introducing: rusty, the cb550.

johnnylaw

johnnylaw

New Member
long time reader, first time poster...

cb.jpg


I bought a 1976 CB550K back in august. unknown kms, no leaks solid drivetrain, garbage carb setup. I'm hoping to bring some zest to her life. She was already slightly cafe'd and i'd like to take it all the way over time.

Future plans for the winter are Full Gxsr handles and push buttons up front (eliminate that pesky twin brake line system), hide/remove ignition switch and light panel, Dyna S install, rebuild rejet and tune carbs, line and polish my tank, and find a tach to match my tiny speedo. Of course i'd love to tear her into peices, but i enjoy riding it too much to do that right now. plus i kinda like the shabby looking ride.

a few issues i've come up with over the summer/fall that i'd like to ask:

number one: The clutch grabs real nice, but it has a bit of a delay once warmed up. like you drop the handle and it slides a bit before really grabbing, reguardless of throttle position. just wondering if this sounds like the clutch is totally hoopty'd, or maybe just new springs or some such?

number two: the PO was quite content running it without a baffle in the exhaust. I am not. TAnd yes, i know that makes me sound old. The last time i rode it, a friend pulled up beside me honking to say hi and i couldnt hear him... I'm unsure of the brand of exhaust, and i know the pic isnt very good, but its a 4-1 with a megaphone with a date stamp of 1983 in the can. is there anyone who has purchased a baffle for a megaphone? i've been looking long and hard and only found one from Vance and hines at bikebandit.com. anybody have any exerience with these?

Also, anyone with expirience clear coating bare metal, your thoughts would help greatly. every painter i've spoken with just tells me i'm an idiot for trying.

anyway, thanks so all the inspiration you've all posted on here. its really forced me to get my ass in gear.

cheers boys.
 
You could make your own baffle. Get a baffle put an end on it wrap it in fiberglass packing and stuff it into the end of your can and rivet it on. More pics would help.
 
Your an idiot for trying.....


All jokes aside. Clear wont stick without primer. But there is a product called Gibbs that is a wipe on application. And it works... Simply wipe on every 6 months to a yr.
 
I've been using a product called, "ACF-50" which is an aviation corrision inhibitor. but my pants now smell like it. and I'm unsure of how many scotchbriting's my tank's got left in her. Do most people just polish like 3 times a year?
 
There's a another way to make your own baffle on the "$50 mods" thread. And there is a thread somewhere about the bare metal tank thing. One of the guys on here has his own powder coating company and can do some amazing looking finishes.

And welcome to the site man!
 
johnnylaw said:
Also, anyone with expirience clear coating bare metal, your thoughts would help greatly. every painter i've spoken with just tells me i'm an idiot for trying.

cheers boys.
Click to expand...

The POR-15 people do a clear product called Glisten for sealing polished finishes. I bought some a while ago and put it on a spare valve cover I had lying around. I found it difficult to spray-although the can says you can also brush it on thinly and it will flow nicely. Takes ages to dry, so needs to be dust-free for a couple of hours. Anyway, I've fitted it against my better judgement (because I wasn't happy with the application), and it's holding up well. One day I'll strip it and do the other covers too, but I'm too busy riding at the moment ;)
 
thanks for your help guys, I think i'm gonna go with the por 15 product as i've used a whole bunch of their products in the past with good results. its just too bad i ordered the sealer from them last week, so i'll have to pay more shipping. as we canadians know, shipping up to here is a bitch.

as for the exhaust, i'm a little hesitant on making my own, due to longevity of my craftsmanship. I've ordered the 20 dollar one from bikebandit with the hopes of mod'ing it to fit.

I also spoke with a guy on sohc4 who seems to think my springs are no good in the clutch... so probably next week i'll pull it apart and check the tolerances.

I promise i'll post some pics soon. my bike is out at the shop, so i dont see her everyday.
 
johnnylaw said:
thanks for your help guys, I think i'm gonna go with the por 15 product as i've used a whole bunch of their products in the past with good results.
Click to expand...

I've done a few tanks with their sealer kit as well. All holding up well.

its just too bad i ordered the sealer from them last week, so i'll have to pay more shipping. as we canadians know, shipping up to here is a bitch.
Click to expand...

ha! Talk to an aussie about crippling postage ;)

good luck with the project

ian
 
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