Author Topic: CB350G Project (Read 7852 times)

CBGBs · « **on:** November 25, 2006, 11:25:34 AM »

This bike is my main squeeze. I've had it since 2000 and it had only around 5000 then. Its up to about 11,000. I'm using this thread as a motivator to help me make progress. I will update this project thread as often as possible. I hope you like it too. Please ask questions or make comments as you wish.

RRRToolSolutions · « **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2006, 02:11:12 PM »

I for one will be watching. The 1973 Purple Iris CB350G was my 1st brand-new motorcycle. I got it just after turning 15 years old. I'd just trashed my 1968 CL175, so the step-up to big power was sheer joy. I loved that bike and it took me everywhere. Dates, football practice, beer drinking, smoking something not legal, work, and many, many trips to Panama City from where we lived near Dothan, AL.

I found another one 4 years ago and I love riding it. Mine has 14,000 miles and will eventually get pulled apart for powdercoat and fresh engine parts. For now, she runs perfectly and takes me back 33 years every time I hear those twin HM mufflers sign their 9,500 rpm song.

Yes, I'll be watching for sure.

Regards,
Gordon

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2006, 03:40:23 PM »

Sweet project - i will be watching this thread 4 sure...
Keep the progress pics comming

bill440cars · « **Reply #3 on:** November 25, 2006, 06:26:33 PM »

When the 350G came out, my brother-in-law had a Yamaha LS2 that I bought from him (looks like a smaller version of the RD350) and he bought a new Green 350G and had a Hooker Header (2 into 1 with a short reverse cone megaphone) installed on it. It sure sounded good and was a blast to ride. As he was tiring of it and ready to get a car, he was wanting to trade it to me for the LS2 and then he would trade the LS2. My wife and my mother-in-law didn't think that was a good idea. They didn't want him to get a car yet and thought that protesting that trade would stop him. ell, about 2 months later, the 350 was stolen. I always figured that their would have been less chance of stealing the LS2 but, doesn't make any difference now. Great job you are doing, keep up the good work and, by all means, keep us posted.
Later on, Bill

CBGBs · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2006, 04:06:35 AM »

Thank you,
I bought the bike for $150. It was just a bit rusty and dusty, the gentleman said that God told him that I should have it so I got it really cheap. I sent it straight to a mechanic and told him just make it run so I can get it home. The mechanic was out on his Hardley and took a spill at about 60mph. He slid down the shoulder of the road then picked up his bike and came home with lots of road rash. This delayed my project and I hated to bug him about it.

Once I had it home I then stripped it and spray bombed the frame and and bought some used parts to replace the original exhaust and shocks that weren't usable. Its been a real learning experience. I have learned that taking an old bike to a shop doesn't often pay. I've been disappointed too many times with their work.

This is my first streetbike that's operable. You can see the Superhawk in the pic. That was purchased with my brother for $550 and was had about 6 months prior to the CB350G, but it was in a long process of semi-restoration (I've almost got it to were I can ride it.). I am a complete amateur and have just fallen in love with these old Hondas and am really happy with the three that I have (total purchase price $1350).

Anyway, I just got the engine last nite from a friend who rebuilt the head. I have ordered a can of PJ-1 Silver Barrel and Case paint and will be refinishing the case to look like original. It's an epoxy paint, I believe. I have many parts on the way or sitting around.

CBGBs · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2006, 06:26:40 AM »

Do you guys think a CMX250 Rebel front fender will fit well on this bike? It has the look of the bike in Bill's avatar.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140053664793&rd=1&rd=1

bill440cars · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2006, 10:53:38 AM »

The avatar is a 550 racer and I don't really know about the fitting of the fender in question and all. What I want to say is that the Super Hawk can be a real blast to ride. I once had a 66' CB72 250 Hawk (little brother to the Super Hawk) and now I have a 63' CB77 Super Hawk that I rescued from a salvage a while back. I won't be restoring it because it's nowhere near complete or original and I just don't have the buck$ for it. Somebody had swapped out the motor and put a CA77 motor in it (not near the power and a single carb). I have plans to either get a CB77 or CL77 motor or convert this one to what it should have. Always interested in seeing the older Super Hawks and Scramblers.

Later on, Bill

CBGBs · « **Reply #7 on:** November 28, 2006, 03:12:18 AM »

Well, the head is looking very shiny and lower case is almost ready for painting. I'm not sure if I'll paint the lower center section or strip it and paint the covers off the engine. I am still waiting on an exhaust system, cafe seat and fork brace to arrive. I think I will get the Rebel front fender and try to fit it, but I still have to settle on a paint scheme. I just can't change the original tank green flake with stripes on the original. I may buy another and chrome it, or just have my seat and fender painted green flake. I'll try to get another pic up soon.

