Topic: 1977 CB750k restore project

[edwardmorris]

+1 on polishing. It will take a LOT of time to just sand it right. It took me weeks of sanding before it was anywhere near ready for buffing, but the end result was worth it. Terrible pix here, but it does look very nice, especially the tiny corners and other details.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126735.msg1606153#msg1606153

[dgilling]

That was a picture before I started polishing, I'll have to show some close ups when I get home.

[dgilling]

On your polishing...it looks like you didn't sand enough to even get the factory clear coat off, so that when you got to the buffer, the compound just gooped up in the clearcoat.  That factory clearcoat is pretty tough, I usually start sanding with 80 or 100 grit to get it off, or use paint stripper first.

Here are some pics from round one.  I guess it looks okay but I think it can look so much better. 

[dgilling]

It's so hard to keep up with these posts. 

I got the motor back from Hondaman!! He said things looked great with the modified pistons and will be doing a write on my motor.  Since you can't get replacement pistons for the K7's he used a DOHC piston and modified it to make it work, and increased my compression ratio.  He only did the top end and I left the bottom end since everything seemed to shift pretty good.

To top end pieces were bead blasted, now i'm working on cleaning everything for paint.  I pretty much don't have any grease left in my elbows anymore.  does the top end need to be sanded before paint or is the bead blast good enough? 

How do i get the fin offset look? Like the one in this Link:
http://rainbowgymnastics.net/images/Dans%20Bikes/Motor_-Black.jpg

How hot does the bottom end of the motor get?  I have a ton of leftover SEM Hot Rod black paint that I used on the tank and fenders and was curious if it would last on the lower part of the engine. 

any suggestions on engine paint? I used the VHT flame proof for my headers and I like the way they came out so I'll probably do the same on the engine.  It sure would be nice to use the rest of that expensive SEM pain though. 


I re-did my valve cover and again, it doesn't look amazing but it does look better which is the over all goal for the motorcycle.  I followed calj's advice and went all the way to 2000 grit paper.  I tried to use Mothers Alum polish to finish it off but I feel like the buffer left a better shine then that stuff did.  Do I need to seal it some how or just leave it and re-polish often?







I changed the bolts on the airbox and finally got it all back together.  It doesn't have the gasket between the two halves now though so I need to come up with a gasket.  I don't think you can order that part.





If you're like me and you have the parts all over the garage, Then order a bolt kit from this guy.  They came in fast, look great, and are all labeled in individual bags. AlloyBoltz.com

[edwardmorris]

Airbox gasket is still available through Honda or ebay I think. I found them for the my early Ks at least, I'm sure there's some around for the later ones.

[budman]

Looking good.

[dgilling]

I got the engine primered last night and hope to get it painted in the next day our so.  It's pretty cold here so I might let the primer sit about a week before putting down the paint.  i noticed a lot of guys will bake the engine parts in the oven.  not really an option for me.  I chose Dupi-color Engine enamel primer and paint.  Getting the paint in between the fins can be really challenging.  I'll upload some pictures tonight.

Calj, do you know of a video described the steps to get the fin offset look?  seems scary to go sanding on paint that you just laid down.  I might wuss out on that and just leave it black. 

[dgilling]

il filter?

[dgilling]

also I can't find the build thread for Heash's 350.  Is it under a different name maybe?... never mind.. found Harsh's thread. 

So I've already put down primer, does that make a difference?  I sanded them pretty good but I didn't polish them.  Can you polish afterwards or is it easier to do before?  I guess i'm not super clear on the paint removal process either.  Seems like it would be easier to do wet but easy to screw up that way as well. 

I also didn't clean near as well in between the fins as he did, partly because my motor is all together and harder to get to.  I noticed spots the primer didn't want to stick to very well either.  Oxidized spots.  I'm not really sure if I should just keep going or try to sand and repaint again.  I'm so tired of sanding 

[dgilling]

Here's the motor on the motor stand my dad and I made.  The Hondaman and I put it on at his house.  This is also the state of the motor after I sanded and cleaned it for about three days.  Tons of work to get in those little cracks. 



I put the side covers on to see how they looked.  I want to sand the "Honda" on the powdercoat, but I'm reluctant to do that as well.  I'm a big wuss about this stuff.  Afraid to screw something up. 



I took some up close pictures after putting the primer down.  the primer didn't get in between the fins very well, and my sanding/cleaning job in there could probably have been better.  Should I Keep going or try to sand and clean again?





I practiced getting the shinny fin look on the primer.  All I really did was hit it with 500grit and 800 grit sand paper and a red scotch brite pad.  That'll do for me.  Would it be better to do all the fins now and then re-do them after the paint or just wait till I get the paint down and then do them once?

[Restoration Fan]

Not sure what makes it a "Super Lace" but extra spokes is not possible. Your hubs are drilled for exactly 40 spokes front and rear. Maybe there is extra labor they are charging with the removal of tires, bearings, etc... And then re installation?

Your kickstand mount does not look bent. They are oriented to the side like that. Perhaps the leg is bent or missing the rubber foot?

I was reviewing SOHRon's incredible build thread this morning.  I was hoping his documentation skills might point out some flaws in our assembly strategy BEFORE we actually make them instead of afterwards, which is our customary pattern.  I came across Ron's mention of Woody's SuperLace pattern in there and thought back to reading this thread many moons ago. 

This thread explains that Woody's SuperLace pattern uses a Cross-3 instead of the Cross-2 pattern we normally use.  They utilize heavy duty spokes so that they can make each spoke actually cross across three spokes instead of just the normal two. 

