Topic: Nate's CB400F Project

[Nate13]

Hey All,

Getting started on my first Bike restoration.  I know I have a lot ahead of me to learn but I'm diving into the deep end. 

First things first, the crabs had been sitting for 30 years and needed a thorough cleaning before anything would actuate.  First, I mostly disassembled 1 carb and soaked it in simple green solution.  This got some of the grime off, but not the desired result.  So, I further disassembled the carb and boiled a bunch of parts in distilled water, and afterward used some carb cleaner to spray out some channels. Finally, I bought an ultrasonic cleaner and started cleaning like material in 50/50 vinegar baths.  This seems to clean the best, and it doesn't heat the material or leave residue. Any additional tips for cleaning would be much appreciated as I've only done one so far, so speeding up the process would be helpful.

Also, I could use some advise on rebuild kits.  Are the 4-into-1 kits the best?  I will need 1 new float as one was fractured.  Am I better off searching for NOS parts or used parts on eBay for things other than gaskets?  I would like a SS bolt kit since I like Allen keys over phillips, any reccomendations?

Thanks in advance!
Nate

[Nate13]

Before/After Ultrasonic Cleaner


Fasteners after cleaning, sitting in WD/40 to ward away rust.

[Don R]

 The purists will tell you to use JIS screwdrivers not phillips. Kiehen carb parts are best, aftermarket brass isn't always machined right.

[Nate13]

Thanks Don, My Brass seems fine so far. some of the other parts have some corrosion build up though, like the pin that hols the float in place.

Heres a few more pics of the bike in transit.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Not too bad at all!

[MoMo]

I may have a float that I'd be willing to donate.   I noticed the Sheetz , are you near Lancaster County?....Larry

[spuds]

Great, solid starting point for sure!!!   What are the plans so far?

Lots of information and wisdom here on this site.

[Nate13]

Hey all, not much update so far, just looking over the bike and making notes of things that will need done.

The motor turns with the kick starter fairly easily, so no issue there I think. Although some sunflower seed shells and lint came out of the exhaust manifold so I'm guessing it was a mouse house at one time haha. Seems to be only surface rust on the frame, lower frame by the CTR stand seems really solid. I think it doesn't need too much to get going.

Plans are as follows:
1. Get it running
2. Get it roadworthy
3. Ride it fairly close to stock (It has period Dunstal muffler and some aftermarket shocks/dampers which i cannot identify)
4. keep it in the family

I had plans to restore it but I think the Patina is kind of endearing, I'll probably just detail it, scrub the rust off and ride it. Probably some small mods like barend mirrors, shorten rear fender, get lighting that isn't humongous. I'd like to keep the frame intact, but I dig trackers. Overall, the original style is very good and I'd like to stay within that basic aesthetic.

Larry, I'm in Columbus, OH.  If you're around feel free to DM me, thanks!

[Nate13]

took some snaps today. getting some minor parts orders finalized.



Oh, Wtf Mom, you did this wiring?! I hope for no more gifts like this.

NOS goodies!






Aftermarket rear dampers. Added Pre-1981, thoughts on what these are?


Can anyone identify those rear dampers?

[MoMo]

I remember yellow and black shocks but not the manufacturer, maybe S & W?  The bare twisted together wires are grounds....Larry

[kap384@telus.net]

Good call saving a 400F. Need to get my restoration started.  Like your patina idea but I'm going almost all stock with bar end mirrors and upgraded lighting, but stock sizes.  Subscribed.

[Nate13]

Thanks Kap, sounds like we're on the same page.

Larry, Thanks for the heads up about the wiring.  I'll be going through the harness eventually, probably adding new sheathing and such, also replacing the fuse assy with modern fuses instead of the glass.

So, while I'm waiting for parts to show up, I have some questions.

First, from everything I've read, electronic ignition is the way to go. Should I just get one now before I finish the carb and just have it already installed before I try to fire it up?  Or should I clean and leave the points on for now until it's running consistently?  Also, between PAMCO and Dynatec, which brand works more reliably?

Second, I plan to run pods eventually, should I do adjustments and initial tuning using those? Or just use the stock airbox until I baseline fire up the motor?

Thanks!

[MoMo]

Stock air box.  I'd use points until evidence was there that the bike was in good order...Larry