Author Topic: Yankee Doodle not so dandy CB400 rebuild  (Read 5182 times)

Offline K2-K6

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Re: Yankee Doodle not so dandy CB400 rebuild
« Reply #60 on: April 06, 2019, 12:46:48 PM »
What an improvement,  must be pleased you've got that sorted.

For anyone welding with arc and stick kit,  if you keep the rods in a warm dry place (airing cupboard)  they will weld much better.  The external flux is hygroscopic (absorbs water) and doesn't work well at all with it damp.  Usually it spatters all over the place and gives those blobs seen in the first photos.

If the flux doesn't flow properly over the hot weld it will oxidise during the weld phase and not give the integrity needed either.

Offline Skunky

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Re: Yankee Doodle not so dandy CB400 rebuild
« Reply #61 on: April 06, 2019, 01:13:41 PM »
What an improvement,  must be pleased you've got that sorted.

For anyone welding with arc and stick kit,  if you keep the rods in a warm dry place (airing cupboard)  they will weld much better.  The external flux is hygroscopic (absorbs water) and doesn't work well at all with it damp.  Usually it spatters all over the place and gives those blobs seen in the first photos.

If the flux doesn't flow properly over the hot weld it will oxidise during the weld phase and not give the integrity needed either.

To be honest I think the poor welding was done with the engine in the frame by a complete idiot. He just wanted it back on.

It is apparent that when the bike broke down he just left it standing. Its got no miles on it and the original tyres although I think it's short life was a hard one.

I'm over the moon. I thought I might have to scrap it but now I can start the restoration. I intend to leave the bike standard and clean up as much as possible without removing the patina of age. 
Honda CB400F USA
Triumph Thruxton 900
BMW K100 Custom Buils

Offline Skunky

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Re: Yankee Doodle not so dandy CB400 rebuild
« Reply #62 on: April 20, 2019, 07:15:52 AM »
Frame cleaned back to metal and painted [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Honda CB400F USA
Triumph Thruxton 900
BMW K100 Custom Buils

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: Yankee Doodle not so dandy CB400 rebuild
« Reply #63 on: April 20, 2019, 03:40:53 PM »
That's a very smooth finish, hand painted?
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

Offline Woodside

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Re: Yankee Doodle not so dandy CB400 rebuild
« Reply #64 on: April 20, 2019, 03:52:35 PM »
And what paint did you use?

Offline Skunky

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Re: Yankee Doodle not so dandy CB400 rebuild
« Reply #65 on: April 26, 2019, 12:40:04 PM »
That's a very smooth finish, hand painted?
No, rattle can 
Honda CB400F USA
Triumph Thruxton 900
BMW K100 Custom Buils

Offline Skunky

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Re: Yankee Doodle not so dandy CB400 rebuild
« Reply #66 on: April 26, 2019, 12:47:42 PM »
And what paint did you use?


Its just plain old Halfords Gloss black.

Wire brush back to the metal, Knock off any lumps, Sand until smooth,
 Two coats of undercoat. four topcoat and two lacquer.
Honda CB400F USA
Triumph Thruxton 900
BMW K100 Custom Buils

 

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