'69 CL350 resto-mod FINISHED

75cb550

New Member
Hey guys just finished this bike and thought I'd share some pictures I took along the way. I'll briefly describe things but feel free to ask any questions!

So a few years ago I went to a junkyard in search of a particular part, instead I found an empty frame with a pile of parts claiming to be a CL350. The frame and engine were the only original parts, everything else was pulled from various Honda's of the 70's. I sold what I didn't want and began accumulating parts that would fit the vision I had for the bike, but no real progress was made until about 6 months ago. After moving twice and lugging the parts between different states (almost selling it 5+ times) I decided it was time to roll up my sleeves and get serious.

The day I brought it home compared to now:

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Here's the parts breakdown:

- 1969 CB front forks
- 19" CL front wheel w/ drum
- 1972(?) CB350 front fender
- CB500 Twin fuel tank
- 1973(?) CB side covers complete with Honda Dream tank badges
- rear set footpegs from Slipstream Cycle Works
- seat made from old skateboard, then upholstered
- hoop welded & shaped into the rear of the frame
- Cognito moto swingarm extenders welded into the swingarm (1.75")
- the entire electrical system is new with a custom harness from Sparck Moto
- all routine maintenance/tune-up work done (valves, cam chain, etc)
- compression tested 150psi in both cylinders
- completely rebuilt carbs with k&l carb kits

Now for the pictures, and yes I built the bike entirely on my back porch...
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The fuel tank had some bad dents on the right side. I used a blow torch to heat the dented areas, then pushed the dents out from the inside with a metal rod that I rounded off at the end. I got the surface as smooth as possible, then put a thin coat of bondo to finish it off.
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Nice build! The Bondo job really cleans up the frame mods. Not to mention the factory welds that were pre-existing.
 
I sprayed the frame with John Deere Blitz Black - the best spray paint I've ever used. Tough as nails and always goes on smooth.

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The fuel tank was a huge process. After fixing the dents I set out to put a solid paint job on it, with a rattle can! I used a cheap Duplicolor for the the base color, then a fancy clear coat to protect from gasoline etc. Plus countless hours of wet sanding and polishing, both for the tank and the side covers.

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The plastic side covers were terribly pitted when I got them, so I sanded them down smooth before doing the painting process described above.

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The swingarm extension slugs were somewhat of an afterthought. I was aimlessly browsing online and stumbled upon them, realized I had an extra swingarm, so I decided to give them a shot. The slugs are quality items and have a satisfyingly perfect fit inside the swingarm. I also chose slightly longer shocks in the rear to compensate for the added length. I didn't want the rear of the bike to sag.

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I found some cheap, tiny LED turn signals on ebay and made little brackets to mount them to the upper shock mounts. I liked them so much I did the same for the front.

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Looks Fantastic! I like your attention to detail, and the swing arm extensions... I didn't even know existed!... Think I might do that with my RD350.... ;)).

I think you did a great job with the paint as well.... But I have to ask you.... If you did it again, would you use the same base coat...using Duplicolor...?? Or a more expensive type?

Also got a link for those signals? I like where you placed them.

Cheers. BTW are you in T.O?

Uber
 
Hey thanks Uber! Below is a screenshot of the turn signals that I bought on ebay, just had to make the brackets. For the rears I also painted the chrome bezel black so it would blend in better.

The main reason I used duplicolor for the base coat was because it was a cheap way for me to find the right color - I tried probably 3 or 4 other colors before I landed on the one that I used. If I knew I wanted a specific paint code I would use a proper paint, but I don't have any complaints about the duplicolor yet and it sprayed on well enough.
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Build looks great! Do you have any more details on how you did the seat? I have thought about the skateboard route and it looks like the option I'm going to go with.
 
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