1979 CB750K Cafe - Sold
- Thread starter SilkySmooth750
- Start date
SilkySmooth750
What does "Personal Text" mean?
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Ugh, this is so much harder than I thought it would be. So, after some of HD’s advice, I got the top bolts off my forks. Before seeking the wisdom of HD, I was doing it all wrong and now the bolts are really marred and jacked, so I suppose I'm going to have to find a better used pair somewhere. Got the forks disassembled, someone should warn that when the bolts unscrew that they'll be launched three feet in the air causing me to drop a giant hex wrench on my foot. I mean, I knew there was a spring in there, but it was a pretty funny scene to say the least. Also, that the fluid stinks like a dead body, but I guess that's what happens after 30+ years. Anyway, on to my big fat list of where I'm stuck on everything. I hate to write a big old novel, but I’m hoping you all won’t mind helping me figure some stuff out. I want to get the fork lowers off to powder coat, I'm stuck and have questions:
1) How the fudge do you get the stupid inner for seals out? The stupid Clymer manual says to use a shop towel and flat head screw driver, but I hate that idea and those things are stuck in there solid. I don't know if they're meant to be hard or what. I know there are c-clips in there (which the Clymer manual didn't mention), but they're stuck. I even bought a super fancy 10 piece plier kit on sale at Lowe's and I just can't get a grip on them.
2) Before powder coating, should I have them sand blasted? They're not painted or anything, but I keep hearing people talk about clear coating and I'm guessing these things are aluminum.
If I can get those stupid seals out, I can get on to the powder coating, which leads me to my next stuck spot, the swing arm. I can't get the "bearings" or "bushings" out of the clevis mounting point. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, once again, if I can get those off, I could have the swing arm powder coated.
Finally, I was never able to get the lower bearing off the lower tree, I don't have a Dremel and tried sort of "destroying" the bearing by cutting it using the aforementioned pliers/snippers. It worked well removing the outer part and all the bearings came out, but I still had the inner ring. In an attempt to continue snipping, I believe I may have ruined the lower tree. There's a very slim, thin lip of metal at the bottom (at least I think it's metal) where the bearing rests and I think I screwed that up, so now it's a new lower tree too maybe I can find a decent used one with the bearings removed.
You all make it all look so easy, and I'm sure you can sense my frustration quickly growing with this project.
The seat is turning out pretty...ummm....interesting. I was able to start carving it and it sands fairly easy by hand, however once I started getting into the meat of it, there are giant air pockets that I think I'm going to have to fill back in, either with more foam or something else. Any ideas? Basically big old pizza crust bubble crevices. Then, go over it all with body filler to shape some more? I was thinking about posting pictures, but to be honest, I feel like I've hit that discouragement wall and am hoping to get some stuff powdered and reassembled and put away until needed.
Everywhere I turn, somewhere else I'm getting stuck. Stuck bolts, stuck bearings, stuck bushings! I really admire what you all do!
Ugh, this is so much harder than I thought it would be. So, after some of HD’s advice, I got the top bolts off my forks. Before seeking the wisdom of HD, I was doing it all wrong and now the bolts are really marred and jacked, so I suppose I'm going to have to find a better used pair somewhere. Got the forks disassembled, someone should warn that when the bolts unscrew that they'll be launched three feet in the air causing me to drop a giant hex wrench on my foot. I mean, I knew there was a spring in there, but it was a pretty funny scene to say the least. Also, that the fluid stinks like a dead body, but I guess that's what happens after 30+ years. Anyway, on to my big fat list of where I'm stuck on everything. I hate to write a big old novel, but I’m hoping you all won’t mind helping me figure some stuff out. I want to get the fork lowers off to powder coat, I'm stuck and have questions:
1) How the fudge do you get the stupid inner for seals out? The stupid Clymer manual says to use a shop towel and flat head screw driver, but I hate that idea and those things are stuck in there solid. I don't know if they're meant to be hard or what. I know there are c-clips in there (which the Clymer manual didn't mention), but they're stuck. I even bought a super fancy 10 piece plier kit on sale at Lowe's and I just can't get a grip on them.
2) Before powder coating, should I have them sand blasted? They're not painted or anything, but I keep hearing people talk about clear coating and I'm guessing these things are aluminum.
If I can get those stupid seals out, I can get on to the powder coating, which leads me to my next stuck spot, the swing arm. I can't get the "bearings" or "bushings" out of the clevis mounting point. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, once again, if I can get those off, I could have the swing arm powder coated.
Finally, I was never able to get the lower bearing off the lower tree, I don't have a Dremel and tried sort of "destroying" the bearing by cutting it using the aforementioned pliers/snippers. It worked well removing the outer part and all the bearings came out, but I still had the inner ring. In an attempt to continue snipping, I believe I may have ruined the lower tree. There's a very slim, thin lip of metal at the bottom (at least I think it's metal) where the bearing rests and I think I screwed that up, so now it's a new lower tree too maybe I can find a decent used one with the bearings removed.
You all make it all look so easy, and I'm sure you can sense my frustration quickly growing with this project.
