The BSA A7-A10 Forum
Bikes, Pictures, Stories & more => Introductions, Stories, Meetings & Pictures => Topic started by: CheeserBeezer on 09.08. 2022 13:25
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Just realised its about four months since I posted progress, so here's an update. Engine / gearbox in, some parts at the chrome plating shop. Petrol tank at my mate's for painting. Wiring done - everything works but can't check charging until engine runs. My dynamo and mag so should be OK?! Hoping to tighten engine mounts, fit chain and chainguard today. Pigs saddled and ready to fly!
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That's stupid amazing! If you have any trouble with the mag or dynamo I know a place you could send them. *whistle*
Richard L.
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That's stupid amazing! If you have any trouble with the mag or dynamo I know a place you could send them. *whistle*
Richard L.
... yeh but the lazy bugger's on holiday at the moment!
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Looking great Andrew 👍
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Certainly looking a bit better!
Be passing by you on the way to The Island on Tuesday afternoon.
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Just realised that it was the 9th August I last posted about progress on the RGS dredged up from the Manchester Ship Canal, so here goes....photos attached! I've not ridden it yet, just wheeled it out of the garage for the 'after' photos. The 'before' photos were posted on the forum a few months ago. The bike was dumped in 1964, dredged out in 1980, came into my possession in 2000, and finally back on the road today....yahay!!
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Utterly butterly beautiful. I want one! What compression pistons did you put in there and is an rrt2 gearbox?
*dribble* *dribble* *yeah* *yeah* *beer* *beer*
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Utterly butterly beautiful. I want one! What compression pistons did you put in there and is an rrt2 gearbox?
*dribble* *dribble* *yeah* *yeah* *beer* *beer*
Original Hepolites (proper original - not Wassell pretend grubby box) 8.25:1, Yes RRT2, original box out of the Ship Canal, surprisingly useable, refurbished by Richard Clamp. Thanks for the kind remarks.
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We need more than a like button. That's a LOVE! Incredible job, there aren't enough plaudits and oohs and aahs to pay proper tribute to that bit of work!
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Unbelievably great *eek* *eek* *eek* *smile* *smile* *smile*
... I knew *smile* > https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=16757.msg143819#msg143819
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Oh boy that's a proper job that is 👍
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I like that you got the clearance between the tyre and rear guard to look correct.
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you must be grinning from ear to ear just looking at it, oh you are i can see your reflection in the tank *dribble*
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G'day Andrew.
Mighty fine job M8 *yeah*
After all that work (in record time) it would have to be a keeper for life.
Cheers
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Thank you all for your very kind remarks. It is the bike I have always wanted so, yes, it is a keeper!
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Beautiful work, Andrew.
All you need is the correct horn and Tricon switch and it would be almost perfect. The left exhaust pipe looks like one of Armour's ill fitting concoctions.
I hope that it goes as well as it looks.
Not trying to be negative but constructive.
I can only hope that mine will again look as well but I think that time is against me.
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An absolute GEM!
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Beautiful work, Andrew.
All you need is the correct horn and Tricon switch and it would be almost perfect. The left exhaust pipe looks like one of Armour's ill fitting concoctions.
I hope that it goes as well as it looks.
Not trying to be negative but constructive.
I can only hope that mine will again look as well but I think that time is against me.
I managed to pick up the correct tricon (Britax) switch at an autojumble at the weekend. What is the correct horn? You're right about the Armours exhaust. I still have the original but, if found to be unusable, what's the alternative?
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Hi Andrew
Bike looks GREAT *ex*
what's the alternative?
I do not know if "Cake st Classics" is still on the go or not? but I bought a siamese pipe from Roger that looks 100% like the original BSA. The sharp LH side bend is a heavier walled tube and fits the head correctly, the way the 2:1 joint is made is as original
May I ask where you got the wide dual seat from? I need one
John
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May I ask where you got the wide dual seat from? I need one
John
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The base is original, repaired by me. The cover and sponge fitted by RK Leighton. I'll have a look and see if I can help you with a seat.
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Trev, you reckon that horn is incorrect?
I have the same one which I thought was the original. Can you give us a pic what the original looked like? Ta.
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Andrew, these are pictures of the correct horn, note the bezel should have the lip around the inside perimeter but if not available the flat one will do the job.
Horn is silver, the bracket is double set and painted black. The tone disc is silver also.
The siamese pipes are a bit hard to find . There is a bloke here in Australia who can make absolutely excellent sets but he chooses not to make any exhausts at the present.
