Author Topic: 1978 cb750f -Diamond in the rough- (Read 3094 times)

Kimosobey · « **on:** September 20, 2015, 05:57:43 PM »

This is my first bike I will be building, going to use this forum to document my progress and hopefully get some pointers along the way. Bike has seen better days, living outside most of it's life so the sun has done some damage. I think I got a fairly good price on it for $200. I'm mechanically inclined for the most part, if I get stuck I usually have the resources to get by. I stumbled across a cafe racer a year ago and have just been determined to build one since. So a little history on the bike (as far as I know) It's only had three owners, me being the third. Lived it's life out on a local airport hence the reason it was fully bagged with Harley Road King aftermarket bags.

Currently not running at the moment, but kicks over. 24,000 miles. The gas tank needs a good cleaning and everything is bone dry on the bike as far as liquids go. Just trying to get the garage dialed in and setting up where I'm going to be working on the bike. I did pull off the bags and windshield. I'm just trying to get a game plan as far as what needs to happen, also in what order! There is going to be a lot parts being replaced from the looks of it. First things first. Electricals have been shot out, corroded and just a nasty mess as it sat outside.

So bare with me as this project will not be rushed but more of a learning process! I'm heavily inspired by Dustin Kotts bikes and hoping sometime next year I will be able to stop by his shop with my bike. Here's some pictures of my Diamond in the Rough.

calj737 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2015, 06:08:23 PM »

Someone butchered that frame and removed the two lateral support tubes. I'd encourage you to get those welded back in, even install a frame kit while doing so.

Kimosobey · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2015, 06:41:18 PM »

Quote from: calj737 on September 20, 2015, 06:08:23 PM

Someone butchered that frame and removed the two lateral support tubes. I'd encourage you to get those welded back in, even install a frame kit while doing so.

http://www.cb750cafe.com/products-page/body-parts-and-accessories/frame-adapter-kit/

Are you talking about something like this? Need to pickup a manual and going through the basics like what's missing and needs service. But Crymer or Haynes? Thanks for the input! I'm all for making the bike safer to ride

calj737 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2015, 06:51:08 PM »

Yes, there's a member here "754" that makes a weld less kit, or another "Gordon" that makes a welded kit. Both are a wee bit nicer than Carpy's.

You can download manuals from this forum. Also, another member "Hondaman" has an outstanding book, My Honda 750, by Mark Parris that is a must have. You can find it listed for sale in the Parts For Sale section. The frame kits too.

Kimosobey · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2015, 09:27:54 PM »

Is there anyway I can rinse down the bike in the state it is in? I know carburetors will have be covered but I'm guessing it's to risky as spaying it down will just make things worse.

calj737 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2015, 04:32:42 AM »

Are you planning to remove the motor from the frame? If so, do that, then have at the frame with a degreaser, soap, water, and elbow grease. For the motor, water sprayed onto it is not ideal, but can be done carefully once you've sealed up the intakes, exhausts, breather hoses, etc.

kasper.tyler · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2015, 11:39:07 AM »

Oh man, deja vu looking at this next to pictures of my bike. We both have our work cut out for us, kimo. I'll be keeping up with ya through here.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Kimosobey · « **Reply #7 on:** October 03, 2015, 07:19:39 PM »

Quote from: kasper.tyler on September 22, 2015, 11:39:07 AM

Oh man, deja vu looking at this next to pictures of my bike. We both have our work cut out for us, kimo. I'll be keeping up with ya through here.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Haha went over and saw your thread, must say we are in the same boat... Like most members say, it's intimidating at first, but once the ball starts rolling we'll eventually get there

Kimosobey · « **Reply #8 on:** October 03, 2015, 07:42:04 PM »

Quick update

Before I start ordering parts and really getting into the bike. I wanted to first dial in the garage, make it a workable garage. Still a little ways to go. Picked up a decent size tool set and wd-40. But Tomorrow I'm going back out and doing some more tool shopping.

I put in an extra shop light. Had a stand built at work but that definitely needs some reinforcement! Missing some cross supports, going to lay down a nice thick piece of plywood on top. Got a wood work bench made. Haven't decided to either put a sheet of plywood on top or a sheet of steel to work on.

Ordering Hondamans 750 book. Should help me out along with this build. Like I stated before I'm heavily inspired by Dustin Kott's builds, seeing this beauty below derailed me from ever purchasing a crotchrocket (R6).

Here's where i'm at. Any help on suggestions for tools. I know there will be a lot of running to the local hardware store to complete jobs. Also any suggestions regarding the garage would help to make it easier to work in. I think my work bench and bike stand might be a little tall...

