Post by: dogger315 on September 05, 2012, 02:50:59 AM
The pipe and silencer were complete and all I needed to do was some dent
removal to bring them back. I replaced the silencer packing with new and
also replaced the seals between the pipe and silencer and pipe and cylinder.
I sprayed both with PJ1 Hi Temp Flat Black paint.
I recovered the OE seat with a very rare NOS Honda seat cover. The front and
rear fenders were still available from Honda, but the front number plate and
side panels were NLA. I restored the front number plate and managed to
find a pair of pristine NOS side panels.
Picture of front number plate before restoration.
Picture after restoration.
You can always tell if the side panels on one of these bikes are reproductions, because
only the OE panels have the tabs on the leading edge for the rubber strap that mounts
across the front of the airbox. I also found a NOS Honda air filter.
This bike is 100% operational, as are all of my restorations. I start this one at least
once a month. I use Renegade Pro Crate 98 race gas and Maxima 927 at 32:1. That
combination delivers a high quality leaded gas with no Ethanol mixed with an oil
that works great with a chrome bore.
That's it. This bike is all OE Honda except tires. Not one reproduction or aftermarket
part. I still need to find a pair of OE "Tiger claw" tires and a kickstand to complete
it.
Thanks for looking.
dogger
Post by: cnrcpla on September 05, 2012, 03:02:09 AM
IF you were to sell one of your beauties, how much would one like this go for? I'm not looking to buy one, I'm just curious, even though I'm sure you wouldn't sell one 
Post by: citabjockey on September 05, 2012, 05:29:45 AM
Post by: SachsGS on September 05, 2012, 05:38:05 AM
Post by: TMKIWI on September 05, 2012, 09:05:33 AM
Post by: dogger315 on September 05, 2012, 09:36:37 PM
Quote
IF you were to sell one of your beauties, how much would one like this go for?I'm not sure what the actual value is - I guess that would depend on how much someone was
willing to pay. I have this and my 73 insured for $10,000.
Quote
Will you keep the Red Rocket as a display unit, ride it or sell the Honda?This is a keeper/display unit. I have a sentimental attachment to this bike. The Red
Rocket's were the first bikes I raced as a pro back in the day. I would like to restore
an iconic model from each evolutionary period in MX history. I have the 73 CR250M,
79 CR250R and 93 CR250R. I would like to add a first gen YZ250B, big bore Maico
and Husky, Full Floater Suzuki, etc. The hardest part is choosing which bikes make
my short list. I really enjoy the restoration process, but I'm always loaded up with
projects, so I have to be real careful about what I can commit to.
dogger
Post by: _X_ on September 07, 2012, 01:30:42 AM
Post by: Logan Dewey on September 07, 2012, 11:31:14 PM
Post by: gpnewhouse7 on September 08, 2012, 11:21:05 AM
You could probably sell that thing for around what the modern bikes go for XD
Round here a bike in that condition and of that age would go for double or more than double what a new 450 costs. Even complete wrecks of bikes from that era can make a thousand or so.
Nice bike there dogger, how much do you think it cost roughly, I REALLY want to do a bike restoration especcially after seeing some of your restorations/builds (read the thread for the 93 the other day an that was pretty cool.
Post by: shanes on September 21, 2012, 09:13:31 AM
Post by: dogger315 on September 22, 2012, 10:13:27 PM
Quote
how much do you think it cost roughlyI can tell you the exact, to the penny, amount I spent on the donor bike,
all the parts and the service I outsourced. I paid $2195 for the bike,
$3166.87 for parts (The NOS side panels cost $1000 alone), and $512
for Cadmium plating service.
With that said, I have around 250 hours over 14 months, spent restoring
all the parts (most), that weren't replaced.
How much would it cost somebody else to do the same, that depends on
how much of the work that person can do themselves. I do my own media
blasting, welding, powder coating, painting, polishing, metal work and all the
mechanical work. If any of that has to be farmed out, the price can go
North in a hurry. Also, remember the price of NOS parts is always going
up as the supply runs out.
One thing I CAN tell you, if you're considering a project like this, try to
find the best, most complete donor bike you can (even if you have to
pay extra). That alone will save you big in money and time over the
course of the restoration. Restoration work is a real challenge, but it's
also a lot of fun - I highly recommend it.
