Thank you so much for the resources already! I've been lurking for about a week now trying to figure out some what's and how's about this new to me bike I bought about a week ago.
So here's the skinny...
'72 350f, purchased just north of San Diego almost two weeks ago for $850.
Had approx 9k mi on the odometer. Very little rust, anywhere.
The good--
All lights work, starts fine with the choke about half cocked with just a little pull of the throttle to lube things up.
Seriously, there's only one spoke that is loose feeling with no rust on the rims, spokes or nipples.
Gas tank is clean inside, it's been hand painted as were the side covers satin black.
Chrome fenders are both nice and straight.
PO just got the front caliper working nicely before sale, don't think it was rebuilt, but it works good and doesn't leak fluid.
Newer 4 into 2 exhaust in nice shape.
The bad--
Dented left upper fork cover
Broken headlight bezel tab on bucket
Small tear at seam on back of seat cover
Some things I noticed when I got it home...more bad--
Leaks gas out of the vent tubes by the swing arm.
Weeping head gasket
Leaking carb (only far left)
The shakedown ride at home...
Took it gingerly to the fill station to inflate tires properly
Noticed the bars were a little off but she rides straight so I believe the forks are good,
Filled the tires and topped her off, then went out to see what she could do.
she hesitates from 5-6 k but pulled through
Stops good, shifts good, suspension feels soft... but good.
Seemed alright for a 20 minute trip.
A few days later however things changed.
To her credit, I wanted to run some sea foam through the tank to see if I could loosen up any dried gooey stuff that could be in the carbs.
5 miles into a ride she started sputtering and stalling. I decided to limp back home just to be safe. And then things got worse.
She wouldn't accelerate, I was able to maintain speed at 40mph in a 55, tried down shifting to get her to rev through what I perceived to be a blockage,
and I was stuck at the same speed. Seemed like forever, but she finally blew whatever it was through and I made it back without further incident.
I believe it was the sea foam that caused something to loosen up and temporarily obstruct an orifice.
I also believe that it may be a float bowl adjustment that could stop the leaking from the vent tube.
Otherwise I think I have a solid foundation for a mild Cafe build.
I plan on using the stock locking seat pan with a cut gas tank.
Some rear sets.
Brace the swing arm.
Turn the bars to lower them.
New head light bucket, ditching the upper fork covers.
New tires.
I can post pictures sometime if desired, but it really just looks like a 350f with crappy paint on straight body work.
Let me know what you think and I'll be happy to let you guys know what I'm up to as it progresses.
-Marty
