[saig55]

Not sure if this will be a repair, replace or restore project… just got this 1971 CL450 that has sat for a while. I would like to at least see if it runs before making a decision on what path to take. So I think that will be my first priority.

 

[DD23]

That looks much better than I had imagined.

A slow methodical very cautious rebirth, you know stuff will be stuck.

Enjoy...

Dd23🎅

 

[saig55]

This was in a box that came with it…
Should I be scared? Lol

 

[DD23]

So has the engine been apart ?

The clutch cover looks good from afar.

Any signs of sealer ooozing out of any joints ?

Remember, a very considered and carefully rebirth as stuff can be stuck.

Take your time, hare and tortoiuse.

Dd23🎅

 

[saig55]

I know that I see new gaskets on some covers but have no idea what was done. The man that owned it died a few years ago. It does have a oil leak so I know it has oil in it.

 

[PoiPio]

Not sure if this will be a repair, replace or restore project

For sure a repair and replace. Too far gone or not even close to a restore potential. Paint is first. As far a points for original, you're out paint, fuel line, seat, peg rubber, plug caps, kicker rubber, bent rear brake, add crashing it, original tires.

How far am I gathering OEM parts just to even compete restoring one. Even if you matched paint, I'd still pop the gas cap and see tape over marks of the other paint(s). Lift the seat up and if there are blue snap connectors, electrical tape, aftermarket fuse... It just snowballs.

Run it, ride it. Ain't worth the money restoring it. As good as you think you have it, someone shows up with a garage queen sitter, where the only points deducted are the dust and cob webs.

 

[saig55]

That brings up another question. Did they come with a locking gas cap? This has one.

 

[DD23]

You know of CMSNL.com ?

 

[PoiPio]

Yes, that design was revised to a locking style when the first cap design would somewhat dangerously open during a crash? The tank latch was having a recall on the original cap lock. You are looking at that recall.

 

[saig55]

You know of CMSNL.com ?

No but thanks, good info there also.