Author Topic: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build (Read 235973 times)

Zaipai · « **Reply #125 on:** January 09, 2010, 08:33:34 AM »

Quote from: traveler on January 09, 2010, 08:07:38 AM

Funny....I was thinking the same thing.....

~Joe

I have to do a lot of online looking for parts for me so I find any I will shoot you a PM..

.: Scott :.

sinister902 · « **Reply #126 on:** January 09, 2010, 09:37:05 AM »

very diligent progress thus far traveler. I did this very same thing last winter in equal weather conditions, and toward the end my attention to detail suffered.....this spring I think I may take some time to re-do some things and your build has re-inspired me so thanks

traveler · « **Reply #127 on:** January 09, 2010, 04:29:53 PM »

Got my electrical all done today. Only have to lengthen two large electrical cables and tie them up. That and tie in my micro battery when I get it. All else is done. This took a long time....as I had to put it in how I wanted it to look.

Here are a few pics of the completed product.

(Yes, the rectifier is just tied out of the way. I will mount it after the seat arrives)

The nose all buttoned up, with my new headlight installed. Also had to get a new chrome outer ring, as the original was scraped and gouged up.

Looks like I need my tank and seat, huh?

~Joe

Zaipai · « **Reply #128 on:** January 09, 2010, 05:24:30 PM »

Joe, that is looking very good. I like how you have it all tied up and I believe that rectifier will be nice and cool where you have it. Keep em coming.. Sounds like a warm (relatively so) front is moving in you should get it before we do and should help you out some..

I had plan to work on the bike today, but my wifes uncles funeral was today and took way more time then I thought so I am hoping to be back at it Sunday..

.: Scott :.

traveler · « **Reply #129 on:** January 09, 2010, 07:03:46 PM »

Thanks Scott...but the rectifier is just tied up out of the way. Once the seat is here, I will mount it.

~Joe

Zaipai · « **Reply #130 on:** January 09, 2010, 09:01:18 PM »

Quote from: traveler on January 09, 2010, 07:03:46 PM

Thanks Scott...but the rectifier is just tied up out of the way. Once the seat is here, I will mount it.

~Joe

I figured, just make sure it has some ventilation.. Probably does not need a lot but at least some.. I am jealous I just got a good look at my fuse panel and its a mess.. I have to get a new fuse box and clean up some stuff..

.: Scott :.

traveler · « **Reply #131 on:** January 09, 2010, 10:06:52 PM »

Rest assured, it hasn't come easy.....plenty of sandblasting, sanding, grinding, filing.....I stop every day tired.

~Joe

traveler · « **Reply #132 on:** January 10, 2010, 05:29:21 PM »

The guy who owned this bike before me decided it would be a good idea to mask off the engine and put on a coat of silver. Well...long story short, it really looked bad.

As I mentioned earlier, I cleaned the case area below the carbs, and today, I started on the head and block fins. I sanded them up, and then I filed the fins to make them look more sturdy. It was also a chance to remove the casting marks.

I will continue to work on them, smoothing out some of the fine scratches.

Here are a couple pics of the progress.

~Joe

traveler · « **Reply #133 on:** January 10, 2010, 09:35:34 PM »

I have a favor to ask....

I see so many have come and read this thread. PLEASE, stop and give comments and advice. I may or may not take it....but I welcome all advice.

Thanks.

~Joe

Zaipai · « **Reply #134 on:** January 11, 2010, 05:57:24 AM »

Quote from: traveler on January 10, 2010, 09:35:34 PM

I have a favor to ask....

I see so many have come and read this thread. PLEASE, stop and give comments and advice. I may or may not take it....but I welcome all advice.

Thanks.

~Joe

Man you are doing a great job. I think your heading in the right direction.. Keep up the great work..

(Viewed and posted!)

strynboen · « **Reply #135 on:** January 11, 2010, 06:24:38 AM »

great vork,,you are just a bit longer vith your bike,,mine needs engine parts and front fender.and breaks reno..
are you keaping that 2 in one,,i its seen not så rusty,, have a marchall 4 in 1..have to paint it black,,its old and rusty

traveler · « **Reply #136 on:** January 11, 2010, 09:12:30 AM »

The chrome is good on the front...behind it is rusty...so eventually, it will go to flat black hi temp. paint. $:-\$

~Joe

traveler · « **Reply #137 on:** January 20, 2010, 10:19:35 AM »

I received an update on my tank and seat from Sean at Roc City Customs.

Here is a pic. Almost done!

~Joe

sinister902 · « **Reply #138 on:** January 20, 2010, 01:02:48 PM »

that tank/seat combo is looking SHARP!

