 PM »

Ok so I took my handle bars off. I didn't like the way they looked or felt. I bought the superbike handlebars for it and I realized there are no holes in it! After pulling the old wires out I realized it may be easier to keep the wires on the outside. Now is this possible??? Also my right side handle starter button is broke. I took it off and all the plastic guts spilled all over the place. What option do I have for this button and control unit? Do they make aftermarket parts like that? I haven't seen many.

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #22 on:** September 26, 2011, 08:07:37 PM »

After doing some research I found they still make these and you can buy them at the dealership. I would just buy this used, but from what I see, the old plastic they used to use is really brittle. I'm thinking on getting this at my local honda dealership or online at where ever is cheaper. The part number is 35130-377-P00. I would just put that in the search bar and do a search. A few guys came up, but Babbitt's seems the cheapest only if the shipping isn't too much. If the dealer can beat his price shipping and all I'll just do that. Now I have to wait another week or two for my fun money.

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 26, 2011, 09:42:42 PM »

You can run the wiring outside the bars quite easily...just use a die grinder or dremel to cut a relief for the wires so that they don't get pinched where the wires clamp to the bars...

RuffTuffGuy · « **Reply #24 on:** September 27, 2011, 07:45:01 AM »

Yea I might do that with the left hand controls. I need new right hand controls because the guts that controlled the starter switch were plastic and broke. The new ones I believe come with an opening already. If not I'll notch it out like you said.

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Author Topic: New user on Forum :) 1976 CB550 k2? (Read 11837 times)