Downunder Dream - '64 C72 Restoration

Muddy · Post by **Muddy** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 1:53 am

G'day from Australia

After a bit of prodding from members to get this log going, I thought I better make a start.

In the early 70s my first ever motorbike as a young teenager was a '59 C71, dry sump model. When I got it, it had already been worked pretty hard, but it was great for me to learn on and ride around the country roads. I was lucky enough to be given another early 60s C72 shortly after and had lots of fun pulling them both apart and mounting various parts and motors on various frames. Had my own little workshop and covered a huge amount of miles on that bike.

Anyway as I got older, the bikes and cars got faster and the old Dream wasn't so cool anymore and when the farm got sold while I was living interstate, the bike did too. It wasn't until I got much older that I had a real desire to get a Dream again. Anyway just recently I've been lucky enough to get 2 - both C72s - one a '61 and the other a '64. I just couldn't believe it, they squeaked and smelt just like I remember. The earlier is in very poor condition and will become the "pig" bike. The later model is in great condition with low mileage. It is being stripped now for a new paint job, re-chrome and restoration - only finances (or lack of) holding me back. Just can't wait to get them both going again.

Attached is a couple of photos of the older bike - as you can see it is in very poor condition, but came with a few additional bits and pieces including a wiring harness, 2 spare fuel tanks and a chopped down frame. It should be a great source of spare parts.

Muddy · Post by **Muddy** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 1:55 am

Some more photos.

Muddy · Post by **Muddy** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:09 am

So anyway after purchasing the bike in the preceding photos and everyone I know telling me I was nuts, I found this beauty. It is in very good condition with only a couple of minor things missing and very low mileage. The mufflers are shot and it looks like it has been tried to be started with a flat battery - all the bulbs are shot. The battery was still in it, but obviously it is RS.

Muddy · Post by **Muddy** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:30 am

Work In Progress

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:46 am

Muddy

Great looking projects. I have 1960 and 1962 C72s that I am restoring. You could try Overlander equipment for new pipes/mufflers. They are expensive but super quality replicas made in stainless steel.

http://www.dropbears.com/o/overlander/

G

Muddy · Post by **Muddy** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:22 am

Thanks G-man. Onto those overlander mufflers they look great quality and made here in Oz - that is a great and unusual thing! Saving my pennies for those.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:30 am

Muddy

I got a set for my '62 Dream. They don't have detachable baffles but are otherwise beautifully made and should outlast me by a considerable margin.....

Due to be in Queensland later this year with work. Never been to Australia before so I'm looking forward to it.

Cheers

G

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