Topic: Sandcast #5311

[danyo]

Valve cover is correct for your motor. 44 equals to '69. Also your rear rim is rolled one so also correct. There is no reason to think the front one isn't correct.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[Big John]

Thank you for the information Dano. I'm happy the cover is original. I'm getting closer on determining how to proceed. I think now I will paint that frame and body parts and just clean up the rest. If this thing drives, runs, and sounds anything like my 350f I'll be happy.
As for the frame. I don't want to get it media blasted... too aggressive. Thinking about getting it "dipped". Any thoughts on that?

[Prospect]

Congratulations on an excellent find. 


I think dipping is a good option only because some media blasting places use too aggressive of a product.  Although the frame is made of steel it will be fine but if anything happens to the vin then the frame becomes worthless.  FYI there is no vin plate on the early sandcast bikes. 

[754]

 If you dip it make sure nothing gets inside the frame. there are less aggressive blasting mediums , like plastic or walnut blasting,,,

[Big John]

I was worried about the inside of the tubes and corrosion from the dip.  Now I'm thinking of heat to remove the paint. I've haven't had good luck with other people doing my media blasting.  I've had a frame almost ruined.

[754]

There is or should be drain holes in the lower frame tubes, on some of the old bikes they rot out the lower rails.. If you dip it..may come out after paint..

[Sgt.Pinback]

Again, thanks for all the help...
I'll post some more pictures. The valve cover has a date code of 44 6 25...I have no idea what that means.

As said, 1969 June 25.

Ha a look for dates on the engine cases please.

[Big John]

I'm not sure if this is the date code but I found E-1 7 29 on top/back of the motor. Assuming it means July 29...but what year?

[markb]

It would have to be 1969.

[calj737]

If you take the frame to a competent blaster, you won't encounter any damage. Someone would have to get "determined" to erode the metal of the frame with a media blaster. You could request they use glass bead if you're really concerned.

Or, if you want to, you could always strip it with chemicals. Aircraft Stripper does a very nice job without damage to the metal. You'll have some elbow grease in front of you, and afterwards use Green ScotchBrite pads to remove any final areas. Wipe down with Acetone afterwards, and prime and paint. Or powder coat, or...

[Big John]

Thank you.  I will look for those drain holes tomorrow (I don't work on my bikes at home).  Maybe I can tell if the frame has been repainted.  I think it has been because I can see "brown" primer under the black paint and doubt if Honda used that primer.  If it is original I would leave it alone. Any thoughts?

[Big John]

It would have to be 1969.

I looked at your two sandcast threads and all I can say is WOW!!!  You are very talented!   I went to the Peterson Museum web and I think your bike is on front of the section titled "Two-Wheeled Transportation".  I do have a question on your pictures you post.  Yours are large and very clear.  It makes reading the thread more interesting.  Are they large because you use Photobucket?  Thanks.

[Big John]

Thank you.  I will look for those drain holes tomorrow (I don't work on my bikes at home).  Maybe I can tell if the frame has been repainted.  I think it has been because I can see "brown" primer under the black paint and doubt if Honda used that primer.  If it is original I would leave it alone. Any thoughts?

Looking for the drain holes this morning and I see two on a cross tube. And the frame/paint is in a lot worse shape than I first thought. There is a hole on one side of the tube which needs to be fixed... ouch!

[markb]

I looked at your two sandcast threads and all I can say is WOW!!!  You are very talented!   I went to the Peterson Museum web and I think your bike is on front of the section titled "Two-Wheeled Transportation".  I do have a question on your pictures you post.  Yours are large and very clear.  It makes reading the thread more interesting.  Are they large because you use Photobucket?  Thanks.

Thank you for the nice complement. Yes, that is my bike at the Petersen. It will be there until February 28. I use Coppermine, similar to Photobucket. They are larger because of the way that they are posted. They are a link in the post instead of an attachment.