Downunder Dream - '64 C72 Restoration
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 1:53 am
G'day from Australia
After a bit of prodding from members to get this log going, I thought I better make a start.
In the early 70s my first ever motorbike as a young teenager was a '59 C71, dry sump model. When I got it, it had already been worked pretty hard, but it was great for me to learn on and ride around the country roads. I was lucky enough to be given another early 60s C72 shortly after and had lots of fun pulling them both apart and mounting various parts and motors on various frames. Had my own little workshop and covered a huge amount of miles on that bike.
Anyway as I got older, the bikes and cars got faster and the old Dream wasn't so cool anymore and when the farm got sold while I was living interstate, the bike did too. It wasn't until I got much older that I had a real desire to get a Dream again. Anyway just recently I've been lucky enough to get 2 - both C72s - one a '61 and the other a '64. I just couldn't believe it, they squeaked and smelt just like I remember. The earlier is in very poor condition and will become the "pig" bike. The later model is in great condition with low mileage. It is being stripped now for a new paint job, re-chrome and restoration - only finances (or lack of) holding me back. Just can't wait to get them both going again.
Attached is a couple of photos of the older bike - as you can see it is in very poor condition, but came with a few additional bits and pieces including a wiring harness, 2 spare fuel tanks and a chopped down frame. It should be a great source of spare parts.
After a bit of prodding from members to get this log going, I thought I better make a start.
In the early 70s my first ever motorbike as a young teenager was a '59 C71, dry sump model. When I got it, it had already been worked pretty hard, but it was great for me to learn on and ride around the country roads. I was lucky enough to be given another early 60s C72 shortly after and had lots of fun pulling them both apart and mounting various parts and motors on various frames. Had my own little workshop and covered a huge amount of miles on that bike.
Anyway as I got older, the bikes and cars got faster and the old Dream wasn't so cool anymore and when the farm got sold while I was living interstate, the bike did too. It wasn't until I got much older that I had a real desire to get a Dream again. Anyway just recently I've been lucky enough to get 2 - both C72s - one a '61 and the other a '64. I just couldn't believe it, they squeaked and smelt just like I remember. The earlier is in very poor condition and will become the "pig" bike. The later model is in great condition with low mileage. It is being stripped now for a new paint job, re-chrome and restoration - only finances (or lack of) holding me back. Just can't wait to get them both going again.
Attached is a couple of photos of the older bike - as you can see it is in very poor condition, but came with a few additional bits and pieces including a wiring harness, 2 spare fuel tanks and a chopped down frame. It should be a great source of spare parts.
