Hi all -
My CB550 has been in pieces for almost 2 years. The original intent was to do a restoration, but as it turns out time was never in my favor. My fiance had to move away temporarily for a job assignment, so I've had more free weekends. This weekend I finally got around to getting her back together. Here's a picture of when I bought it 3 years ago:
Day one progress:
-Cleaned and spot-painted the frame in Rustoleum semi-gloss (works great).
-Puts carbs back together.
-Other small odds and ends (parts cleaning, etc).
Day two:
-Cleaned and installed the engine in the frame.
-Put wheels on.
-General cleaning.
-Installed Carbs.
Day 3:
-Reconnected cables, and all the "little stuff".
What remains to be done:
-Buy new battery
-Rebuild the front caliper
-Find the little damn lever that actuates the back brakes (can't find it)
-Install oil filter and oil.
-Size and cut the new chain.
-Fire it up and hope she runs! (the a carb sync, etc...)
Things I learned along the way:
-Be religious about catalouging everything you take off. My lack of doing this caused me several headaches.
-Be very careful with exhaust studs. I broke one off and stripped another one out of the head by over tightening.
I'm excited this bike is finally coming back together. I've missed riding it! The objected was not to have a perfect bike with this project, but to have a usable daily rider that I won't be afraid to put miles on while still looking good.