New guy here with a CA77

Jims65CA77 · Post by **Jims65CA77** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 3:45 pm

Just joined Honda305 site, and will most likely have some questions about my 1965 CA77. I just bought it last week. It does not run, but it turns over, and it IS complete. I do have the side cover that is not shown in the picture too. Although the left muffler is completely rusted out. I will see about doing something about that later. I am not sure if I want to restore it, or leave it original. The paint isn't bad, but it does have some... issues. I also have a '65 CB160 too, but that is already 'finished' to a riding restore.

Jim

pknopp · Post by **pknopp** » Fri Jul 05, 2013 9:17 pm

Personally I would leave it as-is but you sound like you know what you are doing.

Jims65CA77 · Post by **Jims65CA77** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 7:53 am

You are right about leaving it alone... I will most likely at least do my best to keep it original. So if it has a few blemishes... so what. Original is only a one time thing; right?

Jim

conbs · Post by **conbs** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 11:29 am

I recommend:

1. A good carnuba wax for the paint. You will be amazed at how good you can make it look. Some dis-assembly required. If the paint is really rough you may need to start with rubbing compound and follow with polishing compound before you get to the wax. I used Carnu-B wax because it has banana oil in it that is a great solvent. I used it on a Mustang with grossly oxidized paint and got an unbelievable shine on the finish. I would not have believed it if I had not done it myself. They make a product for vinyl/rubber with coconut oil in it as well.

2. Use Flitz on the chrome. With more than one application and some "scrubbing" with your thumb nail, you can get rid of all the surface rust and way more real rust than you would ever imagine. Obviously the pitting will still be there, but often the "rust" area looks much bigger than the pit actually is. When the chrome gleams again, you hardly notice the pits.

3. 55 gallon drum of elbow grease.

This is not a short process. But it probably takes less time than a restoration; is much cheaper than re-chrome/repaint; can be done in phases so you can ride your bike throughout the process; leaves it original and preserves that charming patina. Plus, I have found it to be one of the most therapeutic things I do in my life.

My $0.02

Jims65CA77 · Post by **Jims65CA77** » Mon Jul 08, 2013 1:08 pm

Thanks conbs! NICE info you gave there and I didn't know that about the carnuba wax. Shame though, I can only afford a 20 gallon bucket of Elbow Grease! HAHA! ;^) I have time, so that will be on my side! Also, I will pull the bowl off the carb and see how that looks too. I think the last time this had gas in it was when gas had LEAD. I looked into the gas tank and it looks nice and shiny with no rust! I have been looking at the info on batteries as well. Sure, I would like to get one of the exact batteries, but I am looking into some other options as well. I am "thinking" of getting a smaller 12V battery and building a plastic top for it to fit the battery hold down as it "SHOULD" fit the original. We'll see how that works out when I come to it. This should be fun! My CB160 was fun restoration too. I restored it to ride and not show. So, you will see a ding or two in the tank panels. I also the cleaned up the aluminum parts and chrome. I have always felt that the more money you spend on restorations, the less you will drive/ride it. Of course, that is my opinion.

Jim