Author Topic: Sandcast #5311 (Read 6516 times)

Big John · « **on:** October 24, 2016, 08:02:20 PM »

Just picked up a cb750. Maybe a sandcast. Was in 4 boxes. Before starting anything, I hope you can help me evaluate what I have and give me a direction to continue...

Big John · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2016, 08:03:31 PM »

Here are some pictures...

Johnie · « **Reply #2 on:** October 24, 2016, 08:07:48 PM »

BINGO...congrats to you!

That pictured worked John.

Big John · « **Reply #3 on:** October 24, 2016, 08:16:11 PM »

Hi Johnie. I posted 6 pictures. I hope you get them all. I'm going to Canada for the rest of the week. I don't think I'll get to reply until the weekend. Thanks for all the help!

Johnie · « **Reply #4 on:** October 24, 2016, 08:33:12 PM »

Yes, the pics all came through good. Looking forward to watching your progress.

754 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2016, 08:39:41 PM »

I think there may be an external difference on the cam cover, look at the shape and screw location for the tach drive.....
WAFFLE cover i suspect...

markb · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2016, 06:57:44 AM »

Not meaning to be too picky but I would call it sandcast #5506 (with engine #E5311). Whatever you call it, you hit the jackpot. Congratulations! You'll want to check out this site:
http://www.cb750sandcastonly.com/

Don R · « **Reply #7 on:** November 02, 2016, 06:04:11 PM »

I have 5511, they were probably made the same day, probably within the hour.

Don R · « **Reply #8 on:** November 04, 2016, 07:27:20 AM »

A bike this early should be put together as original as possible, there's no sense changing things and making it worth less than it can be. There are two schools of thought, leave the patina and keep it like it is or restore it to new condition. The potential value vs cost of restoration may be your guide. Some guys choose to pass along their good fortune and use the cash to buy a less rare running bike. Good luck whichever you choose, I think it's fun to learn the parts differences and assemble a parts correct bike.
In my case, I only needed handlebars, an ignition switch and exhaust pipes

ekpent · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2016, 04:27:33 AM »

Congrats on your find, looking forward to more pictures of some of the other pieces to it. As for the ignition switch that is off or for a later model. Yours would have been a recessed switch that looks more like this one in the pic.

754 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 07, 2016, 10:57:42 AM »

If you are lucky that switch may be in the boxes, and need some work.

pipeguy · « **Reply #11 on:** November 08, 2016, 07:04:02 PM »

subscribed!!

Big John · « **Reply #12 on:** November 27, 2016, 07:55:33 PM »

Thanks everyone for all the information on the Sandcast. I've had an old Honda CB350f in the back of the garage for a bunch of years and thought I would get that going and maybe learn something about my 750 in the process...and give me time to think about how to proceed. I never had the 350f running so I just jumped in. I had to fix the front brake master cylinder...I was surprised that basically cleaning it and flushing the fluid got it working. Then the carbs. Again...just took them apart, cleaned, and reassembled. Attached to a auxiliary tank, new battery, and it took off...to my surprise. I cleaned the old tank installed it and road it around a little bit. FYI...what a great bike. It was missing a little so I ordered new O-rings for the carburetor and now it's not missing at all. I still have a few odds and ends to do (I'm looking for a very nice original red tank) and then plan on riding it next summer.

Okay...what about the 750? I'm a little disappointed that many of the parts may not be sandcast...like the key switch, tank, and parts of the front end. It also doesn't have the original paint. I even think the frame was repainted. It's all apart. And it's ugly (flat black tank, black parts and in poor painted shape). I'm going to do some more research...I don't even know what a waffle valve cover is? And maybe a little better inventory of parts. Right now my plan is to paint the frame and body parts and then a good cleaning of the other parts and just put it together and get it running. I will try to use correct sandcast parts (or good reproduction). I'll try and post more pictures. And again...thanks for your interest in this project.

Big John · « **Reply #13 on:** November 27, 2016, 07:58:50 PM »

A picture of the valve cover...is this a sandcast cover?

Big John · « **Reply #14 on:** November 27, 2016, 08:01:57 PM »

My CB350f.

Big John · « **Reply #15 on:** November 27, 2016, 08:05:32 PM »

And I just noticed that all the motor bolts/screws are incorrect.

754 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 27, 2016, 08:06:18 PM »

The underneath side of the first valve covers, it had a sort of crisscrossing of diagonal lines pattern..some call it the waffle cover..
I wouldnt worry too much , if you are carefull and patient..you will eventually find more stuff.
The good part though, if you dont want to sink a whole bunch of coin at this time.. Is to assemble it. With a few period modifications.. It will always retain its value, plus you will have a 69 750 ....not too many roaming the streets.
The easiest way to fix the paint and body situation is to buy the stuff from Yamiya.. Not cheap, but correct, and get the right look ..easily..

danyo · « **Reply #17 on:** November 27, 2016, 08:09:37 PM »

Nice looking baby four. What's wrong with your tank John??

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Don R · « **Reply #18 on:** November 27, 2016, 08:40:38 PM »

Check where the screw holds the tach cable in. A sandcast cover is flat right there, a later cover is raised slightly. Under the breather cover there is no baffle at the end of the vent tube. There are a few more, look for an ink date code inside the cover also.

Big John · « **Reply #19 on:** November 28, 2016, 06:40:48 AM »

Again, thanks for all the help...
I'll post some more pictures. The valve cover has a date code of 44 6 25...I have no idea what that means. It does look like it has some kind of waffle pattern. I'm not sure about the baffle or flat tach screw housing location. Let me know what you think. Pretty sure front fender is a good one. I don't think the front wheel is... but the rear looks like a sandcast.

