75 CB400 "Dad's old bike" project

[Pops400]

OK, I thought I'd better update where I'm at, I've had a few messages behind the scenes and not been able to answer properly as my head wasnt right on it.

The reality has hit home and there has been a lot of soul searching over the last week and a bit. I stood in the unit surrounded by all this decrepit old crap and a bent, split frame and reality really sank in. This thing has been destroyed by butchery, ravaged by time and bent by bastard thieves. It is in a shocking state and way beyond my talent level. Every single part is corroded to  or broken. It hit me really hard and I had to walk away.

I simply can't afford the repairs to the frame and I won't accept a bodge for the sake of safety, so it is game over for moving on with that. I appreciate all the thoughts on PM about replacing the frame, but I have had to ask myself what is important about the build to me, because it sure as hell isnt value once it is done. This is 100% sentimental and without the original frame, it simply isnt my Dads bike.

So with pure out and out common sense sitting on my shoulder... F it, I'm wet already, I might as well get soaked . Game on!!!

I have decided to park the frame and think about how I get round that and get on with trying to restore what parts I can in the meantime. I have managed to persuade someone to let me use their blasting booth, so will be taking the frame there to get a true appraisal of the damage and get some other bits blasted off. That will keep Jess and I busy whilst I work everything else out and if all else fails, I've learned something and you lot will get some (hopefully) nice shiny parts to buy.

A set back. A big one, but just a set back. As a wise man once said to me, Never give up.

We are back in business, the girl and I.I shall recommence boring you sensless shortly.

[Green1]

Chin up could be worse 
I still think it could be worth tracking down another frame to splice yours.
One without a v5 wont be worth much.

[Nurse Julie]

Well done Pops, a good decision I reckon. Hopefully you realise just how much help and advice is available on this forum from people who genuinely want to keep, or get, these old girl's on the road for many a reason, be it sentimental, egotistical or just sheer madness. It will all be worth it in the end, even if it's just spending quality time with Jess. There's no rush or time limit, it's been sitting around for a long time so a bit longer won't matter at all. Good luck.

[Pops400]

Thanks Both

Yes, V5'less frame is the current strategy, but will see what happens.

And yes, madness it is. But thanks to some friendly forum members I am back in the foolish plight. 25 years I've waited to ride the damn thing. Another few won't hurt. Just needed a head clear.

[Rozabikes Tim]

I think your attitude is admirable. Sure I am like most here - if it ain't economical to repair, chuck it and buy a replacement.... In your case you can't replace your dad's history. Stick at it, credit to you! Your girl will be so proud of you! (should read even prouder I'm sure!)

[Pops400]

Thank you. 

[mike the bike]

I was in two minds about a replacement frame too after my 400 got nicked,  bent, sidestand bracket broken off.  Is it the same bike or is it like granddad's broom? (three new heads and two new handles).   In essence,  yes, it is the same bike.  Which is why my 1975 bike has an F2 frame and F2 red tank.
It's not exactly like a car where the chassis IS the car.  On a bike the frame is just one component.   Not the legal opinion, just mine.  Go for it.

[Pops400]

Finding a frame to cut is not proving easy, Mike. By the time I've looked at the cost plus getting it here, it still stacks up to money I don't have.

It will just have to stay parked until the right donor comes along. In the meantime I am looking through the garage for sale items to raise the cash!

[petermigreen]

Restorations have a way of sucking the life out of you sometimes and I must admit that the condition of your Dad's bike does look very bad and if there was no sentimental value you'd drop it just like anyone else.
Anyway, what I wanted to say is this, on at least two of the restorations I've done, there was always a problem that I thought at the time was game over or I'd just had it up to the back teeth but somehow, it all came together in the end.
I'm sure the right frame or decision will come along and, in my experience, you'll look back one day and the situation you're in now will seem quite insignificant.
If it was easy everyone would be doing it, but it isn't which is why they're not. I've often had people say to me 'wow, I just don't know how you do it' but the answer is easy. It's not necessarily technical skill that gets the job done but sheer bloody perseverance. For me that's what a restoration is about, the willingness to drag something back to it's former glory when no one else will.
I think the value of your Dad's old bike is not in pound notes but as a platform for you and your Daughter to share something special ie. the memory of your Dad and the life lessons she'll learn from watching you persevere are priceless.

Anyway, pep talk over. Crack on mate.
Peter.

[mike the bike]

Well said.  I've forgotten all the grief I went through, but it was well worth it.

[Tomb]

Looking at your frame, the repairs would seem much easier than getting a different one, The sidestand mount and frame tube is easy to sort. The bent frame tube can be pushed back out easily, the tube dent not so easy but welding on a slide hammer and pulling the dent out as far as possible then a bit of filler will work without weakening the frame.

Pity you're a distance away, I'd do it for a pack of beer.

[Pops400]

Cheers Peter, I have a couple of irons in the fire, but nothing to fruition yet. Good to get the advice of those who have been there and come out the other side and it's all helping get me back on track, thanks.

Tomb, I have to say that if that's a genuine offer, I'd gladly take you up on it if you are a welder. I am up and down the length and breadth of the country regularly, so never many weeks away from being able to make a drop off or pick up! 

Hoping to get some work done at the weekend on some prepping for blasting. Maybe wheels and fork legs, not sure yet.

[Tomb]

Sh!t!!! me and my big gob hahahaha

Edited as this is Pops thread 

It would be a good idea to put the forks and wheels back in quickly just to check alignment before doing any frame repairs, once we're happy its good the repairs can be done. Clean everything up and slot just the forks and wheels in, don't need anything else on.

[Pops400]

Good looking work! 

Tell you what, I'll only hold you to it if I can't find a work around before then. If I am still stuck in the spring, you've got the job, how's that. 

Incredibly good of you if you do manage to help. Thank you. This is quite the place I have stumbled across here. Many good people!

As an aside, I've been a regular at Santa Pod and Shakey since I was young, so would be interested in the drag bike details. I'm a Mopar man at heart.

[Tomb]

There are some great people here, some have helped me, so I'm simply putting something back in.

PM'd you Pop