79 CB750F Cafe'

[Ceruzziracing]

Thought i'd share my newest project (as well as a couple that have been in limbo lol). I bought this 79' CB750F a few weeks ago  off ebay. The pics that were in the auction looked like a really clean, unmolested original SS, so my plan was to just clean/fix whatever necessary and leave her as is. Well, once I arrived at the sellers door (a few hours early and 500 miles) she was definitely not molested but she also hadn't seen the inside of a garage in a few years. One hour, four leaking carbs, three frozen brakes and a dead battery later, we agreed to a discounted price and i hit the road with my new project.
After getting home i decided that i was going to Cafe' the old girl and do some parts swapping with a few other ongoing projects.

[Ceruzziracing]

At this point i'd already cleaned and Kreemed the scaley tank, did a quick clean up on the carbs, swapped in a Clubman bar, cleaned up and got all the calipers in some sort of working order, etc...
The engine feels nice and strong, trans shifts nicely and carbs just need proper jetting for the pods and pipe. Today I got lots of goodies from Z1, Jets are Us, Carpy and a few others. I put new tapered steering bearings in and fitted up a set of GL1000 forks. Had to pop on an early year CB wheel to keep her stable, just need fresh rubber on the GL rim. The slight sweep back on the upper tree handlebar mounts put those Clubman bars just a tad higher which my old back really appreciated! I'd been planning on using the GL front end on my 74' K4 so i'd have dual front discs but really want spoked rims on this bike, so the 74 may end up with the Comstars. Hitting the MC recycler tomorrow looking for that elusive 75/76/77 SS rear disc/wire wheel setup.

[Ceruzziracing]

So as the day wore on, I did some work to my 74. Got the steering bearings in her (only been sitting on those for two years ) and swapped over the 79's forks. I wish the color was accurate in the pics, she is absolutely gorgeous in the sun. I had her powder coated with a two stage red with a metallic gold base. Subtle but lights up when the sun hits her.

[Ceruzziracing]

Last pics are from tonight, just throwing stuff on to see how it looks. Really was surprised that i liked the seat. I took a chance and picked one up from Carpy, wasn't real sure if it would look right. The seat is very solid glass and I'm pleased with how it looks on the bike. The tank definitely needs some reworking of the lines but i've got a good mental pic of what i want to do, just need a donor tank. I rushed and descaled the original tank so I could get her running, but won't attempt to cut/modify now that she's been sealed.
As a bonus to all this, now i have a 750 fork/disc brake setup for my 72 CB350 cafe' lol.

[TOOLS1]

Some very cool projects. I love that red frame.
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[Ceruzziracing]

Pics don't even come close. I was skeptical when the PC guy said he could do a flake job, multistage. This was a few years ago and i hadn't seen anyone doing it. She came out great plus the guy did fantastic prep work. All holes plugged properly, shock studs taped. I haven't had to chase out any powdercoat, made my life a whole lot easier. She's been sitting for four years, finally getting motivated to finish her. Now i just need a motor for her ;-)
My 350 was a cheap little twin that i picked up originally for my wife. When i stripped her down to get ready to paint, found the frame was cracked on the right down leg hidden behind the foot peg bracket. Welded that up the other day. All she needs is new carbs and coils.

[shinyribs]

Cool bikes.I dig 'em!That red does look nice.Keep up the good work.I'm anxious to see what you do with the tank on the silver bike....tuned in

[cityslicker]

I don't like how the tanks on these just end like that without the rest of the plastic, someone should make something like this for these style bikes.

[cityslicker]

or this.. that looks right, esp if the seat cowl will be the same color.

[TOOLS1]

Now that is a good idea. I like the first one, but the second would be more practical.
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[Piute]

   "" I don't like how the tanks on these just end like that without the rest of the plastic, someone should make something like this for these style bikes.""
 
     I will but going to be after mine is done summer and I can put the time (lot's) and money(Lil), I like those tank because of the flow it has for moulding,(will not get rid of any of my stock parts) Will get 1 along with side covers have a "80" in mind now.
    So there is some-one listening to others idea's thanks.

