Author Topic: 1973 CL450 Cafe Project. (Read 8132 times)

Brown Bomber · « **on:** April 22, 2012, 06:37:37 PM »

I wasn't looking for another bike, but when a friend came across this
all he had to do was dangle it under my nose. So after a few weeks, I'm
finally getting around to starting on it.

When my friend picked it up, the PO said the the infamous words, "It was running when it was parked." I'm sure he chuckled to himself and I'm sure I'll get a few laughs with every surprise inside this box of Cracker Jacks.

Over all, the bike is in original condition, less the handlebars and looks like a fun project.
I'm excited that the exhaust is in pretty good condition, though it does have some rust in not so obvious places and a small dent or two, it still looks pretty good and will clean up nicely.

Let the fun begin!
The tires predate 2000, so this thing has sat a few years. The first order of business is to go through the carbs. I removed the exhaust and #1 carb yesterday. The air filters were a boggy mess, (I think I saw Aqualung's footprints in there.) and with the yellow-brown varnish all over the engine case, it's clear there was no reason to drain the float bowls.

It ran when it was parked?

Pin-Sol is my new friend;

Number 2 carb is soaking now, we'll see what tomorrow brings.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2012, 07:13:58 PM »

Nice CL450..looking forward to seeing it running like new..probably won't take too much...

cben750f0 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2012, 07:27:19 PM »

man keeping an eye on this...looks entertaining

peace

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2012, 07:29:32 PM »

Quote from: grcamna2 on April 22, 2012, 07:13:58 PM

Nice CL450..looking forward to seeing it running like new..probably won't take too much...

Thanks, if the engine doesn't have any issues, it shouldn't take too much. I haven't had an off road bike since the '70s, I'm looking forward to getting it rideable.

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2012, 10:32:39 AM »

Shiny makes em run better, right?

grcamna2 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2012, 07:55:15 PM »

That will be a very pretty machine when YOU get done w/ it.

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #6 on:** April 26, 2012, 06:42:38 PM »

Progress tonight! In the last few days, I have rebuilt the petcock, checked the cam chain tension, adjusted the valves reinstalled the carbs and put the exhaust back on the bike.With some fresh gas in the tank and the borrowed battery from my 500T, the 450 started right up! The top end sounded tight and the exhaust sounded good too. Now that I've confirmed the engine is a runner, it's time to tear it all apart and start the Cafe` conversion.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 26, 2012, 08:03:25 PM »

You aren't keeping it as a "trail Bike" ?

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #8 on:** April 27, 2012, 05:17:34 AM »

I was tempted, to but I decided to make a Cafe`out of it first. I won't cut anything on it and I'm keeping all the original parts, so it will be easy to put back to original and worth more if I decide to sell it later.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 27, 2012, 05:46:44 AM »

In the pic that you posted it looked like there was spots,rust or something around the front of the tank and the steering head. are you going to get the frame powder coated ?

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #10 on:** April 27, 2012, 08:28:05 AM »

There is light rust spots on the frame, tank and side covers, but nothing serious. I am going to strip the frame and paint it, I've heard good things about black appliance paint, so I'll likely try that on the frame.

I have a 500T tank for this and a friend that does paint tells me there is a silver by House Of Color that looks almost like polished aluminum, so I'm looking forward to that.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 27, 2012, 10:03:17 AM »

Quote from: Brown Bomber on April 27, 2012, 08:28:05 AM

There is light rust spots on the frame, tank and side covers, but nothing serious. I am going to strip the frame and paint it, I've heard good things about black appliance paint, so I'll likely try that on the frame.

I have a 500T tank for this and a friend that does paint tells me there is a silver by House Of Color that looks almost like polished aluminum, so I'm looking forward to that.

That 500T tank will sure give you more of a range for day trips than the CL450 tank.
I also heard things about some paint that's a 2-step called"Y2K paint(not the name)"..or something like that and they said it was excellent and durable.

thrutheframe · « **Reply #12 on:** May 04, 2012, 07:21:18 AM »

Cant wait to see it finished. I get to see it in person which makes it even better. I have a weekend warrior gig for the summer so don't hesitate to call if you need a hand with it on any given week night or during the day.

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #13 on:** May 04, 2012, 08:54:21 AM »

Quote from: thrutheframe on May 04, 2012, 07:21:18 AM

Cant wait to see it finished. I get to see it in person which makes it even better. I have a weekend warrior gig for the summer so don't hesitate to call if you need a hand with it on any given week night or during the day.