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #9 on:** October 03, 2015, 08:07:04 PM »

The plinth is not too tall unless you are on the shorter side, but having it shorter would not hurt, either.

Kimosobey · « **Reply #10 on:** October 03, 2015, 10:07:55 PM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on October 03, 2015, 08:07:04 PM

The plinth is not too tall unless you are on the shorter side, but having it shorter would not hurt, either.

Yeah I'm roughly 5' 11" but I guess it depends if ill be standing or sitting working on the bike. It's 24" as of now. Maybe i'll go down to about 18"

calj737 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 04, 2015, 03:25:45 AM »

Biggest issue with bike stand is getting it up and down to that height... These bikes are heavy.

As for tools, every screw on the bike is a JIS, not a Phillips. So to remove them, buy a good set of JIS bits and a hammer actuated impact. This will allow you to turn every screw out without drilling, Dremel, or stripping. You can replace them with socket heads or modern phillips as you prefer. A good set of taps and dies and pitch gauges is in my tool box. A good rubber mallet, and a decent vice for your work bench. And you can never have too much light.

Kimosobey · « **Reply #12 on:** October 04, 2015, 10:33:13 AM »

Quote from: calj737 on October 04, 2015, 03:25:45 AM

Biggest issue with bike stand is getting it up and down to that height... These bikes are heavy.

As for tools, every screw on the bike is a JIS, not a Phillips. So to remove them, buy a good set of JIS bits and a hammer actuated impact. This will allow you to turn every screw out without drilling, Dremel, or stripping. You can replace them with socket heads or modern phillips as you prefer. A good set of taps and dies and pitch gauges is in my tool box. A good rubber mallet, and a decent vice for your work bench. And you can never have too much light.

Thank you! Will this set work?(http://www.mcssl.com/store/rrr-tool-solutions/ratchet-bit-set-jis)

Also no luck finding a impact screwdriver at any of the big chain hardware stores. Probably end up ordering one

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #13 on:** October 04, 2015, 12:08:19 PM »

Quote from: Kimosobey on October 03, 2015, 10:07:55 PM

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on October 03, 2015, 08:07:04 PM
The plinth is not too tall unless you are on the shorter side, but having it shorter would not hurt, either.

Yeah I'm roughly 5' 11" but I guess it depends if ill be standing or sitting working on the bike. It's 24" as of now. Maybe i'll go down to about 18"

That's an excellent height -- enough to access all area of the bike.

Kimosobey · « **Reply #14 on:** October 04, 2015, 07:24:23 PM »

JIS screwdrivers? or JIS bits?

http://www.vesseltools.com/hand-tools/screwdrivers/impact/980-series/flypage.tpl.html

calj737 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 05, 2015, 03:11:03 AM »

either.

Kimosobey · « **Reply #16 on:** October 05, 2015, 07:10:19 PM »

JIS bits ordered. Now just got to find a decent impact screwdriver. Trying to avoid harbor freight's

calj737 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 05, 2015, 07:40:31 PM »

Vessel Tools makes a decent unit.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #18 on:** October 05, 2015, 08:13:44 PM »

One of the members on this board sells an impact driver that others highly recommend.

Personally, I bought mine from Sears and have been very pleased with it.

70CB750 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 05, 2015, 11:34:49 PM »

Sears also here, there is not much to an impact screwdriver, any brand will do. The biggest problem with impact screwdriver is when you dont have one

sameasiteverwas · « **Reply #20 on:** October 06, 2015, 05:09:36 AM »

I found one at my local Advance Auto Parts, after drawing blanks stares asking at several other hardware and auto stores.

Kimosobey · « **Reply #21 on:** October 06, 2015, 06:24:29 PM »

I made an investment today

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #22 on:** October 06, 2015, 08:47:17 PM »

Quote from: Kimosobey on October 06, 2015, 06:24:29 PM

I made an investment today

Money well-spent.

Kimosobey · « **Reply #23 on:** October 09, 2015, 04:10:28 PM »

RRR tools A+
Received them yesterday, and refunded me a little on shipping. Now just waiting on the book!
So what makes them Japanese standard?

oldhatt45 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 09, 2015, 05:03:11 PM »

Kimosobey,

These are the Screwdrivers you want.

http://www.mcssl.com/store/rrr-tool-solutions/vessel-jis-8-piece-mechanics-shop-quality-screwdriver-set

Includes and Impacta driver. Gordon (at RRRtoolsoutions.com) also has the Big Impact Driver. Just email him.

You're doing good so far.

Charlie

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Author Topic: 1978 cb750f -Diamond in the rough- (Read 3094 times)