81 cb400t

[badluck]

Wow, its been way to long. So the I got my bike and have been picking away at it. Life seems to get in the way and time flys, no of which are to new to anyone on the site, I am sure.
What I have done so far....
I ordered clubmans....which are still on back order...grrrr.
I received my bar end mirrors and installed them, only to have my excitement brought back to reality by my 12 yr old when he reminded me that I will have to reinstall the mirrors when I get my new bars... lil smartass, where was he 20 mins before!!!

The chrome on the bike is not so great, its quite pitted and overall crappy on some items. So I bought some grinding wheels for my drill, some sand paper, primer and paint. I removed the chrome ring around the headlamp with the idea that I will try and paint it and if it turns out I will continue. Well after prepping and painting, removing the new paint omg like 3 times, then buying new paint I have success. I am not 100% happy but it will do. The humid weather here has not done right by my painting. So I am going to continue painting bit by bit.

I removed the front fender last night and had a zen moment of "yes I am on the right path". I will post post pics tonight as long as the rain holds off. New house and my garage is my back yard at the moment.

The rain held off for one day and its back on again..ugh

 

[badluck]

More pics

 

[badluck]

I removed the ugly signal lights on the front with plans on painting. I want to replace them but not sure with what yet. I am also looking for new gauges, I hate the massive case that is currently on the bike. You could take a nap on that bloody thing.

 

[badluck]

I am thinking about cutting the posts that mount the signal lights to about half the current length. Not sure though ...I may hold off until I find the replacements.

 

[deepwaterimports]

she looks like a great starting point hope to see it all done up soon

 

[NvgtrWiggles]

I'd suggest popping the brace off that front fender and sticking it back on the bike. I ran without a front fender for about a week and could definitely feel the difference. Keep that thing stable!

 

[badluck]

I picked up a chrome front fender from a 78 its on the bike now, its juct been raining so haven't been able to take pics. Clubmans should be here this week!!! I also just got my rear fender back to day for a buddy that polished it up for me. I have new speedos and tach.... well new to me and repainted. I will have soem new photos this week.

 

[badluck]

So its been way too long. I have installed new bars and a front fender. I have changed out the bulky gauge cluster for a stand alone set. I will be installing those this week as soon as i can..it supposed to rain tomorrow, booooooooooo. I also have a new rear fender again not installed.

I am trying to decide if i am going to incorporate the current rear cowl into the bike....its so 80's eupo styling ugly...its apparently growing on me.

the bottom pic is what it looked like originally

 

[NvgtrWiggles]

If you could build up a new cowl that would flow well with the sidecovers I'd say go for it. If you could get a good shot side shot of the bike with the sidecover on and the tail off I might be able to find some time to sketch some ideas up for you.

 

[badluck]

That would be very cool!!! Its supposed to rain today so a photo shoot may not happen since my garage is currently is my backyard.

 

[jutjutdtt1]

Interested to see where you go with this, like what you've done so far. I recently picked up a '82 cb450t, for $125. Basically the same style bike. I definitely want to get rid of those gauges and throw on some clubmans. I'll probably keep the seat so my wife can ride on the back. Having mixed feelings about the rear cowl as well. We'll see. Good luck!

 

[badluck]

Yah that gauge cluster is UGLY. I picked up a set from a cb360, the only issue is the 360 had 3 lights in the cluster (high beam, turn and neutral) the 400 has those 3 and oil. So I picked up some new lights and I am going to try and make a new box for the lights... no clue how that will go

I want to be able to run 2 up as well but i hate that seat. I want to have something thats not so bulky and shitty looking...lol

As soo as the rain stops the new cluster is going on!!!