Before and After - show the results of your hard work

[Flyin900]

CL175 purchase 4 years ago with a semi solid bike yet really in need of some work.


Before:





After a full refresh:

 

[Flyin900]

Pictures can be deceiving

Here's one that looks really great and it was good. Yet when looked at with a more critical eye there were many short cuts and cheap Chinese parts used. The paint and chrome at first blush look really good, yet lots of aging of the chrome on certain parts and a poor prep job with some little paint blemishes in the tank and side covers. Chinese chrome rims and tires etc.

So I have torn the whole bike apart and replaced all the Chinese junk along with every nut, bolt and JIS screw back to factory new. I had many parts chromed again and repainted the whole motor and frame assembly and buffed all the aluminum again. The motor and frame were partially painted in place by the PO which had a poor quality finish and some overspray.

Call me crazy, yet it begged to be done properly vs the silk purse/sows ear route that was taken previously. I love how he had the bike professionally photographed to give it the best possible look. Still working on the resto, as the chrome and both gauges are still being worked on by others.




Current progress:

 

[2wheel]

Here's one that looks really great and it was good. Yet when looked at with a more critical eye there were many short cuts and cheap Chinese parts used. The paint and chrome at first blush look really good, yet lots of aging of the chrome on certain parts and a poor prep job with some little paint blemishes in the tank and side covers. Chinese chrome rims and tires etc.

So I have torn the whole bike apart and replaced all the Chinese junk along with every nut, bolt and JIS screw back to factory new. I had many parts chromed again and repainted the whole motor and frame assembly and buffed all the aluminum again. The motor and frame were partially painted in place by the PO which had a poor quality finish and some overspray.

Call me crazy, yet it begged to be done properly vs the silk purse/sows ear route that was taken previously. I love how he had the bike professionally photographed to give it the best possible look. Still working on the resto, as the chrome and both gauges are still being worked on by others.

Current progress:

DANG!! Nice job on the engine, and the rest of it.

 

[2wheel]

Here is a before and after pics of my XL250K2. It wasn’t in bad shape when I got it but sat for 13 years. I bought it at an auction in West Virginia and it had Illinois tags on it with a city of Chicago MC tag. I’ve only replaced the tires, grips and seat cover. The only thing that’s repainted is the header/muffler. It’s not perfect, there are some character marks but I ride this bike often. It currently has 5500 miles. I’ve spent countless hours cleaning it but only because it was in a vintage bike display at Gettysburg bike week last year.

 

[ballbearian]

Call me crazy, yet it begged to be done properly vs the silk purse/sows ear route that was taken previously. I love how he had the bike professionally photographed to give it the best possible look. Still working on the resto, as the chrome and both gauges are still being worked on by others.

View attachment 14200

Crazy? How bout, diligent with details! No need to be humble. Very competent custodian, at least. They deserve a sunshine photo shoot for sure.

 

[Flyin900]

Here is a before and after pics of my XL250K2. It wasn’t in bad shape when I got it but sat for 13 years. I bought it at an auction in West Virginia and it had Illinois tags on it with a city of Chicago MC tag. I’ve only replaced the tires, grips and seat cover. The only thing that’s repainted is the header/muffler. It’s not perfect, there are some character marks but I ride this bike often. It currently has 5500 miles. I’ve spent countless hours cleaning it but only because it was in a vintage bike display at Gettysburg bike week last year.

Very nice refresh and as noted your riding it too which is excellent. I love those scramblers and your refresh really makes that one shine. I tend to over restore, which isn’t always a good thing.

 

[ancientdad]

I love how he had the bike professionally photographed to give it the best possible look.

I get what you mean, and as I've said before once you start on one part of the bike then the part next to it looks bad so you have to do that as well, and it becomes a cascading situation until you've done as much as you can do. The staged photo was a slick trick for someone trying to sell a bike with a few flaws.

 

[1969 CL350]

 

[ballbearian]

View attachment 14211 View attachment 14212

Oh yeah. What headers were those?

 

[1969 CL350]

Oh yeah. What headers were those?

I bought them from J.C. Whitney back in the early 1980s, and I don’t really remember. Maybe Jardine or Mac. I sold them a couple years ago.

 

[Flyin900]

I get what you mean, and as I've said before once you start on one part of the bike then the part next to it looks bad so you have to do that as well, and it becomes a cascading situation until you've done as much as you can do. The staged photo was a slick trick for someone trying to sell a bike with a few flaws.

I own a couple of these now and knew what I was getting into once I saw the bike. The fellow I bought it from purchased it from an estate sale a year earlier during Covid, yet the bike was previously restored in the US before importation. The fellow who imported it passed away and it was purchased by my seller who realized what it still needed and was not willing to undertake the work and expense.

