What Special Tools Will I Need?

[Neilw]

HI,

Newbie in all sorts of ways, and before I start my project thread, I'd thought I'd find out what special tools I'm going to need for my teardown-rebuild project.

I've already fallen at the first hurdle, with not having the correct Spark Plug tool, so am having to wait a day before i can really get started.

So, please help me avoid future delays by recommending the special tools I will need at some point, like bearing/bush removers.

I have general tools, a socket set, some circlip pliers, an extendable magnet, a compression tester, a carb balancer kit and an impact screw driver.  What else?

Many Thanks.

[Ken4004]

I would say a must is a decent set of JIS screw drivers , an impact driver with JIS screw driver bits, torque wrench , volt meter or test light /probe,

[Bryanj]

What bike

[Neilw]

What bike

1978 CB550 F2

[Bryanj]

Only special tool for engine is generator rotor puller, everything else is decent hand tools, a honda manual is esential, you can download from alladins cave or ashs dropbox, you may find the parts book there as well.
The 550 manual is the 500 one with supplements for the 550 as models changed

[florence]

Is it a runner?  Looks like it is in very good condition already.

[Neilw]

Is it a runner?  Looks like it's already in very good condition.

It hasn't run for the last 4 yrs. It's been cosmetically tarted up by the previous owner, to a point to make it look good, but closer inspection shows there is rust on the frame, the seat underneath is rusted through, and the chrome on the mudguards is poor. I don't think there is anything major, but it depends on the engine.

The start button doesn't work, so that's my first priority to fix. The ultimate aim is to get it started and work from there.

Everything definitely needs good service.

[Bryanj]

On that bike starter only works if neutral light on or clutch lever pulled in, that is unless wiring has been "doctored"

[AshimotoK0]

If you ever need to remove the rear wheel bearing retainer....get a decent removal  tool and don't forget its a left hand threaded part. I had to make up a beefy tool for mine with a 5 foot extension on it to get it to budge but I suspect mine had been Locktited, as well as staked in by a PO. I also made the mistake of stripping the rim and spokes prior to attempting to remove the retainer.

[Murf]

A multimeter is a very useful thing to have if you are going to work on the electrics. You will also need a different bearing retainer removal tool for the front wheel if you plan to change its bearings.

A tin of midnight oil, heater for the garage, healthy bank account, understanding partner 😁

[Oddjob]

Where in the UK Neil? Some members may be local to you.

[Neilw]

Where in the UK Neil? Some members may be local to you.

I'm in Tonbridge, Kent.

[Oddjob]

Shame, nowhere near me. I do have loads of spares for the F2 as it happens, let me know if you need anything special.

[Neilw]

Shame, nowhere near me. I do have loads of spares for the F2 as it happens, let me know if you need anything special.

So far, I need a rh handlebar switch, Seat, Grab Rail, most rubbers are rock hard and need replacing, fuel pipes, fuse box ( although I will upgrade this), Front and rear mudguards, possibly.

[Bryanj]

Fuse box go to US site and look up Hondaman(mark paris) he makes a blade type fusebox that is a direct replacement.
Fuel pipe.i have some genuine Honda left £10 per meter plus postage pro rata for shorter.

RH switch be carefull with part number as i noticed some sellers dont quote the right end number which changes with country, make sure it has the lights on/off on it as the US one does not