First Project-1971 CL350

[finnerandr]

A few weeks ago, I picked up a 1971 CL350. Included was a very stripped down 1970 CB350 parts bike. Neither bike had a tank or a seat, but I got 3 of each included with the deal. Since then I stripped down the parts bike and set aside all the parts that were salvageable. The frame unfortunately is tweaked as hell, but thats ok because it didnt have a title on that one anyways.

The parts bike did have a partly complete motor, and it does turn over.

The parts I saved from the parts bike.

Now, this is the CL350 as I received it. No tank, no seat, some CB pipes with Volkswagen mufflers.

This weekend I started tearing down the CL350. Wiring harness is out but I will end up pitching most of it. Going to create my own harness since I will be removing the electric start and wont need a lot of the crazy wiring that Honda threw into this thing.

I finally decided that out of the three tanks, I will be using this one. I believe it is a CB tank. The other 2 I have are CL tanks.

I was planning on using a stock seat pan and using it to glass my own cafe seat. I tore apart the worst of the three seats and found that it was beyond repair. The other two seats that I have are fairly nice and I dont want to tear them up so I will make my own seat pan.

As far as the cafe seat, I was thinking of a pretty unique style. Ive never seen a "boattail" cafe seat, and I think I want to try to make one. Instead of a rear hoop I will do something like this.

I spent maybe an hour and did a very rough mock up using cardboard. Now I havent cut the rear yet so it doesnt sit down like its supposed to, but you can get an idea of what Im talking about.

Time willing I will go out and purchase some florist foam this weekend and make a much better mock up. What do you all think about that "boattail" design? I will also be fabricating a tray to fit under the seat for most of the electrics, and will hide the battery in the hump.

I am having a very hard time deciding on colors for this build. My latest idea is to use powder coat on the frame, rims, hubs, lower front forks, etc. Will paint the rest. How about silver for the frame and hubs. Then use blue on the rims, headlight bucket, chopped front fender, etc. Will incorporate the blue and silver together on the tank and seat somehow. How would that look if I blacked out the motor, polished the edges of the fins, and some of the covers as well? Thinking colors similar to these.

Wow, this first post is a lot longer than I was planning! Anyways, I will leave it at this for now, and will update as time and money allows. I check the forums every day so if you have any comments, ideas, or suggestions, then please share!

 

[finnerandr]

Didnt get as much done this weekend as I had wanted to. But I did cut out the seat pan and got it shaped. Need to get some sanding disks for the dotco to finish it off. I have the florist foam ready to go, and as soon as the seat pan is done I will slap the foam on there and get the tail shaped. I have changed my mind about cutting the rear. I am going to leave the rear as is, and lay up over the cross brace to kind of form a wheel well so that I wont have to worry about tire clearance. No pics for today, but will get some as I start forming the foam and laying up the fiberglass.

 

[Curbcast]

maybe go alittle cooler with the blue? Blue with a silver feel? I have a faded VW & I love its colour blue. Boat tail Im not feeling. Unless your going to make it into a beer cooler or something, Id mellow it out. Just my opinion.

how much for the 175 tank in the photos?

 

[finnerandr]

The tail will definitely be mellowed out. Wont be near as big or boxy as the cardboard mockup. Would you mind posting a pic of the blue that you are referring to? Im definitely open to suggestions as to colors.

As far as the extra tanks, Im not selling them just yet. I have a few more leads on some other bikes and may end up using one or both of them. But if I do decide to get rid of one, I will let you know.

 

[dcwp]

I think the boat tail is going to be very cool. Before I started building my brat/cafe bike, I was thinking of making an electric bike. They're shockingly fast at the low end since electric motors are all torque. But to get longer runs and higher speeds, the electro guys often use long boat tails. I think it's a cool look and this toned down version will make it like a cafe shark.

Keep us posted!

 

[jonescafe72]

Outstanding start my friend! I really like the idea of a boattail. Let me know if you need any help with the glassing. I have no experience, but I would like to learn as well. Blue and silver will really pop. Looks like a killer start. Can't wait to follow your build.

 

[Curbcast]

Check my build cb175. Its behind my bike on the car. Its kindof a crappy saturation of the colour. But an idea? Kinda metalish..desaturated

 

[finnerandr]

Check my build cb175. Its behind my bike on the car. Its kindof a crappy saturation of the colour. But an idea? Kinda metalish..desaturated

Is this the one you are talking about?

If so, I do really like that shade of blue! Would look great with a grayish frame instead of a silver one. Would really tone it down a notch or two as well. Thanks for the suggestion. Will have to see what the painter can suggest as far as getting close to that color when the time comes.

Jonescafe72, when the time comes for me to lay the glass, I will definitely give you a call.

 

[Curbcast]

Yup. The "fighter" thread in "big arse" has a similar colour. These colours really showcase lines & form. So do a good job, & you wont regret it. I might try the same thing on mine.