Author Topic: 1976 CB400F Project  (Read 2885 times)

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Offline GaryC

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1976 CB400F Project
« on: July 09, 2012, 05:30:36 pm »
Hi everyone. I just picked up a 1976 Yellow CB400F exactly like the one i bought new off the showroom floor in 1977.
I will upload some pics and you guys tell me if i wasted $500 or not.

Offline goldarrow

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1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2012, 05:35:16 pm »
If the condition is like you said off the showroom floor condition, then its a steal deal. Yes we love pics
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Offline GaryC

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2012, 06:18:40 pm »
Ha Ha, no it is not like new condition, not even close.

« Last Edit: July 09, 2012, 06:20:15 pm by GaryC »

Offline Tews19

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2012, 06:37:58 pm »
I like. Nice buy what's the plans for her? Pipes look as if you wiped them down and cleaned them. If you want those forks to looks new. Take apart and send me the lowers. I can polish them for a small fee.

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1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline goldarrow

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2012, 06:51:47 pm »
Yup great buy even if it's not showroom condition. Looks like it only needs cosmetics cleaning and just few things replaced.  Love that yellow. 
Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0

Offline GaryC

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2012, 06:51:51 pm »
I tried to clean up the pipes but they are too far gone. there are big pits up at the exhaust port where the chrome is history.

the lower sections are not tooooo bad but i will look for a decent set while i start to compile a list of needed parts.

What are the plans??? I don't know yet, most likely a refurbish rather than a stock rebuild to concours.
Little bit of custom maybe a little cafe, maybe street tracker??
what would you do???
The Odometer says 33K, should i look in the motor or just try and start it up???
The previous owner said it ran fine when he put it up for storage back in 1983.

Offline goldarrow

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1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2012, 07:01:36 pm »
The bike itself is already mild cafe since it left the showroom stock. I'd say keep it stock as it doesn't seem to take much to restore. Mostly just cleaning.

If rust on headers are that bad, cover them up with pipe wraps or black them out. Muffler still looks shiny, I would keep it the way it is. Change seat cover, put on tail lights, lots if cleaning and you'll have a nice looking bike.

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Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0

Offline Tews19

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #7 on: July 09, 2012, 07:17:42 pm »
Pull the carbs. Let us see what they look like. Also, buy a new battery right away. See how much the electrical mess is. Replace the fuses as well. Don't worry about getting her to run right away. Small baby steps.

Not pluggin my build, but check out how rusty my build was prior to me using CLR and steel wool. Pipes were a lot worse then yours and cleaned up real nice.....
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
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Offline GaryC

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2012, 07:40:28 pm »
There is a green wire under the side cover next to the starter solenoid?? that is dangling.. Am i missing something?

Has anyone ever seen a locking gas cap on these? Is it after market?

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #9 on: July 09, 2012, 08:05:04 pm »
First off welcome. Nice buy for $500, these are getting hard to find. The green wire is an extra ground, could be used for a CB radio!
The fuel tank lock is not aftermarket.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline RickB

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #10 on: July 10, 2012, 01:39:25 am »
Gary,

Welcome aboard. My first bike was a CB400F too. Although unlike your first CB400F, mine was in similar condition to what you have on your hands now!

Take a look through my project thread linked below, perhaps stories of my tribulations may help...

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Rick.

Offline Mugen_Stumpo

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #11 on: July 10, 2012, 03:12:15 am »
yellow 400f are the best honda four ever...

do not restore it... cafè racer is the way to go with a bike in not so great condition :)

Offline GaryC

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #12 on: July 10, 2012, 04:08:29 am »
Gary,

Welcome aboard. My first bike was a CB400F too. Although unlike your first CB400F, mine was in similar condition to what you have on your hands now!

Take a look through my project thread linked below, perhaps stories of my tribulations may help...

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Rick.
Hi Rick, your post was the first post I read, wow,, what a time you had with your bike but it is really cool.
I will not be investing that kind of cash into mine though. if it throws me a curve, i'll put it back into storage for a retirement project. LOL
What should i do first thing?? see if it runs and then tear it down makes sence to me. That way i know how far i need to dig into the motor while it is out of the frame. It has 33K on the spedo so i am thinking it could use a fresh cam chain and guides

Offline Tews19

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #13 on: July 10, 2012, 04:42:28 am »
Take your time. Leave the engine Alone for now. Clean carbs. Adjust the valves check timing and buy a new battery.  Oil change. Then attempt to start. These 4's can take a beating and last forever in the right hands.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline Randawg77

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Re: 1976 CB400F Project
« Reply #14 on: July 10, 2012, 07:07:06 pm »
I would just try and get it running  and  rideable,  then  you can  work on it  when you feel like it  and ride it when you don't.   Wrenchin  is fun and challenging,  but riding is  what its all about!   
Don't  Taze me, Bro!