The rebirth of a C78 305 Honda Dream
Managed to install the chain, chain guard, Foot rests, brake pedal, shifter, fuel tank and the seat. Also installed a new battery but didn't put any acid in it but may do so if I decide to ride the bike some day. I had to shorted the new clutch cable I bought but I knew I would have to do that because I couldn't find on that was the right length. The clutch cable shortening worked out perfectly and you can't tell it was ever modified so I'm happy with that.
I didn't want to put any fuel in the tank because the riding season is over here now and I'll be putting it out where I keep the rest of my collection but I did want to see the beast start up and see how it runs. Well I put a small bottle of fuel hooked up to a fuel line and she started right up. I had some small adjustments to do with the carb but I was very pleased with the way it ran. No leaks either! I installed the Apex exhaust and will leave it on until I find a good used right side muffler and I'll get the two original mufflers replated. I still can't believe the poor quality and workmanship with this Apex exhaust. Who ever made this junk defiantly took no pride in there work and that has to follow down to the person who sells this crap, Anyway here's some updated pics. Paul
It would take a person with an unimaginable amount of fortitude in the self-restraint department to NOT ride this bike as soon as it is back together; riding season be damned…
Might I add: You are operating in some kind of parallel universe of efficiency. (and a better one too). Many people (or maybe just me) take this long (from start of thread until now) to merely decide what they will plan to do for restoration. To have it where you have it, and with such detours into custom tools made from scratch, to say nothing about the overall quality of refinishing - I would hardly believe it was possible!!! Michael
Michael all I can say to your comments is a big thank you! If I never hear another comment about my work and or the quality of it again I'll be satisfied after reading your comments on the subject. I always figured if a job is worth doing it's worth doing well. I've seen times where I've had three projects such as Coca coolers and or gas pump as work in progress at the same time. I've been told by other that I'm about the most focused person they ever met. I think I'm into this for the love of it. Some of my customers can't understand how I keep it up. Last evening I stayed out in the shop until 11:30 PM. I wanted to see the Dream running plus wanted to post the progress of the day which has been another segment of this restoration. I sincerely hope it's helped some of the forum viewers out in some small way. Now if I only had my tires!!!! Thanks again Michael
Paul,
I just read your whole thread from start to finish, and like the others that posted for the first time, all I can say is WOW. You did a wonderful job on this bike, and you're truly a skilled craftsman. If it weren't for the pictures, I wouldn't believe it was the same bike that you started with. You do great work, and I can't wait to see the final product (which doesn't look to be to far away). You really gave me alot of inspiration to get my CB77 project underway. Thank you for sharing your project. Jason.
Actually I got the tires but I had a problem getting them. I ordered them from the link below and seeing I live in Canada that company wanted to charge me $125.00 US to ship them to me. After a little looking around I friend of mine in Pennsylvania told me to ship them to her and she would ship them out to me. The company shipped them to her for $9.00 and she shipped them to me for $22.00. Better than the $125. the company quoted me. Living up here don't make it any easier to restore these bikes. Been a battle all the way. Paul http://www.coker.com/store/customer/pro ... at=&page=1
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