Topic: BabyHawk.. the CB160 build.

[toytuff]

You're CB160's are in such better condition than mine -- the benefit of being in the South West.

One was from Grand Island, NE. Any farther East the worse they get. The other was from Utah. Cleaning up nicely on the 65 but still need right muffler and handlebars.

Left is good, right not so much.

 



If/when you start on yours I have one with a frozen motor. Going to use as a parts bike for now then assemble the second one and free it up.

Polishing paint.








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[toytuff]

Hey David (rafster), drop me an email. Have some work for you in the future.

tt

[toytuff]

Approaching a 48 hour soak. This area looks good but others not so much.



I'll drain tomorrow and roll it with the chain that is now inside. Might have to go with the drywall screws method.

tt

[bjbuchanan]

Have you considered the works toilet bowl cleaner? High acid content and is 2 dollars. Makes short work of the rust

[jas67]

I've had real good results with Esprit Rust Remover.
http://www.rustdepot.com/

I did the tank on one of my CB160's with it.  The tank was solid rust inside when I started.   About 4 days soak, and it was perfect inside.
Esprit is paint safe too, so you don't have to worry about ruining the paint if you get any on it.

[jas67]

You're CB160's are in such better condition than mine -- the benefit of being in the South West.

One was from Grand Island, NE. Any farther East the worse they get.

I just got a real nice '68 CL175 from Nebraska.

[HondaMan]

You're CB160's are in such better condition than mine -- the benefit of being in the South West.

One was from Grand Island, NE. Any farther East the worse they get.

I just got a real nice '68 CL175 from Nebraska.

I'm jealous!

Toy, those 160s are in incredible condition! Brings back memories...the roadracer frame "kit" included the loop behind the seat to stiffen the frame on the CB versions.

Subscribed to vicariously enjoy this ride.

[jas67]

You're CB160's are in such better condition than mine -- the benefit of being in the South West.

I don't think that bike was from the Southwest.  Idaho?

Still better than the North East, where it seams a high percentage of the worlds salt supply get dumped on the roads.

[Greggo]

The tank is looking great so far!  That stuff takes a bit longer to work, but it doesn't eat existing metal like the acid cleaners do, and it leaves a film that prevents flash rusting.  Not to mention that when it's done with your tank, it can be used to clean up countless rusty bolts, body parts, rusty chrome, and myriad other stuff.  I'm still using the two gallons that cleaned my disgusting wrinkle tank. 

[Scott S]

 What are you using inside the tank?

[toytuff]

HondaMan>> Very glad you are aboard. Honored actually. Please, any advice greatly appreciated. Thank you.

The 1965 (titled 1969) has 58xx miles. The other had no title but we got one in Wyoming and titled it a 1968. Not sure yet what is on the wiring harness. Speedometer shows 13xx miles which I believe is also original miles.

Greggo>> It's getting there. Think I'll drain the tank and shake/rattle and roll with a chain inside. Flush then add again.





Scott S>> Evaporust.

Bought at auto store.




Having one heck of a time breaking the nut on the swing arm bolt. Half inch breaker won't budge it. Nut has a lock collar. Can't really apply much heat with the seals sitting close.

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[toytuff]

You're CB160's are in such better condition than mine -- the benefit of being in the South West.

One was from Grand Island, NE. Any farther East the worse they get.

I just got a real nice '68 CL175 from Nebraska.

Like you need another!

tt

[jas67]

I just got a real nice '68 CL175 from Nebraska.

Like you need another!

tt

This one is way nicer than my other two, which are both kinda rough.   I'll be selling the other two.

[HondaMan]

I'm curious: is the vent valve in the gas cap(s) still functional? I seem to remember my frat "father's " 160 had a rusted one we discovered, back in 1969. His was a '66. Removing the cork seal and soaking it in penetrating oil for a few days fixed it for years afterward.
 
I remember being SO impressed that it had an electric start that worked!