[Ceruzziracing]

Sorry, been busy last few days. I'll update pics as I've got a little more accomplished. Got lucky and actually found a new (32 years new lol) SS tank that was hanging up on back wall of my local mom and pop bike shop (not very many of those shops left!). Other than a layer of shop dust and some dings from 30 years on the wall, it's like it came out of box. I asked him how much and he replied "make me an offer". I REALLY hate when people say that, because it usually means they think they've got a million dollar part on their hands lol. Well I've seen these tanks go for all kinds of $$ so I took a shot in the dark and offered him $200. He wrinkled up his nose so tight that you'd think I just farted in his face. I said,  "you told me to make an offer, so i did". He looks at me for a minute and all the while I'm thinking, "here we go, he's gonna want $500..."  Instead, he says, "I tell you what, give me $175, how's that sound?" That was a pleasant surprise, there is still some integrity out there!

Now I have a tank I can cut on! I had already descaled and Kreemed my tank so i needed a donor to cut on anyway. I've got a good idea of what I want to do, just don't think i can describe it very well. I plan on making cuts along top "bulge" and bringing that level with the top of tank. I also will be making two cuts along the vertical plane right in front of crotch on outer edges of tank and bringing those sides in. Won't be knee inserts as the tank is fairly narrow back there, plus I'm 6'1" so  I've got enough legs to get around tank lol. Also plan on cutting off outer edge along base of tank and molding that into the bottom for a more flowing look, plus, getting rid of the swoop that would normally lead into side panels. Finally, going to probably grab one of Carpy's stainless flip top gas filler/cap. Going to get plenty of Mig time this weekend lol.

[Ceruzziracing]

just realized i started this in wrong section, duh. Can a moderator move to "members builds"? I am so computer illiterate it's scary....

[Ceruzziracing]

More pics!

Had a spare tank cover for my 1000RR, just playing around

[shinyribs]

Coming along nicelyyeah,I dont think the RR tank is gonna cut it

[Ceruzziracing]

Ordered some Avon rubber, should be in on Tuesday. I had to throw on the '74 wheel so i could get it off of jack and roll her around. I also put tapered steering bearings in the 350 neck and mounted the triple trees and forks from the '74 on her, now she'll have a front disc and beefier front end. Just have to box that backbone to add some rigidity in the frame. Found a couple of spare tachs for the 350 in my parts box, anyone know if these will register properly for the 750? They are the perfect size, going to run tach only on the '79 and 350...
Going to have to decide soon about an engine for the red bike. I pulled her motor when i first bought her, but thats been about 4 years now. I have a box full of dismantled engine and not enough memory of how shit goes back together lol. Originally wanted to do a CR replica but got in a hurry and powder coated frame before fabbing up fairing mounts and cutting off unnecessary bits. Don't want to screw up the PC, so i'll have to work around things i guess. Would love to buy a Cycle X engine off the shelf but don't have anywhere near the $$ to do that right now  maybe a mild 836....

[Ceruzziracing]

Yeah Shiny, that was just a moment of "idle hands" lol. At least I didn't put my race tail on her

[Ceruzziracing]

Ok, rather than shell out $260 to Benji's for the battery relocation/tail unit, I decided to try and make one myself. Biggest problem i faced is that i don't have a tubing bender or a table that i could weld blocks on to shape metal tubing. What i do have is a set of torches and a 4" pipe bumper on my pickup

My first attempt to heat and bend the tubing around the bumper led to a flattened, ugly mess. I stepped back and put on my thinking cap and had, what I thought was, a novel idea. I heated and crimped one end of the tubing, filled the entire pipe with sand, and heated/crimped the other end. back to the bumper for my next try. Lo and behold, i was able to get a decent bend that came out looking pretty good i thought. It's definitely not perfect, but it was done by hand and i didn't have to pay some guy $260 for what probably cost $10 and 10 min to make. Tomorrow I'll add the tray and battery box. Bought a sealed mini battery, only weighs 1 lb and measure 3"x5"x3".

[shinyribs]

Cool idea with the sand!I just learned something.Thx for sharing!

[TOOLS1]

What, never seen "Flight of the Phoenix" with James Stewart?
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