speedometer, new to ca77

[ilikevelos]

Hi all, I have owned various honda's over the years including a CB77 but recently recommissioned a CA78 dream after a less than sympathetic 15yr slumber. As found the bike with about 17Kmiles showing was resting on its right side in the dirt floor of a shed. The right exhaust was mostly buried.

I have recommissioned it including relubing stem and swingarm bearings/bushings. The original paint actually looks quite good, the chrome not too bad and the engine has good compression and runs quite well (still having some issues with throttle linkage and idle but will work them out). The problem I am seeking some advice about is the speedometer.

Before running the bike for the first time I lubed the speedo gearbox and lubed the cable. When I first started the bike the speedometer worked, but stopped working shortly after it started. When I removed the cable it had broken at the gearbox end and I concluded that this was the reason. Using a new cable it still did not work and upon removal of the speedometer, it was bound and appeared almost friction welded from perhaps too much thrust (only a hypothesis).

I kroiled and lubricated the speedo and got it working by electic drill and reinstalled where it lasted about .1 or .2 mile before seizing again. To ride and adjust the bike I have removed the speedo cable.

I would obviously like to have a speedometer so I am seeking help. I am posting this here but if there is a better place to post please let me know. First of all, should there be a thrust washer or bushing on the speedometer end of the cable? Mine does not have one and it occurred to me that this might be stressing the speedometer. Secondly, is there a tutorial about disassembly of the speedometer and particularly how to uncrimp and recrimp the case. My last project included repair of the speedometer of a 1966 corvair corsa so I am generally familiar with magnetic speedos and have seen videos on how to uncrimp and crimp round instruments. Directing me to any information would be appreciated.

Lastly, I would like to 1) acquire a good used speedometer to use while I repair or have mine repaired. Any ideas? 2) would like to know if someone is repairing these speedos that can disassemble and reassemble the speedo so it is basically new. Directing me to the right vendor would be appreciated.

I have on final question, does anyone have any explanation as to why ca77 speedometers are relatively thin on the ground while baby dream speedos seem rather more common. This is the opposite that I would expect given that the 250s and 305s were way more common.

Thanks in advance for any replies. Cool link between the archaic and more modern Hondas and a bike full of character even though I prefer riding a CB. Best, M