CBGBs · « **Reply #8 on:** November 29, 2006, 07:10:45 PM »

Here are some photos of the engine before being painted. if you look in the ports you might see that the inlets have been expanded and carb boots are from a CB360. I was using them to squeeze my CB500T carbs into them. The camchain tensioner is a KA Performance slipper type.

gregwaits · « **Reply #9 on:** December 01, 2006, 03:51:09 PM »

I picked up a '74 CB360K from the honda graveyard in Dallas that has been discussed in another thread. I talked the guy down from $175 to $100. I don't know if I should have taken on another bke at this point, but this one really looks like it doesn't need a lot to get up and running.

For one thing I need a new tank and the seat needs to be redone. The bike is in dire need of a good cleaning throughout, but otherwise looks almost complete. Even the fenders and turn signal posts (and lenses) are intact and clean. Still has the key in the ignition too.

I read that the difference between the G and the KO was the fact the G has a front disc and the K doesn't. Yet the VIN tag clearly shows this isn't a G but it has a front disc. Hmmm. Who knows. Maybe the previous owner uograded the bike.

I'll post pics in gallery later.

RRRToolSolutions · « **Reply #10 on:** December 01, 2006, 04:57:30 PM »

The 1973 CB350G was a 1 year only and in fact was the 1st and last of it's kind. The CB360 of 1974 replaced it. I have not heard good things about the 360's, but don't ask me what's wrong with them. My good friend and local Kawasaki dealer was selling Hondas in 1974 and says it's the worst model he's ever sold in his 35 year history according to him.

I'm sure I've stepped on some toes, but it was information I thought I'd pass out.

Regards,
Gordon

crazypj · « **Reply #11 on:** December 02, 2006, 12:32:15 AM »

The 360's tend to eat their cam bearings. I've done a couple of mods to oiling system and they seem to live longer. They need very regular oil change and checking about ever 100miles to be safe. The 350's munch on cam bearings as well, but not as regular.
PJ

CBGBs · « **Reply #12 on:** December 04, 2006, 06:32:16 PM »

I'm painting the case covers with PJ1 Satin Silver Barrel and Case paint. It seems to go on well and requires no primer. After painting with this metalic silver the finish is very coarse. I used a 1500 wet sandpaper to get a smoother surface. I would recommend two light coats of paint with only 10 minutes between coats. I was hoping to get something close to Honda and this is not close to my old paint which is a match of real aluminum grey and very smooth, but this does look good all its own. I would love to have painted the crankcase body but I'm not about to disassembe the engine that far. I'm am very much an amature mechanic/painter.

I got a quote on the Suede Red paintjob. Tank,fender and seat for about $650 at Bad Dad Customs. He does grade A work, but has never done suede though he says its straight forward. If its straight forward I could have my lowbuck cash preferred bodywork dude do it for half that.

Have you ever seen a worse caliper piston? I guess these are chromed steal and of lower quality than the Stainless type that can be had for around $50.

CBGBs · « **Reply #13 on:** December 05, 2006, 06:32:15 PM »

I have taken the starter and chain off the motor and I have finally gotten the seat in.
I have purchase a spare tank with ignition and key for the repaint. I just didn't want to use my original. Not that its perfect. It has many many small chips like you rode fast down a gravel path with no front fender, but it still looks well enough. I have also recieved a fork brace and the front fender is on the way(cmx250).

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 05, 2006, 06:43:53 PM »

Looking killer !

CBGBs · « **Reply #15 on:** January 07, 2007, 01:39:58 PM »

Well progress has been slow lately. I have many things going on, not the least of which is the countdown to baby. I'm nearing the home stretch and must get these bikes done. The Superhawk in the background must be finished as a priority and it is very close the finished. It should be a step closer in the next after monday. I'll just need to recover the seat and do something about the chaingaurd.(anyone have one?) I've just got some Redwings to replace the old shocks and I sourced a cable which appears to be the correct length for the lowrise bars. What you usually find are odd length cables like the highbar cables.

Once thats out of the way I'll continue with the 350. I have a new fender which need a mounting bracket transfer and I have some NOS S&W shocks on the way. I hope the spring rate is compatible. I've finally got the stainless brake piston and I'm currently rebuilding a pair of CB360 forks. I'm using these because my forks like all CB bike with the large fork ears have corroded to a nasty state and the CB360 did not have these covered fork tubes which helps keep the chrome dry and shiny.

