Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350 " Bloody Wrench"

Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

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Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

I thought I's drop a few pics of the progress ( slow at best )

I finally got the tabs off the main frame, bending, angle grinder, then a flapper sander, here's a few of the main pieces already etched primered, I still need to etch primer the frame where I took the tabs off.

72CB350project001.jpg



These are the next few items to be primered, I will be using the battery box at the stock location. I did grind off the useless tube underneth the box. I'll also be painting the shocks, their to pitted to be left as chrome ( filler primer to smooth out the pits)

72CB350project005.jpg


The project maybe a slow one but I'm taking my time to do it without getting frustrated, plus I only have the weekends to work on it . I will be primering parts next week . Once I have every part primered and ready to go I'll paint everything that day then clear coat the next day . So far i've been impressed with Duplicolors products, their etching primer does a great job, not one tear drop if you do it right. I finally got to removing the front tire off the rim, not a good sign when the rim has rusted all the through, toosing the rim and looking for a replacement ( along with the spokes, I might sand them down and re-use them) .
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If it ain't broken, then break it and make it look better.
Pic of what I hope to accomplish.

These are the next few items
If it ain't broken, then break it and make it look better.
Pic of what I hope to accomplish.
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

Just caught up on this thread. I love that tank!! hang it in the garage!

You should be able to do the build for about $800 if you don't need any major engine work. Did you do a compression test? You could probably still do a cold test if you can strap that motor down to stablize it. That would tell you alot about what you are going to need in the motor before you spend the budget on shiny stuff.

Definitley use the allballs kit for the steering also replace your swing arm bushings. tremendous improvement in handling.

Nice work!!
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

diesel450 - thanks for the props. The engine turned over and ran prior to the tear down, It's funny how you estimatede the project at 800 as that's what I figured it would be after I finally get all the bits and pieces together. The "allballs" kit is a must as I really don't think putting back the original style bearing is a good move on my part. The tank may have a future as the back of my seat, there are no holes at the back section, we'll see. Plus I might use it as a tester for practicing knee dents into the tank prior to getting the replacement.

I started more primering today on some more of the parts that needed to be done (see the pic above), I ran out of etching primer so I'll pick up where I left off tommorrow.
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

Yeah, That $800 number just seems to be around what it costs to do a basic but complete re-build on these. Of course it all varies depending on the particulars. Keep at it and get more pics up!!
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

Damn D' your quick in the responce dept !! pics are the only way to keep me going on this project. I had a guy from bobbertalk who sent me a pm a few days ago re- used rims ( $40 !! ) for the pair . It's people like this that will be a big help in keeping my costs low as possible. Plus a another person I work with will be able to cut my rearsets for next to nothing once I get him the cad drawing, I'll be using the original holes on the passenger pegs as the rearset set-up . I found that position quite comfy. Plus the seat pan is something I'll be making ( fiberglass), looking at alot of posts here I think it's something I can do .
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

Funny, I happen to be online, ::) You can def do the glass seat. I am doing one right now and its doable. It does cost a bit to get the stuff together though. but if you do more than one it'll pay you back.

Whats cheap on your rearsets and can you get more than one set made? ;)
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

Diesel, the main shifters are the only pieces being made. it's being done as a favor thru an automotive parts manufacterure, the kind of thing where it's not really being made ( wink, wink, nudge,nudge) . I was just going to cut them from 1/4" 6061 Alum and follow Herm21's set up ( http://dotheton.com/index.php?topic=7401.0 ) I do have a cad drawing that I printed from Paul Smith ( it's not on the his photbucket anymore) that I'll be using as the template for the shifters.

The final pieces I'll be getting thru "Fast from the Past" or " Rod End Supply" later on.

