CB77 Front Fork & Rear Shock Disassembly

[Spargett]

As you can see here, I'd really like to paint the front forks and rear shocks to the proper black for the CB77. I can't seem to find much practical information on how to disassemble the front forks or rear shocks. I'd normally give something like this a shot first, but it seems like the front forks or rear shocks could be an immense trouble if I'm not properly prepared.

Is this a huge pain, or something that's totally doable?

[rbaselt]

If you are a skilled amateur mechanic, it will not be a problem. A parts manual would be a big asset. A hydraulic press is very helpful for diassembling and assembling the rear shocks. The entire front end of the bike has to come apart for the forks, take notes during disassembly, you will end up with lots of parts. --Randall

[jleewebb]

I managed to get my beautiful new shocks assembled with my trusty tractor jack. Not recommended, not easy, nerve wracking, but I managed. There were a number of posts a while back on doing this with various spring compressors that can be rented, somebody managed with a work-mate. Might be worth a search. My restoration thread has pic of practicing on old shock when I thought they might be salvageable. There's also some info on my adventures with disassembling front forks that might be helpful. Good luck, Lee

[e3steve]

Scott & Lee, I just want to let you both know that it's an inspiration following your resto postings; keep it up ~ you're stirring my missing enthusiasm, although the present state of my garage continues damping it back down!!

[Spargett]

Thanks guys for all the info. As much as I really want to paint those sleeves. I just don't think I'm set up to use hydraulic presses for disassembly/assembly. Maybe there's a way I can tape them up and still get it painted reasonably well.

Don't mention it Steve. You're a tremendous source of help on the forums, as well as a tremendous personal help with the bike's carbs ; )

Scott & Lee, I just want to let you both know that it's an inspiration following your resto postings; keep it up ~ you're stirring my missing enthusiasm, although the present state of my garage continues damping it back down!!

[Gunner_CAF]

Thanks guys for all the info. As much as I really want to paint those sleeves. I just don't think I'm set up to use hydraulic presses for disassembly/assembly. Maybe there's a way I can tape them up and still get it painted reasonably well.
...

I painted my front forks without removing them. Your frame is stripped down the same as mine right now. I just tipped the frame back so the forks were horizontal and masked off the parts I didn't want painted. It actual made a nice stand for painting. I have a picture of this in my other post.

Gunner

[Gunner_CAF]

Here's a picture and how I did it. I tipped the bike back on the frame and covered the base with plastic (not in picture). I masked the top , the chrome trim ring, the steering lock, the Honda Motors plate on the frame and the frame number, the steering tensioner on the bottom. I wrapped the center chrome sleeve in computer paper and slid it under the outer sleeve.

I did the lower aluminum first, then covered these with plastic bags after they dried. then did the black. It wasn't hard to paint this way, it just took time to mask it off.

Gunner