Author Topic: Paddy - '78 CB750 - Version 3.0 Coming Soon! (Read 87094 times)

MoMo · « **Reply #75 on:** March 25, 2011, 04:20:44 PM »

Sure doesn't look like the correct bucket from the photo...Larry

mk2jettavr6 · « **Reply #76 on:** March 25, 2011, 04:30:04 PM »

did you just strip and polish the wheels assembled or relace? just wondering cuz im looking for a cost effective way to make my wheels look nice.

theofam · « **Reply #77 on:** March 26, 2011, 11:04:54 AM »

I may regret the way I cleaned up my front wheel, because I've never read of it being done this way, but I noticed after spraying off my brake rotor that the brake cleaner fluid REALLY cleaned crud off my wheel. So, I first wiped the wheel down with brake cleaner fluid. This left a slight film on the wheel. I then polished it with Flitz. I've also used Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish. Mother's is easier to find at common auto stores. I ordered the Flitz online, because an autobody buddy of mine swears by it. If you do order it, get the Flitz that comes in a toothpaste tube. They have other products that aren't correct for our use.

You can even use Flitz on plastic, as I did yesterday on the dummy-light housing between the gauges. It cleaned up the dull plastic pretty well.

Larry, I can't figure out why I'd need two massive inlet holes in my headlight bucket. Seems like one would be correct, but I can't tell from online parts diagrams/schematics if the 78 750K had a one or two hole bucket. Any advice? I don't want unnecessary elements getting into the headlight bucket to wreak havoc with electrical connections. I don't need any extra help screwing those up!

theofam · « **Reply #78 on:** March 27, 2011, 05:26:27 PM »

Does anyone have a photo of their electrical behind the left side cover? I'm trying to figure out what the brackets are for in this pic (see screwdriver tip).

There's also a hole above them. Ideas?

Stev-o · « **Reply #79 on:** March 27, 2011, 05:35:42 PM »

The brackets hold the white connectors, just slide them in.
Looks like yours are bent, mine face outward.

kap384@telus.net · « **Reply #80 on:** March 27, 2011, 05:41:21 PM »

Like this:

Shot of my '77 F2

Stev-o · « **Reply #81 on:** March 27, 2011, 05:47:51 PM »

Wish mine looked that nice!

kap384@telus.net · « **Reply #82 on:** March 27, 2011, 06:52:45 PM »

Quote from: theofam on March 25, 2011, 11:47:52 AM

Anyone know if this is the correct headlight bucket?

To me it looks like a 'F' bucket, flatter with two openings. The 'K' bucket is rounder with only 1 opening, I believe. I've got a decent 'K' bucket (not positive which year though) if you're interested.

theofam · « **Reply #83 on:** March 27, 2011, 09:00:12 PM »

Steve-O, thanks for the info.

kap384, that is very helpful. The PO had dismantled some of the wiring, so that pic'll save me some time. Thanks for the offer on the bucket. I'll run the F bucket. Heck, it might make Paddy a little faster!

theofam · « **Reply #84 on:** March 27, 2011, 09:07:38 PM »

So, I was cleaning up under the battery holder, and I noticed something moved.

I pulled it out, but I can't yet figure out what it is or where it goes. It looks like a clip of some sort with a threaded end. Any ideas? Otherwise, I'm off to Parts Diagram Land!

MasterChief750 · « **Reply #85 on:** March 28, 2011, 03:44:48 AM »

Could it be a clip that holds the inner fender. Well on my 78 those are welded but that's the only thing it looks like to me

theofam · « **Reply #86 on:** March 29, 2011, 08:29:08 PM »

So, my memory isn't what I pretend it to be. I was taking apart electrical connections to clean them up with DeOxIt (pick it up at your local music store - musicians use it to clean up "pots" or potentiometers on amps and electric guitars). DOH! I forgot where the gray and black wires go on the turn signal relay:

I used some penetrating fluid to clean up the threads of the botched bearing retainer nut removal. So, I replaced the wheel bearings and got the retainer nut in as far as possible then took the wheel down to Woody's Wheel Works (best wheel shop in the WORLD - no exaggeration)! They finished threading the nut and mounted the front tire.

I'm tired of scrubbing stuff with Simple Green, so I've started using a product I used in the paint process on my buddy Philip's fender on his Road King back in August. It's Prep All's Wax and Grease Remover. It runs $18/gallon, but it saves a ton of time by cutting through years of grime quickly.

I PrepAll'd (new verb) the front rotor and used a two-stage wax to clean it up. It doesn't look as nice as a fresh coat of paint, but I'm stoked with how the front wheel looks. I haven't mounted it yet, because I can't find a deep socket of the correct size to properly torque the front axle. Ideas? What did you use?

Little_Horse · « **Reply #87 on:** March 29, 2011, 09:24:10 PM »

wow the front end is really coming together!

theofam · « **Reply #88 on:** March 29, 2011, 10:53:12 PM »

LH, just need to get the front axle torques and installed, then the rear wheel comes off for the same treatment plus new chain and sprockets. I also bought the battery today in hopes of firing up electrical next week once I get correct turn signals installed. Chugging toward an early May completion date!

bigtexan449 · « **Reply #89 on:** March 31, 2011, 06:08:39 AM »

Quote from: theofam on March 19, 2011, 09:58:26 AM

I got quite a bit done this AM. It was early, so I figured polishing was the closest I could be to a church mouse. Worked on the pipes:

And the right side covers:

Then hit the fender and got it mounted:

When I figured it was late enough to grunt, I dismounted my first tire. I hope I don't have to do this again any time soon! Here's the PITA:

Then I gave the front wheel some TLC. It looks about four shades of awesome:

Now, I'm off to the local Honda dealer to have them yank the bearing retainer nut. After destroying a hub on Seamus, I'm not going to make the same mistake. Money well spent in my mind!

