Author Topic: The Downtown Studio Apartment Build - 76 CB550 Brat Cafe (Read 5874 times)

sauteplease · « **on:** July 23, 2015, 12:04:05 pm »

So I picked this up from a friend on the cheap last summer. It hasn't run or been registered in 25 years. Kicked over, all seemed well, but all needs rebuilt or replaced. Decided to go for it in my 6th floor apartment like a crazy one.

In the elevator with the seller and transport crew (I'm in the back), and parked (dry) in my place:

I don't have any pictures of the tear down, but that happened, everything got bagged and tagged, and the bike was put away in pieces while I stockpiled parts over the winter. Now I'm picking the project back up.

Work space

Mating surfaces cleaned, lapped the valves and reassembled yesterday:

The plan is to NOT split the cases, and rebuild the top end. It moves through all gears smoothly.

HOWEVER, I've got the bottom end in my kitchen, starting to clean the gasket surface and piston tops for new rings and reassembly. Like an idiot, I dropped an o ring into the crankcase, turned it over both ways and can't find it. Suggestions?

sauteplease · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2015, 12:59:55 pm »

The wheels and tires are under my bed, and the rest of the bike is tucked up in the closet to pull as needed so I can still have a life.

sauteplease · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2015, 01:04:31 pm »

Next up: paint the frame, all balls tapered stem bearings, bronze swing arm bushings, and get the motor back in it.

But first, this stinkin O-ring!!! Should I carry on and hope I can find it in the pan?

I appreciate any input.

This should be a fun build, I'll update often.

Thanks guys.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2015, 01:55:40 pm »

You said that the motor kicked over when you purchased the bike. What exactly was wrong with it requiring a teardown? Leaking base/head gaskets? Seals? Or are you just taking it upon yourself to do a top-end rebuild because you want everything new?

sauteplease · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2015, 02:39:37 pm »

It kicked over, so I knew it wasn't seized, but looked like it definitely needed some seals at the very least. 40 year old bike, 21,000 miles, been sitting the last 25. The guy I bought it from had it a year, intended to rebuild it but never started. I want to make sure the bike is safe, so I figured I'd rebuild the top end while I had the thing down to the frame anyway. Peace of mind.

sauteplease · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2015, 02:49:09 pm »

Cleaned pistons.

Gene · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2015, 04:12:02 pm »

In the kitchen - where proper cleaning should be done. Very nice. I like the idea of the build in an apartment - when you're done you can just build a ramp from the window to the street and ride it down.

sauteplease · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2015, 04:25:52 pm »

I'm on the 6th floor... I think I might just take the elevator.

Gene · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2015, 05:35:39 pm »

ok. A very steep ramp. You're probably better off with the elevator tho. It's a good lookin' bike.

NYAudioEngineer · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2015, 06:33:14 pm »

I love it! Haha. I wish I could do that.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2015, 08:53:51 pm »

Crazy kids. I would never dream of doing that with a live in girlfriend.

sauteplease · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2015, 10:14:28 pm »

She's got her own place

sauteplease · « **Reply #12 on:** July 26, 2015, 04:04:51 pm »

Grey Sunday, good beer, fitting new piston rings.

sauteplease · « **Reply #13 on:** July 26, 2015, 06:13:31 pm »

Cylinders honed, cleaned, and oiled.

sauteplease · « **Reply #14 on:** July 26, 2015, 07:15:51 pm »

Pistons in jugs.

Phinn · « **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2015, 11:54:12 am »

Good work!

Are those your roommates? If so, they must be very understanding. My wife can detect the faintest scent of PB Blaster if I work in the garage for 10 minutes with the door closed.

70CB750 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 27, 2015, 11:56:31 am »

Following

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #17 on:** July 27, 2015, 12:09:48 pm »

This reminds me of posts of guys "washing" parts in the dishwasher or baking parts with VHT paint in kitchen ovens.

Not only is this of questionable safety in contaminating food, it is a surefire way to catch hell from a significant other that lives with you!

sauteplease · « **Reply #18 on:** July 27, 2015, 06:01:51 pm »

Thanks guys.

Roommates? No, I don't have any roommates, so I have no worries there. I do all the smelly work by the kitchen window with a fan behind me. I have a girlfriend, she's got her own place though.

This is a "function first" build.. I've got a bunch of shiny new parts and bolts, spent some time polishing engine side covers and what not over the winter. I'm considering bolting all the shiny stuff onto the engine without painting it. It could definitely use some paint, but time and proper work space are both pretty limited.

I won't sacrifice function or safety.. clean lines, proportions, overall cleanliness, and the right stance are priorities too.

Might be a little ratty in between the lines, but I just want to get this thing on the road. Time will tell..

knowsnothing · « **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2015, 09:11:22 am »

Quote from: Phinn on July 27, 2015, 11:54:12 am

Good work!

Are those your roommates? If so, they must be very understanding. My wife can detect the faintest scent of PB Blaster if I work in the garage for 10 minutes with the door closed.

Haha they must have a sixth sense.

Me in the basement, 2 doors closed, on the opposite side of the house, with a quick spritz of PB Blaster...

Her: "I smell gas! Is that gas!"
Me: "No hunny, its fine. Its not gas, don't worry its not toxic"
Her: "It still stinks!"

hahaha

sauteplease · « **Reply #20 on:** September 11, 2015, 03:33:19 pm »

Finally got the engine buttoned up with fresh hardware.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #21 on:** September 12, 2015, 05:59:20 am »

Engine looks great. How did you ever resolve the issue with the o-ring?

Stev-o · « **Reply #22 on:** September 12, 2015, 07:11:34 am »

I'd paint the motor while you have it out. Take it to the park?!

Trad · « **Reply #23 on:** September 12, 2015, 10:16:00 am »

Nice work so far! One thing to check right away on these 500/550 engines is for primary chain wear on the lower case. Drop the pan and take a peak with a dental mirror. There is no tensioner for these chains. The problem is, if left loose they will chew thrown the case right into an oil galley.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #24 on:** September 12, 2015, 10:26:58 am »

Are those copper crush washers?

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Author Topic: The Downtown Studio Apartment Build - 76 CB550 Brat Cafe (Read 5874 times)