 

[ballbearian]

I bought them from J.C. Whitney back in the early 1980s, and I don’t really remember. Maybe Jardine or Mac. I sold them a couple years ago.

View attachment 14213

That was the thing back then. You and the bike got some history. Nice to see it like that now.

 

[Flyin900]

1982 CM450A

Here is a CM450A that I purchased about 4 years ago and it ran really well, yet was in need of lots of TLC and a full teardown to repaint everything. I purchased it for a reasonable price from a local CVMG member and got to work. The paint and side covers were really rough finish wise and no replacement side cover emblems are available.
I had my local graphic place reproduce them from the image on the one cover. (sorry Honda) the cheques in the mail.

I took the whole bike apart and repainted the frame assembly and found some new/used mufflers and exhaust downpipes. The seat was in great condition, so a bonus there. I used a different colour with an emerald green and black metal flake paint for the new finish. I refinished the Comstar wheels and shot them with clear coat.

Just another day in the garage.

Before pics:





After some TLC:

 

[2BrokeBikes]

Going into the One Moto Show in Portland tomorrow.

Are you going to be at the show all weekend, Jim? If so, I hope to see you there!

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Are you going to be at the show all weekend, Jim? If so, I hope to see you there!

Yeah, in the afternoon's. Got home a couple hours ago. Look for an Orange and Black Columbia jacket w/back pack(Black with AB logo) or the only guy around with 2 cochlear implants.
They moved the CL to the right side between a Red/Orange framed CL77 and a survivor GL1000 about 1/3 of the way in.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Here is a CM450A that I purchased about 4 years ago and it ran really well, yet was in need of lots of TLC and a full teardown to repaint everything. I purchased it for a reasonable price from a local CVMG member and got to work. The paint and side covers were really rough finish wise and no replacement side cover emblems are available.
I had my local graphic place reproduce them from the image on the one cover. (sorry Honda) the cheques in the mail.

I took the whole bike apart and repainted the frame assembly and found some new/used mufflers and exhaust downpipes. The seat was in great condition, so a bonus there. I used a different colour with an emerald green and black metal flake paint for the new finish. I refinished the Comstar wheels and shot them with clear coat.

Just another day in the garage.

That's the best looking A model I've seen.

 

[Flyin900]

Thanks Jim, the sad part is I sold it for more room in the garage and couldn’t give it away. It went for your equivalent of $1500 US. :sad:

 

[J-T]

Somebody got a really good deal.

 

[TomF]

1963 CB77 Superhawk

I’ve been detailing this restoration in a separate post on the site..Thanks for all the help along the way….it will be fully completed and on the road shortly. Sorry, removed the back wheel before I remembered to take BEFORE pictures.

.

Started the restoration Thanksgiving 2021. AFTER!

 

[ballbearian]

Great look with the seat and bars. Looks fun to ride!

 

[chrisrutter]

Here is my CL450 as it came to me 3 years ago from USA.



The ape hangers and coffin rear light are great period features. It had obviously seen some Easy Rider type action. Almost everything was bent, broken or rusted through.

And here it is a year or so later.



Still a bit of a work in progress, but it goes well and is a nice bike.
It's great to see all the marvellous restorations and resurrections in this thread.

 

[ballbearian]

Lazarus

 

[daveythewavey19]

This is my 1969 CB175 before:



And after:



https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/index.php?threads/1533

 

[Flyin900]

Here's a Canada only model that was also available in Europe and Australia, but not in this configuration for the USA. it is a CX650E or Eurosport and the last iteration of what started as the CX500 in its various forms. Both the CX500 and the CX650 were also available as Turbo models in low numbers and the CX650T is a real collector bike these days.

This was a one owner bike I found about 10 years ago that had sat for a dozen years because of a spun wheel bearing on the rear wheel. It has caused disc brake binding issues when it happened so the original owner took the bike off the road and bought and new replacement bike.

The bike started and ran decently after some carb work and a new battery so i decided to pull the whole bike apart for a refresh cosmetically and do the (triple bypass) which is a common repair for these motors to get them 100% again. (Water pump seal, cam chain and tensioner and starter clutch refresh.)

So here are some partial pictures of the bike parts as I don't have a shot of the whole bike as originally purchased. there was lots of corrosion on the aluminum bits and dirt and some paint issues on the frame etc. The body work and the chrome and wheels were in VG condition which does help a lot in the work done.