I had him make me two sets of pipes and two Burgess type mufflers for my RGS and BVSR.
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Jools, all of the swinging arm A7 & A10s used the horn with the corrugated tone disc 1954-7 and thereafter when the nacelle was not fitted.
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Lovely job Andrew, enjoy
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Andrew, these are pictures of the correct horn, note the bezel should have the lip around the inside perimeter but if not available the flat one will do the job.
Horn is silver, the bracket is double set and painted black. The tone disc is silver also.
The siamese pipes are a bit hard to find . There is a bloke here in Australia who can make absolutely excellent sets but he chooses not to make any exhausts at the present.
I had him make me two sets of pipes and two Burgess type mufflers for my RGS and BVSR.
Thanks Trev. I think this is the Lucas HF1235
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No Andrew, the horn is a HF1234. The HF1235 is the poverty model with painted bezel and cheese head screws.
I have converted many HF1235 to HF1234, mostly 12V from cars. I make new coils and fit them, bugger of a job, and chrome the bezel then fit the correct dome headed set screws.
Some bezels have " Lucas Altette" stamped on them but I fill the lettering with silver solder before plating.
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Another item to look out for is an ammeter.
Originally the RGS was fitted with the "window" type. Hard to find these days.
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Hi All
Andrew,
Any help on a seat base or more would be very much appreciated
Trev
Do you have a photo of a "window" type ammeter?? I cannot remember what my RGS came with or even if it had one *sad2*
John
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John, I am now having second thoughts on the ammeter. 1962 had the familiar type but I was thinking that 1963 had the window type. I can't find anything to confirm this, maybe my brain going soft.
Anyway, pictured is the ammeter on my Atlas, a 12 amp type.
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Regarding the ammeter, the headlamp I have fitted is a new-old-stock item retrieved from a dealer in Wales. I know it is correct because it had the correct headlamp switch and the internal wiring, under the switch panel, was obviously original. Also, of course, the plug/socket arrangement looks original so I have assumed the ammeter is correct. The unit was supplied in the original Lucas box, somewhat dusty. I daren't say how much paid for it!!!
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I daren't say how much paid for it!!!
I understand that; I persuaded myself to pay a lot for a NOS side-stand.
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With what I though a permanently useless left leg (now ok thank God ) I did the same GB and don't regret doing so !
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Hi Trev,
I see what you mean now about the "window" type
Thanks
John
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Is this the bike that picture were posted after retrieval from the canal? If so could you direct me to where they were posted? You have done a very beautiful restore in record time. I hope you get to enjoy many miles and smiles riding it. Lloyd L
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Is this the bike that picture were posted after retrieval from the canal? If so could you direct me to where they were posted? You have done a very beautiful restore in record time. I hope you get to enjoy many miles and smiles riding it. Lloyd L
Hi Bsalloyd. I think it's here
https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=16757.msg143819#msg143819 (https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=16757.msg143819#msg143819)
The topic was originally entitled 'Mersey RGS' but to be precise it was dredged out of the Manchester Ship Canal which runs parallel to the Mersey at the point where it was found.
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I appreciate you providing this information. I own a 1963 RGS that did not come with the rear mudguard. So I was needing the mounting details that your photos show. Thank you, Lloyd L
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Hi All,
I finally found a "window" type ammeter that looks in good condition, I have a new bezel if needed for it
As usual eyewatering price *eek*
I have not gone near the RGS project in several years *sad2* It has cost more than I would ever get for it judging from recent UK prices *sad*
John
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Going by recent UK prices it's probably cost you 2X or even 3X what you might get for it now.
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whats the back ground story on this bike was it stolen ?
How did it end up in the drink ?
Nice job on the restoration *smiley4* *smiley4*
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Only problem John is it is for an alternator. Needs to be 8 Amp.
Beggars can't be choosers.
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whats the back ground story on this bike was it stolen ?
How did it end up in the drink ?
