1969 CB350- Cafe Racer, Build Log

[ghost]

So, I picked up a '69 CB350 for about $250 earlier this year. I've been reading on here for a very long time now, soaking in as much info as I can. Since I'm home for winter break I've been making lots of progress. I'd say enough progress to start my own build thread.. But I won't bore you with an intro or plans, here are some pictures!

Some of the frame parts set up in the barn:

Initial engine disassembly:

Moved it into the basement for winter:

Split the cases! Never done anything like this before, just car maintanence really:

Ready for soda blasting:

Loaded into the dishwasher after blasting:

Not all the flash rust came off... ugh definitely getting honed now:

Most parts will be getting painted tomorrow! I picked up VHT primer, gloss black, and clear coat. I'd like to sand the fins between the black and clear coats. We'll have to see how this oven curing goes. I'll be finding a machine shop for my jugs and camshaft/rocker arms. It's not pictured but theres a small bit of pitting on one of the camshaft lobes. I should probably measure everything with my dial calipers before I take stuff to the machine shop. Anyways, if anyone has any input/advice it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[yorkie350]

Hi mate yeah looking well organised i aint got the balls to use the dishwasher for parts her ladyship would shove the xmas turkey where the sun dont shine haha one thing i did before painting engine parts was heat them up just with hot air gun (better known as a hairdryer) and mask off all ports n anything that dont want paint on lot easier than cleaning off surfaces after and leave as long as poss before putting back together or into frame let that paint harden off easier said than done when u is itching to see finished result but worth it good luck fella will look out for ya results have a great xmas ps one thing i always got told its only paint if it goes wrong it will flat out / clean off start again

 

[ghost]

Thanks for the input yorkie! I was planning on wiping the parts down with denaturalized alcohol before priming. As for heat, this paint is made to be cured, I'll definitely take advantage of that. I got sidetracked with family today, but I did manage to measure some parts. Clutch plates and springs are within spec, but I believe my inner and outer valve springs are too short, so I'll need to track down replacements. I'm going to stop by the machine shop tomorrow with the other pieces while parts are drying.

 

[yorkie350]

Sounds cool mate you got a good plan goin on there well worth checking all those working parts first i got me a few probs with runnin carbs /val/ timing/etc i was too quick to start rippin down the motor for painting plus bike didnt have carbs and struggled to get a set but getting a real buzz now she is nearly back together so many ideas n colour schemes will post some photos of a great caferacer seat idea with piano hinge to reveal tool tray / storage area gonna be a while before ime role her out winter in UK aint good with all the crappy rocksalt they put on the roads overhere if i can give ya any help feel free to ask i aint no mechanic but got round many a problem one way or another should save ya time n headaches figuring it out for yourself cheers mate