Another Newbie!

[beezermacc]

Hello Simon. Congratulations on your purchase. I'm Andrew, as referred to by Greybeard, and here to help in my Priory Magnetos guise if you need me. I'd like to recommend the Cheshire BSA Branch who meet at The Crown in Lower Peover. They are are a great little club and would be delighted to see you. Their website is https://sites.google.com/site/cheshirebsa/ 

[bikerjohndavies]

Hi Simon, welcome to the forum. I was watching the listing on EBay of the bike you won and it said that it came with the green log book so that should allow you to reclaim the original registration back from the DVLA. As said the BSA owners club will be able to help you with this. Good luck with the restoration.

[Simon59]

I'll get the original log book and a tax disc from 1966 with the bike, so I'm hopeful of getting the original plate from DVLC... eventually! I understand I have to MoT the bike before applying, so that might take some time!

[Greybeard]

I understand I have to MoT the bike before applying, so that might take some time!

Is that correct; I didn't get mine MOT'd, but my name was already on the new style reg document?

[Simon59]

Well my bike's arrived and it's safely in my newly cleaned garage ready for the big restoration. First impressions? It's all there, but 46 years of storage has taken it's toll, which I kind of expected. I'm very happy with her and about the journey that's about to begin! I'll post a photo (green handlebars and flaking chrome and all) just as soon as I can work out how to reduce the size of my JPEG photos!

[Simon59]

Picture attached, I hope!

[KiwiGF]

Great pic.

You’ll be amazed what a good clean and de rust will do 

Do you have a plan on how to get it back on the road? Or will you just “wing it” like most of us 

[Greybeard]

Bugger; I just wrote a longish message and somehow lost it!


Great project as the bike appears to be very complete.


As it looks like she may have been hauling a sidecar it would be a good idea to check the frame alignment before you paint it.

[Black Sheep]

Give the tank a go over with aluminium foil and water. You'll be amazed at how the rust disappears and the chrome shines through. You have to keep that seat cover!

[Tomcat]

Welcome aboard Simon. 
You've made a wise choice in buying a complete bike, basket cases in boxes always end up in tears!
Couple of tips for you if I may, 1/ Take a million photos. 2/ As you dismantle, put everything in plastic tubs (never cardboard boxes) and small parts in zip lock bags with names on them. 3/ Ask any Q about the resto on this forum, we will help. 4/ Don't set a budget because that won't work  . 5/ Priory Magnetos is 1st choice for new parts. 6/ Enjoy the ride.
Cheers from Tomcat, from Down Under.

[duTch]

 Hola Simon, welcome to Plungerworld....they a great ride.

 I just need to point out two thangs; them being 1; let's not get carried away here with stuff other than 'intro-stuff' (surprised GB hasnt  ) and 2; I think Andrew at Priory is having a hiatus for a while...and oh well  3; a solution of ~30- 40% phosphoric acid after a steel wool/wire brush works good to initially clean things up
 (I say 30-40%, as I buy it in a 5 litre that is 80% and dilute that 50/50)

 see yea on the pages

[Simon59]

Thanks for all the advice guys, its really appreciated. By the way, the chrome on the tank has completely had it. My wife kindly peeled a strip off like it was old wallpaper! If I have a plan, it's to take my time and enjoy the process, spend whatever it needs (might have to delay my retirement!) and paint it gold. Greybeard, I also suspect it had lugged a sidecar around at some time because of the siamese pipes, and at first sight the rear wheel seems out of line - worrying. I will check the frame when everything is out. Until then I will console myself with the thought that everything can be fixed! Tomcat - plastic boxes ordered and lots of photos will be taken. Thanks again for your encouragement     

[Greybeard]

Before you attempt to start the bike CLEAN THE SLUDGE TRAP! Sorry, but this requires a complete engine strip.

[Greybeard]

...paint it gold...

Personally I don't like the gold option.


I can recommend a chrome platers in Wolverhampton: ACF Howells. I can also recommend Blackcat wheels.

[Rocket Racer]

I may be on my own in thinking this, but I like the shabby chic and wouldnt be in any hurry to repaint or rechrome. I'd just mechanically review the engine and check wheel bearings/cables.
Love that seat cover!
It currently tells a story, don't be in a hurry to erase it.