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Author Topic: 1977 CB550 Cafe Build  (Read 1444 times)

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Offline Valentinik

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1977 CB550 Cafe Build
« on: January 09, 2016, 03:04:15 PM »
Some will have seen my introduction post but if you haven't, First of all, this is the first bike i've owned and its a big learning experience more than anything for me, i've had numerous cars and I'm currently build a turbo westfield but bikes are something i have never worked on. So please excuse what some may feel are stupid questions.

Today i went and collected a new project. Its a 1977 CB550 K3, it looks like someone has changed the forks to super dream items as well as the wheels. Im hoping to find some good used items, refurbish them and replace them. As can be seen from the pictures, some bits are missing and its not in too good a state but something i thought was suitable to work on.

I went and collected the bike from leominster this afternoon. To pay my wife back for coming with me i had to take her out to dinner so wasn't able to start until we got back (she wasn't pleased).

Here it is before it was put in the garage:


I've removed the seat, tank and exhaust and just had a look at what exactly is missing and what i need to do:



One thing I'm not sure of what it is/where it is meant to fit is this:


Could anyone give me a pointer on what it is?

Mike
« Last Edit: January 10, 2016, 01:35:23 PM by Valentinik »
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Offline calj737

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Re: 1977 CB550 Build
« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2016, 03:22:35 PM »
That is your rear brake switch. It mounts on the right side of the frame, on the front of the tube holding the sidecover, and directly above the brake lever. It should have a long spring to connect it to the pedal and activate when depressed.
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'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550 Build
« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2016, 04:31:23 PM »
That's an interesting franken-bike. 

It looks like the PO mounted a 750F2/F3 wheel and brake calipers up front -- a nice improvement with the dual discs.  Some people like and some people dislike the Comstar wheels.  Yours look like they are in decent shape.  I am unsure where the PO sourced the rear Comstar wheel because the 750F bikes had disc rear wheels.

I would keep the wheels as is.

The larger issue here is the open top end, and how long it's been like that.  Is the engine seized or free? 
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Offline Valentinik

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Re: 1977 CB550 Build
« Reply #3 on: January 10, 2016, 07:55:09 AM »
Thanks for the information, its really useful. i've learnt a lot already.

I made a little bit of progress this morning. Both wheels are off, the engine is out and i've taken a look at the forks. The chrome seems to be pretty rusty and I'm not a fan of the wheels, so i may see if i can source a set of original forks and spoked wheels. The wheels seem to be in pretty good condition so i'l see if anyone else is interested in them.



Before i took the engine out though i wanted to check it turns over as i didnt know what state it was in. The good news was it turned over quite freely. The less pleasing news was when i drained the oil, 2 litres of water came out before the oil.

As you can see from the picture theres a bit of rust on the camshaft and tops of the valves but I'm hoping its still useable. Im planning on a full engine rebuild anyway.



Mike
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Offline Valentinik

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Re: 1977 CB550 Build
« Reply #4 on: January 10, 2016, 07:59:26 AM »
I thought the wheels and forks looked like cb400n. Which may explain why it has a drum not a rear disk? but this was just from a very quick look.

Mike
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Offline irish44395

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Re: 1977 CB550 Build
« Reply #5 on: January 10, 2016, 08:13:28 AM »
They also look like the ones on my nighthawk 650 same wheels and drum brake
Pete
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Offline calj737

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Re: 1977 CB550 Build
« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2016, 08:24:54 AM »
From the looks of the cam in the picture, you need a replacement or a regrind on that cam. You should also carefully inspect the rockers if you have them (these would be on thunder side of the rocker cover).

With water having infiltrated your engine, expect the rings and bores to have quite a bit of rust. At a minimum a rigid hone and new rings, perhaps a fresh set of pistons and rings (eBay CruzinImage 59mm kit is widely popular and is a 0.5mm over bore).

If you haven't learned already, all the screws in he motor a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) and require a different bit altogether. Buy a set of these bits and an impact hammer, and you'll save heals of time removing and rebuilding that motor.
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'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Valentinik

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Re: 1977 CB550 Cafe Build
« Reply #7 on: January 10, 2016, 01:40:06 PM »
unfortunately i don't have the rockers or rocker cover as this wasn't fitted, i think this is the cause of the water ingress. Thats one of the parts il need to find

Thanks for the pointer on the JIS screwdriver bits, i didnt know that. Il order a set.

Mike
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Offline bochnak

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Re: 1977 CB550 Cafe Build
« Reply #8 on: January 13, 2016, 06:07:05 AM »
Cool project!

I have some videos that may help you with your engine. See my sig.
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Offline Valentinik

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Re: 1977 CB550 Cafe Build
« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2016, 02:45:23 PM »
Great, thanks. Il have a watch.
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