Author Topic: Newbie with a CB400F project  (Read 1309 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Witchita Lineman

  • Guest
Newbie with a CB400F project
« on: April 10, 2007, 10:45:18 AM »
Hi there!
I've been lurking on your forum for info and think it's time for a formal intro.  I'm Darrell also go by DB.  Live in San Jose and been riding and wrenching for over 30 years.  After 5 years of racing two-smokers, 4 broken clavicles, a wrist, and 3 ribs, finally decided to go back to something a little less hazardous to my health. 

Picked up a 70 something CB400F in 8 boxes for a couple hundred bucks and planning to build myself a cafe project, so I'm looking forward to all your help in sourcing parts and cool ideas.  Engine parts are currently at the platers being degreased and bead blasted and prepped to paint.

OK, first question.  Let's say I want to keep the look of this custom cafe something along the lines of original...  can anyone tell me what the engine color is, where to get paint, can I get it in rattle cans, etc?

Elsewhere in my stable are the following weird collection... 
1967 Kawasaki W1
1999 Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro Sport

Cheers, and look forward to hearing from you!

Offline kslrr

  • There is always a Blaster when there is a
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,542
  • Raising her up right!
Re: Newbie with a CB400F project
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2007, 11:55:14 AM »
Welcome from a fellow small SOHC4 (350) owner down in Orange County.  The original engine color was clear.  Other members have ideas on how to deal with a non-painted engine.

Good luck and always provide pics when you can.
Now  1972 CB350FX (experimental v2.0)
        1981 CB650c Custom with '79 engine (wifes)
        1981 CB650 engine
        2004 HD XL883C Custom
        1977 Yamaha XS750D (in progress)
Then 1972 CL175
        1964 Yamaha YGS-1T
No ride is a Bad ride

Offline Roach Carver

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,725
Re: Newbie with a CB400F project
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2007, 05:52:41 PM »
Welcome. Your avatar......... I am speechless.

Offline aptech77

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 850
Re: Newbie with a CB400F project
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2007, 07:54:31 PM »
hello....

Offline CharlieT

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 154
Re: Newbie with a CB400F project
« Reply #4 on: April 11, 2007, 06:18:58 AM »
Here's a CB400F project that I'm in the middle of:
http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=20396.0

DupliColor has a silver engine enamel that is almost a perfect match. Should be able to get it at any AutoZone, etc.

BTW, if that's you in your avatar, you might should've gone with, oh , say at least a 750?
A good bike mechanic only needs two tools, WD40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move, but should, use the WD40. If it does move but shouldn't use the duct tape.

Witchita Lineman

  • Guest
Re: Newbie with a CB400F project
« Reply #5 on: April 11, 2007, 09:24:11 AM »
That's one helluva CB400F / RC211 project there fella!  Thanks for the tip on the paint.   
My avatar - just reminds me not to take that second serving of pie..
Cheers, db

Offline burmashave

  • Forum Immoderator
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,876
    • burmashave.net
Re: Newbie with a CB400F project
« Reply #6 on: April 11, 2007, 11:28:25 AM »
Phew!  I thought your avatar might be you.  I feared I was going to have to tell you that a 400 would be way too small. ;)

Welcome to the forums.  You'll score some tips for engine painting in this thread; however, you may want to search, too.  Engine painting is one of the topics that seems to have many solutions from powdercoat to rattlecan. 

I always tell new members to take a look at the Bike of the Month Winner's Gallery for cafe inspiration.  Of course, not all winners have been cafe's; however, we have some real beauts.
Quote from: SOHC Digger, RIP
'Ere's whatcha do, Guvna', just throw a couple dookie logs in the hearth and bob's your uncle!
'77 CB750k

Offline Rushoid

  • Shameless
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,260
Re: Newbie with a CB400F project
« Reply #7 on: April 17, 2007, 01:02:38 PM »
"I am a lineman for the countyyyyyyyyyy........." Sorry, brief Glen Campbell moment there (one of my all-time favorite songs BTW).

As far as your avatar; you ain't got nothin' on me. Here's a pic of me with my brother.  ;)



Welcome!  ;D
Go Cards!! Go Colts!! Go Bucks!!

SOHC/4 Member #3452