Topic: 1972 HONDA CB350 FOUR PROJECT ; NEED SOME PARTS and ADVICE

[Honda750!!!]

Hey guys !!! I just picked up a 1972 Honda CB350F today ! Complete bike, severely faded paint, never down on its side, 5100 actual miles, just removed the fuel and gel battery, now trying to assess the project at hand, thinking of removing everything off the bike and if the frame paint is decent I will not repaint the frame. I need some leads on parts such as cables, brake shoes, front brake reservoir rebuild kit or replacement, some of the small rubber stuff on the bike in the battery tray area, need a toolkit, rims looking pretty decent but need new spokes, chain suggestions, sprockets, factory striping kit for fuel tank, replacement side cover logos if any available ? The bike had a WIXOM style fairing on it, saved some of the front end stuff but the instruments face plates a bit sun beaten. With only 5100 actual miles I do not expect any issues with the engine except it sat a long period of time and I am curious if the gaskets might give it up ? Also, the exhaust system is holding together but it definitely RUSTED BAD at the typical points of the weld points to the header pipes, thinking of DELKEVIC FOUR into ONE SYSTEM ?BIG QUESTION : Should I bring it back in the original color or other color ?

[scottly]

I would recommend getting the engine running before taking everything apart.

[Mikerts_Garage]

Sounds like a sweet project!

Can we get some pictures possibly? I'm a fan a patina, but only if the paint supports it.

I've used the Delkevic system on a CB750 before, it fit up nice and sounded good. However, I'm more of a fan of the stock 4-4 look and sound. I have the same problem you do with rust, I ended up welding them back together in the middle, you can see some pictures here: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,196144.msg2306452.html#msg2306452 It's not pretty but with some black paint on the welds I don't think people will notice 

Both my 550F and 350F have had problems with the gasket below the cylinders giving up upon revival. Also I don't know if it's exactly the same on the 350F but the 550F had quite a few rubber O-rings in the head for the various oil passage ways, and to seal the rocker box. Rubber tends to give up after a few years of intense heat cycling, so I replaced them all with Viton seals last year.

Keep us updated, -Kyle

[newday777]

Welcome aboard the forum Honda750!!!
Congrats on getting the baby four(Mr Honda's favorite!)

I agree with scottly, get it running first and put a couple hundred miles on it, the seals might swell back and seal the leaks. Work out the bugs before you get too deep into your pockets.
Pictures are always wanted of before, during and after.
What color is it now? What is your plan for the bike? Full restoration or a rider?


Del

[carnivorous chicken]

I would recommend getting the engine running before taking everything apart.

This.

For cables and other things, a lot of stuff is still available oem from Honda through Honda dealerships (such as South Sound Honda in Washington or Western Honda in Phoenix) or through David Silver Spares (tons of stuff, oem and not), CMS (cmsnl.com -- they're in the Netherlands hence the nl) or partzilla. Oem is generally going to be way better than not and worth a little extra money. DSS has repop master cylinders that cost about the same as a rebuild kit -- I've had one for several years with no issues. Rebuilding an MC runs the risk of having scored walls or other issues, although I do like the oem and faded look if it goes with everything else. Tools are pretty easily obtained and not too expensive if you look around, and the Honda spark plug wrench for these bikes is the way to go over sockets or other options. VMR makes the stock paint if you want to go that route, or up to you if you want something different. Delkevic has a great reputation and are affordable. Ripple Rock Racing in Canada has nice 4-2 sets. Mac isn't worth the price. Busso looks legit but is not worth the headache (look up the thread here for the nightmare tales). Old sets like Kerker can still be found, or you can use a stock 4-1 from a 400F (and change the pegs and linkage and brake lever). I have seen repop 350F side cover badges, but if yours are intact and just faded you can just repaint them with enamel model paint. I have seen tank strip kits as well -- but can't remember where (although they were from Europe, last set I bought was a few years ago), but I imagine with a little poking around you can find some. A lot of people on FB like to say "It's an old Honda, it's always going to leak" but -- nope, they shouldn't. Scottly is right though. Fire that thing up, give it a go, and see what you need to do. If rebuilding the carbs do not throw away the original brass, only replace the o-rings. And don't be tempted to just put pod air filters on it, stock airbox is the way to go although it is a PITA to work on. Good luck.

[WhyNot2]

Pictures are always welcomed

[Honda750!!!]

Hey !!! Appreciate all the good information you guys here ............. Yes, I have decided not to paint this bike at the moment, rather want to get it mechanically very sound and rideable. Still has the original Bridgestone tires from back in the day, unbelievable that they last this many years from 1972.
Everything on this bike is bone stock original, nothing been modified, but it will need some work. I want to save the original front brake master cylinder if possible, thinking all the cables are very good condition and will not replace, but I will get spares. The left side cover has a four inch crack near the top so we need to address how to get that fixed from the backside, the gas tank is very nice, no dents however small evidence of some minor surface rust inside on the hump the bottom and sides look great on the inside, the rims are very straight not bent but there is about four or five spokes on each wheel that has bit of surface rust on them, lost their finish .............. All electricals are working and indicating properly. I need to get those hideous exhaust off the bike and replaced ............. If I go with the DELKEVIC pipes, how much do we need to change in the carburetors so it will run in proper fashion ? Curious if anyone here has made that trip and can share what they had to get done with the carburetors ? Very Thankful to a great group of folks here for support and advice, all will be taken into consideration .............. Regards, Mark in LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

[WhyNot2]

I have the Delkevic system on mine and did nothing to the carbs.

Before and after pictures.

Lets see your bike.