Where does one find the supplies( fiberglass and resin) to make the seat by the way, "Home ripoff" or "Not Lowe prices" ?? I've been reading up on How to make it but I've never seen where to purchase the supplies.
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

Thompsonmx100, I'll be looking into that very soon. thanks for the heads up.
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

I've found that the auto parts stores have only the basic stuff for fiberglass. To really do it right you're going to want a few different weights of fiberglass matt and cloth as well as some gel coat in addition to the resin. I am lucky to have a great Marine hardware store locally that had a really good selection of this stuff. If you don't have a place locally (look for composite supplies) you can find it all on line. Check out www.Hamiltonmarine.com they are the place I go to locally but have a great website as well.
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

man, youve really got your work cut out for you! But it looks live youre making some good progress, good luck!
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

Fortunately for you ,you live in the land of dirt free shipping,there a tons of cb 350 parts on evil bay.I must commend you, on you determination,,,,,,,,,,and paticence.I purchase the exact same bike 4 yrs ago, I kept the engine,frame,tank,wheels and front end(and hacked the top triple with the lawn mower :eek:) the rest of it went to the dumpster,the motor and tank was the reason of the purchase.Food for thought,,search out a g model,cb350f ,cb360 or a cb400f disc brake front end,,they bolt right up ! good luck on your build
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

As I will be installing new rearsets to this piece should I go ahead and cut off this little shaft ( Red Arrow ) for a cleaner look, that use to hold the original shifter? I know it's a no brainer question but I thought I'd throw it out there.
72CB350project007-1.jpg


Next Question, As I will be fabricating a fiberglass seat should I remove the ( A ) bracket or is this a structural piece on the frame, maybe I should bend it inward ?
along with ( B ) knowing that it is not structural but is on the same line as ( A )

72CB350project006-1.jpg


Need your input - Thanks -P-
 
Re: Very first Cafe build - 72' CB350

I cut off/ground down both A and B, however I also put a tray down in there and welded it in, which should offer at least as much if not more bracing than what these brackets gave.

I am not expert though, I am on my first build just like you, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

p.s. ya cut the old shifter bolt off if youre moving to rear sets.
 
Okay I've fianlly made some progres on the bike, the frame has some pitting issues that I took care of using JB weld steel/epoxy putty, worked well.

here's a pic of the etch primered frame on the very technical spray booth ( garage ) hey it worked great

72CB350project009.jpg


Once this was gone over many times ( tWistedWheelz 's sticky VERY Helpfull ) I carefully took the frame to the spacious drying room ( basement ) where it will cure for a week's time then a good clear coating to keep that shine

72CB350project012.jpg



Prior to getting the frame ready and painted I took some time cleaning up the motor, it's not going in for a beauty Contest I just wanted it clean ( simple green,stiff brush, wire brush for those tough stains (lol) )
then I took a 1000grit sandpaper to the outter covers. I'll hit it with a buffer later on.

72CB350project011.jpg


I also have this unique tank coming in for the build, I can't wait to get it on the bike :

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That's my update for now, I know it's a slow build , but I'd rather take my time on it than rush through it and really not like what I did.
 
Everythings lookin good so far. Especially the tank - much better than the original!
 
Big R, I got lucky with the tank. I also use bobbertalk's forum, one of the members wives did not like the look of the tank for her bike build so the husband sold it to me for 50 bucks ( plus he's going to sand blast it for me at no charge ). the real nice thing about this tank, it fits right into the front and rear mounts perfectly. Who wants original when you can install uniqueness.

As the weeks come throught I'll be purchasing bit by bit, if I'm real lucky this thing will kick over by September ( crossing fingers )
 
Back with an Update, I'm now re-doing the steeering bearing with a sealed kit from allballs racing.

I'm at a stuck point, I decided to do a dry run on the bearing and I came to a snag point ( gee no surprise for me ) where the bottom bearing does not slide to the bottom base of the steering shaft, it stops at the flare near the base. using hand pressure and being flush to the steering shaft it still does not go any further.

See Pic :
CB350project.jpg


Do I need to tap it down with a specific tool or a rubber mallet ?? Need some insight.
 
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