Honda 1963 CL72

[Bevan IMP]

Hi All,

I have just purchased a CL72 which is complete in every way.

It does however need fully restoring from a cosmetic point of view.

The engine however is seized.......

Can anyone point me in the right direction of a good supplier of parts and expertise in the UK.

Regards

Jonathan

[Snakeoil]

Post #1 huh? Welcome to the zoo... er I mean forum. Lots of smart folks here who can help you. I wish I were one of them.

As for your seized engine, tell whoever seized it to give it back. That's a good place to start.

All seriousness aside, David Silver Spares is a name I've heard used by the UK contingent and is a recognized expert on these bikes. He's on your side of the Pond.

Start soaking your stuck pistons with a 50/50 mix of ATF and acetone. I hope you are a patient man. Kroil is another superb penetrating fluid. Not sure you can get it in the UK. Aircraft folks love it. So you might try with an aircraft supply house if you don't find it with the automotive guys.

Take lots of pictures before you take things apart and record what you are doing. I suggest you start a restoration thread so we can all follow you as you skin your knuckles, spill oil into your shoes and drop large heavy things onto thin, expensive fragile things.

They are a great little bike and you won't want to part with it when it's done.

The search engine works pretty well here. So take advantage of it. Chances are many of the questions you will ask have been asked and beaten to death so you can get more than you expected when you do a search. There are also threads and sections on paint matching, how to zinc plate you plated parts, lacing rims, etc..

Again, welcome and good luck with your project.

regards,
Rob

[G-Man]

Jonathan

I think I saw the bike you bought. An absolute peach. Rob's advice is good, but David Silver has hardly any CL stuff anymore. I bought a lot of NOS CL stuff from him last year for my 'collection' of CLs. I have two 1963 CL72s both in very sorry states but I now have all the parts for the rebuild. It didn't look like your bike needed much but give me a shout and I might be able to help.

CMS in Holland has some stuff but it's always expensive.

I'm up in Derby. Where are you?

G

[Bevan IMP]

[Snakeoil]

Wow, that's a beauty. Looks staight as an arrow.

Nice find.

regards,
Rob

[lifewithoutparole]

Great bike!!! Look at that front fender intact! yes you have a great bike. I love the red frame bikes! This forum is full of experienced folk's so you won't have any trouble in getting it back to new condition. Good find!

[Bevan IMP]

Hi

The bike is now completely stripped. The engine was advertised as seized !!!!!!

Found the engine with no pistons, the bores completely shot and metal filings in the bottom end. Not good at all.......

I have sourced a replacement bottom end and am now in the process of trying to sort out a new barrel pistons etc.

Other than that the bike is a great find and completely original in every way.

On the chassis number side should the engine number match the frame number.

Jonathan