1974 CB750K Project Bike

[Scrappyike]

Just got this non-running bike.  Not a lurker anymore!

[TOOLS1]

COOL!!!
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[Piute]

                                            Looks like A good start,

[Scrappyike]

The front brake was dragging so it was hard to push.  Took the pads out so now I can move it around.  Will remove and clean both the gas tank and oil tank.  Will replace battery, plugs and oil.  Check for spark.  Engine has compression so after all that I will make an attempt to start.  The journey begins.

[cdaiscool]

Looks fun! Have fun!

[shinyribs]

Very nice! Glad you got one! Is it just me or is the front turn signal pointing backwards

[Scrappyike]

It's actually pointing backwards.  PO bought it as a project bike but never got around to it.  He had a lot more bikes and was cleaning house.  The other signal lens is broken and the headlight lens is missing.  Oil tank cap is missing as well.  

There is rust at the bottom of the gas tank but sides are clean.  Rust on the wheels.  Don't know if they will clean up but at least gotta try to save em.  

[cdaiscool]

Gotta make sure it turns on when you flick it on!

Maybe it's a way to remind a blonde which way they're turning?

[shinyribs]

Good point!

[Scrappyike]

Got a key made....now to remove the seat and take a looksie.  Will replace plugs, oil and see if battery charges up.  Want to see if it will start.  

[Scrappyike]

Tear-down has begun.  Seat and tank off.  There is water in the oil tank and there is rust at the bottom and top of the inside of the gas tank.  There is also something rattling inside.  Can't see what it is.  On the outside bottom of the gas tank, on one corner, it looks wet but isn't.  Can't tell what it is.  Perhaps some kind of sealant?  Pics posted.



Bottom of gas tank..top right corner is the spot that looks wet



Close up.  It's the black stuff around what looks like a metal tab



Any ideas?

[shinyribs]

So hard to tell. It does look wet just like you said.Does it hold gas without leaking? It could have a tiny rusty pin hole.I sure hope it doesn't.

What does the rattle sound like? Large metal,small metal,not metal at all. On tanks that have set dry for long periods of time I dont think it is all that unusual for the petcock filter socks to dry rot and fall off.You really jusy gotta see if something will shake out.

Take your time and dont rush.A healthy tank is paramount! I beleive its the most important part of a bike.Besides,why would you rush thru the build process? It's so much fun!!

Good luck man

[Scrappyike]

Totally agree, I'm not in a rush.  The wetspots just look wet but they are not.  I used papertowels to try to soak it but they come away dry.  As for the sound, it sounds like a small metal piece.  Tomorrow I will try to shake it out.  Thanks for the feedback

[fathacarl]

Good luck with your build.  Looks like a pretty decent bike to start with.
Just take your time and get out your wallet. :)

[Scrappyike]

Well I took the tank off and filled it with  soapy water just to see if it leaked and clean it up a bit.  Did not leak.....good news.  I failed to notice that the tabs that hold the gas cap mechanism closed are broken so no way to just put on a new one.  I will post a pic tonight but is this repairable or should I just look for another one?  My gut says just to look for another one. The cap would need to be replaced as well as it is rusted and does not look like it would seal good.  Thanks again.

[TOOLS1]

Can, you post a picture of the broken tabs?
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[Scrappyike]

Will do tonight.  I will be doing some work on it.  I will also post a pic of the bracket that was used to hold the fairing.  I won't be using it so will offload it.  

[Scrappyike]

Here are some photos.  OK, I did not describe this too well.  Not as bad as I thought.  The tab is what holds the cap down.  That is held in place by some kind of bolt but does not look like it unscrews.  






The gas cap is actually in good condition and looks like it seals when held down.  It is rusty though but not bad.

Here are pics of the Fairing bracket.  Surface rust but in good condition.






I suppose I can always clean it and sell it.  The bike did not come with the fairing.  

[TOOLS1]

That is common. You can buy new caps, and latches. They install with bolts instead of the factory rivit. I think I just saw the cap, and latch on Cycle one's site.
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[Scrappyike]

Ok, thanks.  Don't know what made me think it was worse than what it is.  I can now go forward with cleaning the tank.  I'm going to try electrolysis.  Only the bottom of the tank is rusted so hopefully this will do the trick.