Nice job on the restoration *smiley4* *smiley4*
There are various stories circulating locally! Obviously, if a bike ends up in a canal it (probably) didn't happen by accident. Extensive research into official channels did not reveal anything suspicious and the bike's finders had the wisdom to secure the original registration number from the DVLA. I, personally, visited the records office in Chester and found the original registration record. The Owners' Club provided a dating certificate and acknowledged the original engine and frame. IT is HPI clear. The instruments were knackered, so I couldn't read the mileage but wear and tear on things like the brake pads would suggest the bike was very low mileage. The right hand handlebar had a significant amount worn away which suggests the bike had been dropped at speed and the headlamp had been changed. It is surprising how much of the bike was restorable and, of course, some of the components are interchangeable with the Super Rocket and Gold Star. I still have some of the parts which I consider to be beyond repair. I kept them to make sure anything I fitted matched the originals. The bike was extensively covered in "Real Classic" magazine in November and December 2023.
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Hi All,
Hi Trevor,
At least it will be an original Lucas ammeter only you and me (now)will know the difference *eek*
Luckily (or not) I have almost all the expensive jobs and parts ready to build the RGS,
I'm short the wiring loom, silencer and some headlamp parts.
The engine has the SRM conversion , new rods, Wiseco pistons etc
RRT2 gearbox with lots of new parts and hopefully a low first gear ( needs to be assembled) .
The frame need's new stand pivots and a repair to where the side stand fits, then a paint job on it and the oil tank and toolboxes.
I have all new chrome work and the original petrol tank is fully restored.
All I need is the enthusiasm to do it or a serious cash offer *????*
John
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hi john when i sold my rrt2 i kept the lower first gear combination of 17 -26 , if it's any good to you?
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Hi John. I'm fairly certain that the correct illuminated ammeter for an RGS is a 8-0-8 unit and not a 12-0-12 as you have shown. Not wanting to be the bearer of bad news but this later unit is easier and more affordable to find as it was used across the range of several manufacturers, and probably the reason why its often seen on 'genuine' copies. The 8amp one for 6 volt bikes is a rarer item. Perhaps other owners/experts could verify this. Cheers, Pete
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Hi Berger
Thank you for thinking about me regarding the gears, Is the mainshaft one for an RRT2 box or standard?
I need to get the gearbox and parts down of its shelf and go through what is there,
It maybe a while before Iget back to you as I was in the hospital today for pain relief treatment on my back Once the local anasthetic wears off I maybe crook for a while *eek*
Pete,
Trevor also pointed this out to me *sad2*
The bike will more than likely be 12v when I get it done *????*
I am finding it more difficult to spend productive time in the workshop due to creaking joints
I have felt the cold more than ever this winter *ex* F*&K getting old *problem*
John
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hi john all the best with the health, the shaft is rrt2 and not a very good picture i will do another few and post them once i have removed the goo where i wrapped electrical tape on it that held a key for the shaft. the 17t gear on it is from a std box layshaft to match the dogs in the rrt2 gearbox mainshaft gear. it has been machined down by mwas to match the original 19t gear so it mates up with the ball race in the sandwich case. i will get pics sorted tomorrow .
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hi john pics of rrt2 shaft and gears for lower first gear, you might just be able to see raised part of the shaft where the needle roller in the sleeve gear runs.
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Andrew, I seem to remember that you posted a photo of the Mersey RGS just after it was pulled out still covered in barnacles etc. I cannot find it, but that would be great to put alongside the RGS today.
Col
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Here are a few......!
There are other photos on this thread. https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=16757.msg143819#msg143819
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Thanks Andrew, I might have been dreaming. The picture had large chains around it.
Col
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Thanks Andrew, I might have been dreaming. The picture had large chains around it.
Col
That wouldn't be one of mine!
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The original pics of when it was hauled ashore certainly had large ship's anchor chains in them.
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The original pics of when it was hauled ashore certainly had large ship's anchor chains in them.
Not pictures I'm aware of.
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I'm assuming that the pics accompanied a magazine article? RC maybe?
Unless it was another bike dragged from the sea and restored?
Definitely the bike was pictured in a pile of dredged-up scrap and pictured very large chains in the pic.
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I'm assuming that the pics accompanied a magazine article? RC maybe?
Unless it was another bike dragged from the sea and restored?
Definitely the bike was pictured in a pile of dredged-up scrap and pictured very large chains in the pic.
That would be a different bike. The lads who first found the bike retrieved it off the canal bank in Frodsham, Cheshire, and brought it home in the boot of a Morris Minor. The bike had been lifted up by a dredger's bucket, so no chains involved! This would be in about 1980. I don't think they took any photos and nobody has told me of any magazine article featuring the bike before I restored it. I have seen pictures of various bikes dragged from rivers and canals over the years but none of those photos were of my bike. Don't forget, 1980 was pre digital cameras and smartphones.
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Fair enough.