The 350f tank looks better than it is...

Big John · « **Reply #20 on:** November 28, 2016, 06:42:14 AM »

Cover

Big John · « **Reply #21 on:** November 28, 2016, 06:44:19 AM »

Front wheel...

Big John · « **Reply #22 on:** November 28, 2016, 06:45:37 AM »

Rear wheel

Big John · « **Reply #23 on:** November 28, 2016, 06:47:21 AM »

350f tank...

Big John · « **Reply #24 on:** November 28, 2016, 06:48:26 AM »

350f tank...

danyo · « **Reply #25 on:** November 28, 2016, 07:02:44 AM »

Valve cover is correct for your motor. 44 equals to '69. Also your rear rim is rolled one so also correct. There is no reason to think the front one isn't correct.

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Big John · « **Reply #26 on:** November 29, 2016, 05:46:14 AM »

Thank you for the information Dano. I'm happy the cover is original. I'm getting closer on determining how to proceed. I think now I will paint that frame and body parts and just clean up the rest. If this thing drives, runs, and sounds anything like my 350f I'll be happy.
As for the frame. I don't want to get it media blasted... too aggressive. Thinking about getting it "dipped". Any thoughts on that?

Prospect · « **Reply #27 on:** November 29, 2016, 06:58:56 AM »

Congratulations on an excellent find.

I think dipping is a good option only because some media blasting places use too aggressive of a product. Although the frame is made of steel it will be fine but if anything happens to the vin then the frame becomes worthless. FYI there is no vin plate on the early sandcast bikes.

754 · « **Reply #28 on:** November 29, 2016, 01:42:36 PM »

If you dip it make sure nothing gets inside the frame. there are less aggressive blasting mediums , like plastic or walnut blasting,,,

Big John · « **Reply #29 on:** November 29, 2016, 07:58:39 PM »

I was worried about the inside of the tubes and corrosion from the dip. Now I'm thinking of heat to remove the paint. I've haven't had good luck with other people doing my media blasting. I've had a frame almost ruined.

754 · « **Reply #30 on:** November 29, 2016, 08:12:09 PM »

There is or should be drain holes in the lower frame tubes, on some of the old bikes they rot out the lower rails.. If you dip it..may come out after paint..

Sgt.Pinback · « **Reply #31 on:** November 30, 2016, 12:05:31 AM »

Quote from: Big John on November 28, 2016, 06:40:48 AM

Again, thanks for all the help...
I'll post some more pictures. The valve cover has a date code of 44 6 25...I have no idea what that means.

As said, 1969 June 25.

Ha a look for dates on the engine cases please.

Big John · « **Reply #32 on:** November 30, 2016, 05:32:28 AM »

I'm not sure if this is the date code but I found E-1 7 29 on top/back of the motor. Assuming it means July 29...but what year?

markb · « **Reply #33 on:** November 30, 2016, 06:11:47 AM »

It would have to be 1969.

calj737 · « **Reply #34 on:** November 30, 2016, 06:19:52 AM »

If you take the frame to a competent blaster, you won't encounter any damage. Someone would have to get "determined" to erode the metal of the frame with a media blaster. You could request they use glass bead if you're really concerned.

Or, if you want to, you could always strip it with chemicals. Aircraft Stripper does a very nice job without damage to the metal. You'll have some elbow grease in front of you, and afterwards use Green ScotchBrite pads to remove any final areas. Wipe down with Acetone afterwards, and prime and paint. Or powder coat, or...

Big John · « **Reply #35 on:** November 30, 2016, 06:47:41 PM »

Thank you. I will look for those drain holes tomorrow (I don't work on my bikes at home). Maybe I can tell if the frame has been repainted. I think it has been because I can see "brown" primer under the black paint and doubt if Honda used that primer. If it is original I would leave it alone. Any thoughts?

Big John · « **Reply #36 on:** November 30, 2016, 06:56:10 PM »

Quote from: markb on November 30, 2016, 06:11:47 AM

It would have to be 1969.

I looked at your two sandcast threads and all I can say is WOW!!! You are very talented! I went to the Peterson Museum web and I think your bike is on front of the section titled "Two-Wheeled Transportation". I do have a question on your pictures you post. Yours are large and very clear. It makes reading the thread more interesting. Are they large because you use Photobucket? Thanks.

Big John · « **Reply #37 on:** December 01, 2016, 05:36:43 AM »

Quote from: Big John on November 30, 2016, 06:47:41 PM

Thank you. I will look for those drain holes tomorrow (I don't work on my bikes at home). Maybe I can tell if the frame has been repainted. I think it has been because I can see "brown" primer under the black paint and doubt if Honda used that primer. If it is original I would leave it alone. Any thoughts?

Looking for the drain holes this morning and I see two on a cross tube. And the frame/paint is in a lot worse shape than I first thought. There is a hole on one side of the tube which needs to be fixed... ouch!

markb · « **Reply #38 on:** December 01, 2016, 05:41:55 AM »

Quote from: Big John on November 30, 2016, 06:56:10 PM

I looked at your two sandcast threads and all I can say is WOW!!! You are very talented! I went to the Peterson Museum web and I think your bike is on front of the section titled "Two-Wheeled Transportation". I do have a question on your pictures you post. Yours are large and very clear. It makes reading the thread more interesting. Are they large because you use Photobucket? Thanks.

Thank you for the nice complement. Yes, that is my bike at the Petersen. It will be there until February 28. I use Coppermine, similar to Photobucket. They are larger because of the way that they are posted. They are a link in the post instead of an attachment.

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Author Topic: Sandcast #5311 (Read 6516 times)