Project Ideas

Dharrison

New Member
Joined
Nov 29, 2025
Total Posts
7
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Location
Georgia
I am working on 2 barn find projects. Both had been sitting for several years and needed alot of TLC. I got the CB 350 to run and even take it out for a ride around the neighborhood. It still needs more work and cleaning. The CL needs more work. My plan is to leave the CB mostly original as is and completely overall the CL (paint, engine, etc….)

Just seeing if anyone thinks leaving the CB as is or completely redoing it is a better option. IMG_3939.jpeg
 
Are my eyes playing tricks, or has the CB got it's fork bottoms switched around ? And a silver painted frame ? Pipes look surprisingly good though.
 
Richard Pitman said:
Are my eyes playing tricks, or has the CB got it's fork bottoms switched around ? And a silver painted frame ? Pipes look surprisingly good though.
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The frame looks like it suffers from the same rust/corrosion that other parts of the CB do but it does look odd. Yes, at least the right fork lower is backwards, fender mount lugs facing outwards LOL. Also looks like someone was wishfully thinking they could do the top end of the CL engine in the frame.... nope.
 
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Considering you have 2, it would be nice to leave that CB as original as possible and customize the other one, but as someone who doesn't have anything stock, I understand the urge to want to make it yours.
 
It makes sense to ride the rideable bike while working on the unrideable one. You can come back to the CB later on, although correcting little things like the fork lower orientation should be done now along with anything else related to roadworthiness.

My CB360 was a central Georgia yard find. It was the first bike I really worked on and I bemoan the fact that I knew a lot less when I did the work. A prime example is that I used normal spray paint for the frame rather than a Spray Max 2K paint or powder coat. It pays to do things right the first time, whether that is now or a few years from now doesn't matter as much.
 
You are correct on the forks plan is to fix them when I change the tires. Still has the original tires it looks like. I have a used fender for it as well. I have had to fix and correct many issues on the CB just to get it where it is, but still have alot to go.

The CL is was told had a new top end build, but it was missing the head cover when I got it. Had to get one to cover it from any further damage. That is why I plan to continue completely break down the CL and rebuild it.

They were both rusty and crusty, but hopefully get them back to rideable condition. The seller said they couldn't get them to run. At least the CB is running now but needs more attention to get it road worthy. The gray frame was throwing me off not sure if its just the black paint has just disappeared.
 
Dharrison said:
The gray frame was throwing me off not sure if its just the black paint has just disappeared.
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Like Richard, who mentioned the silver appearance of the frame above, I was thrown off by that initially. Looking at the upper frame just below the seat, it appears to be black, so I began to wonder if the barn find had been outside for some length of time before finding the barn. Paint is no match for the pine tar found in that part of the world.
 
They weren’t put up and taken care of properly, but it shows the resilience of them to be able to start and run after all this time.
 
MrPepper said:
t would be nice to leave that CB as original as possible and customize the other one,
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If you're looking for ideas about the CL, try the military look. No need to be concerned about chrome. Military Green is an Alkaloid paint (I think I have 1/2 qt left) thinned with mineral spirits and tough. 2-part flat black to cover over chrome and shiny parts. Leave dings and dents alone, do up a solo seat, maybe some ammo saddlebags. The bike shown was in worse shape than the CL, but done up in military style, became cool.
My suggestion and 2 cents worth!
 

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