Topic: 78 CB550 - "Rust Punk"

[harisuluv]

Well I have been lurking on here for months and I have learned an awful lot.  I have also been working quite a bit on my own but had not started my own project thread until now.  I really didn't know anything about bikes really when I got this but my dad is a real whiz with old Hondas so he has been helping me all along the way.  

I picked up this bike from a shop who had it sitting in the lot.  Guy who worked there said the owner didn't have the money to fix it and it had been sitting for awhile.  I asked him if he wanted to sell it and after we worked out a price it was mine ($100).  I knew that it had some top end problems that were probably valve related (from the compression tests the mechanic had done) but other than that not much.  Aesthetically, this thing was a mess with makeshift fixes everywhere.  Also, the PO seemed to love washers.  They were just everywhere.  I didn't really realize what kind of shape she was in til I got her home.  I guess it didn't really matter too much for the price I paid but some of the things I found were kind of comical.  I have already done quite a bit of work on the bike but I will attempt to start from the beginning.  


In all her sticker'd out beauty.


Hmmm... I think some things are missing here??  Notice "ignition" switch that was rigged.  I later discovered that those "handlebars" are actually a very very heavy steel pipe >.<


>.<


A little rusty..


This is ONE way to do risers...


Hacked off signals.


Crud leaking all over.


Fog lamp?  Headlight?  You decide.


Bike lowering: You're doing it wrong.


Looks solid.


Ugly.


This was my favorite: Fishing line brake light switch.


*shrug*


This is a new Carpy prototype.


I'm confused too.


Looks pretty industrial, huh?


Honda OEM?

I will add to the post as I get around to it, I haven't really cataloged my progress too well up until now but I will try my best to from now on.  I will take pictures of where the bike is at now in my next posts.  Thanks to everyone in advance as I know I will be getting tons of help right here.

[hotpocket]

did you add the decals?

kinda reminds me of my bike.  seems like the previous owner tried to cut alot of corners. 
just because you CAN do something doesn't mean you SHOULD.

good luck sorting things out.  any particular direction you're trying to go or just kinda cleaning things up?

[harisuluv]

Didn't add any of those decals.  That is just the way that I got it.  My goal is to make it into a tasteful cafe. 

[Stev-o]

When you said comical, you weren't kidding!

Good Luck!!

[Jinxracing]

Wow, two of my favorite bands mentioned in the same post.

You've got your work cut out for you...looking forward to seeing more.

[fastbroshi]

I dub thee RustPunk 

[traveler]

Well, if it was MINE....I'd disassemble it and start working my way back up from there.

There is hope for her!

~Joe

[harisuluv]

Well the bike is totally disassembled.  The frame has been painted and needs to be clear coated.  Work began on the engine.  Here are some before and afters.

[Stev-o]

The after shots look great! Especially the head cover, how'd you polish it?

[Spikeybike]

Wow, two of my favorite bands mentioned in the same post.

You've got your work cut out for you...looking forward to seeing more.

plus one on that ..kinda bumms me out that B.R. doesn't use the "anti-cross" logo anymore....lookin great so far , can't wait to see more...   


and i'll second "RustPunk"

[harisuluv]

Thanks all!

I spent about a month figuring out how to polish.  I finally created a system using a harbor freight 6" buffer.  I pretty much just soda blast the part then go to a 400, 500, or 600 grit wheel (coated with greaseless abrasive).  After that I just buff it with brown tripoly compound (from harbor freight).  Seems to work very well.  I used duplicolor engine enamels on the cylinder, cylinder head, and valve cover. 

[fastbroshi]

  Any updates?  You got the thing diassebled pretty quick.  And theeeeeeeeeeeen?

[Toxic]

that bike's condition made me laugh and cry a little bit.

good for you for taking on the project.

[wardenerd]

I thought my $400 rust bucket was bad til I saw yours.  I have spent $1200 more and it is a great daily commuter that needs painting back to the original color.  Can't sell it for what I have in it but I am old and will keep it awhile. I have replaced evrything except the engine and have repalced the bolts and o rings and clutch gasket on it.  I do not think I would have taken on your bike as a project.

[harisuluv]

Oh boy I haven't updated this in a long time.  Lots of things took a little priority in the meantime but I have started really working on the bike again.  I could not have gotten to where I am without this forum, so thanks to all those who have helped answer my questions and thanks to all those that I know will help me in the future.

I am really approaching starting this baby soon.  I still need a real exhaust as I don't really want to run with my old one .  I plan on making a seat (already received the fiberglass stuff in the mail), not sure if I want to keep the original gas tank or go with a different one.  The original tank looks HUGE!  The handlebars on there right now are temporary as I just needed something to move it around.  I decided on drag bars (not the totally straight ones) as I think clubmans look a little weird and are just too agressively bent downwards.  I will try to keep posting my progress.  The pictures didn't come out as clear as I would've liked and I will try to post some better ones in my next post.

[UPHOTO]

but really what is more "cafe"?

a bike that you can and have run around in and had fun or a polished up garaged bike?

[seebee7fiftee]

Ive been laughing for about 5 minutes from seeing that fishing line. Good luck on your build, looks great so far.

[theofam]

I've gotta admit I felt bad for you after seeing those early pics - luv the zip-tied master cylinder!  But, the bike is now looking great. Good job, and let me know how the fiberglassing goes on the seat. I'm looking to do the same if I get some good weather.