Topic: Building the Dream...

[toytuff]

Is the Cloud Silver case paint still used by the Honda ATVs?  Seem to recall that being mentioned by someone not too long ago...

Might be. Not sure.

Well, I found out today that the 150cc/160cc bikes were completely different. Sell more parts that way.  I posted a wanted ad on CL for a parts bike as I can always use parts. (only if I don't sell them)

The headlight is a one piece unit and the bulb is burnt out.  So, looks like flea bay or a Halo conversion. Still thinking on this one. No longer available.

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[toytuff]

Hmm, that exhaust black they sell would be worth buying to touch up the mufflers and exhaust manifolds on my GL1000.

The mufflers are pretty shot on this one. Paint won't help.

Reproductions are very expensive. Almost as much as the entire bike!

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[Bankerdanny]

They are very hard to find for the wire wheel GL's too, almost as bad as 4-4 SOHC4 exhausts.

Fortunately my muffler is in very good shape, it's my manifolds that are in bad condition. Fortunately I found a set I am picking up next Saturday for $60.

[RAFster122s]

There is a seller in Washington state that you should steer clear of... Apex cycles.  Has stiffed a couple people and has been very slow to respond to questions or even send stuff when he does.  Apparently, sold some stuff with stock not on-hand and sea shipments are SLOW from his suppliers.

Not uncommon on the lights and headlight. On the C70 if your headlight blows you pretty well toast all the other bulbs as a result. It and the battery help to regulate the charging current. The electrics on the early bikes sometimes seem like Lucas had a hand in them, or another one of Satan's minions.

Surely there are ways to get around the square sealed beam issue.  What does it take to cut glass?  Diamond blades?
Would be interesting experiment to cut the back out of the bulb and insert a halogen bulb.   Focal points being what they are with the bright spot on the bulb having to be placed in the housing rather deep when compared to the stock big bulb.

[Stev-o]

Toy, does that appear to be original paint on the frame? If yes, I would consider not painting. Only original once.  In my expearieance, original paint can be more valuable than fresh paint.

[toytuff]

Toy, does that appear to be original paint on the frame? If yes, I would consider not painting. Only original once.  In my expearieance, original paint can be more valuable than fresh paint.

Steve, you are reading my mind. While cleaning today I started to second guess a paint job. Not so much the work involved but keeping the history of it intact. The only issue is the front fender which is bent up. Common I've been told. Maybe hunt for an original that is not bent? Needle in a hay stack.

I'm leaning to just cleaning it the best I can. It will never clean up like the CT 90 did. The tires are so old school and in great condition. There going to stay.

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[toytuff]

David, dealing with Classic Honda out in Maryland. We talked forever today as I called him back twice for throttle cable then later for fuel line.

He is also putting out the word on used parts. I need to contact the state rep. in AZ of the VJMC for a members list also.

This is going to be a long project. I have time. Plenty of it!   

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[Stev-o]

Yeah, start looking for a front fender.   I'm curious to see what it will take to get it running.
Any idea when itblast ran?

[toytuff]

Yeah, start looking for a front fender.   I'm curious to see what it will take to get it running.
Any idea when itblast ran?

Well, Corky had it six years and the guy before him a very long time. Next time I talk with him I'll ask.

I shut the garage door and turned on the eight foot T-5 lights. It will look a little on the yellow side but I'm still polishing on this baby.

She is going to fire right up! I'm soaking the cylinders. Next is rebuild the carburetor, petcock, replace the fuel lines, set the valves and adjust the points. I found out today that the Dream's fired on a 360 degree rotation where as the dual carburetor CB 77 models fired at 180 degrees. Should sound pretty cool. 

I think you're right. Leave the history attached.

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[Old Scrambler]

Patience on the headlight will usually payoff with an original unit in the mail.............sometimes its the switch...you have to position the key just right........or the high-low on the left handlebar.  A trick to keep the battery at full charge while riding is to position the H-L switch in the middle so the headlight is off for a few miles.

[toytuff]

Patience on the headlight will usually payoff with an original unit in the mail.............sometimes its the switch...you have to position the key just right........or the high-low on the left handlebar.  A trick to keep the battery at full charge while riding is to position the H-L switch in the middle so the headlight is off for a few miles.

OS, I can see the bulb. It's toast.

Can you shoot me some specs? Point gap, valve adjustment etc.

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[HondanutRider]

You should be aware that on most early models like these, the US market version (CA77 vs C77 elsewhere) had sealed beam headlights.  This was unique to US, as other markets (Canada included, eh) had a separate bulb and reflector.  You may be able to find these replacements at David Silver or CMS if you can't find a sealed beam replacement.

