Twin Twins - CB175 Cafe Build

Russell · Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 8:59 pm Post subject:

PO of my survivor CB175 had fitted new tyres. Front is a 3.00X18 Vee Rubber. Rear is 3.25 X18 Cheng Shin. Tread on both is clearly based on Dunlop's K70/TT100 style tyres of the era. They look as though they are a matching pair even though they are different brands.They work just fine. There is enough clearance around the rear that if a 3.50X18 was used it would fit.

jakeZ · Posted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 9:00 am Post subject:

Thanks for the sizing info. I'm looking to go with something a little more modern. I did some more looking around and I was able to find some Avon tires sized 90/90 and 100/90 on dennis kirk http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/tire/product.jsp?skuId=&store=&catId=&productId=p543170&leafCatId=&mmyId=

ol55 · Commuter Joined: Feb 09, 2009 Posts: 391 Location: VA

Thanks for the great pics and build update.

Everything I have heard says D0 NOT Kreem

I like the VHT paints. Suggestion: don"t paint right against a rag or newspaper- sticky!

Larry

jakeZ · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 6:03 pm Post subject:

Thanks Larry. I agree. I think I'm going to hold off. I figure if it hasn't rusted in the last 40 years, I think It'll keep from rusting as long as I'm around:)

I didn't get too much done this week-end. The bench grinder is now set up in the garage, so I spent a couple of hours cleaning up small parts.

The chrome on the pipes was pretty much rusted off, so now I'm down to mostly steel. I really wanted to keep the chrome, but at least I don't have to purchase new pipes which was my though initially. I guess my only options now are paint or wrapping the pipes. Is it possible to paint the collars and pipes without the paint flaking off within a month. If so, any recommendations on which paint to use?

fxray · Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 9:24 pm Post subject:

I've seen pipes that are powdercoated silver that look good. The advantage is that the powder is on the inside of the pipe as well. They will never "blue" on you. I've not had it done myself, but I have had the same powdercoat on a front hub for my Triumph. Here's what it looks like --

You could also get them re-chromed, but it's pricey. I had a set done, but my Triumph is getting more of my money than my Honda is. Here's the before and after on the pipes --

Steve Searles · Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 1:22 pm Post subject:

Hey Jake, I need some decent mufflers. Do you have some that you would sell me?? Anything would be better than my rusted out ones. Let me know.

jakeZ · Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 10:43 pm Post subject:

Thanks fxray. Re-chrome would be really nice, but yeah, way too expensive. Powder coat may be a better alternative depending on price. I may try paint first and if that doesn't work just wrap them and see if some cheap pipes show up on ebay or at a swap meet.

Steve, I do not have any mufflers. The old mufflers from the 175 were rusted through at the tips. If you need any of the innards, let me know. Some fairly cheap new exhaust can be purchased through jc whitney. I have a pair of the Extra-long Reverse-cone Megaphone Mufflers on my stock cb175. They sound pretty nice.

paul66 · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 12:38 am Post subject:

Jake,

Love the rebuild and love the pics. Keep us informed,

Paul

jakeZ · Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 11:20 am Post subject:

I saw these tires on a CB 200 cafe build on another site. I really like them, but I can't seem to find them anywhere in the US. Any suggestions for sites to purchase tires? I've searched all of the major retailers and no luck.[b]

jakeZ · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2010 8:11 pm Post subject:

Nothing major to update. I've just been doing a lot of rust and paint removal. Just about ready to do another round of paint.

I've stripped the fork top bridge and I'm thinking of polishing it. I've never done this before. I'm assuming that I just need to sand it with fine sand paper, then run it across a buffing wheel with a polishing compound. What needs to be done after that, if anything? Initially I thought clear coating was the thing to do, but I've read that it yellows pretty quickly. If it is just waxed, will it tarnish quickly? Is it best to just paint it?

After seeing a post today about an old Suzuki speedometer, I'm thinking of getting a speedometer from a CB 77. Someone from Australia posted images of a CB77 earlier this year with pictures of the speedo, and I really liked the look of it. It's not very cafe, but I dig it. Any idea if it, along with the bucket, will fit a 72 CB 175?

CB 77 Speedometer

jakeZ · Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 5:10 pm Post subject:

Fired up the wood stove and got a lot of the small stuff primed. I saw a guy on youtube put together what he called "hillbilly windchimes" to paint a lot of small pieces. Just cut up the last couple of remaining wire hangers I owned for hooks. Works great. I swear, if men ran things wire hangers would never have been replaced with plastic hangers. The only thing plastic clothes hangers can do is hang clothes. In the days of wire hangers the possibilities were limitless.

Trying to finish up the wheels now so I can get the new rubber mounted in the next couple of weeks and start building this sucker back up.
Stay tuned Very Happy

jakeZ

After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back with an update. This past December on just got way too cold to get any work done. My work shop's little wood stove just couldn't keep up, so I took the winter off and did a bunch of skiing. When the spring thaw came in I got back to work.
I've been painting, polishing and grinding rust away. There's lots of it. Everything is finished except the tank, so it's time to start getting this thing back together. Waiting on a couple of things to come in. Bars, grips, turn signals.

I'm looking for a couple of parts as well. A center stand shaft and a brake pedal. If you have either, please pm me. The center stand shaft is pretty hard to come by. Anyone know what other years are compatible?
One quick note. If you ever plan on working on a project like this, one of the first tools you should purchase is an impact driver. impact driver
I've worked on cars since I was in my teens. I have a friend who is a mechanic. I had never heard of an impact driver before. Spend the 25 bucks. You'll save yourself hours of time trying to remove any of these old screws, which are almost impossible to remove with a screwdriver. Don't waste your time with penetrating oil and torches. One whack of a mallet and it's out. Amazing. ok. You old-timers can stop laughing now Smile

I'll have another update soon.