Ok, so I think you described about a hundred different things that could be wrong with a motorcycle. I mean the thing is pretty basic but without going into specifics, I can say, look up a group of vintage honda wrenches. They are out there. Loads of people really love to work on those things, and are willing to help problem solve over the net. I prefer American made myself, but thats just personal taste.
Other than that, get an original factory manual, read and learn, and you will know everything there is to know. Never be scared, I mean these things are just basic machines, right?

Ashtara, I have a 1971 350CB. Nice bike, fun to ride. I also have Clymer's and no, it's not that easy to follow (I've had enough people on tribe get on my case about not reading the manual). Recently a friend told me to try the Haynes manual, it's supposed to go step by step, better for beginners. But he also told me to use both manuals.

I had a problem with my starter for a while. It started to work when I replaced my battery. Have you tried charging your battery all the way up (use a 1amp charger)? Make sure it has water up to the marks.

The Clymer's manual has an electrical schematic in the back. It might just be a fuse. Good luck.

I'd like to also HIGHLY recommend that you take a riders safety course as a refresher this year too. Not only will it knock some of the rust off of your little-used skills, but it will instill more confidence in you, and hopefully your hubby.
Not sure where the MSF centers are around you, but I'll bet somebody here does.
Glad to hear that you're back to riding again, keep it up!
Ride Smart, Ride Safe!
Rev

I think that for what you are asking... you have the perfect bike to learn maintenance on. Older, well documented, and fairly simple technically. That bike was the first bike my dad taught me on when I was about 15 (sorry I can't remember much of the nitty gritty of the bike as that was about 25 years ago). My dad started by having me do basic tasks like the ones you mentioned them moved up to progressively more difficult tasks... Start with learning how to deal with all your fluids, adjustable and wearable items... Oils, Filters, Brake shoes (no pads on that bike If I recall). No brake fluid If I recall as I think both are cabled... Learn how to adjust cables, clutch & brakes, adjust chain, learn how to drop your tires and put them back on correctly. Work your way up to slightly more complex tasks like changing the fork oil (which also should be done on your bike).

Things like electrical... they can be hard for some newbies to learn and even veterans often hate diagnosing electric issues. Find a users forum of old Honda riders or someone with a similar bike that knows what they are doing.... Do as much diagnosis and troubleshooting as you can then ask them what they think... that way you don't just go to them with "what do I do" Go to them with .."This is what's happening, this is what I think the problem is and this is what I think I should do about it" You will slowly learn quite a lot about your bike.

I think the biggest thing for a newbie is to learn those things that are really crucial and safety factors with maintenance.
Oh... and don't expect to fix everything the first time, second time, third time... Its a process... repeat until fixed.

Good Luck