Thread: 1970 CT70 KO Restoration begins

Hi all, I am new to this forum. So far I am amazed at the sheer amount of info and expertise I have encountered while researching what it will take to restore my 1970 CT70 KO bike. Truly a wonderful site and top notch group of people. The pictures of the completed project minis on this site have me drooling. I am looking forward to my project more and more now that I know there are so many people who have "been there and done that".

As for my project, I have owned my bike since I was 8 y.o., approx 25 years now. Like many of you I spent countless hours burning around the fields of my grandfather's farm. I still remember the day my parent's surprised me with the bike. It was well used, but in ride-able condition. Man, I smiled for days. It was candy gold, but needed repainted and the seat needed recovered. A year or two after I got the bike, my dad, a professional body repairman, rebuilt the engine and painted the bike (albeit not an original colour) and my mom reupholstered the seat.

I kept it around even after I stopped riding it and the time has finally come to restore it to its original beauty. I plan to strip it down, check out the motor condition with the help of a friend/small engine expert, repaint (not sure which colour yet -- might go back to candy gold), put new seat cover and foam on, redo the wiring (the electrical never worked since I got the bike, no horn or lights etc.)

Luckily, a few years back a guy I know found another bike suitable for parts and gave it to me. I want to check it out too, see if the engine is seized or usable.
I really am not sure where to begin, but I think I will pull the engine out and start with that. I will post some pictures of my bike and the parts bike and I plan to document the process along the way.

More photos of my project bike

And a few of my parts bike. Note the wasp nest in the under the seat photo - better than mice I guess!

Welcome and I look forward to pics of your resto. That's awesome you have had the bike that long and are going to bring it back to it's former glory. I love the Trans Am stickers!

You have 2 very complete bikes, why not restore both of them? Take your time when restoring these bikes, the end results will be worth it. Good luck.

Well, I got the engine running again. Actually ran very smooth, but was a little smoky so I will be pulling the top end off and putting in new rings.

I spent >3 hours last night removing years of caked-on dirt and grease from the crankcase. I pulled some of the case screws to get in around them to remove dirt, but some wouldn't budge. I didn't want to strip the heads, so I left them - any tips on getting these out. Heat I suppose?

I made a list of all the parts that I "want" , now I have to figure out my budget and eliminate down to the ones I "need".

On the plus side when I took it for a rip, I discovered the odometer and speedo are working.

Are you useing a impact driver to remove the screws ? If not, definetly a must.

What parts do ya need? I have quite a few parts for sale, but most of them you should get off DrATV OPERATES HERE

Dennis, funny your the second person to mention the need for an impact driver. Guess I will go get one.

I have been checking out CHP and DR ATV parts listing. Both seem to have the parts I need at similar prices. Shipping to Canada may differ tho so I will have to call each to determine where I will do most of my shopping.

where are you in Canada?
I noticed that you do not know the year of your bike.
If you can find the vin, or serial # some of the highly intelligent
folks around here will tell you thhe exact make and the
year and month it was made.
Good luck
Mike in montreal

P.S.
The clymer shop manuel will be invaluable
to you.