The Project Has Started...

Hi eg6
I wish you the best of luck in trying to find a Lady (white dax) I looked for quite some time and struck lucky (mechanically wise) at the beginning of this year and got a partially restored m/c off of ebay ie the frame and most of the mechanicals had been refurbished to quite a good standard but it was not complete and needed work to get it running as I had spent £1000 on my purchase it has taken me some time to get it to the standard I want and also alot of patience in getting hold of original Honda parts. I have the original photographic record of the restoration and as James will testify turning a shed into a conservatory (no offence intended) requires time, patience and fairly deep pockets to do a good job.As you see these little m/c's can vary in price cosiderably (just look at Ebay today)but you will only get what you pay for unless the seller is not aware of what they are selling.As an aside the engine on mine was as original so has the patina of 13000 miles use but I intend to refurbish it this coming winter but intend to run it over the summer to make sure it is mechanically sound. My kids thought I had lost it when their mum announced that dad was getting a motorbike at the age of 53 and that it was going to be stored (restored) in the dining room, my son has constantly taken the p** even more so when it arrived home, unfortunately workloads and family pressures have slowed down the work, but having seen some of the other ST70's out there the restoration route is probably the least expensive until you start the hunt for an original good condition seat (the holy grail). I hope you get the m/c of your dreams and even better if you can get it at a good price, mind you what you consider to be a good price and what the other half considers a good price vary dramatically.
Regards Clive AKA Tufty

Good post Tufty.

I will agree with you on the time it takes to restore these little bikes. I have spent days working on some of the smallest things to get them right and also spent a small fortune on parts etc. I think in total this restoration will cost me over a grand but it will be worth it at the end.
I have started to watch the pennies now though, for example although my horn works it's very corroded. I could buy a new one (about £20) but it will be cheaper and I will get far more satisfaction by cleaning it up myself.

There are loads of jobs I am dreading and some I find really boring but thats half the fun really. I could have easily of gone out and paid someone to restore the bike for me but where is the fun in that?

I am quite lucky in the fact that my bike was 100% original and complete meaning I have the correct seat (which isn't in too bad of a condition).

If I was on the lookout for an ST70 in need of restoration I would keep an eye on Gumtree (seen a couple on there before) and also eBay.

Hi James
Another frustrating afternoon trying to sort out ignition system I have ordered a new condenser this evening so I hope that will sort my problem out if not more head scratching, I joined planetminitrails tonight and saw some hints that mean I am looking in the right direction. Unfortunately I have work commitments which mean the Lady will be on the back burner for the next couple of weeks, but I need the money to finish the job especially if it needs more parts I hope not but who knows. There are some magic machines in the states and they are just as expensive if not more than we pay here. Anyway I will be watching your progress while i'm away so keep on going.
Regards Clive

Tufty - Good luck with the condenser! You're right, there are some fantastic bikes on that website but some of them are true engineer geniuses and obviously have the tools etc to get the job right.

Update

Sadly no pictures at the moment. The bike is in the dining room like Tufty's

My Brother-in-law came round tonight to help me put the rear shocks together but I have scratched my chrome paint really bad so will need to respray them whilst they are together (easy job).

The bike has electrics, ignition, fuel tank etc in. Front forks and swingarm are on.

Tomorrow I am going to put the wheels on so it will be a rolling chassis. Hoping to have the engine on by end of play on Saturday.

Progress has been a bit slow as I had to do boring jobs like spraying my helmet holder and also putting the front brake plate together.

Will try and get some pictures tomorrow as the bike is looking good

Update









Since taking those photos the bike now has the front mudguard on it.

Today has been a very frustrating day to say the least... the front shocks were a nightmare. I haven't been able to put a plastic cover back on because it wouldn't fit - it doesn't need it anyway in my opinion.

Tomorrow I will start work on cleaning up the engine!

I'm missing a nut and washer to put the headlight bucket back in place so have just ordered those. Hopefully they will arrive early next week!

Hi James
looking good I had a problem with the wiring loom grommet at the front so dont forget it I used silicone grease to feed the loom through but the sleeving had lost its rubberyness so I bought a damaged loom and got a fairly new piece and this worked a treat, and it looked better,don't give up on parts they are all needed it could be that they have just lost there suppleness and probably need replacing.
Have a good weekend
Regards Tufty

James, it's looking very, very nice!

Thanks guys.

Update











Had a busy day today working on the bike. The engine is now in, seat on and stand attached.

My dad had to help me fit the fuel tank today and he managed to get it in with the help of some vaseline! Tomorrow I am going to get the rear brake on, footpegs on and also give the engine a good clean.

Yes, I know the seat is on wonky

I check this thread everyday, it's really coming together now and it looks very promising.
Very nice job James!

Cheers Waynes.

The bike is nearly finished now actually. I didn't get to work on it yesterday because of the rubbish weather

The carb, air filter, tail light, handle bars, rear brake etc are all installed now (sadly no pictures at the moment). Only a couple of bits left to do (headlight bucket and front brake).

Don't think I will have chance to work on the bike until the weekend now though, I'm back at work today and have a very busy week coming up. Hoping to get it finished this weekend and if everything goes to plan get it MOT'd within the next couple of weeks!

I do have a wiring question though which I will post up soon, not sure on where one of the wires goes.