Winter project 1972 CB350F - FOUR

Discuss anything about other motorcycles, accessories, riding gear and other motorcycle related topics.

Moderators: Whiskerfish, ascot, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
Jonesz
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 904
Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2017 9:03 pm
Location: Manitoba, Canada

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - Baby four

#16

Post by Jonesz »

GR8 attention to detail. The bike is going to be a beauty. You have as many buffing machines as I have BIKES!! How do you keep the black buffing residue from sticking to those nice white walls? Also a good pointer on bringing a tired lens back to life. Likely will try it in the future before buying repros Thanks
Jonesz

1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - Baby four

#17

Post by flyin900 »

Jonesz, thanks for the compliment on the work. As my skill level has improved over the years, it is the final hurdle of the detail work that sets the restoration apart.
I try to not buff in the garage, since it is a dirty job as your aware. So I move the machine outside that I am using and put a rubber pad underneath the pedestal legs to stop it from "walking" when operating the buffer. I buy those white textile paint suits with the hood to wear over my clothes too, as that compound does travel from the spinning wheel.
Princess Auto which is a Winnipeg based business is my friend. They supplied most of the machines and materials that I buy and a real Canadian success story.
Actually by buffing the lens on this bike because I had many old lenses in my parts stash, I have almost paid for the new machine by going this route. The original Honda brake light lens and the signal lens bought new would have cost over $100 in parts purchases.
I am really impressed with the string buff on how well it works in buffing and not over heating the plastic part. Caswell Canada is my supplier there and there is a Caswell USA company too.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
Jonesz
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 904
Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2017 9:03 pm
Location: Manitoba, Canada

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - Baby four

#18

Post by Jonesz »

Thanks for the Caswell info. May order a string wheel for my next project. Do you use the special compound as well? BTW nice bike line up in your garage.
Jonesz

1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - Baby four

#19

Post by flyin900 »

Jonesz,

I used the blue compound since Caswell has a specific white compound bar they sell for plastic, yet it was a large bar and pretty expensive. I emailed them for options and they suggested the light blue bar compound which I already had and it worked very well. I did also have a white compound bar from a kit, yet they indicated it was for metal not plastic, so not to use it.
On the PA buffers, I reduce the speed to just a tad above the slowest speed and that works really well. If you have another make of buffer then I think it is about the 2000 RPM range.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
desertrefugee
SUPER BIKER!!!!
SUPER BIKER!!!!
Posts: 3947
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
Location: Chandler, AZ, USA

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - Baby four

#20

Post by desertrefugee »

That is an outstanding job. What a motorcycle!

(I must be a masochist as I normally do lenses by hand.)
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - Baby four

#21

Post by flyin900 »

Desert refugee thank you, yes I have used the manual method too in the past. I still needed to hand sand a couple of the lens, as there were some deeper scratches in the plastic. It goes pretty quick though with 800 grit, 1500 grit and then 3000 grit. The buffing then only takes a few minutes vs hand buffing taking much longer to get that nice finish.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - Baby four

#22

Post by flyin900 »

I am just refreshing the plastic bits like the inner rear fender liner and the air box assembly. I have in the past used a liquid that adds a nice shine to the weathered plastic of 50+ years. It won't hide scratches in the surface's though and after all those years the plastic does get damaged.
So with my new buffer and string buff I tried hand sanding the more serious scratches and then buffed the inner fender and it came out really nice.
So here is the finished piece and I have also enclosed the liquid black plastic finish that I normally use for those who maybe interested. In this case the fender liner is just polished with no help from the liquid plastic finish. I think on the air box given the odd shape and rubber bits, I will just use the liquid finish and knock down some of the nasty gouges first.

P1070665.JPG
P1070665.JPG (79.58 KiB) Viewed 782 times

Turtle Wax Black Plastic finish repair- sideways and all :-D
P1070666.JPG
P1070666.JPG (87.35 KiB) Viewed 780 times
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - Baby four

#23

Post by flyin900 »

Additional items added to the frame now with a new wiring harness and coils and a few small bits that complete the correct pieces. I found a correct rubber cap for the solenoid and the coils have two small clamps that hold the ignition switch connector on one side and the coils power feed tube on the other side. These were still with the bike, which is uncommon when it has been apart before.
I did replace the entire key/ignition/steering/seat lock assembly with a new Honda set up. The bike came with two keys, one for the ignition and one for the seat lock. Now one key does it all, just like originally.
I need the chrome trim parts to put the front end back on; there are two small trim rings that are out for plating still.


P1070685.JPG
P1070685.JPG (152.26 KiB) Viewed 760 times
P1070686.JPG
P1070686.JPG (157.47 KiB) Viewed 760 times
P1070687.JPG
P1070687.JPG (154.73 KiB) Viewed 760 times
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Carbs back on the bike

#24

Post by flyin900 »

I rebuilt the carbs earlier in the process back to the correct brass parts and specs, since the PO had installed Chinese brass needles and jets and fuel valves. It took quite a bit of searching to find the correct Keihin needles and emulsion tubes, while the jets were still available from DSS.
I installed new rubber insulators on the motor and resorted to a heat gun to soften them enough to be able to push the bank into place.
Still waiting on the chrome bits now for the front end reassembly and then hopefully into the home stretch.


P1070690.JPG
P1070690.JPG (179.53 KiB) Viewed 746 times
P1070693.JPG
P1070693.JPG (163.71 KiB) Viewed 746 times
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Picking away still at the project

#25

Post by flyin900 »

My chrome guy has agreed to fast track a few pieces to help move this along a bit further. I don't like the bike being on the wooden blocks and main stand, as it is a little sketchy stability wise.
Hopefully when I get the trim rings back for the front forks I can then get the front end and wheel on there for a solid base. I added the handlebars and new OEM right and left hand control switches from Honda. I am truly amazed at the availability of these original old parts which are now 50 years old.
I think the hobby is such that the demand is there, so Honda continues to have these parts built. The other discovery was that many parts that are not available from Honda Canada, are still available in larger markets like the US or Europe.


