Author Topic: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750  (Read 2838 times)

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Offline RRRToolSolutions

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Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« on: May 27, 2006, 02:04:01 PM »
I made the trip to Alanta today and picked-up the bike I bought on EBay.

Getting it home I learn it's a 1974 built in Nov of 1973, I'm fine with that of course since it's 9,000 miles was the main reason for buying it.

I got it home and started the stripping of all parts for one of 3 destinations -

A) Chrome shop
B) Beadblast and powdercoat
C) Trash (more here has to be replaced than I'd hoped for)

Every one of the large plastic multi-connectors crumbled and broke when I pulled them apart. Is there a replacement source for these? The wiring on most of it is great shape, but the connectors did not weather the last 32 years nearly so well.

The oil tank lower fitting just twisted off from the tank from rust even though it was full of oil as was the crankcase. I'll need to find a nice, good condition oil tank.

Thanks guys,

Gordon
Kaws, Hondas, Yamahas, and Suzukis - especially Kaws

jsaab2748

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2006, 02:37:25 PM »
oil tanks are plentiful on ebay or maybe from someone on this sight has one as well. For wiring connections
go to www.vintageconnections.com

Offline bryanj

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2006, 03:35:08 PM »
www.davidsilverspares.co.uk does list either nos or pattern wiring looms but not sure if the K4 is one of those listed. Individual bullet connectors are easy to replace but the multi pin blocks are more difficult to get
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

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Offline Bodi

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2006, 04:35:31 PM »
I think the multi plug connectors use 1/4" spade terminals, correct?
Even if they don't, these connectors are all made so that the metal terminal is crimped on the wire and then the terminal is inserted into the shell where it locks into place. With either the right tool or an improvised one, you can remove the terminals (and wires) and re-insert them, there's a little metal tang on the terminal that locks against a catch in the plastic shell.
What this means, of course, is that you can go to a bike wrecker with wire cutters and clip the connectors off, remove the terminals, and insert your harness's terminals. You should be able to find good plastic bits, they don't degrade too much unless exposed to sunlight or chemicals - even really polluted air attacks them. I've done this here in Toronto, the wrecker had several badly hacked up hanesses and scrap motors that he didn't mind me harvesting from (for a price of course!).
Finding new replacements will be hard. There are thousands of possible different shells and they are really not available to a retail buyer, the market is OEM customers ordering massive quantities.
If you don't mind not being "original" there are plenty of standard multipin connectors you could use. The AMP CPC line has a wide assortment with 2 to about 30 wires and various sized terminals for different wire sizes and load currents.

Offline Tim.

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2006, 04:55:31 PM »
You're taking the bike apart, and rechroming parts.  Buy a new harness.  It will be the least expensive, most labour saving thing you do for your project.  You'll save dozens of hours of work at a minimum, and it's the kind of thing that once it's on the bike, it never comes off again, unlike things like tanks, seats, wheels etc.  The wiring is as fundamental as the frame, so invest the time and $$$ now.
Roule comme dans les annĂ©es 70...   Roll as in the Seventies...

Offline scondon

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2006, 05:08:57 PM »
Partsnmore lists a 73-75 750K Harness new for $75. Don't know if this is cheaper than Honda.
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Offline siter81

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2006, 08:24:43 PM »
I have replaced my wiring harness on my k5 750 with the parts n more one.Good quality harness for the price.




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Offline oldbiker

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #7 on: May 28, 2006, 12:35:02 AM »
If you do decide to replace the plastic block connectors, you can get all you want from "Vehicle Wiring Products"  sales@vehicleproducts.co.uk  or telephone 0115 9305454  fax 01159440101
They also supply jap style bullet connectors ans sockets.

Offline seaweb11

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #8 on: May 28, 2006, 01:36:13 PM »
This is the Company I got my connectors from.
Great quality,and very reasonable.

http://www.electricalconnection.com/electrical-components/hitachi.htm

Offline RRRToolSolutions

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #9 on: May 28, 2006, 05:03:45 PM »
Thanks guys. This is exactly what I needed. The new loom route is only 1/2 of the solution. The many components have the same crumbled connectors.

Best Regards,
Gordon
Kaws, Hondas, Yamahas, and Suzukis - especially Kaws

Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: Wire Harness Blues - Need Advice 1974 Honda CB750
« Reply #10 on: May 28, 2006, 08:45:48 PM »
I like the $75 idea. You get new wires that aren't kinked, broken or shorted PLUS new connectors (for the harness end only however). For the ends that don't come on the new harness try this :
VintageConnections.com
Never used them but I have it in my favorites when it's time to break it down. If you use these folks please give us a report back on the service you receive and ther quality of their products.
Jerry   
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)