Topic: CB750k Four 1977 Paint Help

[the_twisted_wrench]

Greetings all!
This is my first restoration and having the time of my life thanks to great resources like this with so many people donating their time to help others - very thankful to you all!

I need help determining the correct color for the side panels. Here is an example pic of the same bike. To me, it seems bizarre that the color on those side panels would be so different from the tank especially since so many other years of CB750 match the tank.



I've tried http://honda750expert.com/ but the links didn't help me uncover the specifics of those panels. Maybe I missed it? Also, I've attached a pic of my actual bike I'm working on just for fun

Thanks guys!
Kent

[denward17]

I believe it is called Candy Alpha Red, but there is no code to my knowledge to duplicate.

You could go to a car shop to have your tanked scanned and get real close.

Or, these guys sell the paint, but I have no experience to know if it really matches.
https://www.rsbikepaint.com/en-us/shop-paints.php?colourscheme=3954&6671=on

There are probably specialty bike painters that may have it, think I saw a painter on Facebook that has it, but again, no experience.

Good Luck.

BTW, welcome to the forum!

[the_twisted_wrench]

Thanks for the help denward17! I saw that the gas tank is Candy Alpha Red, my problem however is those side panels are a different color. Almost some kind of plum? Anyway, that is where I can find zero info. I assume straying from the original paint scheme is probably not a good restoration move even though I think it would look better with the same color as the tank! 

[denward17]

Thanks for the help denward17! I saw that the gas tank is Candy Alpha Red, my problem however is those side panels are a different color. Almost some kind of plum? Anyway, that is where I can find zero info. I assume straying from the original paint scheme is probably not a good restoration move even though I think it would look better with the same color as the tank! 

From Honda the tank and side covers were the same color on the K model, looks like they were changed on your bike.

[the_twisted_wrench]

Okay, that is interesting. I am confused how I was able to find another bike on the internet with the same paint scheme as mine if this was a modification? Perhaps they both came from a place that modified them in this way? In any case, I'd love a reason to paint the panels the same color. 

[denward17]

Okay, that is interesting. I am confused how I was able to find another bike on the internet with the same paint scheme as mine if this was a modification? Perhaps they both came from a place that modified them in this way? In any case, I'd love a reason to paint the panels the same color. 

Well, I could be wrong, but all the info I've seen points to them being the same.  I purchased my '78 K from the original owner and mine were the same, albeit faded and looked a shade off.

[the_twisted_wrench]

Thanks again denward17, I can't beat advice from someone who has the same bike! Ultimately, I am going to be happier with the bike having those the same I think. If I end up selling it and the buyer thinks it should be this other plum color, they can have at it!   

[jlh3rd]

that is a 1977 750K side cover, seat, and tank, FWIW. Regardless,  Both the U.S. '77 and '78 750's were Candy alpha red and the side covers should match the tank.
Are you sure of the model? Eng and frame #'s designate models, not side covers.

[jlh3rd]

honda's painted parts from the factory didn't always match exactly. Possibly the tank, or side covers were replaced years later because of damage and just didn't match an original part. Hard to prove.

[the_twisted_wrench]

Thanks jih3rd!

I'm a little embarrassed because I had 1978 stuck in my brain when this is a 1977 (probably because a lot of my search results returned 1978?). Sorry for that!

The VIN is of the CB750K-27xxxxx variety. The side cover only says "750FourK".

...more confusing is the fact that I don't see much red even in the tank. See the attachment of the tank out in the sun. Is this really "Candy Alpha Red"? Anyway, I at least feel good to know that I can match those side covers in whatever color this tank is

I guess it is? I found this video with again a bit of a discrepancy between the side cover and the tank it seems?

[jlh3rd]

could be a faded tank ?...with a used bike thats 47+ years old, stuff happens.

[denward17]

Mine didn't appear to my eye as having much red either, looked brownish purple.

It is now painted red though...

[Ozzybud]

The tank in this picture does not match the side cover.
Is this your bike?

[Ozzybud]

The tank in this picture more closely matches the
Side covers in the first picture.
Is this your bike?
Looks like the tank in the first picture has been refinished the incorrect though beautiful paint.

[Ozzybud]

Here is a nice example recently sold on BAT and they match
The darker color as in your second Pic and the sidecovers in the first picture.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1977-honda-cb750k-18/

[the_twisted_wrench]

Thanks Ozzybud -
I know that between the example pic and the actual pic of my bike I sent, the color looks different but I think it is mostly the lighting conditions. The link you sent illustrates exactly the color differences I perceive between the side panels and the tank so it must have been an intentional decision by Honda at some point although not the most aesthetically pleasing in my opinion. The fact that there is virtually no documentation anywhere as to the color specifics of these side panels is what baffles me.

Thanks to everyone for all of the wonderful insight - huge help!

Kent

[jlh3rd]

there is documentation. You just have to learn where/how to look.
The R-9C-S you see is Honda's paint #/code for Candy Alpha Red. The NH-1 is honda #/code for black. So you see there are 2 colors available for that model and the side covers/tanks reflect those 2 choices only.
So hondas' parts books will show when and what color a part would be. The picture is from CMSL's part lookup  section but they are pretty accurate most of the time and an official honda parts book would show the same.

[jlh3rd]

this lubritech paint schedule also shows the '78 750K as 2 possible colors, candy alpha red and the excel black.
If Honda intentionally changed colors between the tank and side covers, the parts book would have reflected the color change.