Author Topic: creative thinking on a cb550  (Read 4028 times)

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Offline captbt

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creative thinking on a cb550
« on: March 27, 2012, 05:49:10 pm »
I have a gas tank lid without a lock assembly.  Does anyone have any ideas on what to use in lieu of the stock lock assembly.  This is a 1976 cb550f gas tank.  Oh yeah, almost forgot, to complete the tank i could also use some honda emblems if anyone has any extra one layin around. 
1976 cb550F, 1980 cb900C

Offline Gordon

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2012, 05:55:41 pm »
Pretty much all the Honda bikes from at least the late 60's through the mid 70's (when they switched to the recessed filler caps) used the same gas caps and latches, so finding a cheap used one that will work for your bike shouldn't be too hard, especially if all you need is the lock/latch.  Don't worry about not having a key for the "lock", since they aren't actually locks, just latches that can be opened with anything that will fit in the slot. 

Offline captbt

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2012, 06:03:55 pm »
I have found a number of lids however none of them had the lock assembly in them.  I will continue to look around but other ideas would be appreciated.
1976 cb550F, 1980 cb900C

Offline captbt

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2012, 06:11:56 pm »
I'm not really sure how the lock assembly works or how many parts make up assembly, thats why I'm looking for other members ideas or insight.
1976 cb550F, 1980 cb900C

Offline geminimotors

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2012, 10:33:39 pm »
The 'lock' on our 550F tanks accept almost any key. It doesn't need to match a specific key. just gently use your 550 ignition key, and don't bugger it up trying to use a pocket knife or your ford key.

Offline captbt

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2012, 03:26:34 pm »
I am aware that any key will open the lock. Unfortunately I do not have a lock  thats why I'm looking for a new one, or other options.
1976 cb550F, 1980 cb900C

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2012, 10:12:11 pm »
....seems like they are still available new from Honda?...not sure...probably expensive
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Gnik Nus

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #7 on: March 29, 2012, 02:41:14 am »
Captbt... I have a new one never used in original packing. PM me and we'll work something out if interested.

Offline PGF550F

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #8 on: January 22, 2014, 06:42:24 pm »
I am currently on the hunt for a lock for my 550 with the filler door as well. Right now I'm using a bolt that I cross drilled and put a cotter pin through once I put it through the lock hole. Extremely ugly but functional ???

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #9 on: January 23, 2014, 08:49:00 am »
I am currently on the hunt for a lock for my 550 with the filler door as well. Right now I'm using a bolt that I cross drilled and put a cotter pin through once I put it through the lock hole. Extremely ugly but functional ???

I have an extra lock that I had purchased and am now not going to use. If you are interested I can PM you some pics and more details.
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline Powderman

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2014, 01:03:46 pm »
Here is the part #37220-390-007 , they list in the $30 range. Partzilla no longer carries it. Shows the same part number for all 550's & 750'S through 1978. Looks the same as my 77 Cb400f lock. This is basically the whole mechanism:
« Last Edit: January 28, 2014, 02:22:41 pm by Powderman »

Offline Destruckto440

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #11 on: January 23, 2014, 01:16:58 pm »
Ive also been looking for this lock. PGF550Fs bolt solution would work but instead of a bolt head a chrome or polished aluminum knobof some sort. I dont really care if it locks. Just needs to hold it down and not look cheesy. Ill have to try this out. Thanks for the idea pgf.
1978 CB550K

Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #12 on: January 23, 2014, 01:26:26 pm »
As stated earlier, it is not a lock. Anything that fits the slot and turns will open it.
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


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Offline Garage_guy_chris

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #13 on: January 23, 2014, 01:31:55 pm »
I had a CB750F tank and was pondering the same issue. I ended up selling it and I never did anything with it. But i did find Mcmastercarr has a good selection of "cam latches" that would probably work or could me made to work.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#cam-latches/=qdp2m0
1971 Cb450 Cafe  (on the road)
1974 Cb750 Restomod (on the road)

Offline wowbagger

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #14 on: January 23, 2014, 02:03:16 pm »
I just saw one of the project threads where the guy had used a 3D printer to print out a gas cap latch. (Of course, now I can't find it again to link to it).

Offline Destruckto440

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #15 on: January 25, 2014, 04:09:02 pm »
I made this on my lunch break the other day at work.  I turned down a piece of scrap aluminum and hit the knob part with a knurling tool. I then drilled a hole and put an 1/8" spring pin in it. Its not perfect but it secures the lid. Its Not Original but i think it looks decent. Best of all it fills the little hole ive been staring at for a month.
1978 CB550K

Offline PGF550F

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #16 on: January 28, 2014, 06:48:34 am »


This is what the top of mine looks like, bambuhiphop if you want to PM me a few pics of the latch you have, I may be interested.

I wish I had a metal lathe and skills to build one, soo much to learn, soo little time.

Offline lucky

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #17 on: January 28, 2014, 12:01:07 pm »
If someone really wanted to steal the gas, all they have to do is remove one hose from the petcock and let the fuel drain into a container.

Why suck it out of the top???? ;D

Creative thinking??? LOL..lol
BTW...You can use the ignition key to open those gas lid flaps.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2014, 12:03:42 pm by lucky »

Offline dave500

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #18 on: January 28, 2014, 12:05:44 pm »
it would be quicker to run off with the entire gas tank?

Offline Duanob

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Re: creative thinking on a cb550
« Reply #19 on: January 28, 2014, 02:12:14 pm »
it would be quicker to run off with the entire gas tank?

Oh yeah, a lot quicker! It took me about an hour to completely drain a tank via the petcock. Of course criminals usually aren't very smart.
"Just because you flush a boatload of money down the toilet, doesn't make the toilet worth more",  My Stepfather the Unknown Poet

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