Author Topic: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana  (Read 15462 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline mrrch

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 652
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #50 on: January 07, 2012, 07:03:49 AM »
No problem painting just watch when reinstalling in the clamps for paint scratching.
my build

1977 CB750K WITH 1976 CB750F ENGINE

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #51 on: January 09, 2012, 05:11:45 PM »
Been a busy last few days as things are coming along a little quicker.

Got almost everything off except the motor.  Will have it out of there by Thursday.



Chopped up the front fender.   Anyone need a set of fender supports?



Parts everywhere, but organized.





Onward.
Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #52 on: January 11, 2012, 01:38:50 PM »
Big Day.  Frame and motor have parted ways.  Some more sanding and cleaning to do, then it all going back together,

Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline lucky

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,717
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #53 on: January 11, 2012, 02:46:36 PM »
I was going through the electrical troubleshooting and I looked at the fuses.  All looked fine, but here is a lesson.  The 15A fuse looked ok, but when I put the continuity tester on it, it failed.  Changed the fuse and everything lit up again.

Doesn't look bad does it?


I hope you looked through the idle jets to see daylight through them.
The fuse that was bad is unusual, but one time I was working on a car that had glass fuses and the lights in the car would work at first then go out.
I found out is was the fuse. It was glass with a flat blade of metal inside.
The metal blade was cracked so when the fuse got warm the ends of the metal blade would come apart at the crack.

It was a real hair puller to diagnose, but now know about that weird possibility.

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #54 on: January 11, 2012, 07:01:08 PM »
Thanks Lucky for the tip.  I replaced all of the jets.  Should be okay.
Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #55 on: January 12, 2012, 02:57:18 AM »
Worked out a paint scheme for the fairing.

Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline K5owner

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 196
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #56 on: January 12, 2012, 03:14:08 AM »
I like it. Can't wait to see more. Thanks!
-Ray
-----------------------------------------------------
Remembering the past...   Livn' the dream

1975 Honda CB750 K5, Restored Aug/2011
1971 Honda CB175 K5, next project
1977 Honda CT70, swap meet scooter
2004 Honda NRX1800 (Rune), Cruiser
1977 Honda GL1000, daily driver

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #57 on: January 12, 2012, 01:44:20 PM »
I usually don't name bikes, in fact never have, but I heard a great story and have decided to call the bike Bielke.

There was a soldier by the name of Max Bielke that was from the mid-west; was drafted into the Marines in the 50s and went to Korea.  Stayed in the Marines and turns out that he was the last combat soldier pulled from Viet Nam in 1973.

He retired from the service, but found himself working in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.  He died when the Pentagon was slammed into by crazy, airplane pirates that day.  Ended one war and became one of the first casualties of a new one.  I salute his service.
Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #58 on: January 25, 2012, 11:06:05 AM »
Bring may project up to date.  This little thread is going to be fun to have down the road.  Doesn't really matter what others think, the Bielke is coming right along.

Tires about ready.



Cleaning precariously.



Looking very clean inside.



Now the engine is clean and painted.  Wasn't able to get a mirror finish on the aluminum, but not bad thinks me.  Not sure if that is what I wanted anyway.  They were horrible.



Other side, with a blue frame in the background.



Blue Bielke frame.  I think that the blue gauges I'm going to get from hoodellyhoo will match the frame ok.



Now I need to figure out where and how to put on the Bielke tribute.  Any ideas?

Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #59 on: January 28, 2012, 11:23:35 AM »
Got the motor / frame marriage complete.  They love each other.  I am afraid to turn off the lights.



Starting to put things back on the bike.  Lots of blue here.



Gets easier as you go.  I must say that this is a whole lot cleaner work than taking things apart.



Did throw a little bit of red in there.  More red to come.

Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline Cheffish

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 303
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #60 on: January 28, 2012, 03:33:35 PM »
Looks really good so far. Very Shelby cobra-esque. I like the blue

Offline K5owner

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 196
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #61 on: January 29, 2012, 03:37:23 AM »
The blue is different and looks great. Nice work on the engine too. Can't wait to see more.
-Ray
-----------------------------------------------------
Remembering the past...   Livn' the dream

1975 Honda CB750 K5, Restored Aug/2011
1971 Honda CB175 K5, next project
1977 Honda CT70, swap meet scooter
2004 Honda NRX1800 (Rune), Cruiser
1977 Honda GL1000, daily driver

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #62 on: January 29, 2012, 09:47:54 AM »
Thanks a lot.  It is so pretty  This BMW is the inspiration for the color scheme. I would love to have the top half of the fairing.

Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline Ewan 500K1

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 311
    • Adams Bros Probe 2001
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #63 on: January 29, 2012, 12:05:30 PM »
looking good  :D , what did you use to slice the front mudguard ??? ..... no sign of chipped chrome or burn ? , or you going to paint anyway ?
jings, crivens, help ma boab

500 four K1 cafe racer build thread at :
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=100883.0

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #64 on: January 29, 2012, 03:58:22 PM »
I cut the front fender with my trusty Harbor Freight grinder.  I loved the way the fender looks on the Beemer so I wanted to go that way.  I ground off the chrome today, cleaned up the gunk, even underneath, and have it primed.  I haven't decided if I want any kind of pin stripe on it.

Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #65 on: January 31, 2012, 04:07:29 AM »
I started drilling holes in my front disk Sunday.  I have six holes and have been through six bits.  And I don't mean 75 cents.  I think that my drill press turns too fast but it does not have a variable speed switch.  An old Craftsman and would probably work under water, but one speed.

