Pre-weld mockup with engine

Did a new set up with the frame, engine and front and rear wheels.  I did some modification to the hardtail frame.  It was not fitting very well so I cut the cross support and seperated the frame into two pieces.  I was able to line up one side of the frame with the original swingarm in place and clamp it right where it needed to be.  Then I removed the swingarm and installed the other side of the hardtail and clamped that into place, then installed the tire.

 By cutting the cross supports I was also able to widen the tail and fit the original Honda wheel in much better.

Some light cleaning..

Did a little bit of cleaning on the triple trees today.  Basically just cleaning the paint off, not finished yet but looks a lot cleaner than the old black paint all ready.

Welding prep and alignment.

Did some work on the CL this weekend, started getting the frames ready to be welded together.  Cleaned off some of the old paint and primer.

This is how I will fit the two pieces together.  The hardtail will slide right into the original Honda frame and will weld the two together on the inside of the Honda frame.

But I could not stop there...too much fun!

So I added the front tire as well.  I tried it two different ways, with the front forks clamped in the usual way.   Then I pushed the clamps down a bit to get a lower stance.  I love the way it looks so far, I really like how is is shaping up.

Coming together...(slowly)

Just for fun I started doing a mock up of the build.  I clamped the frames together, threw the front forks on and added the rear tire to see how it is looking.  Just this little bit of assembly made me very excited to continue.

Frame pieces.

After much contemplating, I decided to go ahead and make the cuts to remove the rear frame from the front.  I just strapped the frame to my work bench and grabbed the hacksaw and started cutting.  The first cuts on the bike actually felt pretty good.  It felt even better when I matched the original frame to the purchased one and they lined up fairly well.

More work done!

The build has moved inside, better light and warmth.  The propane heater I have in the garage ran out of gas so I snuck some parts inside.  I have removed everything from the frame, and have a good idea about how I want to connect the two frame parts together.

Craigslist finds!!

Found some good parts on craigslist recently that I will be using on the CL.  The main part is the hardtail frame, it is a Triumph bolt on.  This will replace the original rear of the frame.

 The other is the front fork and triple trees from a 75 CB350.  These will allow me to lower the front end so the frame sits level.  The original forks from the CL were not adjustable.

Clear Frame (almost)

I have made a lot of progress on the teardown of the bike.  Got everything pulled out and off and went through the parts to see what I want to use and not use, still up in the air about that.  I think it will become clear once I start putting it back together.  

I had to leave the front forks and wheel on for balance, the frame is off set on one side so it would not sit on the stand very well.  Obviously the engine is out as well, that was a bit harder to get out, but once I figured it out it came out fairly easily.

The engine is in good shape, and hope to do very little work on that, seeing as it is a first build for me and all.

Progress

Made some good progress on the teardown of the CL recently.  I have started on the backend since that looks like the easiest place to start.  Less wires and what not.

Starting the teardown.

Started the teardown on the CL.  Everything seems to be in good condition.  The previous owner removed the airbox and original carbs and added some nice aftermarket carbs with pod air filters.  Something I was planning on doing anyway so saves a nice bit of money.

I am trying to do this rebuild as cheaply as possible, and use a lot of existing parts, as well as trading for and buying used parts off of craigslist and ebay.

New winter project

Found my project for the rest of the winter.  1971 Honda CL  350.  I found this on Craigslist after months of looking, and months of hearing other bikes "were just sold".  It is not exactly what I was looking for but think it will make a good project.

I am planning on hardtailing the rear and lowering the overall stance, removing any excess parts, and installing a solo seat.