1974Honda Cb450 gas cap latch what am i missing?

[Midcoastcustoms]

This is my 1974 Honda cb450 and I'm pretty sure this latch is "aftermarket"...What am i missing and is it going to be expensive? The tank is also dented and rusted inside so basically I'm trying to figure out whether to fix or replace the whole tank. Does anyone know of tanks that fit these bikes? I don't care what brand and i can fab the mounts if necessary.

 

[CCRider]

You're missing the hook/thumb release lever, shaft and return spring. They're pretty rare because they often break. I've seen several of the latches go for around 50 bucks on ebay. You can also get a locking latch that may fit the tank on ebay for a little cheaper. DDT member Goodfornothin was kind enough to trade me his unbroken gas cap latch for a seat latch to replace mine.

Good Luck, CC

 

[Swagger]

The rust doesn't look bad and could easily be treated, as well the dent is pretty easily fixed.
The latch as CC has noted...possibly not so easy. Might I offer the option of switching to something else?
There's a ton and a half of aftermarket filler neck and cap combos thanks to the chopper craze most recently shilled by Discovery. Side effect of that....lots of options.
You could also adapt something from a newer/different bike.

 

[Midcoastcustoms]

You're missing the hook/thumb release lever, shaft and return spring. They're pretty rare because they often break. I've seen several of the latches go for around 50 bucks on ebay. You can also get a locking latch that may fit the tank on ebay for a little cheaper. DDT member Goodfornothin was kind enough to trade me his unbroken gas cap latch for a seat latch to replace mine.

Good Luck, CC

I think i found the latch on bikebandit.com thanks for the info. I'm still not sure if i am going to use the tank or not, as with any project you try to have plan emphasis on they word "try"

 

[Midcoastcustoms]

The rust doesn't look bad and could easily be treated, as well the dent is pretty easily fixed.
The latch as CC has noted...possibly not so easy. Might I offer the option of switching to something else?
There's a ton and a half of aftermarket filler neck and cap combos thanks to the chopper craze most recently shilled by Discovery. Side effect of that....lots of options.
You could also adapt something from a newer/different bike.

What is the best way to treat the rust. I seen the electrolysis method. Do i need to do this or can i just seal it with something?

 

[bobjohnson]

How does that wire even hold the cap closed?? Is it looped around the bar under the cap?

This is what you need anyway:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/honda-cb750-cb450-cl450-cb350-cb500-fuel-gas-cap-latch-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4150782c66QQitemZ280522927206QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Thats the cheapest youre gonna find it too. Any small key (or screw driver) will open that lock, its got no actual pins inside of it. Another option is to buy a complete tank on ebay, you can get some smashed up ones for like 5 bucks, and just steal the latch. The pushbutton latches are rare because they were "recalled" for being unsafe in an accident. If the bike flips and lands on its tank, its possible for the impact to open the cap.

 

[Swagger]

What is the best way to treat the rust. I seen the electrolysis method. Do i need to do this or can i just seal it with something?

For that tank with as little flake as I see, electrolysis is probably the simplest and least agreavating way. Plus...you "plug it in" and forget it. Not much to do but let it sit and chug away. After that either fill it with fuel right away for line it and you're good to go.

I've used POR15 products to line tanks, Kreem works well if you follow the friggin' instructions and I guess Caswell's two part liner is the shit so there's good options out there.

 

[Oak]

For the rust, I put a gallon of straight CLR in the tank. Then I dumped in the contents of one of those all-in-one packets of stainless nuts, bolts, and washers from a local hardware store in the tank. I sealed the tank up and put the tank into a rubbermaid storage container and then put that into the bed of my pickup. I then drove it around for several weeks while it sloshed around in there. The sloped shape and big lip of the storage container kept the tank inside from contacting anything but the plastic. I flipped the tank every couple of days. I power washed the insid eout when it appeared clean and then put in WD-40 and coated the inside. It came out clean as a whistle.

 

[Midcoastcustoms]

Thanks everyone for all the info if i keep the tank i will probably use that latch from the ebay link. The wire that was on there is how the bike was when i got it. I don't think it ever worked. This forum is great there is so many knowledgeable people that actually WORK on their bikes and RIDE them. I can't wait to start this project never thought i'd be so excited about a 35+ year old Jap bike but i think i've caught the fever...hopefully the pocket book can keep up!

 

[greasy]

a tip: if you do the nuts and bolts cleaning method it can be a pain to get them back out. your arms will be tired as hell by the time you've shaken them all out of there.

I use a chain type plant hanger. it's basically 5-6 chains hooked together. use mechanic wire to attach bolts and nuts all along the chains. when you're done you just need to grab a chunk and it will all pull out together. wa-la.

and the 450 is the only honda i know of w/ metal sidecovers. I love that cuz they can be stripped and polished. check out this paint job I did on one...

http://sites.google.com/site/dimalepainting/home/photos/gas-tanks

 

[Midcoastcustoms]

a tip: if you do the nuts and bolts cleaning method it can be a pain to get them back out. your arms will be tired as hell by the time you've shaken them all out of there.

I use a chain type plant hanger. it's basically 5-6 chains hooked together. use mechanic wire to attach bolts and nuts all along the chains. when you're done you just need to grab a chunk and it will all pull out together. wa-la.

and the 450 is the only honda i know of w/ metal sidecovers. I love that cuz they can be stripped and polished. check out this paint job I did on one...

http://sites.google.com/site/dimalepainting/home/photos/gas-tanks

Damn nice work... i was thinking of ditching the side cover for pod filters but now you got me second guessing myself. Good thing i didn't grind the brackets off the frame yet!