So I got this 1965 Honda Super Cub sitting in my garage for years. My uncle gave it to me covered in dust, looking like a dead machine. People kept saying, “Man, that old thing won’t ever run again.” But guess what? I got it purring like a kitten last week. Here’s exactly what I did.
The Nasty Start
First thing I did was spray WD-40 on every rusty bolt. Broke out the wrench set and started tearing it apart piece by piece. Took me two whole afternoons just to get the carburetor off. Found this nasty brown gunk inside the fuel line – smelled like rotten eggs mixed with gasoline.
Cleaning Nightmares
Dumped all the carb parts in a can of Berryman Chem-Dip overnight. Scrub-brushed every tiny hole with an old toothbrush. Put in fresh o-rings cause the original ones crumbled like dry crackers. Worst part? Dealing with the varnish in the petcock tank. Poked sewing needles through every passageway while covered in grime.
My basic toolkit:
- Cheap metric socket set
- Jar of carb cleaner
- Extra fuel line tubing
- Wire coat hanger (for poking gunk)
- Spray bottle with tap water
Reassembly Drama
Fumbled putting the float pin back in three times before it stayed put. Spilled gas all over my shoes when testing the fuel flow. Kicked it over fifty times with the choke on – nothing. Nearly threw my wrench across the garage in frustration.
The Magical Moment
Finally remembered to check spark. Sanded the points with emery paper till they shined. Next kick? It coughed! Two more kicks later that little single-cylinder engine sputtered to life, blowing smoke rings like an old steam train. Almost cried happy tears when the tail light flickered on.
Keeping It Alive Routine
Now I ride it every single day even just around the block. My neighbors hate the rattling but who cares? Sunday mornings I always:
- Drain carb bowl after parking
- Wipe down spark plug contacts
- Check tire pressure with bicycle pump
- Add fuel stabilizer if sitting over a week
Secret sauce? Never letting modern gas sit in it. That crap turns to jelly faster than milk in the sun. Yeah it’s ugly with faded paint and scratched chrome. But that little Honda will outlive me – just keep kicking and don’t overthink it.
