New Member In Seattle.

[John Bowen]

Hello everyone,
  Just joined after finding a lot of information I've been searching for on this site. First bike was a 1970 Yamaha 250 twin in 1971, then a Harley, but crashed that in 1979. Did acquire a 1974 Norton Commando 850 along the way and am now trying to piece together  an A-10 dragster or Sprinter style bike for the local streets, no long distance. Not very traditional, but want to keep the engine and gearbox mostly stock. So far I have engine cases, an .080 over cylinder so that may have to be reworked, an iron head, crankshaft, dynamo, generator, and gearbox so a fair bit ahead of me. Frame is a somewhat knackered plunger with the front forks from a Spitfire Scrambler so a bit of a bitsa as the saying goes. I'm going to have more questions than advice so hope that isn't a problem.

Thanks, John

[Bsareg]

Welcome. You've come to the right place for excellent advice and a bit (quite a lot at times) banter and the knowledge will come from experience. I've learnt many useful tips.

[muskrat]

G'day John  .
Thanks for the intro. Remember there's no such thing as a stupid question (may be some silly answers)! Just put your ???'s in the appropriate boards.
You'd already know the plunger/rigid frames have different engine/gearbox case's to the swingarm frames.
Let the fun begin.
Cheers

[John Bowen]

Thanks Muskrat, I did find out the engine cases aren't interchangeable between the plunger and swingarm frames. I have a plan to install swingarm cases in a plunger frame which probably puts me in the bodge mechanic category. I'm retired now but worked as a welder, machinist, and diesel mechanic throughout my career which doesn't qualify me as capable, but possibly more foolhardy than some. I have a photo of a machine that inspired me but can't seem to post it for some reason.

[a10 gf]

Welcome to the forum !

[muskrat]

G'day John.
That'll be a project and a half.
Have a look here for posting pictures https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=427.0
Cheers

[John Bowen]

Hi Muskrat,
  Apparently I'm more dense than I imagined. I've added the photo as an attachment, but have no idea of the file size or if it will even show. I imagine the forum will announce my folly so here goes.

[scotty]

Hello John

Welcome to the group !

Nice project........

Which part of Seattle are you ?

I'm on Vancouver Island BC but come to Seattle/ Tacoma /Bellingham areas  regularly with work stuff.

Good luck with the build !

Scotty

[John Bowen]

Hello Scotty,
  I'm in West Seattle which you probably know, but if not you drove by on the way to Tacoma. Let me know the next time you're passing through.

Thanks,
       John

[CheeserBeezer]

Hi Muskrat,
  Apparently I'm more dense than I imagined. I've added the photo as an attachment, but have no idea of the file size or if it will even show. I imagine the forum will announce my folly so here goes.

That bike looks great. I love all the non-standard stuff. Some like standard, some like bespoke, I respect both!

[muskrat]

G'day John.
Is the bike pictured yours? Are you using any parts off it?
We have/had a member in/around Seattle, Rgs-Bill not seen here for about 6 years (he would be in his 90's now).
Cheers

[John Bowen]

Hi Muskrat,
  No, not mine, just one I'd like to base my build around. I'm using '58 swingarm cases, a Spitfire Scrambler gearbox and front end, and a plunger frame. Basically parts that were never intended to be together. I'm 71 and retired so I have time to pursue such foolishness. We used to have Dewey's Triumph and a couple independent British bike shops, but those are all gone now. I don't know anyone locally interested in British iron.

Thanks, John

[John Bowen]

It's probably time I moved to the Technical section, but in case there was any confusion regarding my A-10 I'd like to post a couple photos of what I have. A long way from completion and if cleanliness is next to Godliness I'm probably headed in the other direction.