The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => Frame => Topic started by: regw on 01.05. 2020 12:13

Title: Model id
Post by: regw on 01.05. 2020 12:13

I am about to start restore of an a10. Engine/frame no’s suggest this swing arm model is from 1958. My question is the front end, the exposed fork springs and headlight mounts are not what I have seen. Are they original?

Title: Re: Model id
Post by: a10 gf on 03.05. 2020 22:20

Welcome, a few words in Introductions, Stories & Pictures ?
(& sorry for late 1st post approval, somehow missed it).

Title: Re: Model id
Post by: terryg on 04.05. 2020 08:05

My guess is that the bike originally had a nacelle and shrouds covering the springs - a setup not universally liked and which possibly led a previous owner to switch to a separate headlamp shell and rubber fork gaiters long since perished and lost.
Alternatively, if that headlamp is the original, then metal shrouds with ears to mount the light and extending down over the springs would be in order.
Take a look at the parts books (many of which are accessible online either as pdfs or on, for example, Draganfly’s online shop site). You’ll see different front end setups according to specific model, year and market into which the machines were sold.
Personally I like the separate headlamp shell and use one with some (non-standard) brackets and metal shrouds - to avoid using rubber gaiters.  If you’re a stickler for ‘originality’ that won’t do and you’ve a bit more model and dating research to do.
Welcome to the forum - it really is ‘the best’.

Title: Re: Model id
Post by: Swarfcut on 04.05. 2020 08:26

 Hi reg.  By coincidence, a similar model was pictured "Just a Picture" by Dipstick, which I reckon is a very fine example. You can see what TerryG describes.  That bike also has a front mudguard stay, your bike has the fork stay mount lugs, so you may find evidence of of one being originally fitted. The later mudguard is more round in profile, no front stay, single bolt rear fixing.

 As BSA changed and evolved the design, parts from different model years can be mixed and matched, and you can choose to stick with strict model year components or just produce a working machine for the time being with whatever  parts you can easily obtain.

 Welcome along, head over to the intro section, spill the beans. 

 Swarfy.

Title: Re: Model id
Post by: Greybeard on 04.05. 2020 11:02

 *welcome*
This is the cowl on my 55 bike. I used to think it was pretty ugly but decided to keep it and I'm glad I kept my bike original in appearance.

Title: Re: Model id
Post by: Greybeard on 04.05. 2020 11:04

Later was this design

Title: Re: Model id
Post by: Greybeard on 04.05. 2020 11:07

This type, similar to the earlier bikes was reintroduced later.