What did you use to polish your parts? I am starting to get to the polishing phase on some of my parts?
Awesome build! I will checking back on this one.

MoMo · « **Reply #90 on:** March 31, 2011, 08:05:51 AM »

Your tire change was difficult only because it was old and hard. Good soft tires are easy, so the next time won't be such a PITA unless it is an old tire

...Larry

theofam · « **Reply #91 on:** March 31, 2011, 08:19:10 PM »

BigTexan, please see my Reply 77 above for what I used to polish Paddy's parts. Glad you'll be keeping tabs on me - it makes me want to work harder!

Photolar, that old tire was a booger! Makes sense an old, crusty tire is tougher to remove than a new, pliable tire.

I got the front axle torqued today and mounted the front wheel/connected the speedo. My kids are on spring break right now, so next up early next week is to remove the rear wheel and clean it up as I await front turn signals to test electrical.

theofam · « **Reply #92 on:** April 03, 2011, 02:05:45 PM »

Proving yet again that I'm an uber tool, I snuck out to the garage this morning to put the front caliper on the bike. It wouldn't fit - I had mounted the rotor backwards, so it was too close to the spokes! Oh well, took the wheel off the bike, pulled the axle, flipped the rotor and got everything buttoned back up and mounted. The front caliper is now on the bike, too. I noticed the brake line is cracked, so I'm hoping Pampadori can get a braided line together for me quickly.

I went to put in new NGK BP6ES plugs (what is the gap supposed to be on these?), but there is so much oily mess in the spark plug recesses, I really don't want to remove the old plugs for fear junk will get into the combustion chambers. I'm hoping to get Paddy running and to a powerwash to try to get the junk out of there. Maybe then I can change the plugs. I presume I've a bad valve cover gasket, but I really don't think I've time to pull the motor and swap it given Paddy needs to be running A MONTH FROM TODAY for IT coming into town!

You know how your mind starts racing . . . OK, I've got 30 days to get the bike going . . . if I pull the motor to replace the valve cover gasket, could I get everything off the bike and get the frame, swingarm and battery box powdercoated in 1-2 weeks? Maybe! Then, could I also paint the motor while it's out? Maybe! But what happens if I do all that and the dang thing won't run? Then I'll be out of troubleshooting time! So, I think I'll focus on getting it started/running and go from there. If I at least know it'll run, it might be worth trying a quick engine drop/gasket change. Advice?

Stev-o · « **Reply #93 on:** April 03, 2011, 05:20:28 PM »

The gap is .024 - .028.

Unless you have an abundance of spare time, like no job, I would not attempt to pull the motor with just a month.

Good Luck. You could ride the 550 though, right?

theofam · « **Reply #94 on:** April 03, 2011, 08:24:02 PM »

Stev-O, thanks for the gap info. The 550 (Seamus) is a no go. I've been stuck on fab'ing an electrical tray and extending the wiring harness for about 6 months! Paddy is closer, so I'm working on it instead.

I tried my hand at YouTube and did a video on today's electrical system progress. If you've kids in the room, I noticed I had a couple "HE-doublehockeysticks" and an "a$$" in there. I'll watch my language next time. Here is the link: 1978 CB750 First Electrical Test

Everything is working except for the 1) horn 2) right turn signals 3) rear brake light switch - front brake light switch is OK 4) sketchy low beam. Thankfully, I've got power from the loom to the headlight bucket for the right turn signals (light blue wire), so I've got a faulty connector (or wire connections to it) in one of the bucket's 6-way connectors - should be a quick fix. I haven't been able to troubleshoot 1, 2 or 4 yet.

This week, I plan on cleaning out the tank and getting some fresh gas in it, at which point I should be able to start Paddy!

Dick Danger · « **Reply #95 on:** April 03, 2011, 10:59:43 PM »

Hahaha, man those signal indicator beeps are horrible huh? I've left mine on just because it's fun to fire up and annoy people with from time to time. Makes me laugh every time.

theofam · « **Reply #96 on:** April 03, 2011, 11:16:57 PM »

Dubl D, I've decided to keep the buzzer, too! It's so obnoxious, I think it'll be fun to see folks' reactions at stoplights this summer.

I came across an awesome '79 CB750 yesterday on a ride with my daughter. Check it out here. http://advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15570589&postcount=27

Dick Danger · « **Reply #97 on:** April 03, 2011, 11:27:18 PM »

Wow, what an awesome day of riding you had man! And that 79 was CLEAN!!!

theofam · « **Reply #98 on:** April 04, 2011, 07:48:00 AM »

Dubl D, yep, the '79 750 was extremely nice. I've been a bit of an SOHC snob, but I wouldn't half mind picking up a '79 or '80 DOHC CB750 after checking his out. He said the '80 model is more sought after due to a beefed up swingarm, and I think he mentioned it no longer used the beefy 630 chain.

Glad you checked out the ride report! It's always nice being able to take one of my kids on a ride - fun getting one-on-one time with them. And that GS is like butter!

theofam · « **Reply #99 on:** April 05, 2011, 11:55:06 AM »

I'm having petcock issues. If you get a minute, check out the thread I started and weigh in!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=86870.0

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Author Topic: Paddy - '78 CB750 - Version 3.0 Coming Soon! (Read 87094 times)