1977 CB550

[Valentinik]

The larger bits came back from the powder coaters today. Im really pleased with the finish, its 99% perfect and only cost £96 all in.
 
I found a prime position to start the build:
 


 
The wife didnt have the same opinion on where the build should continue so it was relegated to the garage. (it made it longer than i expected)



A few close up pictures:




Mike

[Valentinik]

A question before i start building the frame up. Which is the preferred method to fit the engine.

Fit the engine to the frame with an engine crane. Or position the engine on the floor on its side, and fit the frame around the engine?

Thanks
Mike

[MarkCR750]

With the CB750 definitely put the engine on its side and lower the frame onto the engine, I'm pretty sure the same method is best for the 550.

[Valentinik]

With the CB750 definitely put the engine on its side and lower the frame onto the engine, I'm pretty sure the same method is best for the 550.

Thanks Mark, thats what i will go with.

[Valentinik]

A question RE: swingarm installation.

When installed and the pivot bolt torqued, should the swingarm fall under its own weight or stay in position?

I have torqued the bolt to 38lb ft and now it is torqued up, when released the swing arm stays in position and doesn't fall. Is this correct?

Thanks
Mike

[Bryanj]

As long as it is easy to move by hand it will be OK, if you have to put effort into moving it no

[Valentinik]

Thanks guys.

Oddjob, yes i've had blown out and cleaned the swing arm before i did anything else. The chain guard brackets have been removed as i don't intend on using the chain guard.

Thats good to know about the engine, is it possible then to fit the cylinder barrel with the bottom end installed in the frame, or is it better to fit it before fitting the engine to the frame?

[JamesH]

Listen to Oddjob. He's the man...

[Valentinik]

Thanks, I think i'l fit it the barrel before i fit it into the frame and then fit the head, clutch etc when the engine is mounted.

[Valentinik]

Following Oddjob's advice of fitting the engine to the frame partially assembled I started assembling the first few bits onto the frame.

My tapered steering bearings arrived today so I've now got the yokes installed. I fitted the swingarm during the week. This is how it stands at the moment:





My next job is to work out a way to hold the rear hub so i can remove the wheel bearing retainer.

Mike

[MarkCR750]

Is it easier to wait until the wheel is built and then change the bearing Mike ?, I don't know if the 550 is the same as the 750 but on the 750 the retaining ring is centre dotted to lock it in position, I took a fine drill and drilled out the centre dots , I'm not sure if there's another way but someone will say if there is .

[Valentinik]

Is it easier to wait until the wheel is built and then change the bearing Mike ?, I don't know if the 550 is the same as the 750 but on the 750 the retaining ring is centre dotted to lock it in position, I took a fine drill and drilled out the centre dots , I'm not sure if there's another way but someone will say if there is .

Thanks Mark, i wanted to strip it down so i can have the parts blasted and powder coated so it needed to be done before the wheel is assembled. I've now got it stripped down and the bearings removed, ended up holding in a vice between 2 pieces of aluminium to protect it. I made a tool to remove the retainer ring.

Mike

[Valentinik]

My primary and cam chains came from DS today so tonight I put the crank into the top half of the crankcase. Hopefully during the weekend I can fit the bottom case and get it sealed up.

[Valentinik]

I have some  loctite si5980 sealant, will this be suitable for sealing the cases together?

If not, I need to buy some hondabond to seal the cases, is there a specific type/strength which is the correct one to use?

[Trigger]

Me thinks that SI5980 is just silicone sealant, you want something that does not dry.
Hondabond or Hylomar is cheaper, it needs to be a thin layer or it will squeeze out in to your engine. I always put it on the case and scrap it with a plastic card, leaving just a tacky surface.