Cool, I'll be getting ready to pull the engine out of the frame soon, so I may be callin.

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #14 on:** May 05, 2012, 08:08:42 PM »

Finally got in some quality time with the CL today.

Removed everything but the front end and the engine. When I changed the oil prior to a test run, the old oil was diluted with gas, so the clutch cover came off and the plates got a good cleaning with brake parts cleaner, then treated with some fresh oil. I did this while the engine was in the frame for stability when driving out the cover bolts, because I don't have an engine stand., (yet) Also a good opportunity to clean up the cover.

Sanding out some deep scratches in the clutch cover;

Looks much better;

Still some rough spots, I'll put it on the wheel tomorrow.

This isn't the first I've seen this and I'm sure some others here have too, for those that haven't, it's what happens when a chipmunk has access to the shed and needs to store seed.

bluesmoke69 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 05, 2012, 09:17:25 PM »

Great job so far. Looking forward to more progress.

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #16 on:** May 10, 2012, 05:29:17 PM »

Finally coordinated with a friend to assist and got the engine out of the frame, it was so easy it felt like I missed something.

I had the bike on my jack and removed everything from the frame and loosened the engine bolts, then had a friend come over to help. We lowered the jack and laid it on it's side then lifted the frame off of it.

Next we stood the engine back up on the jack. I had two eye bolts on an overhead beam in the middle my garage and used two ratcheting tie downs as a winch to suspend it while I built a wooden jig to fit the bottom of the engine and frame to give me more height. I even sandwiched an aluminum oven pan between wood as a drip pan/tool tray. With some tie downs looped through the jack to the motor mount points, it holds everything together very well. I can even dolly this rig around.

After getting the surface grime off with ample WD-40, rags and brushes, I sprayed it with oven cleaner to degrease it.

Frame too:

After I get em cleaned off, I'll strip the frame and get ready to do some painting.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 10, 2012, 05:58:26 PM »

Nice setup for the engine platform..you must have done the "twin thing" before? Those CB/CL450's are an excellent bike;is this one going to be a Keeper for you ?

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #18 on:** May 10, 2012, 07:07:42 PM »

Quote from: grcamna2 on May 10, 2012, 05:58:26 PM

Nice setup for the engine platform.

Thanks, I've had that motorcycle jack for a long time, but never liked the awkward son of a #$%*. Can't put it under most bikes without putting the exhaust in jeopardy and I bet I've stubbed every one of my toes on it. Fits under a scrambler just fine though.

Quote from: grcamna2 on May 10, 2012, 05:58:26 PM

.you must have done the "twin thing" before?

I've gotten pretty familiar with the DOHC twins after getting my 500T 4 years ago and I got it the way I like it, but the 500T's do leave a bit to be desired, so the 450 should cure that.

Quote from: grcamna2 on May 10, 2012, 05:58:26 PM

Those CB/CL450's are an excellent bike;is this one going to be a Keeper for you ?

Too early to tell, but it very well could be.

grcamna2 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 10, 2012, 08:02:18 PM »

Considering your signature..

,do you think you'll consider chroming any parts on it ?

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #20 on:** May 11, 2012, 04:43:14 AM »

No extra chrome on this one, the exhaust and polished aluminum bits will have carry the shine. The fenders look as though someone tried to clean them with a scotchbrite pad so if I can't come up with a suitable replacement, I may have to paint them.

thrutheframe · « **Reply #21 on:** May 12, 2012, 08:20:07 AM »

Damn it!! I really want a CB450. I dont think my "collection" is complete without one. I cant under any circumstance create another project at this point. You've seen my shop so I'm sure you know what I mean.

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #22 on:** May 12, 2012, 04:21:13 PM »

Quote from: thrutheframe on May 12, 2012, 08:20:07 AM

Damn it!! I really want a CB450. I dont think my "collection" is complete without one. I cant under any circumstance create another project at this point. You've seen my shop so I'm sure you know what I mean.

This 450 makes the 5th bike in my one car garage....yeah, I know what you mean

RosalindBiao · « **Reply #23 on:** May 13, 2012, 08:20:19 AM »

Sorry!

You've seen my shop so I'm sure you know what I mean.

Brown Bomber · « **Reply #24 on:** May 14, 2012, 03:29:00 PM »

Had loads of fun sandblasting the frame, went well but I think I'll let someone else do it next time.

Treated with Ospho

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Author Topic: 1973 CL450 Cafe Project. (Read 8132 times)