Topic: Texas Barn Find - 1974 CB750K4 - HELP ME OUT!!!

[mrbreeze]

Vacuum it out!

[apehanger550]

 I just want to caution you about electrolysis on that pretty tank. The foam and bubbles produced from the process pukes the carrier which is a very strong detergent on the paint and that can cause a stain. I thought I had that problem covered by oiling the tank with motor oil, but it still stained it.

 Actually, I doubt if all the brown powder we are seeing is rust. It probably is crystallized varnish and lacquer thinner will dissolve the hard stuff perfectly. Just do not get the lacquer thinner on the paint. When it does become time to remove the rust, I saw this stuff at the All Ohio Show and it is available at Home Depot. It is supposed to be kind to paint, but I have not used the product. The process it uses is chelation and there are no strong acids involved
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Workshop-Hero-1-gal-Metal-Rescue-Rust-Remover-Bath-WH290487/203247483.

 If that tank were mine, i would use lacquer thinner on it first and then the metal rescue. Before using the metal rescue on the tank, I would test it by cleaning a part [not a bike part] with both paint and rust on it.  That tank is probably in fantastic shape even on the inside.

[mrbreeze]

I did a tank last summer with prep & etch that I thought was gonna be a goner due to the appearance of rust inside. It turned out great and no pinholes.

[mrbreeze]

Vacuum it out!

Seriously!! You can make up a small hose with reducers on a regular vac cleaner and run it through the spark plug hole. Unless you have access to a boroscope you won't be able to see if it's clean but you could alternate the vac with short blasts of compressed air and get a good deal of the crap out of there.

[754]

Yeah it sounds like giving it the old shake, with nuts and bolts and sharp goodies, may get a lot of what you see.. Remove petcock and screen, make a plug.. I used a bottle cork, trimmed with a knlfe and sanded and filed....took some effort but fit good enough for gas.
 Solvent is safer, dont use gas indoors.
 Sit on a chair, shake, move tank a bit..shake,move tank and shake, change position. For around an hour.. You can pour the liquid out now and then..use about a quart or so, you will see it get cleaner as the tank clears.
 I used a suction device to try to suck out most of the debris with the fluid , on side away from  petcock. You may not get it all but if some is behind, it has to jump up about a 1/4 inch or more to get in the petcock screen.             Good luck, hope you save it.
 

[Restoration Fan]

 Actually, I doubt if all the brown powder we are seeing is rust. It probably is crystallized varnish and lacquer thinner will dissolve the hard stuff perfectly. Just do not get the lacquer thinner on the paint. When it does become time to remove the rust, I saw this stuff at the All Ohio Show and it is available at Home Depot. It is supposed to be kind to paint, but I have not used the product. The process it uses is chelation and there are no strong acids involved
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Workshop-Hero-1-gal-Metal-Rescue-Rust-Remover-Bath-WH290487/203247483.

Good advice.  Just FYI to you.  I have used Metal Rescue and it does everything they say.  Safe on paint.  Safe on rubber.  Even safe on stickers but it eats away rust like noone's business.  I'm convinced that they actually have pieces of ground up genies in the stuff because it works like freaking magic.  I keep a couple of gallons around at all times for such type work.  It is indeed the miracle product they claim it to be.

[Stev-o]

Where are you with this Funk? 

[Funkenstein]

Tonight...... It started. For the first time in 45 years. It took me 4 years longer than I wanted. I moved it from Texas to Oregon in pieces. But tonight... She was banging!! I'll post a lot of follow up pics and the resources I used (thank you SOHC4 & hondaman!!!) very soon.  So excited to have it start tonight! Thanks y'all!!

[Stev-o]

She lives!

[MauiK3]

Another vote here for keeping the points, use Hondaman ignition module if you feel you need to.
Specifically, don't rely on the hex nut at the points to turn the engine, it's fragile.
You will likely find most of the rubber to be hard, fork seals, shifter seal, etc. Plan on some leaks there.
Your rubber brake lines might be pretty stiff, new ones would be a good idea.
Hondaman did my head and cylinders on my K3, outstanding job, I asked for a "solid stock" head" , not a hot rod, he did a great job and he's not that far from you, I had to ship mine from Maui. Ouch
He will also do your swing arm.
Careful with the carbs, stick with stock Honda brass, other brass is pretty sketchy.
There are lots of good sources for parts, Yamiya and David Silver Spares are top shelf.
If your spokes are corroded, Buchanan sells great stainless kits.