Before:




After:

 

[ancientdad]

^^^Very nice, and yet another model that Honda seemed to think we in the US wouldn't be interested in for whatever reason. More of your typically nice work.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Nicely done there.

 

[ballbearian]

Prolific and accomplished are terms that come to mind. A very nice bike.

 

[Flyin900]

So I have sanded and buffed the CB350F side covers and gas tank and reinstalled them on the bike. I need to move the bike down from this wooden stand to get a lift under the motor and remove the front forks again. I can then repaint the headlight fork ears and fork shrouds this Emerald Green Flake.

I really liked the OEM Candy Bacchus Olive colour; it was a main reason to buy this bike, since most of them are the Flake Matador Red. Yet this new green so much outshines the factory colour, that I am glad the opportunity presented itself to do this custom Emerald green.

 

[ballbearian]

A lot more vibrant than the original. I bet if Honda had used something like that they may have sold more.

 

[1969 CL350]

Flyin900, that green really pops! Looks great.

 

[ballbearian]

Here is a CM450A that I purchased about 4 years ago and it ran really well, yet was in need of lots of TLC and a full teardown to repaint everything. I purchased it for a reasonable price from a local CVMG member and got to work. The paint and side covers were really rough finish wise and no replacement side cover emblems are available.
I had my local graphic place reproduce them from the image on the one cover. (sorry Honda) the cheques in the mail.

I took the whole bike apart and repainted the frame assembly and found some new/used mufflers and exhaust downpipes. The seat was in great condition, so a bonus there. I used a different colour with an emerald green and black metal flake paint for the new finish. I refinished the Comstar wheels and shot them with clear coat.

Just another day in the garage.

I can see some of your arsenal of polishing equipment. That is the way to do it. I was beginning to wonder how you knock out so much fine work.

 

[Flyin900]

I can see some of your arsenal of polishing equipment. That is the way to do it. I was beginning to wonder how you knock out so much fine work.

Yes I started with a modified bench grinder many years ago, then moved to proper 3/4 HP speed adjustable buffing machines when the prices dropped dramatically. I have four dedicated buffers with different buffing wheels to avoid changing out wheels for different compounds. The latest one is for plastic lenses which were difficult to do with a standard buffing wheel. There is a dedicated string buffing wheel which stops the melting of the plastic from the heat generated on regular wheels.

It really cuts down on the time and cost of having someone else do the work. It is a dirty job though and best done outside with each machine, as there is lots of flying compounds and wheel lint in the air.

I look like a guy in a hazmat suit with full coverage and respirator and face shield. Great Halloween costume just not too comfortable or practical.

 

[ballbearian]

Yes I started with a modified bench grinder many years ago, then moved to proper 3/4 HP speed adjustable buffing machines when the prices dropped dramatically. I have four dedicated buffers with different buffing wheels to avoid changing out wheels for different compounds. The latest one is for plastic lenses which were difficult to do with a standard buffing wheel. There is a dedicated string buffing wheel which stops the melting of the plastic from the heat generated on regular wheels.

It really cuts down on the time and cost of having someone else do the work. It is a dirty job though and best done outside with each machine, as there is lots of flying compounds and wheel lint in the air.

I look like a guy in a hazmat suit with full coverage and respirator and face shield. Great Halloween costume just not too comfortable or practical.

There is a lot to it. You could teach a symposium on it. And paint and clearcoat too.

 

[Ksgfx]

I will join in. This is the journey of my 1970 CL350. She started out as a complete basket case that was in an attic for the past 15 years. Here is how it looked when I brought it home:


I would later find out that it was a mix of CL350, CB350 and CB360 parts. After a lot of research, assembly diagrams and hard work later it is now back on the road looking like this:


I must say it was a great journey and learning experience.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

I will join in. This is the journey of my 1970 CL350. She started out as a complete basket case that was in an attic for the past 15 years. Here is how it looked when I brought it home:
View attachment 14621

I would later find out that it was a mix of CL350, CB350 and CB360 parts. After a lot of research, assembly diagrams and hard work later it is now back on the road looking like this:
View attachment 14623

I must say it was a great journey and learning experience.

Very nicely done. I can relate to the 1st picture really well, at least you got a front end with yours.

 

[ballbearian]

An attic find. That's different. Not much rust made it kind of a fun scavenger hunt. Looks really great. How it wound up in the attic is probably a good story. I usually find them with mouse poop and nests, ant farms, etc. I guess it could have bat damage.

 

[Yendor]

Here are the Before and Afters for my last project:
The Gold/Yellow one in the background is the next project.

 

[ancientdad]

^^^Looks great, too bad you didn't do the project thread here, we'd have enjoyed following it.

