Author Topic: Early Sandcast Found...... (Read 87466 times)

BenelliSEI · « **on:** February 06, 2021, 09:03:24 am »

Back Story..... In the past few weeks, I took a very unhealthy interest in a CB750 based, 1975 Amen Chopper. Turned out, the owner lives on a Farm in S.W. Ontario. About a five hour drive away. I decided I wanted it, and made an offer. In order the push the price back up, the owner offered a few boxes of parts, and a “spare bike” he picked up in the mid-80’s. The single, poor photo he sent me set off my senses. It hand early gauges and the horn appeared to be on the wrong side. Could it be?

In a “what the hell moment”, I agreed. Cash from the bank, hooked up a friend’s enclosed trailer to my very old JEEP and set off. The chopper is spectacular, and the other bike is even better.

I’ve restore at least a dozen cb750’s, starting with a bare frame. My last efforts were two 1970 K0, one I sold, the others is my “Cobble Beach Concours” winner. Currently, I’m focused on my Rickman race bike, converting it back to the street. This thread may just be parked for a while, but here are some photos.

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #1 on:** February 06, 2021, 09:05:19 am »

My IPad is acting up, photo’s coming soon!

PeWe · « **Reply #2 on:** February 06, 2021, 09:36:37 am »

That bike look complete except for the carbs area.
Tank dent look like an easy fix. Paint look OK enough to save the real age and patina. Just clean it.
Like a 50+ woman that does not need to be restored for $$$$$ to look like 25;) OK for shock fix, derusting, seals, gaskets and fix eventual sloppy bore.

Maybe frame and other black parts need new paint?
Possible with dual tank and cover sets? The old patinated set and a new Yamiya to use when needed as changing to another costume.

I have an old brake mc like that. My K6 got it early 80's.

I might start a K0 build too? I have mc, later front fender (not cut), nos early carb inlet rubbers. Just to find all missing parts then

This is that kind of find many are dreaming about to find.
It must be more waiting to be found and set free on the roads again!!
I look forward to follow this thread.

754 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2021, 09:48:10 am »

I would have to think long and hard about removing that dent..
Every mark on an original bike had a story, part of its life.. it adds character. . And it reflects it being used..And a life lived..
A shiny restored bike.. it just looks new and perfect.. no stories.. sort of sterile. . Almost like kept in a box and not taken out..

Ever take a look at early original bikes from the 20,s and down... usually worth more than the restored ones..
So yeah on this one , you can harm the value by restoring it, plus deplete your savings.

Oly · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2021, 09:52:58 am »

I'm in on this build... Hoping for more pictures soon.

Don R · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2021, 11:25:48 am »

I've used the hardware from a newer black corrugated air box on a three bolt reproduction K0 air box. I don't remember exactly how, but I added a lock nut stop inside to eliminate overtightening. Yours however, may have had a two bolt early type air box so you may want a Yamiya two bolt box and hardware.

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2021, 12:49:29 pm »

Thanks for all the suggestions. I’m just going to stare at it for a while. I already have a set of “non28” carbs coming...... slow loading photos. I’ll keep trying.

754 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 06, 2021, 01:12:06 pm »

I fotprgot to mention, after you clean the frame...
Use Flitz polish.. it will bring up the paint to an almost new look..
I also polished my yellowed guages, I think I used medium Meguiars..

Don R · « **Reply #8 on:** February 06, 2021, 01:41:11 pm »

It's fun to have the one you know you won't lose money on.
My first decision was whether to clean off the dirt, I decided to clean one turn signal. That's when I realized it wasn't pitted and corroded, it was dirt sticking to WD40 and blue coral wax. It even had the original front tire which I rode on the first time.

754 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 06, 2021, 04:08:55 pm »

I am of this school of thought ..
For a thousand or so you can be riding it, have fun, and it only becomes worth more.
For 12 thousand or more you will have to baby it, worry about it , not ride it much, have way less fun, except for working in it.... and its only worth a bit more...
If you enjoy riding more than wrenching.. it's a clear choice. . You can be riding it in a few months. .

MRieck · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2021, 04:16:57 pm »

I wonder what the hell happened to those cylinder fins on the #4 side. The cylinder head is untouched but the cylinder looks like it was dragged down a sidewalk.

Don R · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2021, 05:38:07 pm »

Quote from: MRieck on February 06, 2021, 04:16:57 pm

I wonder what the hell happened to those cylinder fins on the #4 side. The cylinder head is untouched but the cylinder looks like it was dragged down a sidewalk.

I have a K2 like that, it was caused by a bent back highway bar with a folding footpeg on it. I have a friend that repeatedly welds the edges for me until they're built up and I sand/file them back to shape.

