Great Resoration Example

Found this post on a discussion forum of a restored 1970 CL350 just like mine. This individual went with an more accurate restoration, keeping true to the original CL350 with a few modifications. What drew me to this particular post is how well the engine case turned out. He blasted it with beads (glass?) and then painted an polished it. It really turned out great!

Here are a couple pics that I borrowed to show you what I mean.

Before

After Bead Blasting and De-greasing

Finished Result

I am very impressed these results and I have posted a reply to his post asking for more info on his process.

Gas Tank

In the process of trying to clean up the fuel tank, I made very little headway with the traditional parts cleaner + nuts and bolts + shaking to remove the rust and sediment that was in the tank. So I thought I would try something different, sandblasting.

Since my intentions are to sandblast the paint off anyway, I was not concerned about a little over spray. So I gave it a whirl and I was very impressed with the results.

In fact, from what I can see, the tank looks brand new inside of it. Granted, I can only see half of the tank, as the filler opening is located on the right hand side, but I was not expecting such good results.

So I kept on going, and now the tank is clear and free of paint. I did learn that in the process of rinsing all the sand out, that the unprotected metal starts to rust fast. Just look at the pictures below to see what I mean.  The brownish yellow is the rust process beginning moments after rinsed and dried.

After the tank was dry and I took the above pictures, I then coated the inside and outside with WD-40 to prevent the tank from rusting any further. My plan is to re-sandblast or wet-sand prior to beginning the painting process, but that is months away.

Petcock Problems

I was in the process of cleaning the fuel tank when I discovered an issue with the fuel petcock.
The fuel petcock stem had a crack down the length of it. Not sure if I will replace this as it still functions. However, I have lost the ability to have a reserve, so I will have no warning if I am running low on fuel. I will look into my options, but I am guessing that I will just try and repair it.

See the picture below to see what I mean.

Teardown - January 2012

Let the tear-down begin. I tried to take pictures as often as I could, but my iPhone doesn't appreciate dirty fingers.

Seat off

Battery out, notice the mouse nest in the left air filter

Battery out

Right side air cleaner cover off

Left side air cleaner cover about to come off

Break time picture side

Break time front. Notice the snow behind it? Garage door open letting out the old gas fumes. Good thing it was 40 degrees out.

Break time left side

Right  side with no carb or exhaust

Left side with no carb or exhaust

Left side

Front with headlight removed

Right front

Right rear.

The only thing that I have did after this was drain the oil and then cleaned up my mess. My next step is to remove the engine.

Inspiration

Found this picture on a fellow CL350 Cafe Builder site and had to share it as inspiration!




This is gorgeous! I am not sold on the black, but I have actually been considering a white powered coated frame. You see, when I close my eyes and start daydreaming, mine is dark blue with white accents (think Shelby Cobra). I am also not sure about the Clip-Ons, ad I think I would prefer some Clubmans like this. Also, the seat is nice, but I would prefer a more curved one.

So many decisions, but luckily I still have plenty of time while I tear it down and evaluate it.

Before - January 2012

Here are some pictures of my 1970 Honda CL350 prior to the restoration starting. Notice the faded paint, flat/cracked tires, CB pipes and footpegs, cheap shorty mufflers, and the dust. It will never look this way again. I took these pics so I can reference where I started at.

Left Side

Right Front

Right Side

Under the Seat

Before starting the tear-down, I tested the cylinder compression to see where it was at for a reference and to see if I needed to do any repair of the pistons/cylinders. Testing without the carburetors or exhaust on, I got 152 psi on the right side (when sitting on it), and 170 on the left. The test was performed cold because the bike in not in running order. However, I did spray some WD-40 in each cylinder to help seal it up.

After referencing my manual, these numbers are within the suggestions specifications (140-170 psi at sea level) and within the 25% difference that would cause concern. However, I am still planning on disassembling the head and cleaning the valves. I may remove the piston, but I will make that decision when I get in there. Prior to going into storage, I had a slight popping on deceleration on the right side, and I want to rule out the valves on that issue.

Background - How I Got Here

I have loved motorcycles all my life. I remember purchasing a book on trail-riding when I was in elementary at a garage sale and reading it cover to cover repeatedly. There was just something about them that drew my attention and fueled my daydreams.

Unfortunately for me, my parents did not share my enthusiasm for two-wheel adventures, and I was not allowed to acquire a cycle. I even had one lined up (1974 Yamaha 175 Enduro) when I was 15 for $100 that needed a "bit" of work. I had the sale lined up and ready to go when I received the official "No" from the parents. Looking back, I am glad that they did, because that bike turned out to be a POS that probably never ran again.

Fast-forward to my second year of college and an surprise phone call. My brothers (future) father-in-law was cleaning out his garage and wanted to get rid of he old motorcycle. It ran when he parked it about 10 years ago. Did I want it? Heck ya I did.  My brother informed me that he would load it in his truck and bring it out the next time he came to visit. All I was told was that it was a Honda and it was red. 

If my memory serves me correctly, I had to wait about 3 weeks for the delivery to occur, and I remember it fondly. I was expecting a basket case, but it was stored in a garage and taken care of fairly well. I recall going over it again and again trying to learn how everything worked and what needed to be cleaned. I was a proud owner of a 1970 Honda CL350 K2.

Here are some pics of that glorious day:

Working on my bike

My Pa checking it out with me keeping a close eye on him

After a lot of cleaning, a few new parts, and a permit/skills test, and a lengthy process to procure a title,  I was a motorcycle rider. I used this motorcycle to commute to college and work when the weather permitted. There were issues that came and when, but the bike served me faithfully for six years. In 2005, I purchased a bigger bike (1982 Harley FLT) so my wife and myself could ride with more comfort. When the hog showed up, my loyal Honda got parked and covered. It needed new tires, carbs rebuilt and probably more than I wanted to do at that point.

The 82 FLT lasted two years until I upgraded to a brand new Heritage Softail for reliability. The Softail was rode only 2400 miles over two years, so we decided to sell it because we just were not using it enough. Jumping on the bike for a quick ride is difficult when you need to find a babysitter first.

As of this time, I have been without a working motorcycle for almost 2 whole years, and I have had enough. I have decided that I am going to get the 350 going again, but with a twist. I have always been drawn to the older, custom bike like the bobbers and the cafe racers. After doing a lot of looking and a lot of reading, I have decided that I am going to strip the 350 completely down and built it back with some cafe racer modifications.

Here is a image that I found that represents what I am going for on with my Honda.

http://rocket-garage.blogspot.com/2009/10/honda-cl-350.html

Well that is where I am at right now, I have started to the 350 down, and I will be posting pics and updates as often as I can. If you have advise, suggestions, or resources that you think would benefit me, please share them in the comments. Any and all help is appreciated.

Later!