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Got the wheels cleaned up. These wheels came in a parts haul from years ago. I paid $150 for an entire pickup load of CB550 parts. I've used some of those parts on two other builds and sold at least $200 worth of parts. I guess you can say I got my money's worth!
The wheels aren't perfect but are very nice and original DID rims. I checked the bearings and they all feel good, so I just stripped off some over spray and polished up the hoops.
I also polished up the backing plate. In true "sweep the floor" fashion, I used some old, genuine Honda brake shoes that I removed to upgrade to EBC shoes on a different build.
Total cost for everything in this pic: zero dollars and about four hours of elbow grease.
My wonderful girlfriend came out to the garage and helped me get the engine down off the stand and then we dropped the frame over. Got it up on the lift and now some real work can begin!
I set this nice set of fork ears aside YEARS ago. They've been in a box in the spare bedroom for a long time. The grommets came in one of the parts hauls (I think they came with my old 550F, as that guy saved a bunch of NOS Honda stuff).
Got all the front brake stuff ready to go on. The master cylinder and caliper were purchased at the 4into1.com booth at the Barber Vintage Festival probably two years ago. The hoses I had made up when I got the Katana/GS550 hoses made. The hard line, rubber grommet and some banjo bolts came from my parts pile.
Got the tires mounted and balanced and, once again, put my lovely GF to work. My hands shake like...something that shakes a lot....and hers are much steadier.
I went with some old school tires to match the tank and the theme of the build. Avon Speedmaster ribbed front and Avon Safety Mileage chunky rear. We added a little bling.
I pretty much have a roller now. I'm waiting on air box rubber clamps so that I can finish the air box install. The electrical panel and battery box are in. Chain is on and rear brake adjusted. I'll probably get the exhaust on this weekend.
I'll work on the front brake and then start on the wiring.
Got the front brake assembled and started bleeding it. I got as far as I could with the speed bleeder (after replacing a few leaking crush washers) and want to finish it up with the traditional method.
I also got the exhaust mostly installed. I found this on eBay last year for $109 shipped! It cleaned up really well. I've got it mostly tightened down, but I want to get the bike down off the lift before lining everything up and locking it all into place. Getting it on by myself was a chore....no way I want to try making it even and level without another set of hands and eyes.
I'm still waiting on the electronic ignition, so I slapped on a points plate, gave the timing a quick adjustment and fired her up today.
Started on the third revolution. Still needs final tuning, carb sync, clutch adjustment, etc. I hesitate to do too much right now because I want to do the carb sync after timing has been set with the new ignition.
But, so far, do good! No weird noises, smoke, leaks, etc. Not yet, anyway.
Well, I thought I fixed a leaky valve cover this morning, so I went ahead and set the timing and sync'ed the carbs. Turns out the leak just moved, but I did get to put the body work on and ride it around the neighborhood.
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