The CB1100 Community Forum

Thanks for all the encouragement.
What I did to the motor was take it down and split the cases. I've never split cases or held the transmission in my hands before. It seamed like a daunting task but it was very straight forward. I soda blasted the cases, cylinder and head and painted them with hi temp paint. The cylinders were still in speck so I had them honed and replaced the rings. I found new valves and lightly lapped them in. I also replaced the timing chain because you have to break it to remove it. I polished the cam holders and bolted it back together. I have NOS (new old stock) clutch, chain and alternators coming UPS today.
[url=http://s1190.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Bova/media/CB450/image_zpst9lv8adn.jpeg.html]

[url=http://s1190.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Bova/media/CB450/image_zpsblmmlqn9.jpeg.html]

[url=http://s1190.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Bova/media/CB450/image_zps98iysgvr.jpeg.html]

It's a lovely example of that particular style of CB450 Mike. I don't think they sold well in Australia; there certainly weren't many of the next styling iteration.

What did you do to polish the aluminum parts ?

(01-14-2016, 06:58 AM)Chapomis_imp Wrote: [ -> ]What did you do to polish the aluminum parts ?

I either stripped off the clear coat with paint remover or soda blasted them. Then a few minutes on the buffing wheel. I didn't go too far, I'm not looking for the chrome like finish that can be achieved. I'm looking for a more stock finish. Then a couple of light coats of clear lacquer. The clear dulls it slightly. I just got new old stock covers today and they match pretty good?
[url=http://s1190.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Bova/media/CB450/image_zps5zeun2hj.jpeg.html]

the parts look great, whats soda blasting ? Just Googled it, pretty cool. Did you buy a machine ?

(01-14-2016, 09:50 AM)Chapomis_imp Wrote: [ -> ]the parts look great, whats soda blasting ? Just Googled it, pretty cool. Did you buy a machine ?

It's like sand blasting but with baking soda. It won't etch metal but will remove paint and grease and light rust.

Just to add that soda blasting is fairly inexpensive, if you already own a decent compressor. Harbor freight sells the blaster and media fairly inexpensively. I use it to remove paint from stone memorials without affecting their polished surfaces. I never thought of using it to remove clear coat from aluminum. Thanks Mike! I have a couple of problems you just solved for me! Love this forum!

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I found out clear lacquer is NOT what to use. Alas, I don't know what to recommend.

(01-14-2016, 12:55 PM)Rboe_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I found out clear lacquer is NOT what to use. Alas, I don't know what to recommend.

I've read that too because it has no UV protection. I thought I would try it because the bike will be indoor unless the motor is running.

Really cool. Love it.