Dresda Restoration

[Bryanj]

Take the primary shaft out and build everything in the top half fitting the primary shaft through AFTER case assembly

[masonmart]

Take the primary shaft out and build everything in the top half fitting the primary shaft through AFTER case assembly

Ow!! The primary shaft is in and it was a very hard job getting it in through the starter clutch, etc., I don't fancy taking it out again but I'll have a look. I followed the manual

[Bryanj]

If it was difficult to fit you were doing it wrong they should slide in easy except for a light tap at the very end, this one of few cases where the manual is not exactly right on the easiest way

[masonmart]

It's all together and seems OK. Is there a simple way of checking that the gears work?

[Bryanj]

Just turn the selector drum BUT you will probably need to turn both shafts at the same time whilst rotating the drum(3 hands required)

[masonmart]

Got this far with the engine today after coating, everything working OK.



Found that I couldn't bottom the bolts for the starter motor and then that it was full of what looked like some kind of blasting solids. Disaster because it was supposed to be soda blasted or if not then all oilways blocked off. Stupidity on my part because it'll have to come apart again to make sure that it's really clean. A real lesson learned there.

[masonmart]

Well, after two back to square ones because of poor preparation 9by me) the engine is done. Hope to wrap the frame around it next week and assemble all of the cycle parts which are now coated

[MarkCR750]

Looking smart too, (back to square ones just gods way of telling you to read the manual).

[masonmart]

Looking smart too, (back to square ones just gods way of telling you to read the manual).

Too true Mark.

[masonmart]

Today I unpacked the frame, swinging arm, forks and engine plates and bolts ready for assembly to make sure that I have all of the bits.



I stripped the forks down to check the internals and polish the bottom halves and guess what? Yes, the stanchions are bent and pitted in the area that will pass through the seals. Never mind, new OEM stanchions are only £200 each plus P&P. Any ideas on where I may be able to get hold of a pair of straight ones or does anybody have a pair to sell.



These are the hubs, black to look good with polished alloy rims. Sat for 2 hours polishing the rims, hard work.



Dresda lightweight frame, tiny thing.



Dresda swinging arm with the engine plates which I managed to get reasonably well polished. I'm 2 engine bolts short but will make them next week.

Very disappointing day because of the forks but a case of I get knocked down but I get up again. Sounds like a good title for a song if somebody hadn't already done it.

[petermigreen]

Any ideas on where I may be able to get hold of a pair of straight ones or does anybody have a pair to sell.

For less than the price of replacement stanchions, Philpotts in Luton can straighten and re-chrome including collection and delivery. I've had 2 sets of stanchions re/chromed and they're very good. Check them out www.pittedforks.co.uk
Peter


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[Bryanj]

I agree with Philpotts as there are at least 3 different types of leg and you have to get the right ones.
Also read the manual and check the parts book BUT do not take them as gospel as misprints happen(especially Haynes) and according to Honda there are 4 gear change forks!!! DUH. I am getting older and slower, just like my 'puter soanswers take longer but they will get there.

On your nicely painted frame and brackets, make sure that the coating is removed to bare metal where the earth cable goes(and the engine side) plus where the coils mount there should be a small ground lead where the coating also needs to be removed or you will melt the loom

[haynes66]

can you guys slow down with your restorations please!! i'm still at the collecting bits and listing stage. nice work though.

[UK Pete]

I know exactly what you mean    pete

[MarkCR750]

Another benefit of having the forks restored is that you get a far thicker layer of chrome which resist corrosion and wear better than OEM.
PS do you know how much lighter the Dresda frame is?.