I know Bill taught Logan how to do a Cross-2 pattern so that's what ours are laced with but I thought someone else might stumble across this later and here's the explanation.  Mind you, I'm not agreeing that the extra cost they charge is justified but that's what their "Super Lace" is.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=86697.msg1047995#msg1047995

[dgilling]

It finally warmed up some around here and I got to put the paint down on the motor.  I'm pretty happy with the color.  It looks like it will go pretty good with the rest of the flat black on the bike.  Those fins are pretty hard to paint. 



I got some sanding done on the fins.  I used a 320 grit on a block to help keep it flat on the fins.  I'm really happy how things are coming out.  I still have some touch up work to do before I call it done.  I'm really happy with the polished valve cover and the small polished accents.  I powder coated the shift cover and the alternator cover black so their going to appose a little but I think it will be okay.  Especially with shinny new screws.  I don't plan on doing all the fins since most of them are covered up with the carbs and exhaust. 

I'm getting close to putting the motor back in the frame.  Is there anything else that I want to complete with the motor outside the frame?   I'll do all gaskets and bolts but I can't really see anything else from preventing me on putting it back in soon.   







I ordered a new Carb Diaphragm.  My old one was super rusted out.  after installing it I put the little black boot (kind of looks like a fork boot but really tiny) back on and snugged it down like shown in the picture.  Is that where it goes? 

[AintNoEasyWay]

That engine looks nice! Not sure how I've been missing your updates.

[dgilling]

That engine looks nice! Not sure how I've been missing your updates.

Probably because I'm really terrible at updated the post.  I do them in huge chuncks

[AintNoEasyWay]

Did you paint over the bolts on the engine?

[dgilling]

I did paint over the bolts but I got a kit to replace most of them.

[dgilling]

I got the motor installed into the frame.  I did a full post on here: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,145987.0.html. 

The install went really good and was super easy. 

I'm still missing a bolt for the breather.  AlloyBoltz sent the wrong set.  It looks like the 77/78 went to a shorter bolt than the earlier models but AlloyBoltz sent out a new bolt right away. 



Now that the motor is in is there a good order to go in for installing things?  I don't want to install something if something else needs to go in first. 

[dgilling]

My goal now that the motor is in, is to accomplish at least something once a day. 

I got some baby steps done:  I installed the foot pegs, but left them loose since I'm waiting on oil filter gaskets to come in.  I also can't find the washers that go on the oil tank side with the oil lines.  Is there anything special about those or are they just regular washers?

I installed the swing arm last night,
Got my new bolt in for the breather
Got the wheel retainers tight and almost have the wheels ready.

Last frame bracket installed. 



the foot pegs were actually pretty tricky to remember how they went back together. 



baby steps... installed the seat lock

[Restoration Fan]

The washers that go in the oil tank lines are just regular-styled washers on my 78.

[dgilling]

The washers that go in the oil tank lines are just regular-styled washers on my 78.

Thanks Resto Fan, I'll go get some washers this weekend at the hardware store.

I painted my oil lines tonight with some VHT paint.  I figured they're pretty much out of sight, they'll get dirty anyways, and they didn't leak so why not just keep running them till I have to replace them.  at this point i'm just trying to save some coin and finish the project.  I want my money to go where it's important like the shocks and the seat. 



I also got my rear wheel together.  So, do you have to install the chain ring cover and those pieces that go under the nuts?  this obviously looks better but I'll still need washer to fill in the gaps.  I figure a set of lock washers is really all you need. 

[iron_worker]

The washers in the oil lines on my K4 are aluminum crush washers. I don't think I'd use a regular washer there.

Hard to say from the pictures but I think yours probably should be too:

 http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb750k7-four-usa_model14395/washer-plug-drain-14_9410914000/#.VRWJ4J3F91A

IW

[dgilling]

It's starting to look like a motorcycle!  I need to get the tires mounted so I can set her on the ground but I like having things up high to work on.

So I'm looking at the Honda Schematic of the 750k7 and all it shows holding on the small sprocket is a 8MM washer with a 8x20MM bolt.  Is that true?  I'm going to get a new 8MM washer today the old one is installed. 




I installed the new carb holders and used the old clamps.  I replaced the bolts with a hex head bolt and had to file off the little tabs around the bolt head so I could tighten all the way.  Everything feels pretty snug.



I installed the forks.  It took me forever to find the lower mount bolts.  Question, I'd like to lower the front a little.  Can I just slide the fork up?  seems like I can and can lower a good amount if i want.  no interference up top.  I just want it to have a slightly lower stance, nothing too crazy. 



I installed my Honda Man swingarm.  I used the old shocks for now because I haven't decided on a new set.  Any suggestions around $200 or $250? 



I got the battery box installed.  I'm working on a modified fuse box like the one that hondaman sells.  I plan to tackle electrical next.  We have a bunch of cable stuff at work so I might try to do some other mods to the wire harness for a cleaner install.



It's hard not to get ahead of myself cause I get so excited for it to be back together.


 

[brandEn]

Everything is looking nice!

[Restoration Fan]

I believe the 77K's have the same offset as the 78K.  This is the only photo of the front sprocket that shows in the 78 manual but it will show you what the washer should look like.

Also, you will notice that you don't see that offset appearing in the manual.  I believe that means the sprocket is on the wrong way.  Otherwise, the offset really does nothing if you don't have it facing towards the engine.

If someone knows that to be incorrect, please let me know because I have my sprocket on with the offset facing the engine.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

In that price range, IKONs.