My son and I have started restoring my Honda Passport. Maybe "restoration" is giving us too much credit - we'll see when this long process is complete whether the bike qualifies as a restoration.
Our plan is to take the bike down to its frame, and either have it powdercoated or painted professionally, or we will do the painting. The wheels are pretty rusted, so we will have to determine whether they can be salvaged or replaced. We will replace other parts as necessary, and try to clean/refurbish those parts that we can. Luckily for us, while the Passport is no longer sold in the US, it is still sold in the rest of the world so parts are available from Honda, on Ebay or via other online sources.
Since my son and I have no experience in restoring a motorcycle, this will be an interesting project for both of us. We will certainly learn alot along the way.
We will also learn more about each other - will I turn into Paul Sr. of America Chopper, and throw tools around when deadlines aren't met? I will keep you posted on our progress.
Posts
12 comments:
Sounds like a great family project. It looks like it's starting out in reasonable condition. Does it run?
I look forward to your updates on the passport. Its good to see an older bike brought back to life vs parted out and sold.
Lance, this is a wonderful post!
Clapped-out old C70's go for extortionate amounts of money on our equivalent of eBay.
Really excited about following your progress. I'd just love to get my hands on one.
Lance - great project. I've been on the lookout for an old Passport in running condition to do the same. But there aren't a lot out there that are reasonably priced - perhaps because parts are so (relatively) easy to come by. So perhaps I'll have to do my restoration vicariously through yours.
Good luck, and hope to see you on reality TV soon.
Hello Richard - thanks. It's a good runner, but the carbs need a good cleaning this year.
682202 - thanks for dropping by, and you are welcome anytime! Nice blog BTW.
Geoff, I appreciate your kind words. I am definitely going to have fun with this project!
Canajun, it's good to hear from you, and I hope the riding is good up North! If the Kardashians can have a reality show, so can I!!!
Lance, if I may offer some suggestions:
1. Get hold of a parts manual. It will show you how stuff goes together, and will also show you if anything is missing.
2. As you take things apart, take pictures. Digital photography is so wonderful for this, because you can take as many pictures as you need!
3. Take every single part, put it in a plastic bag and label it! You'll probably be working on this project in fits and starts, leaving plenty of time to forget what something is, or how it goes together.
4. Don't be a rivet-counter. While there are many (many, many) seriously anal-retentive types who will excoriate you for not using a proper period-correct clevis bushing on some obscure component, the ultimate goal is to get the thing running again, so you can ride it.
Right?
__Orin
Scootin' Old Skool
Orin - thanks for the great suggestions. I used to be one of those "take it apart and hope I remember where everything goes back" type of guys, but I have learned the errors of my ways. Got the digital camera and have been taking a lot of picture pre-and post removal of the part. I've been using bags to differentiate the parts, but I do need to start labeling them - great suggestion - thanks!
Sounds like a fun project, Lance - especially working on it with your son! I too look forward to reading and seeing your progress.
I laughed when I read the part about being like Paul Sr. You two should work up some videos along the way and do a clean imitation of them. You never know, it might be picked up by TLC!
Dear Lance:
I have no mechanical apptitude and applaud both your choice of restoration, and your light-hearted approach to it. Still, I think Orin gave you nothing but great advice and good pointers. So at the completion of this little project, you're going to have three bikes!
Very cool.
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
This is a great project Lance and yes you will get to know your son better by the time it is finished. I hope you are making good progress...I am sorry I gave my 90CC Passport up. It was just such a fun scooter to zip around on.
Whats the secret to removing the gas tank..we have a passport with 850 miles on it but the inside of the tank looks all rusted??
I will be your frequent visitor, that's for sure. pain relief Read a useful article about tramadol tramadol
Post a Comment