Topic: Suggestions for 71 CB500 resto

[stevenmgrr]

Okay guys, it is now starting to get cold here in Michigan, so I am making plans to work on my 71 CB500 that I acquired this summer.

As you can see from the picture, it is in pretty decent shape.  I have already replaced the seat with a new one.  Originally, I had planned on totally disassembling it and doing a ground up restoration, replacing, cleaning, polishing and plating everything.  I was going to strip the bike down to frame and send it out for powdercoating.  While I certainly enjoy that kind of project, it is looking like that might be a bit ambitious.  I just simply won't have the time winter to tackle that level of restoration. 

I do however wish to freshen up the appearance of this bike before next years riding season and doing so in a restrained manner that doesn't have me totally disassembling the bike.  When I inspect the bike with a critical eye, I would say that the frame and engine need the most attention.  The paint on the frame is faded and has lost its luster.  It even looks like someone tried to paint it in some areas.  The swing arm is really in need of repainting as well.  It looks to have been sprayed with some flat black.  The frame shows some very small areas of surface rust near some of the welds where the original paint probably wore off and the PO didn't prep the area before touching it up.

The engine has a leak near the exhaust that I plan on fixing over the winter.  From what I have read, replacing the 'pucks' will probably address this.  Perhaps someone can tell me whether I need to remove the engine to replace these.  Once that is fixed, I was going to turn my attention to the cosmetics of the engine.  The aluminum side covers could come off and be either polished or painted without removing the engine, but could I touch up the rest engine (paint) without removing it?

All of the other stuff are pretty minor clean/polish/spray projects.  I am not looking for a perfectly restored museum piece, but I do want a clean, sharp looking bike.  How can I go about this with the least amount of disassembly?   Any tips, tricks or suggestions?   

Steve Moore
Canton, MI 

[brady0706]

That cb500 looks to be in pretty good shape. It going to be difficult to paint the engine without removing it from the frame. I would re-consider doing a full tear down. I am pondering something like this for my next project. Very sharp bike from on of the members here. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[stevenmgrr]

Thanks Brady.  After reading some of the posts in the Project Forum, and your post, I guess it won't be too bad to take the bike apart for painting.  It will probably be easier than masking everything.  I am going to keep the red color scheme, but add the black fuel tank 'oval'.

[Johnny5]

It's not really that bad tearing it down. Just label and take lots of pictures.

Nice bike, btw.

[Tim in Ohio]

That's a good looking bike.  Be sure and take pics to share your progress with the group.