Saved a Dream

Dreamsuperhawk · Post by **Dreamsuperhawk** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 12:43 pm

So I rescued a Dream the other day. While helping an older gentleman with clearing debris from his yard, he said he had some cycles in the shed. A 63 Dream and a 63 Super Hawk. I asked him if he would considering selling. He said no, then he gave them to me. They also came with title pink slips, so all is good. Yes they are a bit rusty and dusty. The dream is pretty much complete along with saddle bags. I'm sort of ok with wrenching, thought of restoring an older bike at times. I knew these were special and thought it would be good to bring them home. So now I am looking for help in sorting things out. I need to learn a bit about the bikes. They say nothing is for free, so what could I have gotten myself into with these project bikes. Your insight gained while restoring yours will be helpful to me. So once again, please help me sort out whether I should restore, or put these out there for someone with more experience.

casamere · Post by **casamere** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 2:55 pm

I suppose from my personnel point of view it all depends how much this model of bike means to you. I think I am right in saying that people like myself have an affinity with the bike they have restored. I restored a CA77 a couple of years ago as it was the model of bike I could never afford in the 60s but now I have done it and get a lot of pleasure every time I ride it.
The pleasure you get seeing your bikes restored and back on the road is immeasurable. The other reason of course is if you want the $$$ in your pocket instead of out of your pocket.
My views only.

Dreamsuperhawk · Post by **Dreamsuperhawk** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 3:19 pm

Your thoughts are exactly what I'm looking for. They will help me decide what to do.

When I was in high school, a friend had a dream he rode while I tagged along on my Honda 175. I can say that I have not specifically planned on restoring one. This just happened into my possession the other day.

By the way, beautiful restoration on your bike. Percentage wise, how much work did you do yourself, how much did you pay others to do? 50-50??

casamere · Post by **casamere** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 4:26 pm

This is how my bike came to me so I suppose you could say it was all there but a lot had to be replaced. But once the frame was shot blasted and painted, new wheels and tires, parts re chromed, new mufflers, re wired and flashers installed it was just a case of bolt it all back together.
A guy I contacted a couple of miles away re built the engine for me and we both put it back together so to be truthful I would say 60/40 the 40 being my input. So yes I did pay out around $1000 for the other guys labour but it was worth every cent to now see the finished product.

Dreamsuperhawk · Post by **Dreamsuperhawk** » Sun Nov 06, 2016 9:43 pm

Good info. Your original bike looks a bit cleaner than mine. But I'd say they both are similar in the level of being complete. I took a bunch of pics today and will figure out how to post them. I'm happy to see that a little bit of sweat can save some $$. I was expecting a probable cost of more than double or triple your actual cost so that might be good news for me.

So what were the first few steps you did to assess the condition of the bike? When you started work, what did you do first? I want to try to put together a game plan or priority list for restoration but I'm not sure what might be more important to start with. It's too soon for me to start work yet, but I'm thinking that getting the motor to run might be first order. But saying that, there's a lot of little things that probably need to be done first.

What might be your thoughts on planning or organizing a restoration?

casamere · Post by **casamere** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 4:53 am

It seems no one else is contributing to this post to assist you with their method of how they went about doing things with their restoration so let's begin with viewing ( photos ) the bikes we are talking about then probably move onto me sending you my e mail via PM rather than fill up this posting with just our communication.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 5:37 am

I do my bikes as therapy from a busy life of work / travel. I am restoring several at the same time and do not rush but I like to do everything myself where possible. If I cannot do something I like to try and learn and build tools. I do not worry too much about costs and like to do things in batches.

I might build 4 pairs of rear shocks then move on to engine work. I realize that I am not typical but the restoration 'journey' is the best part for me.

This is my 1961 CB72 Restoration...

http://www.honda305.com/forums/1961-cb7 ... 34421.html

This is my 1962 C72 as purchased..

Here is the frame after paint - done in my back garden...

And here is the completed tank.

I do all my own engine work apart from re-bores. Chrome and Zinc plating I get done in large batches from Prestige electroplating.

It's difficult to tell others how to go about these things without knowing their skill level, commitment or facilities.

Take time to search through this forum and you will find all of the answers.....

G