Topic: cb400f paint confusion

[jcoryea1]

Hello listers-
  Yet another question..
  I plan to repaint my 1977 CB400F tank/sidecovers.It is presently  the original  "red".  For the '77, I've read the color was light ruby red, another says  candy antares red.  Which is it? What would be a modern auto paint color for the correct red? I have the Honda car colors, one says to use Milano red, Is that for Antares red also?  Lots of the colors are close..I believe the original was a three step paint, difficult to copy today.  I'll wait for a response,if not ,go with my eye..I'm seeing too much red!
  thanks!
  John

[Hinomaru]

My hard copy of the Honda published Motorcycle Identification guide 1959-1988 shows the 1977 CB400F available in two different colors. Candy Antares Red and Parakeet yellow.

The online version also confirms these colors:

 http://www.spookytoms.com/CB400-IDPlates.html

(scroll down the page a bit)

[jcoryea1]

Hinomaru, thanks for the info...Ok Candy Antares Red for the 77 Cb400F..So are people still using a Honda car color Milano Red for the 77 also..That's the one they seem to recommend for the light ruby red 75-76 tanks.Anyone have a substitute for the Candy Antares?  I'm all ears..I ordered  new tank/safety decals from Z1
  Thanks,
  John

[Hinomaru]

You probably (really) want the correct Candy Antares Red and not a substitute color. If that's the case and you know how to paint yourself or have a painter nearby, check with Vintage Honda Paint as they have Candy Antares Red paint kits listed on their website.

www.vintagehondapaint.com

You can check with Randy Marble from Marbles Motors as he offers just paint for the do-it-yourself guys and he also does complete restoration paint jobs. 

http://www.marblesmotors.com/index.htm

There's also Cycle Color (paint only) and I think it's a longshot :

http://www.cyclecolor.com

[fasturd]

Just remember that regardless of the name the 77s use a different red than the 75-76. The early bikes are a true "red" the 77 is a maroon.