If you are still looking for some specs, let me know as I have both the shop and owners manuals that cover and I can look up and post later.

[Old Scrambler]

Toy.............I have restored 5 CL models and have another CL on my bench waiting for a seat and final assembly. Your CA model has single points vs the CB/CL models with double points. They are set just like later models including the sohc/4...........put the T on the marker and rotate the points plate to the exact place where they begin to open.............I use a 12v light but some still prefer to pull the wrapper from a pack of Camels. Tighten the plate and then adjust the gap to .012-.014-inches.

[JimJamerino]

On my Dream 305, the front fender is curled like yours.  From what I've seen and read, it is a very common problem, and finding an unbent original is damn near unobtanium.  Perhaps you could straighten and paint just that front fender while you wait for a miracle?

On the 305 forum there are a few people who have done as you thought with the headlight- saw off the back of the sealed beam and poke an h4 bulb in.  There is an h4 (h3? I don't know the difference) conversion kit available for around $100 at http://www.classichondarestoration.com/Honda-CA72-CA77/Headlight-CA/prod_294.html.

[toytuff]

Hondanut: If you are still looking for some specs, let me know as I have both the shop and owners manuals that cover and I can look up and post later.

Yes, I'll take them please.

OS, got it. No worries there.

Jimjam: On my Dream 305, the front fender is curled like yours.  From what I've seen and read, it is a very common problem, and finding an unbent original is damn near unobtanium.  Perhaps you could straighten and paint just that front fender while you wait for a miracle?

Yup, most were curb hopped for sure. Last night I came up with the idea of just straightening out the bent metal then shoot a little primer on just the repaired areas leaving the rest alone. 

Give it the "fast and loud" look if you will.

Every screw in the thing is welded on. Going to be a nightmare removing 48 year old stuff. I'll get it. Won't stop me. 

Question: Does the petcock remove from the tank? I had the bowl off and didn't go any farther with it until the kit arrives.

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[JimJamerino]

Question: Does the petcock remove from the tank? I had the bowl off and didn't go any farther with it until the kit arrives.

Off the top of my head, I don't know.  My Google-fu is strong today, though.

http://www.examiner.com/article/vintage-honda-petcocks

A quick read of this article says that you have to pull the bowl, then undo the lever and it should fall apart/out of the tank.

[toytuff]

OK, thanks. Running out the door now, will read later.

tt

[RAFster122s]

I believe the CA95 and the other similar big bikes of the day used the same petcock design. Greggo had recent experience in his ca95 rebuild.  They sometimes will initially leak then seal after a few days. Might be wise to test  rather than resume defeat...and rig a collection pan to hang beneath for containing any drips.

Don't recall Magpie's C95 experience on his petcock.

[toytuff]

Talking with Tim @ Classic Honda they are pretty straight forward however special care as to the lever. This is where the problem arises.

tt

[Greggo]

They are a genuine PITA in my experience. I wasn't doing a show bike/exact restoration so I went with a generic replacement kit off eBay. Not a drop leaked since, and I sold off the rest of the original parts.

[HondanutRider]

Here are some images from a 1965 publication for the C72/C77 model that should be similar to your CA72/CA77.  I don't think they changed any of the motor internals as they did for the baby Dreams (CA92/CA95 - C92/C95).

Regarding those front fender mangles (the baby Dreams had the same problem)\: they come about from running down a curb.

[JC Blues]

I do love the dream!!! and what a nice one you have there will be watching in suspense!!

[toytuff]

Hondanut..Thank you! Perfect!

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[toytuff]

I do love the dream!!! and what a nice one you have there will be watching in suspense!!

I never did but sure do now. 

This build was going to be a frame off but have decided to go the other way. A few board members suggested leaving it alone. With that in mind I'm going to keep it as close as I can in the current condition. Some things will have to be done but keeping it subtle.

Instead of restoration make it preservation.

Examples include cleaning the grease and oil off the center stand and kick stand but not repainting them. Some of the screws in the side covers will have to be replaced but I have a load of used ones from my 750. In general don't replace anything if possible. I decided to leave the original hard as rock handlebar grips on it. 

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[toytuff]

Working on getting the carburetor removed. Everything has to be done through the frame and from the side. The slide is frozen from years of sitting so while I was soaking it I cleaned up some parts and worked on polishing up the frame and front end of the bike.

A lot of years here..





And some more cleaning..







And running out of room..almost. 



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