Topic: 1978 CB750F bringing it to life

[Soko]

Hi guys,
I got myself 78 cb750f from a barn, it is in very rough shape. My aim is to build cafe racer. I got it last week for 200$. I am not mechanically experienced however I have used few tools. The plan for bike is to be ready for next May. I have attached few picks.

[Vinhead1957]

Looks like you have a great project on your hands. A steal at 200.  I treated mine as a learning experience. The problems were there to solve one at a time. Don't rush, getting there is half the fun.

[Mercutiojb]

It's got a lot of potential! I'll be watching...

[70CB750]

Good project, how many miles on it?

[Soko]

Bike has 25 000 miles.
I have fixed dents in tank as much I could, should I use muriatic acid before I use bondo (everglass by evercoat)?

[70CB750]

Due to the way the 78F was designed, they tend to wear out valve guides.  Before you get too far, do some research on it;  I been there myself, got F3 engine for a good price, but it needs new guides, valves - the whole head rebuilt basically.

I am not saying yours is that way, just something to be aware off.  I could have gotten some miles out of it the way it was but I wanted to fix it for good before I put the engine back in.

Don't shoot the messenger, man 

[Old Scrambler]

A good acetone bath will prevent oxidation for a short time. Do not touch with bare hands. Nice work on the dent so far. Do the filler ASAP and let it cure in a low-moisture atmosphere for several weeks before final sanding and paint. My painter uses shadow-lighting to detect small irregularities and then sprays a heavy layer of sanding-primer for the final prep to paint.  Have your decals or lettering handy so they can be sealed with the final clear-coat.

Great starting point. Even if the head needs valve-guides, its worth $200 or more by itself to anyone building a performance motor.   

[Soko]

Update over weekend,
first of all thanks Old Scrambler for tips. Gas tank been primed, after priming I noticed another little dent ( I had about 7 dings that I had to fix, this one I didn't noticed until priming), engine has been pulled out of bike. I had little bit trouble pulling it out before I removed oil filter. Also, I found out Oil filter bolt was busted but I managed to get it out.
I am planning to add a hoop and brat seat, should i be worried riding two up and tire touching seat?

[Soko]

I just started to remove Valve cover and found this hole beneath breather plate, is this big issue?

[Stoli]

I'm pretty sure that's normal. That's what makes it a "breather". If there wasn't a hole, that chamber wouldn't serve much purpose.

[Soko]

Thanks for the quick answer!

[70CB750]

I just started to remove Valve cover and found this hole beneath breather plate, is this big issue?

I will check my head cover when i get home.

[Bankerdanny]

That looks pretty ragged for a factory opening.

[70CB750]

Got the same hole on my F3.

[Soko]

Thanks man for the picture, saved me lot of time

[70CB750]

Glad I could help.

[Frankensteins Bride]

I  have the same hole on my 78 k. They are horrible looking holes that gives us unsuspecting owners heart attacks. LMAO