Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club
July 11, 2025, 10:19:06 AM *
Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length
Ultimate Seats Link VRCC Store
Homepage : Photostash : JustPics : Shoptalk : Old Tech Archive : Classifieds : Contact Staff
News: If you're new to this message board, read THIS!
 
MarkT Exhaust
Pages: [1] 2   Go Down
Print
Author Topic: Reb's Restorations - *not for hire*  (Read 1891 times)
Reb
Member
*****
Posts: 2363


Don't threaten me with a good time

Greeneville, TN


« on: March 02, 2020, 12:24:44 PM »

I've been working diligently on the 72' CB350F I acquired over X-mas. Since most of the bike was in fairly good shape, I decided to just do a tear down and thorough cleaning of the frame, engine, wheels, forks, etc.

The frame does has some light oxidation, but not enough to warrant a blasting and re-paint. The 70's paint on the tank and side covers is in decent enough shape, It should come back to life with some compound and polish.



I put a new battery in just to make sure everything is sound electrically. All lights work except for the rear turn signals, where I find a mouse had chewed the wiring in half where the seat rests on the back fender (easily fixable).

-I decided to start on the carburetors first. I ordered a rebuild kit and some fancy stainless hardware for the bowls from 4into1.com. Simple Green, toothbrush, dremel, lots of elbow grease, and a Harbor Freight bench buffer are must have tools to restore old aluminum to a better than factory finish. The old Honda clear coat that covered the aluminum was pretty well shot, I decided to just polish the bowls and top covers to bring some luster to the old girl.






















With the carb's completed. I moved too the rear wheel. Since the spokes were rusted out, I went ahead and ordered a new front and rear set from 4into1.com. I was smart enough to remember to take a few photo's of the wheel before removing the spokes. Several family members of mine warned me about removing all the spokes at once, and how much of a pain it is to re-lace and true the wheel. After 4 attempts, a few f words, and some thrown spoke wrenches.... I got the replacing part down. (After polishing the rear hub and rim)













I spent most of the past weekend working on truing the wheel. It took a while, but finally got it running true within the 1/16 in spec.


Now i'm waiting on a new tube and rear tire to come in from Amazon before finishing up the rear end. So yesterday i moved to getting the engine in order. I removed it from the frame and gave it a Simple Green scrub down. Polished the drive sprocket cover, clutch cover, and rocker arm cover.










Waiting on a few gaskets to come in before finishing the engine and placing back into frame. Hope to get started on the front portion this weekend and rebuild and polish the front forks, front wheel, and handlebars......

More to come, I have two more classics on deck waiting  (68' CL175 / 75' GL1000) cooldude









« Last Edit: March 02, 2020, 12:29:33 PM by Reb » Logged

2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
pocket aces
Member
*****
Posts: 623

2001 Standard / Well not so Standard anymore.

Tampa, Fl


« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2020, 12:27:58 PM »

 cooldude Wow that looks amazing  cooldude
Logged
The emperor has no clothes
Member
*****
Posts: 29945


« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2020, 12:34:01 PM »

Damn ! Superb work !  cooldude I wonder if some clear coat on those carbs and wheels would help keep them looking good ? (Nice post)  cooldude
Logged
Reb
Member
*****
Posts: 2363


Don't threaten me with a good time

Greeneville, TN


« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2020, 12:39:44 PM »

Damn ! Superb work !  cooldude I wonder if some clear coat on those carbs and wheels would help keep them looking good ? (Nice post)  cooldude

I looked into that, a few vintage Honda forum users claimed you lose a lot of the shine with a clear protective type coating.

I'm hoping to just maintain it the old fashion way  Undecided
Logged

2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
Valkorado
Member
*****
Posts: 10499


VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2020, 12:42:07 PM »

Whoa, Nellie, almost blinded me!  That's a labor of love and elbow grease right there.  Your Uncle is probably looking down and beaming.  cooldude
Logged

Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood?
- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

Jess from VA
Member
*****
Posts: 30453


No VA


« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2020, 12:58:14 PM »

What a great post and pics.   cooldude

Really nice work. 

Just 3 years of production (I think), and a real classic.
Logged
signart
Member
*****
Posts: 2095


Crossville, Tennessee


« Reply #6 on: March 02, 2020, 01:10:27 PM »

Nice! cooldude
Love me some old rice smitten
Logged
Wizzard
Member
*****
Posts: 4043


Bald River Falls

Valparaiso IN


« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2020, 01:15:02 PM »

Great work. Looks nice
Logged


VRCC # 24157
old2soon
Member
*****
Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #8 on: March 02, 2020, 02:10:13 PM »

      Long time ago in another dimension I had a 73 CB 500/4. Brindle kaka brown and black-until that first winter after I bought it. Some Custom paint and gold and silver leaf work and a Kirker 4 into 1. Lookin danged good there Preston.  cooldude Keep up that Good Work. Glad yer takin the time to restore a Legacy and add too yer collection.  smitten Thanks for the write up and the pics. RIDE SAFE.
Logged

Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
RDAbull
Member
*****
Posts: 1460


SW Ohio


« Reply #9 on: March 02, 2020, 02:38:18 PM »

Back when I had my 750/4 I rode a lot with a good friend had one of the 350/4s.  It was a sweet running little bike.

