Topic: 1974 CB350F - First Restoration

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

can't say I have ever seen a direct reproduction seat pan for a cb350f.  Your best bet is to look at ebay I did a quick search and found a torn seat with a decent seat pan for 95 bucks but there are a few out there

-james

James I just went back on ebay and found a reconditioned seat that looked to be in pretty good condition that ends in 5 days.  I emailed the guy and he pulled it offline so I was able to pick up the seat pan for $57 shipped so I figured that was an okay deal.  I will still have to look at mine and see if it is worth saving or just junk it!  I know I will need to upholster it as mine is torn anyways.  I might just go local and see if I can get someone to do it professionally as I have ZERO understanding on how to do it and no sewing machine.

There are some very fine reproduction covers available.  There's an ebay vendor called gumtwo who sells great repro seat covers.  If you have the seat foam, or you want to make it easy on your uphosterer, you can pick one up for about $55.

[mark9331]

There are some very fine reproduction covers available.  There's an ebay vendor called gumtwo who sells great repro seat covers.  If you have the seat foam, or you want to make it easy on your uphosterer, you can pick one up for about $55.

Have you heard of http://shop.excelcustomforming.com/product.sc?productId=82&categoryId=2?  They have seat covers that go for $33 plus whatever shipping is.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Good price.  I've never heard of them.

[jamesv220820]

can't say I have ever seen a direct reproduction seat pan for a cb350f.  Your best bet is to look at ebay I did a quick search and found a torn seat with a decent seat pan for 95 bucks but there are a few out there

-james

James I just went back on ebay and found a reconditioned seat that looked to be in pretty good condition that ends in 5 days.  I emailed the guy and he pulled it offline so I was able to pick up the seat pan for $57 shipped so I figured that was an okay deal.  I will still have to look at mine and see if it is worth saving or just junk it!  I know I will need to upholster it as mine is torn anyways.  I might just go local and see if I can get someone to do it professionally as I have ZERO understanding on how to do it and no sewing machine.

ya take a picture of the seat pan so we can see how rusted it is.  I would do what I did and have 1 dedicated 2 person seat a 1 dedicated 1 person seat.  That is if you pan might be salvageable

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

can't say I have ever seen a direct reproduction seat pan for a cb350f.  Your best bet is to look at ebay I did a quick search and found a torn seat with a decent seat pan for 95 bucks but there are a few out there

-james

James I just went back on ebay and found a reconditioned seat that looked to be in pretty good condition that ends in 5 days.  I emailed the guy and he pulled it offline so I was able to pick up the seat pan for $57 shipped so I figured that was an okay deal.  I will still have to look at mine and see if it is worth saving or just junk it!  I know I will need to upholster it as mine is torn anyways.  I might just go local and see if I can get someone to do it professionally as I have ZERO understanding on how to do it and no sewing machine.

ya take a picture of the seat pan so we can see how rusted it is.  I would do what I did and have 1 dedicated 2 person seat a 1 dedicated 1 person seat.  That is if you pan might be salvageable

Outstanding idea for modular 1 and 2 up seating.

[mark9331]

ya take a picture of the seat pan so we can see how rusted it is.  I would do what I did and have 1 dedicated 2 person seat a 1 dedicated 1 person seat.  That is if you pan might be salvageable

I will take a picture tonight.  I completely forgot last night!  That is also an amazing idea!  Now I hope I can salvage it and that will work!

Last night I tried at trick I was reading about how to remove rust from chrome.  From what I read it said you take aluminum foil and dip it in water.  You then rub the foil over the rust and wipe away with a cloth and it will chemically remove the rust.  As long as you keep the chrome clean and waxed it will not come back.  Needless to say it sounded very skeptical to me.  So I tried it.  I am still floored that it worked amazingly!  I will post some pics tonight.

I also started to clean up the frame and overall it looks pretty good.  There are just a few rust spots that are either around bolts or on seams but are mainly hidden.  I am thinking about being cheap and lazy by simply cleaning up the area of the rust and then touch up paint the areas that need it.  It would save me a ton of headache by having to try to pull the motor and wiring to do a powder coat.  I know most of you might cringe at the thought of it but I was hoping to get some thoughts.  I am hoping to get her running by Memorial Day weekend.... Well that is the goal!  I can/will go back later and continue to do detailing and cleaning of the engine etc after shes running well.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Clean it up, touch it up, and ride! You can always pull a motor and powder coat over a long winter as a project.

Agreed. Why waste the riding season?