Don R · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2021, 05:49:11 pm »

I believe a bike can tell what it wants to be. My sandcast wanted it's original handlebars, one turn signal socket, it's 18" back wheel returned to it and tires without flat spots. That's it. My diecast wanted a day 2 restoration.

HondaMan · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2021, 07:21:05 pm »

Quote from: MRieck on February 06, 2021, 04:16:57 pm

I wonder what the hell happened to those cylinder fins on the #4 side. The cylinder head is untouched but the cylinder looks like it was dragged down a sidewalk.

I can hazard a guess, based on my own bike: I used to have "hiway pegs" on it, which was a footbar bolted across the front frame, right where those bent fins are....when I had my epic crash in September 1972, the bar bent back and bent (and broke) 3 fins right in that exact spot.

I would then surmise the PO on this one decided a full crash bar was a better option...I opted instead for the lower case guards on mine.

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #14 on:** February 07, 2021, 07:10:50 am »

Quote from: MRieck on February 06, 2021, 04:16:57 pm

I wonder what the hell happened to those cylinder fins on the #4 side. The cylinder head is untouched but the cylinder looks like it was dragged down a sidewalk.

Definitely a “punch” mark of some kind. The crash bar is in the trash. It came off easily and the frame down tubes are unmarked. I suspect the bike fell over, onto something. There is no other damage.

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #15 on:** February 07, 2021, 07:12:45 am »

No number pipes

britman · « **Reply #16 on:** February 07, 2021, 07:22:12 am »

That Sir, is a true find. They do not come along everyday. Congratulations and all the best on bringing them back....

PeWe · « **Reply #17 on:** February 07, 2021, 09:20:18 am »

Pipes with huge baffles/diffusers, also called Lotus Root? Delivered on the early bikes.
Photo show baffle from top
Lotus Root
HM300/Yamiya No numbers.

Old stock Lotus Root pipes must be worth some!

754 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 07, 2021, 10:23:37 am »

It probably has tge fatter finned exhaust clamps, and a waffle valve cover..
I would probably leave tank dent and cylinder damage , it's all part of the story... restored ones don't have that character. .

HondaMan · « **Reply #19 on:** February 07, 2021, 12:07:19 pm »

With some [tedious] gentle tapping and a wide, thick flat-blade screwdriver, you can usually work them back straight. I have done dozens of those. The broken or cracked ones need weld, though.

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #20 on:** February 07, 2021, 01:52:25 pm »

Quote from: HondaMan on February 07, 2021, 12:07:19 pm

With some [tedious] gentle tapping and a wide, thick flat-blade screwdriver, you can usually work them back straight. I have done dozens of those. The broken or cracked ones need weld, though.

Assuming I do this. It looks like it has a minor head gasket leak, so I’ll try and straighten them when I do the top end. I have a set of carbs now, so very tempted to get them cleaned up, hook up a few wires and blow some dirt out of those pipes! I have a single cable throttle tube, and a new set of the correct cables too..... plugs are out and the bores look OK. Poured in a mix of diesel fuel and two stroke oil to let it soak for a few days. It turns over on the kicker and I can find all the gears!

The starter motor is out (strangely), but the loose one that came in the parts boxes is dead. I suspect the one from the S/C is in the chopper......

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #21 on:** February 07, 2021, 01:54:28 pm »

Quote from: PeWe on February 07, 2021, 09:20:18 am

Pipes with huge baffles/diffusers, also called Lotus Root? Delivered on the early bikes.
Photo show baffle from top
Lotus Root
HM300/Yamiya No numbers.

Old stock Lotus Root pipes must be worth some!

PeWe..... interesting. I’ll see if I can get one out for comparison. Thanks.

754 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 07, 2021, 05:41:39 pm »

Did you drain oil and examine it , or remove sump ?
Looks like there are at least 2 steel tool trays .,

Don R · « **Reply #23 on:** February 07, 2021, 05:44:18 pm »

My 5511 has the folded lip on the tool tray, appears it would be simple to "adjust"

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #24 on:** February 07, 2021, 06:00:03 pm »

I found a tool tray with the unfolded edges. Close enough. Also on EBay, picked up a batt box that looks the same as my 1970K0 so it’s ordered. Ultimately I’ll need an airbox, and I think Yamiya will be the solution.

Picking away, I examined the double cut front fender today. It’s in really good shape, no dents. Will need rechroming ultimately, but for now, just a good scrub. The two hole rear fender is trash, so I may strip it,” weld and pound”. Would be neat to save it!

The wheel rims will both need fresh chrome. Will be interesting to see what the insides look like?

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Author Topic: Early Sandcast Found...... (Read 87466 times)