Topic: Rusted frame on CB400F...

[smurdoch]

The frame on my newly purchased '75 400F has the dreaded rusted frame where the sidestand tab is located. I searched through a number of previous posts and see that it is a problem for a lot of these bikes.
On my bike the bottom half of the frame tube is actually missing for a 5" span.
Can a tube be welded in place, along side the half frame?
Should i cut the tube out completely and weld in a replacement piece from an old frame?
Should i start looking for a new frame?
Should i kick myself in the ass for buying a bike sight unseen?
Any help would be appreciated. 

[Bill Vaughan]

Not sure if this helps or not, but I can recommend a very good frame shop - G.T. Enterprises.  I shipped a damaged Honda frame all the way from NJ to this shop (in CA) and they did an excellent job on it.  They have bike frame drawings dating back into the '30s.


http://www.snowcrest.net/gte/

[Bodi]

Where are you?
I have a frame that someone in the house would love to see disappear...
Toronto, Canada

[smurdoch]

Thanks for the help guys, i must have been hypnotized by the brilliant yellow tank and missed a few things when i purchased the bike.
Bodi, i sent you a pm. l

[nashvegas]

Should i cut the tube out completely and weld in a replacement piece from an old frame?

Sorry guys, I have to disagree with you on replacing the frame.  I had the same problem; half of that section of the frame was missing.  What we did was cut the frame at the joints and welded the new tube in place, sprayed it with Rustolium gloss back and nobody's the wiser.  I have never found any problem in handling to date from this operation.  In fact I even forgot about it until now.