Mismatched Bike

[namloop]

Hi to all, my first post after buying my first BSA. I am on the Gold Coast in Australia.
I have collated a few books and manuals yet still find some gaps in my knowledge that someone may have an answer for.
The bike came with its original certificate of registration along with everyone elese that owned it until 1970 in New Zealand.
The original document is stamped 22/3/50 shown as a 1950 BSA Motorcycle.

Frame ZA7S7*** and  replacement engine YA73711 from this I assume A7 Star Twin 1950 and 1948 A7 engine.
Was the 1948 engine much different than the 1949 ? guess who bought the wrong parts list?
For items like exhaust headers and silencers are these frame date related part numbers rather than engine date part numbers?
Also seeking some pictures of BSA bikes in North Africa in desert camouflage should anyone know of a good site.
Many thanks in advance - Stephen

[terryk]

Gday Stephen, welcome to the forum and to the longstroke club. Your A7 is a longstroke engine that was used for A7s up until 1951 when they changed to a shortstroke. I love the longstrokes they are great bikes your engine is 48 and same as 49. You will find heaps of help on this website but get yourself some books and start reading.
I'm in Townsville Nth QLD and I have a heap of longstrokes and other BSAs so I may be able to help. You could make your bike into a 49 star twin. I have a set of 49 star twin crankcases, star twin head ( they were different) and manifold also I have original star twin battery carrier they were different because of the twin carbs. I dont want to do a star twin I have enough other projects.

gflash11@hotmail.com

put BSA in the subject.
cheers Terry

[duTch]

hiya Stephen, I read your post earlier, but out of my league. As Terry pointed out you'll find lots of info here, 'specially as there's a dedicated 'Longstroke' area. good luck I'm up in Brissy/Sunny coast. cheers and good luck,duTch

Hey Terry a bit off topic but I bought barrels or a head off someone in Townsville in about '81 any chance it was you?? no drama just curious

[muskrat]

 G'day Stephen, welcome to the forum.
                                                     I wish this place was around when I started on my '51 A7.
 Join your local BSAowners club. There's more out there than you realise. I think Olev is up that way too. My sister is at Beenleigh, will have to catch up for a beer or ten next time I'm up. Recon Dutchy's ears just pricked up, did someone mention beer 
Cheers

[duTch]

Uh oh, could be giving myself a (slightly) ill-founded reputation here 

[trevinoz]

Hi Terry,
                     If you don't need that ST battery carrier, I am interested.

 Trev.