 

[Yendor]

We weren't opened on this site when I did this build.
I'm thinking the 3rd one will be on this site.
Here is a preview of my thoughts for a semi-cafe build still working out details.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Here's some options for the seat https://texavina.com/cl350-k0-k2-68-70/

 

[Yendor]

Yep got that site saved in my list of options. I wanted a bolt on no major modifications for the cafe look

 

[Cafeguy]

So I found a local 71 cb450 recently that I had seen and tried to buy 12 years ago in a guys shed. He moved and I lost track of it until recently. When I found it I was told it has not run for years and the tags say 2006. Im now building the cafe bike I’ve always wanted. My first bike was a cb350 and then a cb750. I wished I had never sold those bikes and Im not selling this one. So far I have stripped it down and put 2008 GSXR forks and front hub on it and will lace in the original wheel. I have a seat loop and integrated tail light and signals in the bar loop. Such a fun project.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

AD edit: OP has a build thread and we will post the "After" picture here once finished.

 

[ballbearian]

I have a feeling this is going to turn out really nice, and special. You should put this in project logs so we can bug you for more great pics.

 

[ancientdad]

So I found a local 71 cb450 recently that I had seen and tried to buy 12 years ago in a guys shed. He moved and I lost track of it until recently. When
I found it I was told it has not run for years and the tags say 2006. Im now building the cafe bike I’ve always wanted. My fist bike was a cb350 and then a cb750. I wished I had never sold those bikes and Im not selling this one. So far I have stripped it down and put 2008 GSXR forks and front hub on it and will lace in the original wheel. I have a seat loop and integrated tail light and signals in the bar loop. Such a fun project.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't mean to sound critical, but this thread - though it has strayed a fair amount from what I intended already - is for 1 before and 1 after picture along with a link to the build thread here at VHT. I try very hard to keep order here so we don't end up like the over-commercialized, totally disorganized forum we left 2 years ago. Please start a project thread in the Projects and Builds section and I'll move this post and pictures to it. Thanks

 

[Cafeguy]

You’re right, sorry. I got excited.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[davidevoss]

Bought this 1972 CL350 as a true basket case almost 2 years ago for $200 off of Craigslist.


So it's "finished for now". It's not a museum piece or a show winner but I built it to be a "rider" and it is that! It was a real challenge since I didn't take it apart but thanks in large part to all of the great members here at VHT I figured it out and ride it almost everyday (the benefits of retirement)! I would like to specifically thank all of you that helped me along the way:
ancientdad, mike in idaho, Ribrickulous, CatMan, LongDistanceRider, Mr Pepper, Boomer343, wentwest, Rock Reef, Yendor, J-T, GS Scott, teebo, HondaDreamer and 12ozPBR. You guys are the best!



This thing makes me smile! David Voss

 

[ancientdad]

Bought this 1972 CL350 as a true basket case almost 2 years ago for $200 off of Craigslist.

So it's "finished for now". It's not a museum piece or a show winner but I built it to be a "rider" and it is that! It was a real challenge since I didn't take it apart but thanks in large part to all of the great members here at VHT I figured it out and ride it almost everyday (the benefits of retirement)! I would like to specifically thank all of you that helped me along the way:
ancientdad, mike in idaho, Ribrickulous, CatMan, LongDistanceRider, Mr Pepper, Boomer343, wentwest, Rock Reef, Yendor, J-T, GS Scott, teebo, HondaDreamer and 12ozPBR. You guys are the best!

This thing makes me smile! David Voss

That's the kind of before and after we love! Nice job, glad we could help.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Bought this 1972 CL350 as a true basket case almost 2 years ago for $200 off of Craigslist.
So it's "finished for now". It's not a museum piece or a show winner but I built it to be a "rider" and it is that! It was a real challenge since I didn't take it apart but thanks in large part to all of the great members here at VHT I figured it out and ride it almost everyday (the benefits of retirement)! I would like to specifically thank all of you that helped me along the way:
ancientdad, mike in idaho, Ribrickulous, CatMan, LongDistanceRider, Mr Pepper, Boomer343, wentwest, Rock Reef, Yendor, J-T, GS Scott, teebo, HondaDreamer and 12ozPBR. You guys are the best!
This thing makes me smile! David Voss

Looks great. And your missing heat shield will be leaving here Monday.

 

[davidevoss]

Looks great. And your missing heat shield will be leaving here Monday.

Thanks LongDistanceRider. Looking forward to the heat shield.

 

[Chainman]

hello all
another vintage Honda twin back in service
the name's Thrifty (it was a $75 motorcycle)
grateful for this forum
some pics