[mark9331]

Here are some of the pics I promised.  I don't think the seat pan is salvageable.... I might keep my eyes out for a cheap one as I still think that is a pretty sweet idea to be able to swap seats.

Seat pic... I think the metal is rusted through



Pulled the spark plug from cylinder 1... Doesn't look horrible doesn't look amazing....  I am guessing the PO never changed the spark plugs since I found a 5th sitting on the engine after I removed the tank....



Example of the before polish & aluminum foil method.



After I polished the chrome there were pits.  Using the aluminum foil method I was able to get it to look lots better!

[2strokeTrush]

Great to know!  Hopefully I wont need any more small parts but I'm sure you know that when I say that I will need something!  What did you end up doing for the gauge faces for your build?  Mine are cracked and looking very worn.  I am guessing taking them apart and replacing the face might be difficult... I liked how you did the back lighting for your gauges though.
[/quote]

The backlighting I did I freaking love, the look at night is awesome. I plan to do the same for my 500 project.  As far as getting in and replacing the faces, it can be difficult, but it can be done.  My old ones bounced and vibrated to much. I went ahead and bought a set from a member.  Check the for sale section, usually good deals!

[mark9331]

To suppress the vibration, use a rubber grommet as an insulator on the clamp where it mounts to the top tree.  older mechanical gauges are very vulnerable to vibration, and there is often damping fluid in these gauges that can be services.

There is a member here, Marcel (750gauges or something like that) that offers a re-build service with new faces too. I think he also operates under the handle of "Lecram".

I might have to find this Lecram....  The faces are old and cracked but I guess what can you expect considering the condition of the bike.

Do you guys know any good how to's on going through the front brake system?  I have found a few but nothing inclusive that I can use as a guide.  I think after the carbs are done (hopefully this weekend) I can move on the the front brake.

I am also wondering if anyone had any issues with a super hard clutch pull... I have to do a little more investigating to see if it is simply the line and need to run some WD40 down it or if it is something else?

On a side note the Slimy Muddy Crud run is this weekend so I plan on heading up to Wisconsin! http://www.slimeycrudrun.com/

[2strokeTrush]

The man ^

[mark9331]

I opened the points to see what they looked like.  To my surprise very clean and nice!  I took the time to polish the cover.  I mainly spent today away from the carbs as the parts are due to arrive Monday and started cleaning the engine.  I wanted to take advantage of having the carbs off for better access.

The points



Points cover



Points cover polished



Started cleaning the engine

[mark9331]

Look on the right margins: cb750faces.com is Marcel. He's a sponsor of the site. My understanding he also does other models...

Going thru the front brake system involves two rebuilds, the master cylinder (if needed) and the caliper (if needed).

If you are simply pursuing thorough maintenance, and don't have a known performance issue, then a quality flush/bleed of the entire front system is a good idea. Many replace the factory rubber brake lines with new, rubber or stainless lines. Member here (slingshot-cycles.com) makes bolt-in lines from either material, including new hard lines to connect the caliper on the fork lower. Even offers member discounts (code sohc4).

If there's a problem with the system, disconnect the caliper from the mounting arm, and use the brake lever to drive the piston out (separate the two halves of the caliper). Inspect for pitting on the surface. There's also an O-ring/seal that is frequently replaced. The groove the seal sits in needs to be VERY clean. Replacement pistons are available, also phenolic units which are an" upgrade" from Godferrey (member here).

The MC rebuild kit is commercial available. Hardest part is generally removing the circlip internally. Once free, you can clean (common requirement, did you notice?) and replace with new parts.

A couple of suggestions: the Services Offered or Parts For Sale section is a good place to locate some of these vendors. You'll notice by the number of times their "thread" has been read whether their long standing and well known. Use this a basis of endorsement comfortably.

All the repairs listed above are very straightforward and you will be very capable of performing them. If you get stuck, open a thread and post your issue. You can also use the Search function above, to find "MC rebuild" "caliper rebuild" "heavy clutch" to find good diagnosis and remedy solutions.

Your clutch could be a poorly lubricates cable, could also be "stuck" clutch plates. These bikes use a wet clutch and prefer to have warm oil on them to help them function best. If the bike has been sitting a while, they could easily be "grumpy". Lube the cable, then raise the rear wheel, shift bike into higher gear, (motor off) and try rotating the wheel to help loosen them up. If safe, run the motor, and shift through some gears, operating the clutch. But be SAFE doing this.

You may also need to adjust the clutch cable per the manual to determine whether this is a part of your issue.