I still hate the balance tube on the CB350 tank but I don't really think I should remove them either. I was looking for a petcock with a second inlet on the side for a feed from tankside but didn't find anything. My spare tank may not be usable but I still need a pro opinion. I still need rearstets too.
I was looking at some Mikunis but I don't know if they are worth the cash. I'm really trying to cut back on my spending at this point.
I hope to update again soon. Thanks for checkin it out.

bill440cars · « **Reply #16 on:** January 07, 2007, 03:04:52 PM »

Hey CB, I'm enjoying the progress on the 350G and all. I would however like to see some shots and details on that Super Hawk too. I've got a 63' Super Hawk, w/ a CA305 motor, waiting it's turn but it won't be a restoration because There's a lot missing that cost big bucks, like the gas tank side panels, emblems, rubber knee pads, front fender and then there's the CA motor with the single carb and not as gutsy as the CB motor. I've got some plans for it though. Keep up the good work and I'll catch you later on.
Bill

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 07, 2007, 03:14:03 PM »

Quote from: CBGBs on January 07, 2007, 01:39:58 PM

I still hate the balance tube on the CB350 tank but I don't really think I should remove them either. I was looking for a petcock with a second inlet on the side for a feed from tankside but didn't find anything.

My CB450 tank also has the hated Crossover tube u speak of. I got tired of spilling fuel every time I had to remove the tank, so I just ran a longer hose and ran the tube above the frame. It is actually gonna work out nice, as I am gonna be able to tuck it inside the lip of the tank, so it wont look too crappy.

Maybe u can do something similar with yours...

chrisf · « **Reply #18 on:** January 07, 2007, 05:46:19 PM »

Quote

I just ran a longer hose and ran the tube above the frame

That's an awsome idea! I think I'll use it.

--Chris

chrisf · « **Reply #19 on:** January 07, 2007, 05:54:04 PM »

CBGBs:

I forgot to comment of your suede paint job. You can honestly do this for around $100--less if you know someone with an HPLV gun. What you do is paint the tank, etc whatever color you want with spray cans or a spray gun. Then, run to the PPG store and by DCDU Flex and Flat clear. Talk the paint people into giving you a couple ounces of flatning agent. Then, mix it all up and add a teaspoon more flatner per cupload. Make sure you strain it.

For painting things like a tank and a seat, it really doesn't get much easier. I encourage you to try it before you pay to have someone else paint it. I painted a whole car flat black and the hardest think with working with flat finishes is 1.) getting the clearcoat mix repeatable, 2.) keeping the white flecks of the flatning agent out of the clearcoat and 3.) making sure there are no runs. You cannot wet sand out poor finished on flat finishes.

Harbor Freight makes a decent, cost effective paint gun for $30-$60 or so. A mask and some dryers and you'll be set.

--Best of luck, Chris

CBGBs · « **Reply #20 on:** January 10, 2007, 03:16:19 AM »

Lot's of parts coming in and little work progress. I'll post pics of the parts soon.
And look for a CB77 thread soon!

bill440cars · « **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2007, 04:28:42 AM »

Quote from: CBGBs on January 10, 2007, 03:16:19 AM

Lot's of parts coming in and little work progress. I'll post pics of the parts soon.
And look for a CB77 thread soon!

Alright, the 350G project is cool enough but, I'm really wanting to know about the
CB77 myself.

I'm awaiting.

Later on, Bill

CBGBs · « **Reply #22 on:** January 12, 2007, 03:11:16 AM »

Bad, news. I was pressurizing my spare tank tank to get a dent out and notice that it leaks. But I may have some Kream lying around. The tank is borderline usable. I'm almost giving up on it. (I've been busy with 2bands, recording, baby classes, my garage door broke and I missed the service man $:-\$ ) I'll get some photos taken tonite and post them. I've got some cool parts for the bike.

bill440cars · « **Reply #23 on:** January 12, 2007, 04:46:16 AM »

Quote from: CBGBs on January 12, 2007, 03:11:16 AM

Bad, news. I was pressurizing my spare tank tank to get a dent out and notice that it leaks. But I may have some Kream lying around. The tank is borderline usable. I'm almost giving up on it. (I've been busy with 2bands, recording, baby classes, my garage door broke and I missed the service man $:-\$ ) I'll get some photos taken tonite and post them. I've got some cool parts for the bike.

CB, I definitely understand what you're saying. I've been trying for, about a month, for about a month, to go check out and pick up an 82' Gold Wing "Parts Bike" that I'm getting. And the thing is, the guy only lives about 5miles away! Hope you get that Garage Door, the gas tank taken care of and those other things as well.
LOL.
Later on, Bill

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #24 on:** January 12, 2007, 06:51:55 AM »

Quote from: CBGBs on January 12, 2007, 03:11:16 AM

Bad, news. I was pressurizing my spare tank tank to get a dent out and notice that it leaks. But I may have some Kream lying around. The tank is borderline usable. I'm almost giving up on it.

Do yourself a favor and throw that Kreem crap in the garbage and find yourself a good radiator repair shop.
They will dunk the tank, and coat the inside usually for under $100 (and sometimes while u wait)..
A few friends of mine have done this and had great results. I also have a few buddies who did the Kreem method and have horror stories about it..

News:

Author Topic: CB350G Project (Read 7852 times)

chrisf

chrisf