Complete newbie from Indiana, going on a journey.
- Thread starter JCrimson
- Start date
Hoosier Daddy
Earache my eye...
Awwwe.... She's Beautiful!!
JCrimson
New Member
The engine is seized, shining a light into the oil fill port, it doesn't look too bad but we'll see. I will be stripping the bike down to the frame sometime soon, getting the engine up on the bench and I'll work on getting it unstuck. Here are some more pictures of the bike and the parts that I acquired with it.
My uncle came over and we talked about what he had done to the bike as well as how he had obtained it. Apparently he's NEVER seen the bike running, he had other bikes and this one he had acquired as parts.
I've also already received some leads on people locally that could help me source some parts, through a friend's father. One of them lives roughly a one minute walk from home, that I've noticed a few times, just never engaged the guy in conversation. A friend of mine who builds Harleys offered to lend a hand over the winter season as well, he does asphalt and will be laid off. Should be fun!
My uncle came over and we talked about what he had done to the bike as well as how he had obtained it. Apparently he's NEVER seen the bike running, he had other bikes and this one he had acquired as parts.
I've also already received some leads on people locally that could help me source some parts, through a friend's father. One of them lives roughly a one minute walk from home, that I've noticed a few times, just never engaged the guy in conversation. A friend of mine who builds Harleys offered to lend a hand over the winter season as well, he does asphalt and will be laid off. Should be fun!
haircuttergirl
Over 1,000 Posts
Welcome to dtt! Really looking forward to seeing you get started on your project. 
Jenn
Jenn
JCrimson
New Member
mark13018, I'll look into that as well as the procedure of pouring it in. As for selling the bike, I'll keep you in mind, but I'm not sure i'll sell it for quite some time or at all. haha.
Jenn, thanks! I figure I'll start with stripping the bike completely and getting the frame painted. Then I'll begin taking inventory of the parts that I've got and I'll write down what the bike is missing that is vital to its function.
I have a couple of questions though,
If the engine is shot, would I be able to swap in another from a different bike? Is the engine pretty easy to get unstuck? What are some good websites for replacement parts? Anything else I should look up or research?
The writing in the repair manual is what my uncle had done to the bike ten years ago.
Jenn, thanks! I figure I'll start with stripping the bike completely and getting the frame painted. Then I'll begin taking inventory of the parts that I've got and I'll write down what the bike is missing that is vital to its function.
I have a couple of questions though,
If the engine is shot, would I be able to swap in another from a different bike? Is the engine pretty easy to get unstuck? What are some good websites for replacement parts? Anything else I should look up or research?
The writing in the repair manual is what my uncle had done to the bike ten years ago.
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
That's a family piece. I wouldn't never let it go.
The acf50 is very good and the guys at Cleveland moto swear by it. I think a couple of the Cleveland moto guys are members on here... It's one of the few or only products like that that are mill spec certified and used in the aviation (commercial and military) industries.
The acf50 is very good and the guys at Cleveland moto swear by it. I think a couple of the Cleveland moto guys are members on here... It's one of the few or only products like that that are mill spec certified and used in the aviation (commercial and military) industries.
haircuttergirl
Over 1,000 Posts
If you plan to check with them, the ClevelandMoto guys are pocphil and djelliott.
http://www.clevelandmoto.com/
If ya talk to em, tell em hi from me.
Wish I had some answers for your questions but alas, I'm a newbie. My first project I got as far as what you mentioned- stripped to frame and have a parts list... then picked up project number two that's turned into my baby. She needed some basic stuff like fresh oil, new plugs, carbs cleaned, etc and she fired right up. So I've yet to deal with some of the issues you mentioned.
http://www.clevelandmoto.com/
If ya talk to em, tell em hi from me.
Wish I had some answers for your questions but alas, I'm a newbie. My first project I got as far as what you mentioned- stripped to frame and have a parts list... then picked up project number two that's turned into my baby. She needed some basic stuff like fresh oil, new plugs, carbs cleaned, etc and she fired right up. So I've yet to deal with some of the issues you mentioned.
JCrimson
New Member
mark13018, where can I find ACF-50 locally? You live nearby, so I figured you may know!
haircuttergirl, I'll be sure to if I speak with them! It sounds like if I want to learn to ride sooner rather than later, I may end up picking up a second bike as well.