Okay, weekend is here, get to work and have that thing running by Sunday afternoon!

Wow.  I will def work on this!!!!  Thanks! 

[mark9331]

This weekend I saw a 350F at the Slimy Muddy Crud Run Movie Screening in Madison, WI.  If you're on here FYI!  I was able to go on my longest ride at over 480 miles in 2 days on a sport bike.  Didn't get a huge chance to work on the bike this weekend however I tried to get some accomplished tonight....

I went to the local Honda Dealer and they were very helpful and said they would help me with any parts they can so that's great!

My tentative plan is to try to start her up on Thursday... I got the parts from 4into1 and James!  So I should have everything I need to finish with the carbs being rebuilt besides some O Rings and fuel lines that the Honda guys are gonna help me get tomorrow.

Today I also finally drained my fuel tank.... I was going to start rebuilding the pet cock however when I was taking the bowl off it broke so I know I will have to at least get one of those...  The copper tube that sticks up (sorry don't exactly know what it is called) was also super corroded so it also needs to be replaced or figure something else out.  There is soo much crap in the pet cock I am having trouble cleaning it as I do not want to break any other pieces.  I tried to find a step by step guide to how to rebuild it but there really is not a good one that I could find.  I was also wondering in what order I should complete the gas tank cleaning.  I know it is corroded and needs vinegar or something to help clean it.  I also know that the pet cock needs to be cleaned an re installed.  So in what order should I do that?  If I clean the gas tank before the pet cock how did you guys plug the holes?  My pet cock seems to look pretty bad but I do not know what they should look like.  I will post pics tomorrow to get feedback if I need to try to find a "new" one.

Checklist until Thursday (hopefully I am not missing anything):  I plan to do the initial start without using the gas tank but a smaller bottle so that does not have to be done.  I also plan on jumping it so a battery is not required.

• Change Oil
• Procure Fuel Lines
• Procure O Rings
• Finish Reassembly of Carbs
• Procure Small Gas Tank & Gas

Great looking gas!



Parts yayyy!



I think this is a 350F engine?



Panorama from Slimy Muddy Crud Run

[2strokeTrush]

Have you started cleaning the inside of the tank yet?  And that looks to be a 550 or 500 engine, 350s don't have a starter cover, they are accessible under the sprocket cover.  I think a few members here, Hoodelyhoo and one other i think went to that, or at least talked about it.  He has quite the 350f build if you havnt seen his as well.

[mark9331]

Have you started cleaning the inside of the tank yet?  And that looks to be a 550 or 500 engine, 350s don't have a starter cover, they are accessible under the sprocket cover.  I think a few members here, Hoodelyhoo and one other i think went to that, or at least talked about it.  He has quite the 350f build if you havnt seen his as well.

Have not started cleaning the tank.... Don't have a cork.... I guess I will have to go buy a bottle of wine and down it while working 

The petcock is cleaning well besides the far right (3 o clock) hole and where the copper tube used to be.  I am guessing those connect but not 100% sure.  The knob cleaned up really nicely and it seems like it is going to work.

I tore the seat apart as my other one has come!  Looking at the seat foam I do not think it is stock or it has been modified...  If it has been modified any suggestions on seat cover?

Plan is to attempt the start tomorrow.  The PO stripped the oil filter bolt and I have been trying to use vice grips with no avail!  I was able to drain the oil from the bottom of the tank and it seems to look pretty good so I do not think it will be an issue starting (fingers crossed).  I will  try to take a video of it.  If it is all good and running I am going to go ahead and order the rest of the parts tires, exhaust, battery and everything else to get it road worthy!

Seat foam is this stock??



Stripped bolt head

[mark9331]

Use a Dremel and cut a slot in it. Then, use a propane torch and heat that up. Then use a heavy bladed screwdriver and turn it out.

If that doesn't work, you'll need to heat and then use Vise Grips to turn that out. When re-installing, use some Anti-sieze. It's all alloy, but the AS should help prevent screwing up the threads. Some knucklehead has apparently cross-threaded it or over-tightened it. Hope the threads aren't galled...

Uh hopefully I don't have to do all of that... My boss is going to stop by tomorrow and help me start the bike.  He said he has some tools that might help.  You're right about the cross threading hopefully not....

The PO said he was a mechanic by trade.... By the stupid things that I have had to deal with on this bike I would absolutely disagree.  Oh well.  I will keep you informed!

[HondanutRider]

Seat foam is this stock??

The original 350F seat was not as stepped as your picture.  It looks like the top two pieces (the back one is even a different colour) were added onto the original.