I started restoring a vintage race car a while back. The project is infinitely
more complex, costly and difficult, but the skills and confidence I gained
restoring bikes has really made a difference. I wouldn't have even made
the attempt before.
dogger
Post by: Super Trucker on October 26, 2012, 06:58:53 PM
Post by: dogger315 on November 07, 2012, 04:18:21 PM
Quote
Where did you learn all the incredible processes ?Most of the processes I learned by trial and error and just by doing.
The only formal training I have is paint and welding. I'm a "proud"
graduate of the Lincoln Welding School Motorsports 1 and 2 program.
I also completed one of the PPG paint program.
IMO, anyone can do a good restoration job as long as you have a plan
and a lot of stick-to-it-ness. Also, attention to detail is important. I'm
always reading books and articles on restoration tips and procedures.
Like I said in a previous post, I recently started working on an automobile
restoration. All I learned from doing motorcycles has been a huge help in
dealing with that. You need a few more tools (rotisserie, bigger blast
cabinet, two post lift, etc), but the fundamentals are the same.
My next motorcycle project is the 2009 CR250 hybrid I'm in the middle of
now. I'll post pictures of that as I get further along.
dogger
Post by: evo550 on November 07, 2012, 09:48:57 PM
They would love to see it over here...www.ozvmx.com
Did they come with a 23 inch front wheel?
Post by: dogger315 on November 08, 2012, 03:50:00 PM
Quote
They would love to see it over here...www.ozvmx.comFrom what I can see, vintage/EVO racing and 500s are big in OZ.
Did they come with a 23 inch front wheel?
Every time I put some 500 parts on EBay, someone from down
under buys them.
The 79 CR125 came with the one year only 23" front wheel (not
good for replacement tires and tubes). Thankfully, the 250 came
with the 21".
dogger
Post by: citabjockey on November 08, 2012, 10:32:05 PM
I had a XR500 with the 23". Hated that hoop but the bike was a wheelie monster.
Thanks!QuoteThey would love to see it over here...www.ozvmx.comFrom what I can see, vintage/EVO racing and 500s are big in OZ.
Did they come with a 23 inch front wheel?
Every time I put some 500 parts on EBay, someone from down
under buys them.
The 79 CR125 came with the one year only 23" front wheel (not
good for replacement tires and tubes). Thankfully, the 250 came
with the 21".
dogger
Post by: evo550 on November 09, 2012, 12:49:32 AM
Quotequote]
From what I can see, vintage/EVO racing and 500s are big in OZ.
Every time I put some 500 parts on EBay, someone from down
under buys them.
dogger
That, plus the fact U.S. prices are always cheaper, and Aus has an awsome $ exchange rate at the moment.
Anyhow, nice resto, you should be proud of your work.
Post by: jared31 on February 11, 2013, 03:12:10 PM
Dogger in regard to this model bike 1979 CR I remember as a 14 year old that the year 1979 AMA or who ever the powers that were at the time required that the number plates be mounted back further on MX bikes but Honda didn't do it until the 1980 do you have any idea why ?? thanks Just because I was a nosey kid then and now.Quotehow much do you think it cost roughlyI can tell you the exact, to the penny, amount I spent on the donor bike,
all the parts and the service I outsourced. I paid $2195 for the bike,
$3166.87 for parts (The NOS side panels cost $1000 alone), and $512
for Cadmium plating service.
With that said, I have around 250 hours over 14 months, spent restoring
all the parts (most), that weren't replaced.
How much would it cost somebody else to do the same, that depends on
how much of the work that person can do themselves. I do my own media
blasting, welding, powder coating, painting, polishing, metal work and all the
mechanical work. If any of that has to be farmed out, the price can go
North in a hurry. Also, remember the price of NOS parts is always going
up as the supply runs out.
One thing I CAN tell you, if you're considering a project like this, try to
find the best, most complete donor bike you can (even if you have to
pay extra). That alone will save you big in money and time over the
course of the restoration. Restoration work is a real challenge, but it's
also a lot of fun - I highly recommend it.
I started restoring a vintage race car a while back. The project is infinitely
more complex, costly and difficult, but the skills and confidence I gained
restoring bikes has really made a difference. I wouldn't have even made
the attempt before.
dogger
Post by: mixin gas haulin ass on March 10, 2013, 04:44:20 AM