I still have a 750 Hondamatic and my college roommate still has his 550/4 if you are looking at filling out your collection.

Great work, must be nice to be young and full of P & V.
Logged

2015 GoldWing Trike
1999 Valkyrie Interstate Trike, gone but not forgotten
Reb
Member
*****
Posts: 2363


Don't threaten me with a good time

Greeneville, TN


« Reply #10 on: March 02, 2020, 02:40:23 PM »

Back when I had my 750/4 I rode a lot with a good friend had one of the 350/4s.  It was a sweet running little bike.

I still have a 750 Hondamatic and my college roommate still has his 550/4 if you are looking at filling out your collection.

Great work, must be nice to be young and full of P & V.

They keep me out of trouble  Wink
Logged

2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
DDT (12)
Member
*****
Posts: 4113


Sometimes ya just gotta go...

Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...


« Reply #11 on: March 02, 2020, 03:11:34 PM »

Rob,

Most impressive, my friend! WOW! You certainly have more ambition than I, and way, way more energy!!! Nice job... Now it's time for some BBQ...

DDT
Logged

Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!

See ya down the road...
Thunderbolt
Member
*****
Posts: 3725


Worthington Springs FL.


« Reply #12 on: March 02, 2020, 04:05:06 PM »

Most excellent work there Reb.  Yep, three of those should keep you out of trouble for some time to come.  Keep up the good work.  El Cheapo soap impregnated steel wool pads from your favorite dollar type store work well to get surface rust off stuff.  Just wet um and scrub.
Logged

hal47
Member
*****
Posts: 545

INDIANA


« Reply #13 on: March 02, 2020, 09:40:13 PM »

Looks great,how many buffing wheel have you wore out?
Logged
henry 008
Member
*****
Posts: 1531


BRP

willard, oh


« Reply #14 on: March 03, 2020, 07:22:19 AM »

 cooldude BRAVO  coolsmiley
Logged

Safe Winds... Brother

Reb
Member
*****
Posts: 2363


Don't threaten me with a good time

Greeneville, TN


« Reply #15 on: March 03, 2020, 07:28:57 AM »

Looks great,how many buffing wheel have you wore out?

Not to many buffing wheels, but have gone through a lot of scotch bright buffing discs
Logged

2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
Bigwolf
Member
*****
Posts: 1502


Cookeville, TN


« Reply #16 on: March 04, 2020, 10:31:26 PM »

Very nice work there Reb! 
Logged
Rams
Member
*****
Posts: 16272


So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #17 on: March 05, 2020, 07:25:40 AM »

Truly a Labor of Love there.    cooldude

No doubt about it, that's some fine looking results.    smitten

Rams
Logged

VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
76450
Member
*****
Posts: 6


« Reply #18 on: March 05, 2020, 07:34:55 AM »

Kudos sir  cooldude
Logged
Ken aka Oil Burner
Member
*****
Posts: 1127


Mendon, MA


WWW
« Reply #19 on: March 05, 2020, 09:45:44 AM »

Nice work  cooldude
Logged

robin
Member
*****
Posts: 2335


Get on it and RIDE!!

Hardwick NJ


« Reply #20 on: March 05, 2020, 11:38:18 AM »

Awsome job reb!!!!!!!
Logged
Charlie McCready
Member
*****
Posts: 900

Gray, Tennessee


« Reply #21 on: March 05, 2020, 12:43:36 PM »

Lookin good Reb !!
Logged

Reb
Member
*****
Posts: 2363


Don't threaten me with a good time

Greeneville, TN


« Reply #22 on: March 20, 2020, 08:59:14 AM »

Rear wheel and chain installed, along with the engine back in the frame.





the before and after of extensive aluminum cleaning and polish




I ordered a Delkevic 4 into 1 header system. I haven't decided on a muffler type just yet. I may run it open for now just to annoy the hell out of the neighbors.






I decided to take yesterday off from work since the weather was reaching mid 70 degree temps, with the focus of hearing it run finally. I ran into a no spark issue and spent a majority of the afternoon with the voltmeter tracking down the problem. Finally found the kill switch was not making contact, I sprayed the hell out of it with contact cleaner and still nothing. Decided to just bypass the connection. After that it fired right up.

