1964 Honda Dream restoration - original owner - finally done

[dtmackey]

I've checked this site over the past year since I knew I would be restoring a Honda Dream. The bike was purchased new by my father in 1964 and is black in color. Two of his friends also purchased Dreams the same day (red and white) but over the years the bikes were junked since they didn't run. I was not aware of this or I would have purchased those.

As I mentioned the bike was my fathers and it has the original tool kit, title, owners manual and bill of sale. Since the bike is part of the family I've decided to restore her. She's been sitting in a garge since 1985 and has a heavy later of dust. Motor still cranks over, but there are a scratches and dents in the frame and the chrome has some light pitting. Tires were replaced with non-white walls back in the early 80s and she has about 9K miles. She has some optional chrome items and racks that were Honda originals.











Tear down has started and I'll have a bin filled to send out for chrome and then the frame will get a fresh coat of acrylic urethane. I'm hoping the build takes about 9 - 12 months and want to stick as close to restoration perfect as possible. I'm just wondering where to draw the line as I have people telling me to have the engine buffed out to look like shiney chrome (buffed aluminum) or whether to leave it the cast look it was built. I do not want to hurt the value or collector quality of the bike and overdo this.



If anyone has input it would be greatly appreciated. I'm not new to restoratorations and have done plenty, but none were a Honda Dream and I want to restore perfect for family reasons. Links, parts sources and any information is welcome.

I'm new to this site, so if there was a post it or note I missed for new member introduction, just let me know

D-

[brewsky]

Welcome to the forum!

Maybe I'm missing something, but it looks like a soap and water/polish up restoration is all that's needed on that bike! It is suprising how shiny old paint and chrome can be underneath a nice protective coating of dust.

And original patina is harder to find than fresh paint.

When I rode mine to the paint shop (that specializes in vintage restorations) for an estimate, the first question I was asked was WHY?

Just my take,...... there are certainly others on the forum who have done beautiful restorations to perfection.

Here's a link to parts suppliers:
http://www.honda305.com/forums/superhaw ... t6470.html



Good luck with yours, and keep us posted.

[conbs]

I completely agree with Brewsky. You will be amazed how good that paint can turn out with some rubbing compound, then polishing compound, then a good carnuba wax. It will take some time to do it, but you will know right away whether it will satisfy you. If it does, the paint will be the same paint that was on the bike when your Dad bought it.

I would try also try some Flitz on the chrome. Again, it takes a little time, but I have been absolutely amazed at how well chrome will come back. There will likely be a little pitting when you are done, but unless you have to have it perfect, the shine from the chrome will dazzle so much that you won't notice it much. Don't be afraid to hit the chrome 2 or 3 times with the Flitz. Let it rest in between to eat at the rust. When the rust softens I use my thumb nail to "help".

Flitz works really well on the Aluminum, too. A little elbow grease and it will look great. You can also buff the aluminum, but then that starts to take it in a direction where it was not what your Dad bought.

There are products you can use on the rubber and plastic (NOT Armorall) that will bring back the black. I have used natural lanolin, a product called TKO and another product called Coconut Creme Protectant made by a company called Carnu-B. I like the Coconut product the best (I think you can order it online- I got mine at the Fair. They make a great banana oil, carnuba wax, too). The idea is to get some natural oils back in the rubber/plastic to soften it and bring back that dark black (or ?) color.

Like everything else, these bikes are only original once. Keeping them that way has value. In fact, even if you were to want to show your bike, I think there is a significant point advantage if your bike is original vs restored.

In the end, there is an image you want for this bike. It will probably look really great either way (if you are willing to spend the time to do a good job detailing). The difference will be that if you detail it, you can say two thing. 1. It's just like when Dad rode it. 2. I did all the work myself. You will also have a lot more money left in your wallet.

When I detailed my '65, there were times when it did seem overwhelming a time or two. But, I kept at it and pretty soon everything was looking so nice, it inspired me more and more. Then I just wanted to show it to people. Even though it is not perfect it looks really nice in my estimation. I am extremely pleased with the result. Like Brewsky says, that patina adds something that you can't buy.

My $0.02. Best wishes with your project.

[Hoosier Tom]

I agree with brewsky and conbs. Your bike looks like a very nice original bike. Original bikes that still look nice and haven't been cobbled up over the years are getting harder to find. I believe with a thorough detailed cleaning your bike will be very presentable and will maintain its originality and value. Which ever way you go I wish you the best. Don't be shy about asking the forum for help if you need it.

HT

[DONZIE]

Once again my intestines are in knots....... I'll never understand it......

[pknopp]

Mine has the exact same accessories. I have to also note, that I am a huge fan of the idea of something only being original once.

Mine has scratches and dings and I see a newly restored one and I think about it but I just can't do it.

[dtmackey]

OK guys, you know better than me and the feedback on painting is appreciated. I'm going to reevaluate the idea of painting once I get her cleaned up, but there are a few areas that may need some attention.

I'm still pulling the bike apart and want to remove the motor to clean that up. I'll continue to post progress images and keep everything in this one thread. I do not take offense to your comments and that's the reason I came here since you guys know these bikes.

D-