Discussion
A dilemma.
I have a penchant for Honda Monkey bikes and had to sell my last ’63 CZ100 to help fund a house move. It was a heap when I got it but I managed to source a lot of NOS parts and it came out superb after a thorough resto. Today NOS parts are pretty much extinct. Pattern stuff is junk and there’s lots you can’t get.
Anyway out of the blue I’ve bought another CZ. It wasn’t a “gift” but was fairly priced given it’s spec. It was a Xmas present to the one and only owner in December ’65 aged 9. Has 200 miles on the clock. Never on the road. Original handbook, receipt, warranty book two keys etc etc etc..
So the problem is this. All the parts on it are as new. The seat, grips, tires, badges, lights are lovely. But it’s sat in an integral garage for 50 years and has not been used since ‘66! The paint finish on the frame has pickled a bit with surface rust breaking through here and there. Likewise the chrome whilst OK is again pickled on some parts like the exhaust box. The engine side panels are heavily oxidised and have lost much of their paint. The worst a part is the tank. It was left full of fuel in 66 and it is totally rotten. So I will have to source a new one which will need painting. The zinc finish on much of the metal parts has gone dull and surface oxidised badly.
So my dilemma is do I dismantle and send the frame and forks etc to be dipped and painted and ship off the shiny metal bits to the platers and then simply clean all the other bits and lovingly reassemble. It’s not really a resto as nothing is knackered save the finish.
However it is original if not terribly endearing and rather forlorn. A machine can only be original once so I’m in two minds what to do…
What do you lot think?!?!
I have a penchant for Honda Monkey bikes and had to sell my last ’63 CZ100 to help fund a house move. It was a heap when I got it but I managed to source a lot of NOS parts and it came out superb after a thorough resto. Today NOS parts are pretty much extinct. Pattern stuff is junk and there’s lots you can’t get.
Anyway out of the blue I’ve bought another CZ. It wasn’t a “gift” but was fairly priced given it’s spec. It was a Xmas present to the one and only owner in December ’65 aged 9. Has 200 miles on the clock. Never on the road. Original handbook, receipt, warranty book two keys etc etc etc..
So the problem is this. All the parts on it are as new. The seat, grips, tires, badges, lights are lovely. But it’s sat in an integral garage for 50 years and has not been used since ‘66! The paint finish on the frame has pickled a bit with surface rust breaking through here and there. Likewise the chrome whilst OK is again pickled on some parts like the exhaust box. The engine side panels are heavily oxidised and have lost much of their paint. The worst a part is the tank. It was left full of fuel in 66 and it is totally rotten. So I will have to source a new one which will need painting. The zinc finish on much of the metal parts has gone dull and surface oxidised badly.
So my dilemma is do I dismantle and send the frame and forks etc to be dipped and painted and ship off the shiny metal bits to the platers and then simply clean all the other bits and lovingly reassemble. It’s not really a resto as nothing is knackered save the finish.
However it is original if not terribly endearing and rather forlorn. A machine can only be original once so I’m in two minds what to do…
What do you lot think?!?!
It will never be original again, but then again if the tank is rotten it's no good as it is and once a new, resprayed tank is fitted it will no longer be "all original". Me? I'd do what it needs to make it run and look tidy and not overly concern myself with the originality. As a tidy example it's a vehicle, as a fully original but can't/don't dare use it it becomes nothing more than a paperweight. Best of luck whichever way you go with it...
There's an original tank here , I'm clueless as to the value of these things but it seems a lot to me.
Personally, I'd keep it original, as you say it can only be original once. Why not get any old tank in order to get it running and keep your eyes peeled for an original part more in keeping with the rest of the bike?
Personally, I'd keep it original, as you say it can only be original once. Why not get any old tank in order to get it running and keep your eyes peeled for an original part more in keeping with the rest of the bike?
Mellow Yellow said:
There's an original tank here , I'm clueless as to the value of these things but it seems a lot to me.
Personally, I'd keep it original, as you say it can only be original once. Why not get any old tank in order to get it running and keep your eyes peeled for an original part more in keeping with the rest of the bike?
Well spotted! I just bought that tank! I am amazed at what the fuel done to the tank on mine. 50 years of sitting has destroyed it. There is a tide mark of festering bubbles half way up. It is fit for scrap!Personally, I'd keep it original, as you say it can only be original once. Why not get any old tank in order to get it running and keep your eyes peeled for an original part more in keeping with the rest of the bike?
I think I am going to dismantle some of the bike and give it a good clean and Tcut the frame and guards.
The engine is not seized and I can feel some compression so if I have a spark it might run with fresh oil. The truth is that CZ100’s are all but ornaments or very cool pit bikes at historic events. They are tiny, have no indicators, no brake lights or any suspension!
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