Any suggestions?

Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline IndyFour

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 601
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #66 on: January 31, 2012, 05:29:50 AM »
I started drilling holes in my front disk Sunday.  I have six holes and have been through six bits.  And I don't mean 75 cents.  I think that my drill press turns too fast but it does not have a variable speed switch.  An old Craftsman and would probably work under water, but one speed.

Any suggestions?



What kind of bits are you using?

When I did my front rotor a couple of years ago, I made the mistake of buying a big pkg of Titaniam (supposedly) bits from Harbor Freight, knowing that they may not be the best, but a pkg of 10 would be an ample supply.  Not so.  I think each bit basically did one hole before dulling.  Big waste of time and money.  Went to Lowes and spent the money on a good quality Cobalt bit and it easily did the rest of the holes no problem....drilled through the stainless steel like it was butter.  Some cutting oil will also help.
1974 CB550K
2000 VFR800FIY
__________________
Indianapolis, Indiana

Offline K5owner

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 196
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #67 on: January 31, 2012, 05:40:41 AM »
Good suggestion Indy. Cobalt's the way to go.
-Ray
-----------------------------------------------------
Remembering the past...   Livn' the dream

1975 Honda CB750 K5, Restored Aug/2011
1971 Honda CB175 K5, next project
1977 Honda CT70, swap meet scooter
2004 Honda NRX1800 (Rune), Cruiser
1977 Honda GL1000, daily driver

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #68 on: January 31, 2012, 05:47:44 AM »
I used some "steel cutting" bits.  They made a pretty orange glow in the dark.  I'll run over to Lowes later on today and pick up one of those cobalt dudes.

Indy kind of busy this week, huh?  I may try to get over and do the experience, fly on the zip line.  Today is probably the best day since it is going to be 65 out, but too much work to do.  I work from home, but I still gotta do it.  Thanks guys.
Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline IndyFour

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 601
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #69 on: January 31, 2012, 05:58:29 AM »

Indy kind of busy this week, huh?  I may try to get over and do the experience, fly on the zip line.  Today is probably the best day since it is going to be 65 out, but too much work to do.  I work from home, but I still gotta do it.  Thanks guys.

Yeah I haven't been down there myself, but several of my neighbors have been downtown to walk around....they said it's a pretty fun atmosphere.  Lots of good food and live music.  The thought of finding a parking place kind of makes me think twice about going.  My neighborhood is only about 5-10 minutes East of downtown, so the best way to go would probably be the bus....don't think I'm daring enough to try that, though.   :)
1974 CB550K
2000 VFR800FIY
__________________
Indianapolis, Indiana

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #70 on: January 31, 2012, 03:34:38 PM »
I'd rather try an untested rocket pack.  I hear that there is a three hour wait for the zip line.  I would wait for three hours for Brooklyn Decker, but......
Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline wedoo2

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 441
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #71 on: February 04, 2012, 03:50:41 PM »
Hello Americans, Standby for News.

This post is a monument to cheapness.  Last week I was sitting in the garage, drinking a few, and thinking about what I was going to do for a cafe type seat.  I have seen a lot of good ones, lot of expensive ones.  A lot of homemade seats.  I happened to notice an old tank I picked up a couple of months ago and started thinking that the back of the tank had the same shape as the bumps I see.

Then I thought that why couldn't I use my seat, with the hinges in place, and fit this thing on.  First thing I did was cut off the back portion of the foam.  Painted the underside and the top.



Then I cut up the old tank with the grinder.  Sparks are prettier when you have beverages going.



Put it on the seat.



Did a quick mock up job.  Too tall, back to the grinder.



Big ding in the tank, so it's time for some Bondo.



As you can see, there is nothing to support the tail end.  Of course I could I have gotten someone to weld a plate on the back of it.  But that wasn't exactly doing it myself.  So I came up with an antique way of supporting the bump.  Wood.  Of all the posts I have read here, not one about doing this.  Probably there, but I haven't seen one.



Laminated a piece of birch onto some plywood, stained it, polyurethane and presto.



Mocked up some black plastic.



I am going to find some type of rivet looking screws to attach the tail to the support.  There is the possibility of the edge cutting me, so I am going to put the seat strap over the arch and most likely fill in any gap that I may have.  Still need to paint the tail, and everything else.  Have to get it upholstered because that plastic is too slick.   8)

And now you know the rest of the story.
Some days the sun is too loud.

Offline Tews19

  • I am no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,465
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #72 on: February 06, 2012, 07:40:36 PM »
Damn, why didnt you post this sooner and give me a nudge. Looks good. Curious to see how it turns out. Are you worried about the wood rotting?
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline Mcwilliams570

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 646
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #73 on: February 06, 2012, 08:35:12 PM »
Neat idea you did there curious to see how it turns out...

Matt
My CB550 project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=101182.0

Project UFB Cb550 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=112143.0

Like a 10 dollar hooker on Friday night its going to be ridden.

1974 cb550
1975 cb550
2005 vmax
2009 vmax-sold
1981 gl500i

Offline Raef

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,317
Re: 74 CB550 Cafe le'Indiana
« Reply #74 on: February 07, 2012, 03:34:12 AM »
I messed with the tank idea once I never finished it, so ill be watching your effort. I am currently helping a guy out in his efforts to build a cafe seat using the factory seat pan, ill post some pics when it gets a little closer.

good luck in your efforts

mark