Original(mostly)1974 cb750 rebuild/restore

[dirtdigger]

So this is going to be a new build. This 1974 CB750 was my grandpa's , then my dad's, now I am going to build it back to stock. Everything is bone stock original except the paint, seat, tires, and the exhaust. Dad put a set of original HM300 exhaust on it not long after he got it. He has been on the 750's since they came out including a bike he put a RC Engineering cobra motor in it just for fun for the small town saturday night street racing. Engine in this one has never been apart just dads yearly summer tune ups. It has 18,000 original miles. Has had many trips to Sturgis in its past. It hasnt been on the road for 10 years. Started disassembly in this pick, carbs already off to go through and clean. Not sure if I am going to repaint the frame, I am torn between making it showroom new but kind of want to keep as much original as I can. The tank and sidecovers had been painted probably 25 years ago as it was very faded and scratched up. It was Freedom Green Metallic from the factory, I am not a fan of green but I may go back to that to keep it like it was. It wont be a show queen as I want to ride it again and keep it on the road. After this one I have a CB500 I want to put back to original as well but it is not a complete original bike but it does run and was the first street bike I owned. Now I just need to find a CB350 four to make it a complete Four family.

 

[seanf]

Good luck with your restoration. You're starting from a known good base. I have a K4 also built in Late 73

 

[dirtdigger]

Nice looking bike.

 

[dirtdigger]

Looking like it has sat for 10 years. Carbs going to get a good cleaning and new needle and seats, orings and bowl gaskets.

 

[grewth]

That bike will look 100% better with the correct factory type paintwork.
Cheaper to buy a replica tank and panels than getting it repainted in the USA ?

 

[dirtdigger]

Ill repaint it. It was Freedom Green Metalic but Im not a fan of green but will probably go back with it to keep it like original. I want to keep as many original parts as I can. Its not rusted and not dented. The bike has been in the family since new. Other then repainting years ago the bike hasnt been apart. The engine has never been apart but I am going to do some work to it to fix a couple leaks etc.

 

[dirtdigger]

Didnt want to paint the frame, wanted to keep the original paint but there was just too many deep scratches and some rust poking through. Sandblasting and sanding.

 

[Old_Crow]

Didnt want to paint the frame, wanted to keep the original paint but there was just too many deep scratches and some rust poking through. Sandblasting and sanding.
View attachment 22443

And that right there my friends is how I turned a $300 base gasket job into a full $5000 and 2 years restoration of an old Shovelhead. Good luck Digger, have fun.

 

[grewth]

Ill repaint it. It was Freedom Green Metalic but Im not a fan of green but will probably go back with it to keep it like original. I want to keep as many original parts as I can. Its not rusted and not dented. The bike has been in the family since new. Other then repainting years ago the bike hasnt been apart. The engine has never been apart but I am going to do some work to it to fix a couple leaks etc.

That's great if you've got the skills to do a professional quality job.
Sad to say, painting vehicles is something I'll never be good at, no matter how hard I try.
I've been informed that getting a paint shop to do the work in the USA is around $2,500, which nobody would dream of paying in the UK.

 

[dirtdigger]

Ive painted gas tank before its alot easier on these smaller parts then whole car paint jobs. i give it shot see how it comes out.

 

[dirtdigger]

 

[dirtdigger]

Cracked open the 52 year old engine to fix some leaks, clean off 52years worth built up grease and dirt and replace the hard and slightly chunking timing chain wheels. Bearings look great. Primary chains and timing chain will get replaced as well as timing chain wheels and primary tensioner. Heavy duty studs going in. Tempted to put in 836 kit I have on the shelf. Outside of engine will look stock. Havent disassembled head yet to check for wear. Looks pretty good for a 52yr old 18000 mile original engine.