Topic: 400F petrol tank interchangability - '76 - '77

[Zane]

I don't want to sound dumb, but if I do, my excuse is I'm new.  Does anyone know whether placing a 1977 CB400F SS gas tank on a 1976 CB400 SS is identical to placing a 1976 CB400 SS gas tank on a 1976 CB400 SS?  I'd like to get a "beater" tank for my '76 400F and I kind of like the recessed gas cap on the '77 tank.  Also it seems the old '77 tanks come available quite frequently.  I'd appreciate it if someone in the know can help me with this......

[R. Hykawy]

If your asking if they are interchangeable, the answer is yes. However the petcocks are not between 76&77 models. 75 & 76 use the same petcock.

[Zane]

Yeah, I can be overly wordy and unclear sometimes.  Thanks for hacking through R.H.

I'm glad I asked though - as one of the tanks I'm looking at is a '77 without a petcock.  So it sounds like it's either a '75 or '76 with or without a petcock, or a '77 with a petcock.  Thanks a lot - you've helped me understand how it works with these tanks.  I appreciate it.

[R. Hykawy]

No,problem glad I could help. If you go with the 77 tank let me know as I might have a spare petcock laying around.There is currently a 77 tank with petcock up for auction on e-bay here is the link:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-400-super-sport-Gas-Tank-350-500-550750-CB400F_W0QQitemZ4587368568QQcategoryZ35586QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Zane]

Thanks Richard.  I have seen that tank, but didn't recognize it as a '77.  There is another '77 tank for sale at a reasonable price just down the 401 from me.  It doesn't have a petcock.

Your response helped me interpret my parts list(s) for the 400F's, and I can see now how it works.  Both the petcock assembly and the gauze-like filter inside the tank are different in '77 than in the two previous years.  Funny though (and I'm not complaining) that the petcock assembly for the '77 model is a bit over half the price of the other one.  The filter is even a few bucks cheaper.  I can get both for around $70.00 (CAN) I think.....

Regardless, I'm going to use what is almost certainly going to be the last reasonable riding day of the season tomorrow to zip over to B&R Cycle and look at the two tanks he has for sale.  If I do get the '77 tank without the petcock, you'll be the first to hear about it!

If you see this tonight, and want me to check out any of the '77 400 F parts they've got listed on ebay while I'm there tomorrow, let me know.  (I'll check my email before I leave Toronto in the morning (about 5:30 EST).  In case you need it, just search this number on ebay and it'll take you to their store by the "scenic" route.......     4588402102

Best regards.

[R. Hykawy]

Thanks for the offer, Zane. But I did not turn the computer on yesterday, but I looked at his stuff and there is nothing that I need at this time.

[Bodi]

The early model is bigger and beefier than the 77. The 77 uses the 4-hole washer valve and the early one uses the conical plastic valve plus it's obviously a 2-outlet model with only one outlet drilled. The 77 is riveted but if you need to open it you can easily install small screws afterwards, the early one has screws.
Looking at them side by side you see why one is twice the price of the other - I don't think one works better than the other though.

[Zane]

Thanks guys.  I've learned quite a bit about the 400FOUR tanks during the past few days.  Today I checked out a sample from '76 and another from  '77.  I didn't have your email before I did that, Bodi, but I did check out the prices (on Partsfish) on all of the 400FOUR tanks and I could also see the differences.  (Even though the used tanks were pretty rough.)

I wish I had it to do over again, (look at those tanks today, I mean) so I could look at the rivets etc that you mention.  Regardless, I've changed my mind about my approach.  My tank ('76 Parakeet Yellow) is in pretty good shape and I'll continue to use it for every day riding.  I'll also keep my eyes open for a new one (same year and likely the same colour).  Do either of you gents know if you can buy them?  I just figured that by the time I buy a really rough old tank for 60 or 70 bucks (CAN) and spend another 25 to 75 on stuff to make the tank work - well I just as well could save the dough and put it towards something new for my bike instead.

And I'm happy to have learned what I learned by exploring the option of putting a 77 tank on my 76.  Speaking of which, one thing I found out was not only does my 76 tank cost around twice as much as the 77 tanks, but that the red, 75 tank is almost twice as much as my yellow 76.  Either of you know why that would be?  (These are new prices on Partsfish - is where I'm getting the info.)

[bryanj]

I think you will find that no matter which tank you try and buy new it will come back as discontinued. Original new prices would have been similar but for some reason when Honda stop manufacture of an item as the stock level goes down the price goes up!

[R. Hykawy]

Zane, there was a guy in Winnipeg using the handle the 400 guy who sold repainted tanks and side covers as a set. I believe the price was around the $500 Cdn.mark. When you purchased from him, you sent him your old tank and side covers. I know him I could give him your e-mail address if you wish and maybe you can work something out.Also he does have some nos parts.

[Bodi]

Where in Toronto?
We should set up a SOHC4 chapter here

[Zane]

I'm right down town - College and Yonge area.

I'm going to confirm what you said in your post (and what I suspect is the case) bryanj, tomorrow, when I get some time.  I don't mind working really hard to find parts for my bike, but it's happened a few times where I worked really hard finding parts for my bike, and it's turned out those parts were easily available and new. 

As for the chap in Winnipeg, Richard - what do you do - trade him your old tank for a restored one, or he restores your tank ... I'm not clear on how it works.  Regardless, give my email address - I'm happy to make any 400FOUR type connections.  But as for repainting my current tank - I don't think so.  Someone already tried that and it took me a lot of work to get that off and expose the original yellow again.  It looks pretty good now and everyone I meet who knows much at all about these bikes says they'll kill me if I paint over it.  Yikes!!!!  I'm scared into staying with the yellow.