Wow, what a great find, very lucky. If you hadn't taken pictures it would be hard to believe.
Congratulations

[Funkenstein]

Not looking to drive any engagement with the auction but wanted y'all to see some of the driving videos. It's a direct result of all your help. I truly appreciate the advice and this amazing community. I'm letting the bike go but I'll always remember this bike and the fun I had making her run again. Y'all rock!!

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1974-honda-cb750-45/

[newday777]

Nice! Amazing it only had 955 miles.
Yes it needs the carbs synced.
Did you change the timing chain tensioner parts while you had the top end opened?

[BenelliSEI]

Great looking machine, one of my favourite colours! Good Luck with your auction. I hope the last 4 hours see X2 - X3 times the bidding. The bike is easily worth that or more!!

[newday777]

It's a shame the pictures were lost to your photo thieves.....
I read through some of your thread, it is a dream story.
I wanted an orange 750 in April of 75 when I outgrew my 74 CB450, but there weren't any left overs, so I bought a new 75 750K5 Planet Blue.
So you moved from Austin to Oregon, now you are back in Austin?

[Stev-o]

Not looking to drive any engagement with the auction....

We are happy to see the bike again and to see what it sells for, the high bid is good and should end higher in the last couple minutes.

[newday777]

Definitely going up.
I would say you could see $14-15,000 for it??

[Stev-o]

Definitely going up.
I would say you could see $14-15,000 for it??

I dont think so, my guess is $8500.

[Funkenstein]

Nice! Amazing it only had 955 miles.
Yes it needs the carbs synced.
Did you change the timing chain tensioner parts while you had the top end opened?

Yeah, I have a buddy that has mercury gauges that I always meant to "sync" up with, haha! I attached a pic of the original guide and tensioner and they looked so amazing I didn't need to replace them. Hopefully the photos attach to this. And as far as Austin to Oregon to Austin, I'm a vagabond, haha! Work in the film industry to constantly moving for gigs. I have a house in Austin and the bike is there but I travel a ton. Sad to let her go but just so thankful for the enjoyment I had. It's not the destination, it's the journey and again, I super appreciate all the old timers on here for helping put this girl back on the road!

[Funkenstein]

Not looking to drive any engagement with the auction....

We are happy to see the bike again and to see what it sells for, the high bid is good and should end higher in the last couple minutes.

Stev-o, I remember you being a big part of how this bike got running again. Thanks so much!! I will say if you or anyone else wants a gander at the shared photo album, please have a look at this link. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wr8xE3d4vZqV73YQ6

[BenelliSEI]

Definitely going up.
I would say you could see $14-15,000 for it??

I dont think so, my guess is $8500.

Not bad……. $7700.

[Stev-o]

Not looking to drive any engagement with the auction....

We are happy to see the bike again and to see what it sells for, the high bid is good and should end higher in the last couple minutes.

Stev-o, I remember you being a big part of how this bike got running again. Thanks so much!!

You're very welcome.   I think you did good at $7700, someone got a great bike and story.

[newday777]

Not looking to drive any engagement with the auction....

We are happy to see the bike again and to see what it sells for, the high bid is good and should end higher in the last couple minutes.

Stev-o, I remember you being a big part of how this bike got running again. Thanks so much!! I will say if you or anyone else wants a gander at the shared photo album, please have a look at this link. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wr8xE3d4vZqV73YQ6

Thanks for allowing us to see the album

[rocket johnny]

the new owner got a helluva deal in my book .  low mile ,  stock bikes are almost gone .  fix the rear turn signals and a few little details and take it to the vegas bike auction and see what it would bring ,,,

[newday777]

Definitely going up.
I would say you could see $14-15,000 for it??

I dont think so, my guess is $8500.

Not bad……. $7700.

Actually disappointing it went so low.
I wonder where the new owner is from?

[Stev-o]

Definitely going up.
I would say you could see $14-15,000 for it??

I dont think so, my guess is $8500.

Not bad……. $7700.

Actually disappointing it went so low.
I wonder where the new owner is from?

BaT doesnt give out personal information, buy he [Snoopy!] also purchased a K6, four vintage Corvettes, two VW buses and a '68 Mustang convertible!  Good taste in vehicles...

https://bringatrailer.com/member/snoopys28/

BTW - the seller did provide a link to this build thread in the comments so maybe the new owner will visit us here?