79 CB 750K Mechanic needed

[palbradley]

I am rebuilding my 79 CB750K and I need the services of a good, experienced mechanic. I live in Southern Calif and have just finished dismantling and cleaning the entire engine. I do not have experience in rebuilding engines so I am looking for a good experience mechaninc in Southern Calif who can do the job for me, or with me. I am willing to pay reasonable fees for the service. Any recommendations?

[Hoosier Daddy]

Not trying to sound like a dick, but if you have the tools to take it apart, why not down load the manual here and reassemble it yourself? A Mechanics worst nightmare is for a customer to bring in a box of parts and say "put this back together for me".

[seestheday]

I had zero experience as well when I started.  This forum and others have helped me tremendously.

If I had to pay a mechanic for all of the work I've done it would have cost me thousands of dollars.  Not worth it IMO for a bike that I bought for $700.

If you have trouble with the carbs - we can give you a manual and the name of the guy that specializes in rebuilding those.  Same for the head.

Lots of great info here.

[RodneyCB750K1979]

When you say "dismantling", how far did you dismantle?  If you didn't mark certain components during disassembly or loosen per a specific sequence, these components may need replacing.  

You will need to decide the level of reliability you're after. Do you want to just to get it running to sell or is this something you intend on keeping a long time or possibly for racing or long trips.

I had no experience with motorcycle engine rebuilds but I'm doing ok so far. You'll hit some snags but with perseverance and help from forums, motorcycle shops, and manuals you'll do ok. Cylinder head work and cylinder honing you can have a shop take care of.  Carb rebuild is doable if you have patience, space, time, and a good carburetor rebuild manual.  There are some carburetor rebuild specialists out there.

[palbradley]

All good responses. I have dismantled the entire engine - all the way down to separating the crank case and taking apart the transmission. 100% of every engine piece, nut & bolt removed, cleanded, and then tastefully painted.  I do have an original Honda manual. However, my goal is to ride the bike. I have spent the past year with this project and I really don't want to take another year rebuilding. I suspect a good mechanic can rebuilld this engine in about a month. I would love to help so I can learn but riding the bike is more important to me then the building.

[shultz_1978]

I don't mean to rain on you, But I agree there is nothing like trying to put some thing back together some one dismantled.

I my self can be picky about things and there is no  better gratitude then when you have some thing you did your self.

If you have the money to pay someone else to do the work for you. Just buy the parts and start working. It will be done before you know it.

There are is a lot of good people out that can give you help when needed. Pictures a always good

[motogrady]

maybe hit the local shops in your area, the Honda dealer, the Kawasaki dealer,
go to the service dept and tell the service manager what you have going on.

Most don't have anyone to work on anything over say, 15 to 20 years old.
They won't touch it.

But, if you're nice, and don't rush the guy if he's busy,
maybe the 5th or 6th one will have a number of a small shop,
or retired guy working out of his garage that will know what's up.

not a good time of year to be looking for a deal, everyone want's to get out there,
good luck guy.

[LukeM]

You might, and I emphasize MIGHT, check craigslist and see if there's a shop or person that works on the older vintage bikes.  Let them know what you've done, ask them for a labor rate, their best guess on how long it will take to reassemble, and if you're allowed to help to save some labor costs. My guess would be most BIG shops would charge 50-100/hour, and a self-employed person might charge 20-30/hour.  

Your labor on your own bike in your own garage is free, assuming you're willing to get dirty, read a book or two, and have the time to devote to it.  I agree: it IS immensely satisfying when you get all those parts together, all painted up and clean, and seeing it fire up and run.

Luke M