Hello all! Ive been lurking long enough, and decided that its time i start a build thread. If nothing else, its a way to keep myself organized and motivated.
A few weeks ago, i picked up a 1976 CB550F on craigslist. 20min drive and $400 later, i had myself a new bike with paperwork! This was very important to me, as i had quite the headache registering my pickup truck without a title. This bike was non-op'd with a clean title in hand. Score!
Sorry for the cell phone pics..
First order of business. See what we're working with. She has compression on all cylinders (unsure of numbers, dont have a guage at the moment) She hits all 5 gears and neutral. Lots of rust in the tank, dents on the tank. No battery, so unsure of electrics at the moment. Minimal surface rust on the frame, chrome is generally in decent condition.
The weekend came, i cut off the old chain, removed the tank and seat. Tore down and soaked the carbs. Broke a float valve in the process
Gave the engine and frame a mild scrub. Got frustrated at the float valve, and noticed some damage to the fins on the case.
I needed a little therapy, so i took to banging on a fuel tank! This was very roughed out, and done by feel. Certainly not the most professional, but considering the tank was already pretty dented, im happy with how it came out. Took the light off and found some broken wiring. Here's how she sits now:
Found rusty water in one of the carb bowls:
Took a peek inside the cylinders, and they seem ok, just a bit of carbon build up. Hoping maybe some Seafoam will take care of that..
Unfortunately, i live in an apartment, so the porch and dining room are my workshop
Tonight i picked up a lift on the way home from work. No pics, but its a harbor freight special that didnt lift. $20 and i was on my way. Im a forklift mechanic by trade, so a hydraulic bottle jack doesnt scare me! 30min and 1/2qt of hydro oil later, and we're in business. Might sound silly, but i'd be willing to do a write up on speed bleeding your motorcycle jack if there's any interest?
Anyways, this sums up my last few weeks..
Plans so far are stock headers, new muffler(current muffler is rusted out)
Clip ons, rearsets, H4 headlight.
Kick start only, solo seat, single gauge(speedo only)
New, minimalist wire harness
Color is the one thing im stuck on. Keep thinking about a retro gold tank and seat, black or gunmetal frame? Any thoughts??
Thanks for reading!
A few weeks ago, i picked up a 1976 CB550F on craigslist. 20min drive and $400 later, i had myself a new bike with paperwork! This was very important to me, as i had quite the headache registering my pickup truck without a title. This bike was non-op'd with a clean title in hand. Score!
Sorry for the cell phone pics..
First order of business. See what we're working with. She has compression on all cylinders (unsure of numbers, dont have a guage at the moment) She hits all 5 gears and neutral. Lots of rust in the tank, dents on the tank. No battery, so unsure of electrics at the moment. Minimal surface rust on the frame, chrome is generally in decent condition.
The weekend came, i cut off the old chain, removed the tank and seat. Tore down and soaked the carbs. Broke a float valve in the process
Gave the engine and frame a mild scrub. Got frustrated at the float valve, and noticed some damage to the fins on the case.
I needed a little therapy, so i took to banging on a fuel tank! This was very roughed out, and done by feel. Certainly not the most professional, but considering the tank was already pretty dented, im happy with how it came out. Took the light off and found some broken wiring. Here's how she sits now:
Found rusty water in one of the carb bowls:
Took a peek inside the cylinders, and they seem ok, just a bit of carbon build up. Hoping maybe some Seafoam will take care of that..
Unfortunately, i live in an apartment, so the porch and dining room are my workshop
Tonight i picked up a lift on the way home from work. No pics, but its a harbor freight special that didnt lift. $20 and i was on my way. Im a forklift mechanic by trade, so a hydraulic bottle jack doesnt scare me! 30min and 1/2qt of hydro oil later, and we're in business. Might sound silly, but i'd be willing to do a write up on speed bleeding your motorcycle jack if there's any interest?
Anyways, this sums up my last few weeks..
Plans so far are stock headers, new muffler(current muffler is rusted out)
Clip ons, rearsets, H4 headlight.
Kick start only, solo seat, single gauge(speedo only)
New, minimalist wire harness
Color is the one thing im stuck on. Keep thinking about a retro gold tank and seat, black or gunmetal frame? Any thoughts??
Thanks for reading!