[mark9331]

The original 350F seat was not as stepped as your picture.  It looks like the top two pieces (the back one is even a different colour) were added onto the original.

Uh oh... Suggestions for seat cover then?

[HondanutRider]

A while ago someone on your build thread suggested: "There's an ebay vendor called gumtwo who sells great repro seat covers."  I would second that recommendation as I have ordered from him before and recovered a C105 seat with no complaint of his product, except that maybe the cover originally seemed to have a fold on it which has become less noticeable with time.  There were instructions on how to recover the original foam, and the fit and originality were excellent.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

A while ago someone on your build thread suggested: "There's an ebay vendor called gumtwo who sells great repro seat covers."  I would second that recommendation as I have ordered from him before and recovered a C105 seat with no complaint of his product, except that maybe the cover originally seemed to have a fold on it which has become less noticeable with time.  There were instructions on how to recover the original foam, and the fit and originality were excellent.

That was me. gumtwo sells a good repro cover.

[hoodellyhoo]

Welcome from Wisconsin. The weather sure turned out great for the Crud Run, didn't it? I was there with my dad and forum members Johnie and Jerry H.



(cant really see my 750 way down on the end. The orange one is Jerry's bike)

Not sure where you are on your carb work right now but you can always do what I did and buy the cheap rebuild kits and only use the gaskets. Just clean and reuse the brass bits. My biggest piece of advice when working on the 350/400 carbs for the first time is to take many many pictures when you're taking them apart. There's a lot of little parts that are easy to lose track of, especially in the slide linkages.

If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a PM. Between you and 2strokeTRush working on your 350's I'm feeling pretty bad about not getting mine back together.

 

[mark9331]

A while ago someone on your build thread suggested: "There's an ebay vendor called gumtwo who sells great repro seat covers."  I would second that recommendation as I have ordered from him before and recovered a C105 seat with no complaint of his product, except that maybe the cover originally seemed to have a fold on it which has become less noticeable with time.  There were instructions on how to recover the original foam, and the fit and originality were excellent.

Sorry I should have been slightly more specific.... I looked at gumtwo and the covers look good.  However with the seat foam not being stock anymore would it be better attempting to go back to stock or looking for a seat cover that might fit my needs?  If the seat foam has been glued together wouldn't it be difficult to remove the pieces to make it stock size?  Or should I look at just getting a seat cover and attempting to upholster it to the new foam size?

[mark9331]

Welcome from Wisconsin. The weather sure turned out great for the Crud Run, didn't it? I was there with my dad and forum members Johnie and Jerry H.



(cant really see my 750 way down on the end. The orange one is Jerry's bike)

Not sure where you are on your carb work right now but you can always do what I did and buy the cheap rebuild kits and only use the gaskets. Just clean and reuse the brass bits. My biggest piece of advice when working on the 350/400 carbs for the first time is to take many many pictures when you're taking them apart. There's a lot of little parts that are easy to lose track of, especially in the slide linkages.

If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a PM. Between you and 2strokeTRush working on your 350's I'm feeling pretty bad about not getting mine back together.

The weather was great!  This was my first time going to the Crud Run but it was great!  I really liked that it attracts all different kinds of bikes and not just one particular type.  I plan on making the trip in October also if the weather cooperates... Maybe I will take the 350 assuming its humming by then.

I am going to attempt a start up tonight however I want to replace all the jets but a simple start up should be fine just to make sure shes running!

[HondanutRider]

A while ago someone on your build thread suggested: "There's an ebay vendor called gumtwo who sells great repro seat covers."  I would second that recommendation as I have ordered from him before and recovered a C105 seat with no complaint of his product, except that maybe the cover originally seemed to have a fold on it which has become less noticeable with time.  There were instructions on how to recover the original foam, and the fit and originality were excellent.

Sorry I should have been slightly more specific.... I looked at gumtwo and the covers look good.  However with the seat foam not being stock anymore would it be better attempting to go back to stock or looking for a seat cover that might fit my needs?  If the seat foam has been glued together wouldn't it be difficult to remove the pieces to make it stock size?  Or should I look at just getting a seat cover and attempting to upholster it to the new foam size?

From the look of you pictures, I'd try removing the added pieces.  They shouldn't be too hard to cut off (if really stuck I'd trim new foam adds above the joint with a sharp knife) and then you should have a block of foam that is close to the original shape - at least that's what it looks like to me.  With the new cover in hand, you should be able to confirm shape before mounting, and if needed add some more to the old.