Topic: Restoration Underway

[Vera Cruise]

I welcome myself humbly to the SOHC forums. I have entered the fray with a 1971 CB750 K1. Found abandoned under a tarp for the last fifteen years. Sight unseen and under the influence I traded a dollar per cc. Has somehow lost all the tank and panel emblem-age in the process. Otherwise looks pretty fair. Just doing the tank gunk out and appreciate all the advice from the FAQ part of the forum. I see a lot of references to the Kreem product; has anyone had experience with the oldmanhonda.com  process using muriatic acid and acetone? It sounds similar, but a little scary.

I'm in SE PA and will look forward to being involved with local events when my project becomes road worthy. Diligently following the posts and FAQ about the basics of restoration. I have a Shop Manual with excellent disassembly/assembly instructions and diagrams and would be happy to share/copy/scan/email sections to anyone in need. Clymer is just too vague and non specific, I have already found, even in just removing the gas tank.

Thanks!

[Bob Wessner]

Welcome to the forum. You're in for a treat (most days  ) some days you may wonder what you got yourself into, but they are generally erased by satisfaction. As for the tank, see this recent posting about POR-15, it's a 3 step process; cleaner, phosphoric acid etching, followed by a liquid based liner. I've used the first two steps and stopped. Many did the entire process and are very pleased. Kreem seems to get mixed reviews if you do searches on it. I don't know if the instructions weren't followed accurately or not, but there are a number of complaints about the liner flaking after a period of time.

I don't know about muriatic acid, it will likely remove the rust, but does not leave anything behind to further prevent it. Phosphoric acid on the otherhand will.

Here's the recent posting.. good luck with  your project.

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=2304.0

[Tim.]

pics pics pics - I presume that isn't the bike in your avatar?

For the tank, use POR-15.  Skip the Kreem.

[Vera Cruise]

Yes, that is my project in the avatar. I can post bigger and better pictures, but it looks like enough people have enough train wrecks out there. Mine is NOT too shabby ... although at the end of the day I will be a stickler for stock originality.

I saw the overseas site of cmsnl.com has a nice selection of pretty looking parts, but seems very expensive, especially with overseas shipping. I am probably more willing to spend for quality IF necessary. Does anyone have experience with them?

I'll keep you posted with the tank cleaning ... while it is a FAQ topic I am surprised at the lack of unanimity or consensus on this common problem. At the advice of my brother, an experienced restorer of Ducatis, I already purchased the Kreem product and will proabably go with that. The muriartic acid wash on oldmanhonda was followed by a rinse with oil and gasoline. I kind of appreciate the idea that the original tank had no liner, so why put one in now unless there are leaks.

Thanks!

[Tim.]

You can skip the liner in the Kreem kit.  If it is clean enough once the rust removal process is finished, and doesn't leak, I agree - why bother.

The pic in your avatar doesn't look like a bike that was under a tarp for 15 years (unless the tarp was in a basement!).  Looks like a nice starting point.

Check the resources in the FAQ for buying parts.  I've bought from www.westernhillshonda.com with good results.  Of course here and eBay are easy resources too.

[SteveD CB500F]

Yes, that is my project in the avatar. I can post bigger and better pictures

Actually Jaan, we DEMAND more pictures!  Post in the Gallery and you can keep updating with progress with your resto.

In the UK we have David Silver (and don't know how lucky we are). Given the exchange rate (+shipping) I can see that its going to get expensive unless you find a NA source.  But, at the end of the day, NOS is best.

[eldar]

There are good places in the US to get parts. They may not be NOS but I have used many of them with no problems.
I use partsnmore.com and www.crc2onlinecatalog.com. Like I said these are NOT NOS parts but everything from float valves and accel pumps to lights and covers have worked just fine. I have not noticed ANY difference in the tail light and signal lights that I got from partsnmore to the original. Carb parts you do not see anyways. These sites are always options so dont count them out just cause you want original. It would be almost impossible to get original without spending $$$.

[nomadwarmachine]

Jaan,

Just got my order in from the Netherlands -- they had a brand-new fender for my 750K2 for more than $100 less than I found it for on partsfish.com.  It is the real deal, right down to the little mounting hole on the right inner side, and I got it within 3 days of ordering it.  Altogether,  with shipping, it was cheaper than the cost of the parts alone from some other places.  (Also got tank striping, a new caliper piston, and a brake rebuild kit).  I recommend them, but for parts they do not have, servicehonda.com is excellent too. Welcome to the board -- nice to know there is another Ducati rider here too! 

[Vera Cruise]

Everyone is remarkably helpful. I appreciate all the feedback and links so far. I needed an excuse to get a new digital camera, so I will post a few new pictures after this weekend (the old Coolpix died earlier this year).

I am glad cmsnl.com gets good reviews as they do seem to have a nice selection. I have not made a full priority list about what needs to be repalced versus what I can repair versus just using it worn out.

This forum is awesome and I look forward to more!

Thanks,

Jaan

[jtb]

Jaan,  I have had good luck with Service Honda, http://www.servicehonda.com.  They are usually about 20% less than partsfish.

John

[Bob Wessner]

I've used Servicehonda a number of times myself with fairly good luck as to parts availability. The only thing you need to be aware of is that if you use their interactive pricing page (i.e., insert part number and it returns the price and whether or not the part is available) the availability may not be accurate. If it says it is avail., they may not know otherwise until they pull your order. They may call you to let you know, or you will just see it noted on the shipping invoice with an adjustment to the price/cost.

[Vera Cruise]

I am embarrased to admit that after researching my bike over the weekend, I realized it is NOT a 1971 K1 but a 1970 K0. Is that the proper terminology? Or do I just say a 1970 CB 750 with no K?

The tip off was the four-into-one throttle linkage -- of course broken and needing replacement. I also see that the prior owner had removed the airbox and filter. The good news is that limited examination of the carb shows minimal gumming and wear.

Now I can at least start looking for the right parts!

Thanks again to all, and I will change my "screen name" to match the appropriate nomenclature!

Jaan

[bryanj]

for the USA the BEST (most freindly, helpfull and actually has what he says he has) Has to be Barry at www.westernhillshonda.com. Your first purchase has to be a genuine Honda manual and then a parts list, you will be amazed how friendlier parts people are if you can quote a number and ask nicely if you "got it right"

[Gordon]

Jaan,

Did you use the VIN to determine the exact model of your bike?  If not, you can compare it to this model guide just to make absolutely sure.  http://sohc4.us/node/16

[Vera Cruise]

Thanks for the responses. The VIN number is 1031386, consistent with the 1970 model. The engine ID is 2014866.

I e-mailed western hills honda to ask for the parts list and also inquired about the four into one throttle cable. cmsnl.com has a cable set, but with the lousy dollar sucking the euros dust, I would be put back a hundred bucks or more just for the cable package.

Appreciate the feedback and will post as needed.

Jaan

[Gordon]

Sounds like you have a '72 engine in a '70 frame.

[jaannaktin]

It is entirely possible. the seller made a cryptic comment about the original crankcase being damaged by a nut or bolt that had somehow been left behind during some servicing. I don't think he knew all the details, though.