I have some throttle, choke, high idle, and carburetor tuning to finish up on, but it's at least it's ALIVE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MizkFcygS8&feature=youtu.be




« Last Edit: March 20, 2020, 09:01:51 AM by Reb » Logged

2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
Valkorado
Member
*****
Posts: 10499


VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #23 on: March 20, 2020, 09:10:50 AM »

Turning into a damn pretty machine.   cooldude
Logged

Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood?
- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

f6john
Member
*****
Posts: 9377


Christ first and always

Richmond, Kentucky


« Reply #24 on: March 20, 2020, 09:35:00 AM »

Loved that sound and it looks sensational!
Logged
Willow
Administrator
Member
*****
Posts: 16631


Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP

Olathe, KS


WWW
« Reply #25 on: March 20, 2020, 10:19:20 AM »

Reb, you do good work!   cooldude
Logged
old2soon
Member
*****
Posts: 23402

Willow Springs mo


« Reply #26 on: March 20, 2020, 10:39:44 AM »

          Maybe a megaphone collector ending near the center of the rear axle? When I had that 73 one of the guys I rode with had a 900/4 Kaw. He had a 4 into 1 into a megaphone. Lets just say even if he left after me I KNEW When he left!  Roll Eyes B T W-it sounds Good!  cooldude RIDE SAFE.
Logged

Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check.  1964  1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240  2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
Reb
Member
*****
Posts: 2363


Don't threaten me with a good time

Greeneville, TN


« Reply #27 on: May 21, 2020, 06:17:48 AM »

*UPDATE*

Front end completed. Polished forks, new fork seals, new steering stem bearings, new brake fluid, new spokes.















At this point I call it pretty much completed. I have some new turn signals and missing hardware coming in this week to button the remaining touches up. It won't win any races, but sure is a ball of fun to ride around.


The Before and After

Logged

2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
Chrisj CMA
Member
*****
Posts: 14778


Crestview (Panhandle) Florida


« Reply #28 on: May 21, 2020, 06:30:52 AM »

Wow, just wow!
Logged
MAD6Gun
Member
*****
Posts: 2636


New Haven IN


« Reply #29 on: May 21, 2020, 06:48:33 AM »

Damn ! Superb work !  cooldude I wonder if some clear coat on those carbs and wheels would help keep them looking good ? (Nice post)  cooldude

I looked into that, a few vintage Honda forum users claimed you lose a lot of the shine with a clear protective type coating.

I'm hoping to just maintain it the old fashion way  Undecided

 Looks amazing Reb. I repolished the wheels and all the rest of the aluminum on my Valk again this year. I'm tired of doing the wheels so I looked into a way to clear coat them afterward. I spoke to a friend of a friend that powder coats. We discussed powder but it has a tendency to orange peal and does take away some of the luster of polished aluminum. Then he said he has a new procedure using clear carakote. He's never done it before so I'm the "guinea pig". The wheels  look good but i realize I should have spent more time polishing. It didn't loose luster but we will see how they hold up. If you want to see them I will be at inzane.
Logged

The emperor has no clothes
Member
*****
Posts: 29945


« Reply #30 on: May 21, 2020, 06:51:48 AM »

You did awesome Preston ! She's a beaut.  cooldude
Logged
Reb
Member
*****
Posts: 2363


Don't threaten me with a good time

Greeneville, TN


« Reply #31 on: May 21, 2020, 07:10:11 AM »

Damn ! Superb work !  cooldude I wonder if some clear coat on those carbs and wheels would help keep them looking good ? (Nice post)  cooldude

I looked into that, a few vintage Honda forum users claimed you lose a lot of the shine with a clear protective type coating.

I'm hoping to just maintain it the old fashion way  Undecided

 Looks amazing Reb. I repolished the wheels and all the rest of the aluminum on my Valk again this year. I'm tired of doing the wheels so I looked into a way to clear coat them afterward. I spoke to a friend of a friend that powder coats. We discussed powder but it has a tendency to orange peal and does take away some of the luster of polished aluminum. Then he said he has a new procedure using clear carakote. He's never done it before so I'm the "guinea pig". The wheels  look good but i realize I should have spent more time polishing. It didn't loose luster but we will see how they hold up. If you want to see them I will be at inzane.

Mark,

I'd be interested in checking that out. I'm probably going to leave the 350 as is and maintain the aluminum the best I can. I have a 68' CL175 next on the list to restore as a retirement gift for my pop. I might invest in something that will protect polished aluminum better for that project.
Logged

2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
Jess from VA
Member
*****
Posts: 30453


No VA


« Reply #32 on: May 21, 2020, 07:22:27 AM »

Very nice.   cooldude

I wouldn't mind hearing that exhaust.  


