CA 77 / 78 ID

[Doddsr]

Hello to all, Recently drug home my first Honda Dream project. Remember seeing one when I was a kid and just had to have one some day. Of course sale did not include a title and I need some help knowing where to begin in the parts ordering issues I'm running into and I'm sure many more questions down the road. Now the hard facts....
Motor sn: CA 77E - 317405. Frame sn: CA 78 - 312354.

Now what have I got? Has the motor been replaced due to the bike superseding the engine Sn? Appears from my reading this is a 1963 model that was prob titled as a 1964 Honda Dream. Is it a touring model? Can the original color be traced by sn. Appears this was an original blue bike that was repainted white, very poorly. I have noticed differences in clutch cable locations, mine exits towards the rear of the right engine cover at about a 35-40 degree angle. Is this correct or did someone slap some covers on it to move it along. If it correct then I believe I will need the right hand panel that has a slot and hole in it for the clutch cable. Is it a early or late model. Have noticed differences in fuel tank listing in sales. Willa late model fit and early and visa versa. Also leading to different chrome tank covers and knee pads. It has tube handle bars not pressed, is his correct. Front brake also has metal 90 degree bend on top side of the cable, is that correct? What tank badge should be on it? Are there and other differences that I should be aware of in completion of putting thing on the road. Really not building a 100% restoration correct bike just a great looker that is reliable and has an ability to find parts. Sorry for truck lodge on a first time blast. Just eager to get started. Thank you.

[G-Man]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Looks like you have a genuine 1963 CA78 Dream. The 5000 number difference is apparently typical for that year when they changed the model from CA77 to CA78.

It is a touring model and someone here will be able to get you the correct color match for the blue. In the UK I have had my C72 Dream matched to a current Volkswagen blue.

There are experts here who will help with the actual detail of your bike but it would be good to see some pics as this always helps us to home in on the right details.

Enjoy your resto.

G

[conbs]

I agree with G that your engine looks original to your bike.

Normally you could simply look in a parts manual to tell the correct part number for parts you need. No so with 1963 CA78. The parts manuals have incorrect, conflicting and missing references to frame numbers. The good news is that you will almost always be correct going with parts that are correct for a '64 CA78. Check each part out thoroughly before you buy.

I have never seen anything that would allow you to figure out the original color of your bike based on the frame number. As you are working on your bike and or preparing for paint, keep an eye out for signs of its original color. I am pretty sure there was only one blue in 1963 and you can find the paint codes by searching this site. Or, you can paint it whatever color you want.

Your clutch cable and side cover sound correct for a '63 CA78. It is actually the "middle" model. The very early cases used the same clutch cable/location but did not have an inspection hole. In mid-'65 the Dream changed to the clutch cable that goes straight down into the side case.

You should have the late chrome/rubber tank covers. That is part of the change to CA78. Is your tank rusted out? You can probably mount an early tank on your bike, but your seat will not fit right if you do. Dont' change anything you don't have to change/

7/8" tube handlebars are correct. Yours set up should have the "hinge" under the throttle tube/grip that pulls on the throttle cable.

I am not positive about the brake and clutch cables, but I think the originals had the 90 degree chrome piece. My '65 does.

There is not perfect agreement about the badges, but I think your bike should have the "300" badges. LM has seen some he believes were original with the "Dream 300" badges. Unless you are going to show it, it doesn't matter as both will fit. Pick the one you like the best.

The CA78 had a number of parts that are different from the CA77. Many will "fit" without too much trouble, but many more CA78's were made than CA77's so the correct parts are the ones you are most likely to find any way. When you get to specific parts, post your question. Pictures help.

Your first order of business should be getting the title worked out. Until then I would not spend a lot of money on parts.

I hope this helps you get started in the right direction.