by pacomotorstuff » Wed Nov 07, 2012 5:12 pm
I picked up my wee beauty last night. Carried it down from the guy's attic and consequently, am taking pain killers for my neck and back today. Engine in a box - ah a seized piston, how lovely! A gas tank so rusty, it sounded like maraccas when I shook it.
How she glistened in the moonlight - her purple metalflake paint job peeling off the frame like a snake shedding its skin and apehanger handlebars so tall, they looked to be longer than the swingarm - but perfect for the tiedowns to hook onto. The pair of yellow spotlights slung low on the front forks was the crowning styling touch - or maybe coup de gras, I dunno. They matched perfectly with the white naugahyde seat cover, which I tore off this morning to find the original Honda seat cover underneath it in great condition. The seat's probably the best part of the bike and I can't use it LOL.
No restorer would have touched this bike in a million years, that's for sure - so it's perfect to make a race bike from. Needs a rebuild but a lot cheaper than a couple of bikes I was offered and I can probably sell off some of the redundant parts to a restorer. I'm still amazed that just because a bike is old(er), sellers think it's worth a ton of money, regardless of the condition, but this one fit the budget perfectly.
On another subject, outstanding front wheel Rick. The shouldered Akront wheel I have, looks like it was chewed on by wolverines - but it's a real Akront, so I guess I better polish the basta up the best I can. I'm using a Yam 350 DLS for mine unless I can find another CB72/77 front brake to keep it in the family.
Right now, my plan is to make the bike look exactly how you would have seen it on the track about 1963.
Wish me luck; I think I'm gonna need it.
Pat