My folks rode a pair of the more common CB360 inline twins:  I wonder how much more push the 350 4-cylinder had?
« Last Edit: May 21, 2020, 12:34:09 PM by Jess from VA » Logged
msb
Member
*****
Posts: 2284


Agassiz, BC Canada


« Reply #33 on: May 21, 2020, 08:49:43 AM »

Out of all the Metric 70's bikes, the classsic looks of the 4 cyl (and the CBX too I guess) Hondas stands up the best in my mind. Love seeing them on the road now in decent shape...and especially love seeing ones that have been brought back to their former glory from a state of disrepair like this one. Nice job...nice post cooldude
Logged

Mike

'99 Red  & Black IS
Ramie
Member
*****
Posts: 1318


2001 I/S St. Michael MN


« Reply #34 on: May 21, 2020, 10:18:12 AM »

Beautiful
Logged

“I am not a courageous person by nature. I have simply discovered that, at certain key moments in this life, you must find courage in yourself, in order to move forward and live. It is like a muscle and it must be exercised, first a little, and then more and more.  A deep breath and a leap.”
Bighead
Member
*****
Posts: 8654


Madison Alabama


« Reply #35 on: May 21, 2020, 11:54:44 AM »

 cooldude Great Job Preston.
Logged

1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
Dave Ritsema
Member
*****
Posts: 1720


South Bend IN


WWW
« Reply #36 on: May 21, 2020, 12:27:02 PM »

Damn ! Superb work !  cooldude I wonder if some clear coat on those carbs and wheels would help keep them looking good ? (Nice post)  cooldude

I looked into that, a few vintage Honda forum users claimed you lose a lot of the shine with a clear protective type coating.

I'm hoping to just maintain it the old fashion way  Undecided

 Looks amazing Reb. I repolished the wheels and all the rest of the aluminum on my Valk again this year. I'm tired of doing the wheels so I looked into a way to clear coat them afterward. I spoke to a friend of a friend that powder coats. We discussed powder but it has a tendency to orange peal and does take away some of the luster of polished aluminum. Then he said he has a new procedure using clear carakote. He's never done it before so I'm the "guinea pig". The wheels  look good but i realize I should have spent more time polishing. It didn't loose luster but we will see how they hold up. If you want to see them I will be at inzane.

Beautiful Work Preston!!

Mark, Regarding Cerakote I have had some firearms use this application with good result but had no idea they offered it in clear. Good to know!
Logged

VRCC 2879



Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
MAD6Gun
Member
*****
Posts: 2636


New Haven IN


« Reply #37 on: May 21, 2020, 01:28:37 PM »

Damn ! Superb work !  cooldude I wonder if some clear coat on those carbs and wheels would help keep them looking good ? (Nice post)  cooldude

I looked into that, a few vintage Honda forum users claimed you lose a lot of the shine with a clear protective type coating.

I'm hoping to just maintain it the old fashion way  Undecided

 Looks amazing Reb. I repolished the wheels and all the rest of the aluminum on my Valk again this year. I'm tired of doing the wheels so I looked into a way to clear coat them afterward. I spoke to a friend of a friend that powder coats. We discussed powder but it has a tendency to orange peal and does take away some of the luster of polished aluminum. Then he said he has a new procedure using clear carakote. He's never done it before so I'm the "guinea pig". The wheels  look good but i realize I should have spent more time polishing. It didn't loose luster but we will see how they hold up. If you want to see them I will be at inzane.

Mark,

I'd be interested in checking that out. I'm probably going to leave the 350 as is and maintain the aluminum the best I can. I have a 68' CL175 next on the list to restore as a retirement gift for my pop. I might invest in something that will protect polished aluminum better for that project.

 I can get some more information from the guy that did it for me.

Dave from what he told me is the clear is new. That is why I'm a guinea pig. He told me it sprays on like water it's so thin. One coat. I know it's very slippery I also dropped the wheel when I picked it up.  It supposed to be very tough. Time will tell.
Logged

Reb
Member
*****
Posts: 2363


Don't threaten me with a good time

Greeneville, TN


« Reply #38 on: May 21, 2020, 02:11:14 PM »

Very nice.   cooldude

I wouldn't mind hearing that exhaust.  


My folks rode a pair of the more common CB360 inline twins:  I wonder how much more push the 350 4-cylinder had?


If they could scale down an indy car to the size of a power-wheels.... I image that would compare in sound to the exhaust  Grin
Logged

2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
_Sheffjs_
Member
*****
Posts: 5613


Jerry & Sherry Sheffer

Sarasota FL


« Reply #39 on: May 21, 2020, 04:00:27 PM »

Hats off to the ones that do this!  cooldude
Logged
Pages: [1] 2   Go Up
Print
Jump to: