The journey begins

I have been waiting for the manual and carb kit for a few days now and just couldn't wait any longer.  As you can see from the main blog picture, this bike has few things missing or wrong with it.  It is a 65 CA95 Honda Dream.  For those of you that don't know (I didn't, now I do) this is the 150cc version.  Over the next few weeks (probably end up being months....) I am going to document my progress with this bike through text and pictures.  Here is my attempt at a first post.

This first picture is my baby naked.  I stripped her down, cleaned her off and took off a few parts for inspection and cleaning.  From far away she almost looks like she has no rust except for the mufflers.  I took off the carb and have it sitting in cleaner.  I will go through it thoroughly tomorrow.  It is supposed to rain so I probably won't be able to go out skating anyway.  I have cleaned a few carbs that have sat for 20+ years and I must say this one was pretty clean.  I couldn't get the float bowl off though, didn't want to break it and was hoping the carb cleaner will loosen it up.

When removing the carb and air filter assembly, I found something of a mouse nest.  This had me worried for a bit but upon inspection, the wire had not been chewed up at all.  It took me a while to get the large air filter out.  I did not realize I would pop off the panel underneath the left side panel.  I was also relieved to find out that these stock parts are still available for purchase from a variety of places including Asia (not Japan though, just knock-off parts).  

I don't have a pic to go with it but I also am in the process of cleaning out the gas tank.  I got some good ideas from my friend Hutch and the sohc4 forums.  This appears to be the biggest obstacle I will face to getting this bike running well.

This last picture was a seal from what I assume was something like the BMV in the 60's?  Anyway, I thought it was interesting so I took a picture.  I think that this took the place of the registration, maybe the plate too?  I wanted to take a picture before I remove it and get all the body ready for painting (long way away I am sure, gotta get it started first...)

By the next post I hope to have the carb rebuilt and back on, the filter cleaned (for now) and back on, and I will be working on changing the plugs, making sure the electrical works, and changing the oil....is there a filter on this thing?  I hope I get the manual tomorrow........