Zaipai · « **Reply #139 on:** January 20, 2010, 05:54:13 PM »

Joe,
That seat and tank are looking so sweet!

Can't wait to see them on..

.: Scott :.

traveler · « **Reply #140 on:** January 26, 2010, 01:14:42 PM »

I appreciate all the comments.

I won't be back in town for another week, so everything is on hold for now. $:-\$

Once I get home, I will start to write down a list of all the small things that need to be finished.

Also, have to decide which way I want to go with the wheels and brakes, have a few different options I am contemplating.

1. open up the slots on my rear swingarm just a tad bit, and install a harley rear wheel and disc brake setup with a 3/4 axle, and then finish the CB dual disc setup on the front

2. XS 650 "lester style" wheels, drum in the rear, either single or dual disc matching XS 650 wheel on the front. (already have a source for this)

3. 9 or 13 spoke harley wheels front and rear with the corresponding larger discs, and retofit on all dual piston harley style brakes.

4. do the same as above, but use NEW drop center 16" and 19" wheels, all chrome off of eBay with some good tyres.

What to do...what to do.... $:-\$

If I go with a Disc in the rear, I'll fab on some '09 CBR600RR rear sets that have the master cylinder tied on to the rearsets....this is a costly way to go though.

Heck, I may just clean up what I have, throw on some RAASK rearsets and continue on.

~Joe

Zaipai · « **Reply #141 on:** January 26, 2010, 05:39:14 PM »

Quote from: traveler on January 26, 2010, 01:14:42 PM

I appreciate all the comments.

I won't be back in town for another week, so everything is on hold for now. $:-\$

Once I get home, I will start to write down a list of all the small things that need to be finished.

Also, have to decide which way I want to go with the wheels and brakes, have a few different options I am contemplating.

1. open up the slots on my rear swingarm just a tad bit, and install a harley rear wheel and disc brake setup with a 3/4 axle, and then finish the CB dual disc setup on the front

2. XS 650 "lester style" wheels, drum in the rear, either single or dual disc matching XS 650 wheel on the front. (already have a source for this)

3. 9 or 13 spoke harley wheels front and rear with the corresponding larger discs, and retofit on all dual piston harley style brakes.

4. do the same as above, but use NEW drop center 16" and 19" wheels, all chrome off of eBay with some good tyres.

What to do...what to do.... $:-\$

If I go with a Disc in the rear, I'll fab on some '09 CBR600RR rear sets that have the master cylinder tied on to the rearsets....this is a costly way to go though.

Heck, I may just clean up what I have, throw on some RAASK rearsets and continue on.

~Joe

Tough call.. Don't think about it the next week while you are gone, and then when you get back go with what ever comes to mind..

Or

Flip a coin!!

Enjoy your week away...

.: Scott :.

Little_Horse · « **Reply #142 on:** January 26, 2010, 08:39:47 PM »

looks great, this is going to be an awesome bike when yo are done! Keep the pics coming.

blanc · « **Reply #143 on:** February 01, 2010, 08:15:53 AM »

stuning bike, inspirational infact!! Wel done. If I was you I would just clean up what you have and install rear sets.

How did you get your engine fins so clean? Need to do same! Do you hve to repaint it afterwards?

traveler · « **Reply #144 on:** February 02, 2010, 03:16:14 PM »

no...you don't HAVE to paint the motor.....many do it just for a look. Honda painted them from the factory.

Actually the engine fins cool better when they are bare aluminium.

I appreaciate the comments.

~Joe

traveler · « **Reply #145 on:** February 02, 2010, 04:42:14 PM »

So, anyway, I am back from vacation.

My license plate finally came in......

~Joe

Zaipai · « **Reply #146 on:** February 02, 2010, 07:09:03 PM »

Awesome plate man!!!

traveler · « **Reply #147 on:** February 02, 2010, 07:14:36 PM »

Thanks, Scott.

I just ordered my micro battery......all will fit uner the seat.

~Joe

Zaipai · « **Reply #148 on:** February 02, 2010, 07:18:55 PM »

I am jelouse you are going to be out riding way before me.. Errr some times I wish I just swapped out the frame and been done with it.. OH well I hope it turns out half as good as yours will.. Love the tank seat combo, they did a great job with it and that plate just works great with the bike style..

~Scott.

traveler · « **Reply #149 on:** February 03, 2010, 04:49:44 PM »

I had a couple of hours to burn today, so I pulled the coils out, sanded and painted the frame area with the engine block paint, and then re-installed the coils after cleaning them up a bit.

Not much, but every step forwards seems to be a good thing.

Here are a few pics after completion.

~Joe

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Author Topic: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build (Read 235973 times)

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