As for the work tonight, I managed to get the engine removed. I labelled my parts in plastic bags as well as took pictures of spots I may forget upon reassembly. I really need to work on the work space as well, possibly some over head lighting to make the work easier on my eyes.
haircuttergirl, I'll be sure to if I speak with them! It sounds like if I want to learn to ride sooner rather than later, I may end up picking up a second bike as well.
As for the work tonight, I managed to get the engine removed. I labelled my parts in plastic bags as well as took pictures of spots I may forget upon reassembly. I really need to work on the work space as well, possibly some over head lighting to make the work easier on my eyes.
haircuttergirl
Over 1,000 Posts
This is how it starts... pretty soon you'll be wondering how you ended up with thirteen bikes in your garage. ;DJCrimson said:
JCrimson
New Member
haircuttergirl said:
Sounds like that may happen in my near future. The assistant store manager where I work recently learned to ride within the last year. He owns a late 70's early 80's Suzuki that he will be upgrading from, soon. He bought the bike for $300 from his father-in-law and said he'd let me know when he upgrades to something larger and that he wasn't interested in making any money off of it.
It's been a while! I literally work and go to school Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 12:00am with little time in between. Sadly, that leaves little time for the bike, but I'm determined to get it at least running by the beginning of summer.
Today I had some time off, so I decided to get it completely stripped down to the frame, ready to wash. I believe that the bike was actually stored indoors due to the ease of removing most of the nuts and bolts.
I've heard the term "de-tabbing" referring to the frame, was exactly is de-tabbing the frame? I have my own thoughts, and I would assume it would mean removing unnecessary mounting points for hardware that has been removed from the bike and will not be going back on? I like the looks of cafe-style bikes that have the battery covers below the seats, removed. I assume this entails moving the battery and the rectifier elsewhere on the bike?
Also, what are some universal upgrades that I could do to make the motorcycle perform and handle better? Any weak points I should be on the look out for? I don't plan on restoring this motorcycle, but making it my own.
Thanks,
Jake
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
Correct on cutting the tabs. Just make sure you don't cut one you need by accident since you have a bare frame and nothing mounted in it, clipping a motor mount off may be easier than you think. Then you'll be welding one back on.
Upgrading to tapered steering bearings and bronze swingarm bushings would help a lot for handling. All balls will have your steering bearings and you'll have to search around to see who makes some swingarm bushings for it.
You could upgrade your suspension as well with some more universal shocks and springs.
Tires based on the type of riding you'll be doing.
Charlie's place makes engine upgrades, electronic ignition, coils, etc. Those would change the way it runs and get rid of the points.
The list is almost never ending of things you could do, which I think is the fun part. Like you said, build it for you. Be careful though, it can be addicting and $20 here and $150 there, you'll have a couple thousand wrapped up in it before you realize it. ;D
Upgrading to tapered steering bearings and bronze swingarm bushings would help a lot for handling. All balls will have your steering bearings and you'll have to search around to see who makes some swingarm bushings for it.
You could upgrade your suspension as well with some more universal shocks and springs.
Tires based on the type of riding you'll be doing.
Charlie's place makes engine upgrades, electronic ignition, coils, etc. Those would change the way it runs and get rid of the points.
The list is almost never ending of things you could do, which I think is the fun part. Like you said, build it for you. Be careful though, it can be addicting and $20 here and $150 there, you'll have a couple thousand wrapped up in it before you realize it. ;D
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
Oh, and CLUTCH!. I'm 99% sure that model has cork and plastic friction discs. Yes, plastic with cork adhered to them... They stick very easily and you'll be cracking it open constantly to free and clean them. At high speeds or high heat the plastic can warp slightly causing the clutch to slip also... You may get lucky and EBC or Barnett may make a clutch kit for those which will run about $120 with no springs. There is a guy on the honda twins forum or maybe it was the Honda 305 forum that rebuilds them completely. You send him your clutch basket and he machines the basket some, new plates, discs, springs, all completely redone better than new. I think the last time I talked to him he was charging 160 or 180... If you want his info let me know and I'll get on the desk top PC later and find it for you.
