Topic: 1977 cb550f resto/mod

[dminer]

Newly Amended Intro:

Hey, my name is Drew and I guess this will be my project log on my '77 cb550f.

I plan on making it into something like a cafe for two but with modern looks.  I can't really say what this will end up looking like but once I get there I will know.  Currently I am just getting it back on the road for the summer then hopefully over the winter I will have the time/funds to put some serious work into it.

Current plans:
-Paint it all the same color.
-Figure out why the headlight, running lights, speedo/tach lights won't work without blowing the main fuse.

Future plans:
-Fork seals
-Fork bearings
-Master cylinder rebuild
-Hydrogen fuel booster
-Possibly frame up rebuild
-A paint job that actually looks good

The beginning state of the machine:

[dminer]

Here are some of the "original" photos of the bike.










You can see the lovely side panels there, one red and one blue but neither match the tank exactly.

[dminer]

Today I spent 2 hours and 8 fuses on making the tail light work.

One success!

Anyone have any  ideas on how to make the headlight and side marker lights work as well?  I have pulled the wiring harness off and put it back on wire by wire as per Clymer wiring diagram but nothing works.  I have one problem that in my noobdom can't figure out.  The wiring diagram says that there is a headlight on/off switch on the right handle but mine has none.  This being the case I just jumped the wires that lead to this switch and the main fuse goes boom.  Is there supposed to be a switch there for the headlight or a relay of some sort that would keep it from blowing the main fuse?

Well for now I will just have to be content with sanding and prepping the tank and side panels.

[dminer]

Tonight I put a rattle can paint job on it and it looks pretty good.  I just used a satin finish black.  I put a clear coat on the side panels but they lost their shine after it dried.  Maybe it will buff out but I didn't want to mess up the tank if not since the side panels are a much quicker fix if it still sucks.  I think I have my headlight problem worked around by just creating a new circuit for it with a manual switch to turn it off while engaging the starter.

I also have been sanding the pit marks off the aluminum a bit.  I'll be finishing that up tomorrow hopefully.  Then I just need to get it tagged and licensed and insured and I should be all set for any major problems.  I will still be doing minor fixes and adjustments over the next few months but I think I am done with the heavy lifting for the summer.

I'll post some pics of it after I get some more of the oxidation off of the easier to reach aluminum bits tomorrow evening.

For now I am off to sleep.

[traveler]

Welcome to our little world!

Be careful!  This gets addicting!

~Joe

[dminer]

Here is the current state of the bike.



As you can see the side panels are less shiny than the tank.  And I thought the clear coat would make them more shiny.  There are still spots on the lower portion of the tank that you can see the old blue through.  I'll have to put another couple coats on that and then do the side panels again. 

For a rattle can job I was rather pleased.