I've decided it's time for me to start a log here. This weekend I began working restoring a '73 CB450. This is my first attempt ever at restoring anything so I have lots to learn. I am more than accepting of any advice or recommendations you guys make towards the project.
Background:
My uncle and grandfather bought the bike used around 1980. They both rode it for some time and eventually the bike was parked in 1984. Thankfully, my family is very good at holding on to older things and luckily this bike was stored in my grandparent's garage since the day it was parked. As far as they remember the bike was running when it was parked. For the most part, it appears that the bike is in very restorable shape.
Here is where the bike has sat since 1984. There is a roof covering it so for the most part it has been out of the weather.
This is the starting point of the bike. It came with so many great accessories like the humongous windshield, the sissy bar, and the luggage rack. All of these accessories have since been removed.
Another shot of what I'm starting with. If you look at the ignition you will see that he was able to find the key to it. Surprisingly enough, it only took my grandfather and grandmother about 5 minutes to find a key and title for it.
Picture of the bike without the windshield and after quickly rinsing off the dirt/dust.
The gauges and gauge covers are in great shape.
Finally, this is the best shot I have after the cleanup and accessory removal.
I need to get some updated pictures. I have removed the gas tank and seat to give me some working room. The gas tank is lightly rusted on the inside so I'll have to take care of that soon. The seat is in great shape. After I clean it up it will be going back on the bike. I've started sorting out the electrical parts of the bike. After adding a new battery and turn signal relay, I've managed to get all of the turn signals working and flashing. My advice is to clean every rusty ground on the bike before anything else. The headlight works. The electric starter works intermittently however I haven't spent much time to understand it yet. I have a long ways to go but so far so good.
Let me know what you think of the project and please do not hesitate to make any suggestions on best methods for troubleshooting, diagnosing, or just general knowledge of the bike.
Background:
My uncle and grandfather bought the bike used around 1980. They both rode it for some time and eventually the bike was parked in 1984. Thankfully, my family is very good at holding on to older things and luckily this bike was stored in my grandparent's garage since the day it was parked. As far as they remember the bike was running when it was parked. For the most part, it appears that the bike is in very restorable shape.
Here is where the bike has sat since 1984. There is a roof covering it so for the most part it has been out of the weather.
This is the starting point of the bike. It came with so many great accessories like the humongous windshield, the sissy bar, and the luggage rack. All of these accessories have since been removed.
Another shot of what I'm starting with. If you look at the ignition you will see that he was able to find the key to it. Surprisingly enough, it only took my grandfather and grandmother about 5 minutes to find a key and title for it.
Picture of the bike without the windshield and after quickly rinsing off the dirt/dust.
The gauges and gauge covers are in great shape.
Finally, this is the best shot I have after the cleanup and accessory removal.
I need to get some updated pictures. I have removed the gas tank and seat to give me some working room. The gas tank is lightly rusted on the inside so I'll have to take care of that soon. The seat is in great shape. After I clean it up it will be going back on the bike. I've started sorting out the electrical parts of the bike. After adding a new battery and turn signal relay, I've managed to get all of the turn signals working and flashing. My advice is to clean every rusty ground on the bike before anything else. The headlight works. The electric starter works intermittently however I haven't spent much time to understand it yet. I have a long ways to go but so far so good.
Let me know what you think of the project and please do not hesitate to make any suggestions on best methods for troubleshooting, diagnosing, or just general knowledge of the bike.