P1070695.JPG
P1070695.JPG (102.85 KiB) Viewed 726 times
P1070696.JPG
P1070696.JPG (139.26 KiB) Viewed 726 times
P1070697.JPG
P1070697.JPG (164.4 KiB) Viewed 726 times


Just for fun the side cover added the the bike.

P1070698.JPG
P1070698.JPG (141.52 KiB) Viewed 726 times
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Small exhaust repair

#26

Post by flyin900 »

I was in the process of taking apart the exhaust system brackets to clean up each individual pipe when one of the threaded studs that holds the mounting brackets broke loose from the inside of the muffler and fell inside the exhaust. It was a button head stud that was tack welded to the inside of the rear section of the muffler before the two halves were welded together in manufacturing.
Very fortunate for me the stud fell out of a opening pipe on the muffler top that is a balancer/joiner pipe between the upper and lower mufflers.

I am not a welder, so improvising was the order of the day to reattach the stud back into the hole. Since the balancer pipe is close to the stud hole I was able to fish through a metal flexible line. I attached the stud onto the line and after lots of messing around I was able to pull the stud back through the original hole. I secured it with it's nut to keep it from falling back through and then used a thin E clip to slide into the bottom thread of the stud and capture it there.

I then used my Tech Steel to fill in the tiny gaps around the stud and the E clip area, to stop it from rotating when the nut is tightened onto the stud and bracket. The Tech Steel is a great product with a 500F temp rating and quick 15 minute cure, plus it hardens into a strong bond.



P1070721_LI (2).jpg
P1070721_LI (2).jpg (123.38 KiB) Viewed 701 times
P1070722.JPG
P1070722.JPG (127.84 KiB) Viewed 701 times

Glad it held together well, so I was able to finish the task and clean up the entire system.

The exhaust is partly what makes this bike, since so many rotted out and are rarely found today with the system still intact on the bike.


P1070724.JPG
P1070724.JPG (127.64 KiB) Viewed 701 times
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

More wiring and cables installed

#27

Post by flyin900 »

I got some good news that my small chrome rings for the front forks and the headlight bucket are ready. My buddy is picking them up tomorrow from the plater. So on Friday the front forks and wheel may be installed, offering better stability for the bike on the wooden platform.

I was able to install the clutch and throttle cables and rerouted the wiring in the coil area to allow for the proper routing of the throttle cables. The FSM only shows the CB400F cable routing, which is quite different with many newer designs used on that model. The CB350F uses a few totally different clamps to hold the ignition switch connector and the main wiring harness is above the coils, where I initially had it below causing routing issues.

I also received a correct signal flasher with the proper rubber mount vs the incorrect aftermarket flasher unit the PO used that was just hanging in the general area. So everything in there is now stock and correct. OCD + :-D

I also installed the data plate back on the headstock, as I removed it for painting the frame. A complete warning label kit came in too, so I installed various labels on the frame and top of the master cylinder cap.

Here are a few more pics of the progress.

P1070726.JPG
P1070726.JPG (162.15 KiB) Viewed 673 times
P1070727.JPG
P1070727.JPG (147.74 KiB) Viewed 673 times

P1070729.JPG
P1070729.JPG (173.64 KiB) Viewed 673 times
P1070731.JPG
P1070731.JPG (173.6 KiB) Viewed 673 times
P1070733.JPG
P1070733.JPG (160.43 KiB) Viewed 671 times
Last edited by flyin900 on Thu Dec 02, 2021 6:38 am, edited 3 times in total.
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
desertrefugee
SUPER BIKER!!!!
SUPER BIKER!!!!
Posts: 3947
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 9:33 pm
Location: Chandler, AZ, USA

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - FOUR

#28

Post by desertrefugee »

Amazing work. You should open a shop. I thought I was detail oriented, but you are a different species!

Like you, I also cheat a bit I think by starting with clean examples. Makes bringing them back much easier (and cheaper).

Well done.
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
User avatar
flyin900
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 1489
Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
Location: Canada

Front forks attached

#29

Post by flyin900 »

My friend picked up the trim rings that go on the front forks between the headlight ears and the lower fork cover, so we did the reassembly on Friday. I also installed some drain tubes for the carbs and different motor areas routing them down through the back of the motor. The oil filter case was polished by the PO, so I left it alone and installed a new filter once the bike was up on the front wheel.
The front disc brake caliper is installed and just waiting on the short hard line from DSS to finish off that system. I have been using the DOT 5.1 synthetic brake fluid on the last few builds with good success. No issues with water retention or paint damage if spilled.


P1070743.JPG
P1070743.JPG (198.84 KiB) Viewed 639 times
P1070741.JPG
P1070741.JPG (155.57 KiB) Viewed 639 times
P1070742.JPG
P1070742.JPG (147.65 KiB) Viewed 639 times
P1070740.JPG
P1070740.JPG (149.47 KiB) Viewed 639 times
P1070737.JPG
P1070737.JPG (140.1 KiB) Viewed 639 times
Current Bikes:

1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
User avatar
Whiskerfish
President
President
Posts: 36827
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:34 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/whiskerfish/
Location: Norfolk Va

Re: Winter project 1972 CB350F - FOUR

#30

Post by Whiskerfish »

She is gonna look better than the day she was built!!
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “General Motorcycle Forum”