My 1968 SuperHawk of the time could only electric start after a night next to a battery charger, yet if it was kick-started it could run with even a dried-out, cracked battery (don't ask...). After I 337cc-ed it, the electric start was just dead weight, poor thing! 

[toytuff]

Yes, vent still open. When I ordered from David Silver they listed a OEM cap for $7.50. No brainer. 

Tank is looking much better but I have to figure out how to soak the sides. If you tilt to far then it leaks out the cap. Probably going to buy another gallon then fill to the top.

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[jas67]

Tank is looking much better but I have to figure out how to soak the sides. If you tilt to far then it leaks out the cap. Probably going to buy another gallon then fill to the top.

You could tilt it until it almost comes out the top.    You can also tilt it front/back to get coverage too.

Filling it to the top is probably best, so you don't get multiple "water lines" inside.

[toytuff]

Tank is looking much better but I have to figure out how to soak the sides. If you tilt to far then it leaks out the cap. Probably going to buy another gallon then fill to the top.

You could tilt it until it almost comes out the top.    You can also tilt it front/back to get coverage too.

Filling it to the top is probably best, so you don't get multiple "water lines" inside.

Yup, been tilting for days. Getting better.

tt

[toytuff]

Not much progress on the fuel tank. Four day soak. I must admit, it's getting better.

I wanted to drain the tank and rattle some objects inside but that's not going to happen. First problem was the Bozo  that removed the fuel bowl with, well you know the drill. Hey Elmer, grab the 9/16 th. That's close enough. 

Fuel will not drain out of the petcock or the reserve line on the other side. I'll try poking with some wire tomorrow.



Have the tank tilted right up to the fuel cap.



tt

[toytuff]

I told myself that Sunday would be a day of rest. Well, when the rest of the house is asleep and the World is quiet outside you just have to do something.

I have been working on the State stickers stuck to the lower fork tube.



With heat gun in hand and the temp set to 600 degrees  we start in.



And finally get it off. There were two on top of each other.



Still one on the headlight ear but otherwise the fork lowers will be left alone. No refinishing here as they look great. Frame paint is polishing up with another coat applied.



Have not applied a wax yet.




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[toytuff]

Just to nice of a day so with the Shop door open and the neighbors visiting through out the day we continued on.

Although it's hard to see but after a four day soak the tank is getting nice and clean inside. Hard to take a good picture but very satisfied so far.



I used compessed air and got the petcock to flow air on both ON and RESERVE but the other side (crossover tube) is plugged solid. I'm soaking and running a wire in hopes of breaking the rust. If I can get that free then I'm going to fill it to the brim and give it two weeks to soak.

Removed the rear wheel and swing arm so tomorrow it's time to start cleaning.





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[Stev-o]

Looking real good, Toy.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Just saw one of these (CB160s) at my painter's shop.  Also saw a cafe style one at the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Rally.  Cool little ride!

[HondaMan]

Boy, looking at that makes me think about laying down on the tank, flat out, 70 MPH...it sure is in surprisingly good shape!

There's one hanging from the ceiling of the local Honda shop, in black, It looks to be a 1965, from what I can see?

[toytuff]

The swing arm and rear axle were dry as a bone.  I need to check for play in the bearings but with 58xx miles you would think they would be fine.

Brakes look fine. Just the general cleaning for the next week or so. Ordered new swing arm seals and a bunch of other odd's and ends. Build cost is climbing.

Need to order paint this week as I have that lined up. Problem is I can not get the headlight rim screws to break free. Until I do I can't remove the speedometer cable so as to remove front fender. Usual stuff.

Front chain case has a rounded screw that will have to be drilled out. Elmer grabs the first screwdriver he see's. Rest of screws are perfect as I do believe the case covers have never been removed.

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[toytuff]

Paint ordered today. My friend Mike picked up the fenders and side covers.



More cleaning.



And a little more cleaning.



tt