Although I've already posted in other thread topics, I thought I'd start a restoration log just to keep an account of what progress I'm making.
The photo shows how I brought the bike home on January 10th (2015). The engine was in the back of my truck, partially stripped and in two crates.
So far, I've finished stripping the engine and will completely rebuild it when it's a bit warmer. Fortunately, it's not seized, but the transmission will need quite a bit of help.
Right now I'm concentrating on the frame. Getting it all back together has been slow as it needs so many parts. I've purchased all of the missing electrical components, including the wiring harness. All parts have been stripped from the frame and it's ready to prep for painting. I haven't decided whether to paint it myself or have it professionally done.
More as it happens.
1964 CA77 Restoration1964 CA77 Restoration
In stripping the frame, I found a very badly repaired break on the right side at the center stand mounting point. Fortunately, a bike builder friend was able to weld it for me. Before and after photos. The new welds have since been ground down.
De-rusting the gas tank. It really wasn't bad, but there were a few spots of rust here and there. I used Evapo-rust and let it sit for days. Presently, the tank is on end to get any rust on the upper surface. I'll drain and rinse it soon, but need to get a rust preventative like POR-15 so that I can coat it immediately.
The tank is in pretty good shape externally, with only a couple of very small dents that can be repaired. It also needs paint. Before soaking, I had to rebuild the petcock. I had no success with that, even after repeated attempts and new parts. I ended up getting a modern replacement with a flange/adapter. After installing that, I put a cork in it to hold the treatement.
Hi Seadog from another Seadog. That was my nickname back in college and I thought I was the only one. I see you are derusting the tank chemically and derusting the other pieces electronically. I tried electrolysis with a CB160 tank and had no luck. How much success have you had with it and how do you decide which method to use?
Nice work by the way. Steve Seadog Steve, thanks for the compliment. I've had quite a bit of success with electrolysis in the past, but only with parts in a bath, never with the inside of a gas tank. I had considered electrolysis for the tank, but the electrode posed a big problem, especially due to the U shape of the tank. Although I'd never used a chemical, it seemed the perfect answer to the problem. Time will tell. Today's de-rusting continues as I have only taken the kickstand out of the bath. It came out well after brushing, but I think I'll try some steel rod for electrodes tomorrow. Today, I used carbon rod. It eliminates the scum on the top of the electrolyte and the rods stay clean, but the parts are covered in carbon that takes just a bit more effort to remove afterward. On a side-note, what terrible welds on that kickstand! My 7 year old grand daughter could do better!
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