SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550
550 F2 started!
Oddjob:
The chroming is about average TBH, well not average, maybe below average but TBH it's what to expect from such old parts. The back of the ear is like that because A. It was never polished beforehand, and B. They are generally rusty as hell in that area. The bit's around the welds, again because there was surface rust in those areas and they just haven't the time ort the tools to get rid of it. That's why I tend to do my own prep these days.
Chain guard, pin prick holes in the old chrome, which TBH the chain guard never got on the reverse side, unless you get rid of these pin prick holes any subsequent chroming will just plate over them but sink, meaning the chrome looks like it has a rash. Only real way to get rid of them is to sand the surface flat or grind it flat then sand the grinding marks out, as the metal isn't all that thick they tend not to try it as the tools they use, like a Linishing machine, will just hole the metal and then it's junk.
Solid, thick metal, like the kick start and brake pedal however can take the linishing, hence why they turned out ok.
Clutch casing, now that's poor, they seem to think that because there buffing mops can't get into those places you can't see them, and they didn't get rid of the oil contamination beforehand hence the rash like effect. Plus the finish is frankly bloody awful, they are supposed to get it to a mirror finish and that's not even close.
Laverdaroo:
That's what I thought Ken, Its been made to look shiney and that's it. I spoke to them re the chain guard and said would they over plate it in copper after finishing to get rid of the pin pricks and they said no problem, so to get them back like that is a bit much!
Worst case scenario is that I put the chain tension sticker over them to hide them. Like you say, the backs fine, just not the front.
I was told all the finishing before plating would be done in house and due to the amount of metal left shouldnt be a problem. I'm familiar with the process and what's possible, I just thought it had been whipped in and whipped out to shuffle it out the door. I was expecting and was told to..expect a better finish than that. The rotor cover and sprocket cover are similar under scrutiny so I'm taking it off and taking it back I think. I'll keep you posted as tohow things develop.
Oddjob:
I've got a few CB550 clutch covers when I bought the job lot, maybe 3 or 4, not sure. I was thinking of removing all the parts, lifter arm etc and zinc/nickel plate these, polish the casings up to my usual finish and bung em on Ebay, they are no good to me as mines a 500 engine and uses a different casing so it will get them off my hands and at the same time pay for the cost of buying all these parts. What you reckon, I have a sprocket cover as well, just 1 but I may be using that when I do the hydraulic clutch conversion on my 500, not sure yet. I also have a rotor casing but it's been down the road and I was toying with the idea of seeing if I could salvage it, just for a laugh. It's in pretty bad shape, some deep gouges but I like a challenge.
Take one of the new sliders with you and tell them you want your covers to at least match that finish, which TBH isn't my best work even though you'll be more than happy with it I reckon.
Laverdaroo:
From what Ive seen Ken, my tin plate is not a patch on anything I've seen you do. Ive paid for this lot so getting it right by hookor by crook!
Iwas going to take one as a matter of course toshow them what a job is supposed to look like!! 8)
Laverdaroo:
I had some post today, cheers for the wheel stuff Gary, its already apart and in the dishwasher. I also had a box from Ken!
Ive never had to put a pair of sunglasses on to open a box up. BLOODY HELL! :o 8)
Not blowing smoke up anybodies arse here but I have NEVER seen anything polished as good as that!
Ken, you have a problem mate ;D ;D ;D.
To give a fair indication of how good they are, I took my bits and pieces back down to the polishers and platers this arvo. We spoke about the chroming and they tried to talk their way out of it saying, "Oh, thats in the metal and we cant clean that" I pointed out that they had done ok on the reverse side so what happened to the front then, get bored? Then it was because they couldn't de grease them and that wasnt their issue either.......I politely asked for an adult!
Throughout the entire conversation I was being TOLD rather than talked to about an issue but was having none of it, I really had to dig in and not budge. I then said, thinking I'd change the conversation over and blindside him with the clutch cover. He picked up the clutch cover and asked why I was complaining, I talked him through the staining and the soap left on them where they hadnt even been cleaned, the scratches and uneven finish etc etc. At this point the chap was getting a bit 'argey' starting to sigh and then put everything down on the table and asked what was I expecting as the clutch cover was 40+ years old and the finish they had done was good for metal of that vintage?
It was clear he thought I was being awkward.................it was this moment that I brought my secret weapon out..... 8)
I went back into my rucksack and brought out Kens fork sliders that I recieved this morning, I asked him to unwrap them and before he could stop himself he said, "Oh, they're nice" I said,"see these, thats what polished metal looks like and they're of the same vintage if not older than the clutch cover!" He said nothing and went into the factory to get the gaffa out who was a lovely fella but already i could see he was on the back foot and in apology mode so I knew it was game on for a win, he asked where I had them done (which I didnt reveal)
His next line was simply, "Yep ,Mr Newby, I'll have thoses redone for you, I'll do the quality check myself and they'll be ready by the end of the week".
I wasnt smug but thanked him and then went back to the van for a silent 'whoop' with the dog and a rollie................. 8)
Cheers Ken, theres SOME work gonei nto those, thangyou mate they're bloody awesome. I'll bob some pics up later
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