Restoring a 1988 Spree

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:48 am

Greetings all

I have just acquired for the princely sum of $75 NZD a non running 1988 Honda Spree(referred to here in New Zealand as a "Nifty 50")
My cunning plan is to pull all the bits off, and clean and polish as required. I'll be using a wire brush to rip some of the worst parts of rust off as this particular specimen hasn't been shown the greatest of love.
I will also be stripping, cleaning and re assembling the carb.
I will browse the relevant threads/topics on this forum, but what I am looking for is the handy hints and the stuff you only find out just after you REALLY need to know them- ie pitfalls and stories from others that you all think might save me some heartache(not to mention wallet ache!!) so feel free to share the knowledge

I will post pictures when I have a bit more time and update the thread as I go and hopefully enlighten someone else.

Chairs

Storm

Bear45-70 · Post by **Bear45-70** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 6:18 am

I was under the impression the Spree was only made from 1984 thru 1987, but then I'm in the USA and don't know about other countries.

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Sun Oct 05, 2008 12:25 am

I reckon you might have the good oil there as the rego label tells me it is an '88 model, but the dating stamp on the side covers says Feb '86.

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:31 pm

Pictures as promised

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:35 pm

As you can see there's a bit of TLC (ok, more like a couple 44 gallon drums!!) required

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:45 pm

So as you can see, I've got a fair slab of work to get stuck into

Oh well, it'll keep me out of trouble

Kenny_McCormic · Post by **Kenny_McCormic** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 3:55 pm

Make sure you get the rest of the cooling shroud.

Clivester · Post by **Clivester** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 4:50 pm

Kenny_McCormic wrote:Make sure you get the rest of the cooling shroud.

I second that - don't try running it for any substantial period of time without it!

Clive

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 9:14 pm

Cooling shroud being which bit?
(I realise how noob that sounds, but if its missing anything, obviously I dont know where the bits I haven't got aren't attached!!)

MotorMaker · Post by **MotorMaker** » Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:46 pm

It is a piece of black plastic with a large hole in it for the spark plug boot to come through. It doesn├óÔé¼Ôäót look like much. Allot of kids remove them so the head can be seen, to make it look like a big bike. Vroom Vroom .The problem is that the shroud directs the air from the cooling fan over the head. On an air cooled engine having fins is just not enough cooling. You need air flow to carry the heat off. On scooters with extensive body panels (like sprees and elite├óÔé¼Ôäós) it is even more important.

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:13 am

That'll be the bit I dont have then

I'll have to get onto my local dealers and websites to source me one.
Can anyone post a picture of a shroud, preferably in place for reference please?
Thanks for the good word

Bear45-70 · Post by **Bear45-70** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 3:32 am

Look here at the first pic. It's from the other side of the scooter, but it gives you the general idea.

http://www.hondaspree.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7225

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 6:05 am

Well, theres no need to worry about sustained running at high temp, as I cant even get running at any temp currently!!
I've fitted the new battery and given the current spark plug a good scrubbing with a wire brush, but all I get is about two chugs out of the engine and no more, or two cylcles and then the starter motor spins freely

Kenny_McCormic · Post by **Kenny_McCormic** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 4:11 pm

Clean carb?

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:21 pm

Funny you should say that, I'm just about to head to the shed with Dac's "how to clean your carb" guide, a big can of carb cleaner and lots of rags