Honda-SOHC

General => New Member Introductions => Topic started by: 71 V12 on February 25, 2017, 11:03:33 AM

Title: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: 71 V12 on February 25, 2017, 11:03:33 AM: Hi to all on the forum,

I have been lurking here for a while whilst I have hankered after a CB750 restoration project.

Finally the urge and finances came together about 12 months ago and I bought a US import K4 eBay special. Went for this one due to its low mileage and it was comparatively cheap. Advertised as a seized non runner.

On getting the bike I was not disappointed, it was as bad as it looked in the photos, but largely original. No serious rot, most of the chrome plating whilst oxidized is not seriously pitted. Freed engine after soaking the bores for a week or two with diesel. Stripped and cleaned carbs and after changing the oil, filter, coils, new points and plugs and fresh fuel from a remote tank got her running.

So great project. Since then I have completely stripped her. Lots of the preparation work now done. Frame shot blasted and coated, all re-chroming, re-zincing done, engine cases soda blasted, tank chemically stripped, bearings removed from hubs.

I am at a stage now where I can start to undertake the enormous amount of aluminium polishing and commence reassembly. Bought a 2.5HP polishing motor and all the mops - finally 3 years studying to be a silversmith will have a benefit!

Looking forward to the rebuild and the challenge. I have restored a few cars before and an a 1970 Triumph Daytona. I really enjoy the project, I am just hoping the CB750 will be a rewarding ride when finished which the Triumph was not.

I will have plenty of questions and I will post a few more pics when I have confidence I am posting correctly.

Looking forward to getting to know you all and look forward to all feedback.

Kevin
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: Laverda Dave on February 25, 2017, 11:20:49 AM: Welcome to the forum 71V12, you'll have fun on here and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Before anyone else says anything......lots of photos of the rebuild please, we like a photographic restoration story :).
The rebuild sounds like it's going well, that's one big polishing motor you have to play with, be careful with your fingers, hands, arms etc!
I built a Triton a few years ago and like you, I had more fun building it then riding it :(
Dave
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: Johnwebley on February 25, 2017, 11:41:47 AM: welcome,

we love pictures of rebuilding bikes almost as much as riding them,well ,only on the cold wet evenings !!

its a great place here,lots of banter and help and advise
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: mike the bike on February 25, 2017, 11:52:53 AM: Welcome from me too, I take it that photo is the before photo. Keep us updated with the restoration, we all like success stories, especially when accompanied with photos.
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: Green1 on February 25, 2017, 12:28:19 PM: Welcome the 750 is a great bike just a little heavy.
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: petermigreen on February 25, 2017, 01:18:11 PM: Welcome from me too. I have to admit as 400 owner/rider I do have a touch of 750 envy so wish I had a project such as yours.

Enjoy your build and I for one look forward to the progress and ultimate result!
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: hairygit on February 25, 2017, 03:02:03 PM: Quote from: Green1 on February 25, 2017, 12:28:19 PM
Welcome the 750 is a great bike just a little heavy.
Hi, and welcome. Good choice of project, the 750 is a great bike, Mick "Green 1" is a shortarse, the 750's are great, well balanced bikes! ;D
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: 71 V12 on February 25, 2017, 05:30:23 PM: Hi again guys,

Many thanks for the welcomes and friendly advice, I am going to enjoy your company.

I will try to add a few more pics. How do I add multiple pictures to a post?

Was the seat "HONDA" logo silver or white?
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: 71 V12 on February 25, 2017, 05:33:38 PM: The cases were really clean internally. Light corrosion to one cylinder, but I am going to rebuild the motor with the original bearings and pistons after a light hone of the cylinders.
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: 71 V12 on February 25, 2017, 05:36:56 PM: The easiest strip down I have done, completed in a weekend. Someone had attacked the valve cover and a few screws chewed up, but other than that most fasteners are reusable after a re-plate.
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on February 25, 2017, 05:42:34 PM: There's a FAQ on images Kevin.

Try here: http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,1915.0.html

Steve
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: 71 V12 on February 25, 2017, 06:06:29 PM: Thanks Steve,

I will try again.

Seat base not too bad but one or two pin holes. Not sure its worth rescuing.
[attach=1]

Frame straight and rot free. All in all a really nice basis for a good project
[attach=2]
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: Valentinik on February 25, 2017, 07:03:00 PM: Welcome Kevin, I'm from Sutton Coldfield myself, so you're not too far away from me. The build looks really interesting.

Mike
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: MarkCR750 on February 26, 2017, 12:49:16 PM: Welcome to the forum, it's a good one with lots of great advice and no idiots section, I'm sure you'll enjoy riding the CB when it's finished, nice smooth relatively torquey engine, quite good handling given the 1960's design, good reliability and a lovely looking bike, what's not to like!, worthwhile upgrades would be electronic ignition and a twin disc conversion which is easy to do and relatively cheap using second hand parts, anyway good luck completing your build, cheers Mark.
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: petermigreen on February 26, 2017, 01:11:15 PM: To add multiple images, at the bottom of the dialogue box after you've added the first image click on (more attachments).
hope that helps.

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on February 26, 2017, 07:06:52 PM: When you are attaching images, select "Inline full-size image" as it gives the best results.
The software won't let me set this as a default...
Like this (Bike Mag 1980) - how did they know?

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: hairygit on February 26, 2017, 07:39:14 PM: Quote from: SteveD CB500F on February 26, 2017, 07:06:52 PM
When you are attaching images, select "Inline full-size image" as it gives the best results.
The software won't let me set this as a default...
Like this (Bike Mag 1980) - how did they know?

(Attachment Link)
Because they had a crystal ball, the man in the picture is looking into it, although it was probably done at the time as a nightmare fantasy, strange how nightmares come true!
Title: Re: Hello from Sutton Coldfield
Post by: 71 V12 on February 27, 2017, 06:47:51 PM: Thank you all for your welcomes and support.

I am going to enjoy this forum. :D