The seat is turning out pretty...ummm....interesting. I was able to start carving it and it sands fairly easy by hand, however once I started getting into the meat of it, there are giant air pockets that I think I'm going to have to fill back in, either with more foam or something else. Any ideas? Basically big old pizza crust bubble crevices. Then, go over it all with body filler to shape some more? I was thinking about posting pictures, but to be honest, I feel like I've hit that discouragement wall and am hoping to get some stuff powdered and reassembled and put away until needed.
Everywhere I turn, somewhere else I'm getting stuck. Stuck bolts, stuck bearings, stuck bushings! I really admire what you all do!
kraptastic k
ask me how i got here
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Hey man. That post looks like I wrote it myself. The frustration can get crazy.
When I got those fork seals out, it took solvents, a torch, and then some dedicated work with a knife. Be careful- it is delicate, but you can carve out enough rubber under the seal to get a screwdriver in there. Took me some time as well.
I wish you hadn't gone the dremel route on the bearing race... I tapped mine off with a drift and a heavy swing and only had to sand one small gouge at the end. You may be able to reuse that thing. Throw up some pictures!
No clue on the swingarm/fork coating. Keep asking for help and I'm sure someone will know...
1981 CB750K (a bunch of parts in boxes)
Hey man. That post looks like I wrote it myself. The frustration can get crazy.
When I got those fork seals out, it took solvents, a torch, and then some dedicated work with a knife. Be careful- it is delicate, but you can carve out enough rubber under the seal to get a screwdriver in there. Took me some time as well.
I wish you hadn't gone the dremel route on the bearing race... I tapped mine off with a drift and a heavy swing and only had to sand one small gouge at the end. You may be able to reuse that thing. Throw up some pictures!
No clue on the swingarm/fork coating. Keep asking for help and I'm sure someone will know...
1981 CB750K (a bunch of parts in boxes)
kraptastic k
ask me how i got here
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Also, you'll be a stuck hardware expert after this. To ease your suffering, please obtain a drill press.
I have only hand tools (young broke hobbyist budget). Get a hand impact tool, some extractor drill bits, a center punch, and possibly a stud extractor kit as well. I've also seen some awesome YouTube vids about different methods to use the above tools and more. Get some PB Blaster too- like WD40 on crack!
Also, you'll be a stuck hardware expert after this. To ease your suffering, please obtain a drill press.
I have only hand tools (young broke hobbyist budget). Get a hand impact tool, some extractor drill bits, a center punch, and possibly a stud extractor kit as well. I've also seen some awesome YouTube vids about different methods to use the above tools and more. Get some PB Blaster too- like WD40 on crack!
LBC
Been Around the Block
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
I had the same trouble a few days ago. I pryed it out with a big allen wrench. The bend in allen wrench rests on the opposite side of the seal. This way you aren't using the tube lip as a fulcrum and potentially marring the surface. Just work your way around a little at a time and it will be free in no time...I basically put all my weight on it to get it to start moving though...easy right.
Also, I used the small end of a chainsaw wrench to get the fork caps off. Had to file it down a little on 2 sides but it was a nice snug 17mm fit. The inside is designed to fit 14mm. Handy tool. I always have one in my moto tool kits
SilkySmooth750 said:
I had the same trouble a few days ago. I pryed it out with a big allen wrench. The bend in allen wrench rests on the opposite side of the seal. This way you aren't using the tube lip as a fulcrum and potentially marring the surface. Just work your way around a little at a time and it will be free in no time...I basically put all my weight on it to get it to start moving though...easy right.
Also, I used the small end of a chainsaw wrench to get the fork caps off. Had to file it down a little on 2 sides but it was a nice snug 17mm fit. The inside is designed to fit 14mm. Handy tool. I always have one in my moto tool kits
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Get a seal puller, they'll pop right out.
You should, or remove the clearcoat some other way (they are cleared) and polish them. Any imperfections will show through the PC. If you blast them be very careful to seal off the insides so they aren't damaged in the process.
You can use a long drift to knock each of them out from the other end, or use a hacksaw to cut through them just enough that they flex to the point of removal.
I think that you are probably okay. The very thin metal you're seeing is probably the remnants of the inside of the lower seal. This particular bearing race is a pain in the ass to get off and a couple of guys here have been lucky - I had to dremel almost through it so that it would give enough that I could force it off with a hammer and drift.
Either (a) you're watching threads by those with long experience or (b) those of us who only put up pics when we don't fuck up. Keep at it - you'll get there eventually.
SilkySmooth750 said:
Get a seal puller, they'll pop right out.
You should, or remove the clearcoat some other way (they are cleared) and polish them. Any imperfections will show through the PC. If you blast them be very careful to seal off the insides so they aren't damaged in the process.
You can use a long drift to knock each of them out from the other end, or use a hacksaw to cut through them just enough that they flex to the point of removal.
I think that you are probably okay. The very thin metal you're seeing is probably the remnants of the inside of the lower seal. This particular bearing race is a pain in the ass to get off and a couple of guys here have been lucky - I had to dremel almost through it so that it would give enough that I could force it off with a hammer and drift.
Either (a) you're watching threads by those with long experience or (b) those of us who only put up pics when we don't fuck up. Keep at it - you'll get there eventually.
