My cafe racer... ish....

[Druro]

Project 2...  which started before my previous thread.

Here goes:

I bought a 1973 CB350f back about 3 years ago, completely apart (truly...  most of the parts were in milk crates).  So after much cataloging, I finally got it together enough to see what I got, which was this:



So, starting off, working on the motor assembly, and exploring paint options.  I finally settled on a Gloss Black with Red Frame and having some silver highlights.



I also added some "fun" to the front fender...   you can see what I mean.



Anyhow, now that the GS is nearing completion, I can get back to the CB.  Hopefully it will be good to go for the spring, so I can bring her out for the meets.

I've also added a CB400F rear seat which was recovered nicely, and I have the rear sets from the same.  Working on lacing the rims right now, so hopefully she's a roller in a week or two.

[CanadaDan]

Pretty sweet! 

[Druro]

Pretty sweet! 

Thanks man.  She will look good i think once the wheels are re-laced (black spokes and hubs).  It should have this "floating red rim" look 

[locO leoN]

Yeah.. Ive seen this baby in person and its gonna look amazing... Keep posting up pics of the progress

N

[CBHandle]

Wow! This bike looks great! I've been thinking of doing mine in black with blue frame and wheels, and am working on a cafe seat.

I bought a cheap spray gun, and am looking at some nice low-budget Rustoleums. 

What did you use to paint with? Or is it powdercoated.

Really, looks amazing.

[Druro]

Wow! This bike looks great! I've been thinking of doing mine in black with blue frame and wheels, and am working on a cafe seat.

I bought a cheap spray gun, and am looking at some nice low-budget Rustoleums. 

What did you use to paint with? Or is it powdercoated.

Really, looks amazing.

It's kinda embarrassing... but anyway.  The tank, side panels and frame were painted in CrappyTire Paints...  "Near Match Black" and "Cherry Red Metallic".  The rims were powdercoated red, using a burgundy base with clear topcoat.  The color of the frame is beautiful, but It's not nearly as hard as powdercoat but to get it done in a powdercoat would be huge coin.

[Tim]

powder isn't too bad. I paid $225 for my frame, two swingarms and about 20 other small bits in gloss black.  How much extra did they want on top of your rims?

[rudy]

Crappy Tire near match paint isnt too bad.  I painted a few things on my old car and really didnt take care of it and it was actually the best looking part of the paint job after the 3 years I had it.  If I don't get my bodyshop buddy to paint the new project, I'll be using the near match paint.  Just prep it right and use a few lighter coats.  Put the clear over it and you're golden.  Nowhere near as hard as body shop 2 stage, but still decent.  My 650 has Tremclad black with the Tremclad clearcoat.  Still looks as good as the day I painted it a year ago.  I'd love to go powdercoat too, but I don't have the funds to shell out that much money just to coat a frame and a few parts.

Rudy

[Druro]

Well, after much pain and anguish, I have finally gotten my rims and spokes powdercoated, and assembled.  I still need to true the rims... but at this point i'm pretty chuffed at the results.


(bit of a crap photo)



Looking pretty nice.  When I spin the wheel, the spokes basically vanish, only leaving the red rims.  If i'm luck, I'll have it on it's new rubber by the end of the week (an perhaps out of the living room.

Any suggestions for tires?

[TonUpSoldier]

Man Druro that is sick!!! I love coloured rims and spokes. They have a way of setting the bike off, and IMO sometimes moreso than the tank and seat. Very nice work man!!