Restoration project - CB400F 1975.

[kiki.o]

Thanks for your kind comments.

Thanks for the invite @trek97, but I am not a Facebook member and never had been. Weird, I know. I might try with my SWMBO's account.

I do have a question for all you that have made the restoration of the 400 four before, or anyone who knows: What's the correct placement for the "Helmet Holder" sticker on the frame? I assume, it's arrond the holder itself, but would like to know exactly.

A pic maybe?

Thanks in advance,
Kristijan

 

[Jimbonaut]

I was sorry to read about your spill there last summer, hope you've made a full recovery. Bike looks great, and the paint job is remarkable. Full speed ahead mate

 

[trek97]

An original 1975, 400F frame I have...

 

[kiki.o]

@trek97 thanks a lot. That's exactly what I needed.

I know that it sounds stupid but i am looking forward putting all the decals on the bike. These are small things that make whole project little bit more authentic.

 

[trek97]

@trek97These are small things that make whole project little bit more authentic.

The devil is in the details, my man.

 

[kiki.o]

Some little more progress:

Disk bolts have been cleaned and prepared for zinc plating:

Brake pump disassembled,paint stripped and ready for paint:

Tnx on the info trek97, but now I cannot find my Helmet Holder decals. I know they are out there somewhere, but just cannot find them. Ah well, I'll put them on later.

But I managet to put on these two decals:

Ain't much but it's still some progress.


I do have a question for all of you, what's the best option for glass beaded aluminium parts(engine cases, wheel hubs..)? Leave it as is, or paint it in aluminium/silver color? I have VHT sliver paint for these, but I am thinking to leave it as is,if there will be no problems with maintenance in the long run. What option did you took? Any pro/cons from experience?

Thanks on the input.

Regards, Kristijan

 

[trek97]

I will remove my pics from your thread in short order.
Everything your doing looks great.
I Polished/painted my engine w marbles motors silver.
If I had to do my engines again I would seriously consider vapor blasting and leaving it all raw.
After Irk Miller vapor blasted my brake master cylinder and the head I was amazed at the finish.
I am sending more parts to him soon.

Vapor is fast, easy and beautiful. Polishing or painting is a time consuming, pain in the butt.

 

[trek97]

Also I should add.
The engine parts that were painted in factory were top half of case, clutch, points, stator and chain covers.
Head cover, head, jugs, bottom half of case, oil filter housing and oil pan were all raw.

 

[kiki.o]

Feel free to leave the pics, they really show what true vapor blasting finish looks like.

Thanks for the input. I assumed it was the whole engine painted at the factory- meaning that includes the Head cover, head,jugs and so on... I would be wrong, I guess.

Is there a photo what is the closest look to a factory painted engine?

 

[trek97]

Pics aren't so great for details like the engine. But it gives an idea there's not so much contrast between the raw and painted parts.
But here is a 100% factory original bike w 170 miles on it. (With added high bars and highway pegs)
It was bought by Kevin Mullin, he was friends w the original owner.
The PO passed away, and his widow offered it for sale to him.
The PO bought it new and stored it for his retirement bike.

I could ask Kevin if he has any better pics of the engine.

 

[trek97]

The old girl is in desperate need of a bath...

 

[Maritime]

Wow, I would love to have that bike to restore!

 

[kiki.o]

Agree, that sure is one real gem right there.

@trek97, thanks. Yes, i see it now, there is not big of a difference between the painted and non painted alu parts.

I might do the same

 

[trek97]

A very fine, light vapor blast would probably give you the desired clean "factory" styled finish.
If it comes out too matte. Then some 1200-1500 wet sanding may be needed.
I think 2000 grit wet sand might get it too close to a polished finish.
I should have some wet sand example pics from my build. Ill take a look...when I find my phone. ha

 

[trek97]

 

[eyhonda]

Hi to all,

This never ending project is making a little big step forward. Finally.

I have made an order of few parts from USA, but due to COVID and all the problems with it, it took almost 2 months to receive the parts for the front forks.

For the rear shocks i have chosen to upgrade(if it can be called that way) on Hagon shocks. Stock shocks were rather soft, so I hope this will sort out that problem.

I have finished the suspension, and I hope to have rolling chassis soon.

Here are few pics:

I have cleaned and powder coated the lower forks, RAL 9006, looks nice but I am not so sure about the color... Cleaned the threads,and prepared for assembly.

Cleaned few old parts:

Rest of parts were replaced with new:

On this picture, all parts on the left are re-used and all on the right were new ones:

Both forks assembled:

And put on the triple trees:

Rear bushing placement cleaned:

And rear shocks mounted:

This is where she is now:

Tank has recieved few details also:

I have ordered new tires, and I hope to have it rolling soon:

That's all for today. Hope you like it.

I hope this rebuild will speed up, but ordering parts from all parts of the world can be very time and money consuming.

I had second thougths now and then but all your builds on this forum just confirms that it's all worth while.

Thanks,
Kristijan

Riding it alone will be worth it! Nice work so far!

 

[kiki.o]

Okay, I ran into a serious problem.

It seems that I might have a cb350f engine in my cb400f.

Engine has been disassembled, and I have seen the serial nubmer: CB350FE-107....

Now, as i see it, there can be two options:

1) that's a CB350F engine
2) The crankcase has been replaced sometimes in the past(due to an accdent or something similar)

So my question is, how can I tell for sure if this is an 350F or 400F engine?What are the internal and what are the external differences?

400F has 6 speeds, while 350F has only 5? Right?

Since the engine is torn apart, i can measure things. What should be the diameter of the pistons?

Thank you for any advice.

Regards,
Kristijan

 

[irk miller]

If it's stamped CB350FE, than you have a CB350. No way around it. Odd someone put a 350 engine into a 400 frame. Few other differences outside of the obvious.

 

[kiki.o]

Fair enough.

But, it's the 6 speed trans inside, along with the 51mm pistons. So, I'd say it's not as simple as that.

 

[irk miller]

Fair enough.

But, it's the 6 speed trans inside, along with the 51mm pistons. So, I'd say it's not as simple as that.

That's interesting. Worth a look, but sounds like the 400 pieces fit the 350 case? I've never seen that done, personally.