SilkySmooth750
What does "Personal Text" mean?
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Thanks Kraptastic (love the name), LBC and Rich. I'll try your suggestions tonight!
Thanks Kraptastic (love the name), LBC and Rich. I'll try your suggestions tonight!
kraptastic k
ask me how i got here
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Good write up Rich... And he's definitely right. We don't always capture the rough moments in the build.
That lower seal is super nasty! I forgot about the panicked feeling I got when I mangled it before knowing that it was replaceable.
Good write up Rich... And he's definitely right. We don't always capture the rough moments in the build.
That lower seal is super nasty! I forgot about the panicked feeling I got when I mangled it before knowing that it was replaceable.
Hoosier Daddy
Earache my eye...
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Damn dude, sorry to hear about all the headaches, keep at it and don't get frustrated.
All good advice above, take you time and try to think things through and you will get there.
My first build took 2 years and seemed like everything was either broken, or siezed. You are not alone on this!
Damn dude, sorry to hear about all the headaches, keep at it and don't get frustrated.
All good advice above, take you time and try to think things through and you will get there.
My first build took 2 years and seemed like everything was either broken, or siezed. You are not alone on this!
Hoosier Daddy
Earache my eye...
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
How you holdin up Pal?
Feeling better about the bike yet?
How you holdin up Pal?
Feeling better about the bike yet?
SilkySmooth750
What does "Personal Text" mean?
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
HD, thanks for asking! I went and picked up a seal puller at the local O'Reilly after picking up a pack of smokes next door. Haven't tried it yet, but it looks like it'll do the job.
HD, thanks for asking! I went and picked up a seal puller at the local O'Reilly after picking up a pack of smokes next door. Haven't tried it yet, but it looks like it'll do the job.
SilkySmooth750
What does "Personal Text" mean?
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Does anyone see anything catastrophic about these jugs? If you look at the 4th picture from the left, there's a chip at the bottom of the lip. It's only 55 bucks, bad idea?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-Cb900-CB-900-cylinders-cylinder-jugs-motor-engine-/290764539070?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43b2eac4be
I saw this and thought it was way too good of a deal to pass up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-Honda-CB900F-CB-900-900f-complete-cylinder-head-cams-/290926112451?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43bc8c2ec3
So I'm thinking CB750 bottom end and CB900 top. I would have to find some cylinders too, and I found this big bore kit super cheap too:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/79-82-HONDA-CB900F-985cc-BIGBORE-PISTON-KITS-CB900FBB-/161019234690?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item257d7e8982&vxp=mtr
After all of that, I'd be pushing 1000cc. Would I need to get a CB900 crankshaft and conrods, or can I make do with the CB750's bottom end?
Before I purchase anything though, thought I'd get some advice from the pro's.
Does anyone see anything catastrophic about these jugs? If you look at the 4th picture from the left, there's a chip at the bottom of the lip. It's only 55 bucks, bad idea?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-Cb900-CB-900-cylinders-cylinder-jugs-motor-engine-/290764539070?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43b2eac4be
I saw this and thought it was way too good of a deal to pass up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-Honda-CB900F-CB-900-900f-complete-cylinder-head-cams-/290926112451?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43bc8c2ec3
So I'm thinking CB750 bottom end and CB900 top. I would have to find some cylinders too, and I found this big bore kit super cheap too:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/79-82-HONDA-CB900F-985cc-BIGBORE-PISTON-KITS-CB900FBB-/161019234690?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item257d7e8982&vxp=mtr
After all of that, I'd be pushing 1000cc. Would I need to get a CB900 crankshaft and conrods, or can I make do with the CB750's bottom end?
Before I purchase anything though, thought I'd get some advice from the pro's.
SilkySmooth750
What does "Personal Text" mean?
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Oh, also, regarding the lowers and the pesky seal: after staring at the seal puller for a while, and a couple shots of Jameson, I sat on my back patio and started working at it. There's clearly a trick to it, I tried a couple of different ways and banged my knuckles, but then, as if a miracle had happened, the seal literally popped right out and flew across my patio. Picked up the other lower, and tried to remember what I did, and will you believe it, the second one went flying off into the darkness as well! I was very pleased! Thanks everyone for all your advice, best $10 I've spent so far on tools.
Oh, also, regarding the lowers and the pesky seal: after staring at the seal puller for a while, and a couple shots of Jameson, I sat on my back patio and started working at it. There's clearly a trick to it, I tried a couple of different ways and banged my knuckles, but then, as if a miracle had happened, the seal literally popped right out and flew across my patio. Picked up the other lower, and tried to remember what I did, and will you believe it, the second one went flying off into the darkness as well! I was very pleased! Thanks everyone for all your advice, best $10 I've spent so far on tools.
kraptastic k
ask me how i got here
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Love the miraculous breakthroughs. Keep truckin, and keep the good taste in liquor!
Love the miraculous breakthroughs. Keep truckin, and keep the good taste in liquor!
Hoosier Daddy
Earache my eye...
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder
Yep, burbon / whiskey always helps me figure shit out. ;D
Yep, burbon / whiskey always helps me figure shit out. ;D