Ya you want to get a good idea of what you have, what you want and then what you will need before even worrying about the frame, or i should say painting the frame, once you get an idea of the style and start acquiring parts you can get a good idea where to go with the frame, for me i like to get a full mock up of the bike first...pretty much complete, then tear down paint and repeat . if your uncle had done all that work to it before he let it sit for 10 years once you un-seize it and tear it down im sure it can be rebuilt no problem.....it would pretty much need to have granaded for it to be a complete boat anchor. good luck im sure she will be a sweet machine when done.
. if your uncle had done all that work to it before he let it sit for 10 years once you un-seize it and tear it down im sure it can be rebuilt no problem.....it would pretty much need to have granaded for it to be a complete boat anchor. good luck im sure she will be a sweet machine when done.
JCrimson
New Member
Thanks a lot Mark, Ill be sure to contact him once I get to the engine/transmission stage of the build. I've definitely been looking into aftermarket parts such as shocks and springs. What I have noticed about shocks and springs is that the prices vary greatly and are they generally pretty universal? Tires, I'm thinking of sticking with knobbly scrambler style tires. The bike's top speed (according to the internet) isn't too great, so I'm not sure if it would be a bike i'd use to commute back and forth from school in Kokomo. I think since the bike would be an "around the town" type of bike, knobbly tires would work out okay.
As for powder coating vs. painting the frame, which would you suggest? Painting I could probably do, but powder coating I am in the dark. Do you know of any local places that are decently priced around the Northern Indiana area?
Thanks Novacafe for the input. I've generally got an idea for the build; a cafe style bike but continuing with the scrambler vibe. I think your idea of creating a mock up initially is a great idea. I could focus on getting the engine running and rebuilt, while collecting parts for the overall finished product.
This picture I do not own, hell, the bike may even belong to someone on here. I pulled it from Pinterest a while back and am sort of using it as a loose guide for what I want the end result to be.
Would this kit suffice for a engine overhaul? What else is missing?
http://www.classichondarestoration.com/Honda-CB72-CB77/305-Gasket-Kit/prod_9.html
Thanks for all of the help guys, I don't have any other source to turn to for information or to lead me in the right direction. Thanks for bearing with me! Haha.
As for powder coating vs. painting the frame, which would you suggest? Painting I could probably do, but powder coating I am in the dark. Do you know of any local places that are decently priced around the Northern Indiana area?
Thanks Novacafe for the input. I've generally got an idea for the build; a cafe style bike but continuing with the scrambler vibe. I think your idea of creating a mock up initially is a great idea. I could focus on getting the engine running and rebuilt, while collecting parts for the overall finished product.
This picture I do not own, hell, the bike may even belong to someone on here. I pulled it from Pinterest a while back and am sort of using it as a loose guide for what I want the end result to be.
Would this kit suffice for a engine overhaul? What else is missing?
http://www.classichondarestoration.com/Honda-CB72-CB77/305-Gasket-Kit/prod_9.html
Thanks for all of the help guys, I don't have any other source to turn to for information or to lead me in the right direction. Thanks for bearing with me! Haha.
mark13018
"In the age of information, ignorance is a choice
You're going to need piston rings at the very least also, since it's seized now. C&P machine shop is great at honing or boring cylinders. (I think $20 per hole to hone and $60 for boring). Prostrip is a good contact for powder coat. (Both in Fort Wayne). They have about a 7-10 day lead time and it cost about $110.00 for a frame in any color you want last time I talked to them.
Shocks, you get what you pay for. The $80 pair for Chinese ones aren't even going to compare to some $400+ hagons. Probably better off keeping stock if your going to buy the Chinese ones.
Shocks, you get what you pay for. The $80 pair for Chinese ones aren't even going to compare to some $400+ hagons. Probably better off keeping stock if your going to buy the Chinese ones.
JCrimson
New Member
Well, I decided to move the engine indoors to have the ability to work on it as the weather gets colder. I decided to crack into it last night and get the thing unseized. I ended up having to drill out a screw holding on the cover for the "alternator", I'm sure if its still called the same thing on a motorcycle. After some persuasion with a ratchet, it started to move!
Vinegar/rust sludge.
Vinegar/rust sludge.
Hoosier Daddy
Earache my eye...
DAY-UM!
