Author Topic: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle  (Read 732 times)

Offline squiggle

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Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« on: 09.01. 2021 21:55 »
Hi everbody, thanks for letting me join your group. My nickname is Ted, Squiggle is my cats' name. I have been riding and working on motorcycles over 50 years. Used to have early British bikes but have had a clear out. Now have a 1957 A10 rigid which came to me as a pile of bits I am slowly getting it completed as some of the parts are from other A10 models. Will post some pictures
Just bought an A7 sprung longstroke off of Ebay frame number ZA7s 24935 which I assume is 1951 with engine number ZA7S 670 which I assume is 1949 the engine also has HC and R stamped below the engine number. Have attached picture.
Also have a 1959 T21 Triumph that I had on the road a couple of years ago but sadly suffered oil pump failure damaging the big ends and pistons. Nearly rebuilt the bottom end just need to finish the primary case and barrels. I had the parts machined straight away but only just gained the inclination to put it back together.

My bikes are normally bought as wrecks then just tidied up by respraying the frames and tinwork, stripping then rebuilding the engines as necessary, sorting the wiring out. Repair or make new seat pans then cover them. My aim is to to get them back on the road.

japanese bikes from the early 70s:
Yamaha 650 XS1B
Yamaha 650 TX650
Yamaha 650 XS2
Yamaha 250 YDS7
Yamaha 600 Diversion
Honda CB250 K0
Honda CB250 K4
Honda CB350 K4
 Honda CB350 K3
Honda 305 CB77
Suzuki TS400
Kawasaki 175 F7

Offline Greybeard

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #1 on: 09.01. 2021 22:24 »
 *welcome*
Greybeard (Neil)
2023 Gold Star
Supporter of THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN'S RIDE https://www.gentlemansride.com

Warwickshire UK


A Distinguished Gentleman Riding his 1955 Plunger Golden Flash

Online KiwiGF

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #2 on: 10.01. 2021 00:15 »
Great intro, welcome  *smile*
New Zealand

1956 A10 Golden Flash  (1st finished project)
1949 B31 rigid “400cc”  (2nd finished project)
1968 B44 Victor Special (3rd finished project)
2001 GL1800 Goldwing, well, the wife likes it
2009 KTM 990 Adventure, cos it’s 100% nuts

Offline RichardL

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #3 on: 10.01. 2021 01:20 »
Welcome, Ted, that's a great project. Too bad you have so little experience with British bikes.  ;)*whistle* In that picture, it looks like the only new parts you needed were new plunger springs. Love the ivy bringing the greenery inside the shed.

Richard L.

Offline scotty

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #4 on: 10.01. 2021 02:30 »
Welcome Ted  *smile*

Scotty

Current liabilities:
'56 A10 Dark Flash
‘74 Berlin Bomber R75-6

Online BigJim

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #5 on: 10.01. 2021 08:55 »
 *welcome*
The bike looks nearly ready for the road! You're gonna have some fun for sure.
Jamie,  Supporter of Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Offline muskrat

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #6 on: 10.01. 2021 09:08 »
G'day Ted  *welcome*
Looks like that one will keep you off the streets for a while.
Cheers
'51 A7 plunger, '57 A7SS racer now a A10CR, '78 XT500, '83 CB1100F, 88 HD FXST, 2000 CBR929RR ex Honda Australia Superbike .
Australia
Muskys Plunger A7

Offline Swarfcut

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #7 on: 10.01. 2021 09:48 »
Hi Ted. This one caught my eye way back in October/November when it was offered at what I considered a high price for such a collection of miss matched bits. Over time the asking price slimmed down by a third or so and with the current situation looks like you took the chance.
 So its going to be a journey of discovery, and it will be interesting to see how things pan out. Certainly more of a mechanical jigsaw puzzle than a project bike.

 Welcome to the Forum, and all the best with your endeavours.

 Swarfy.

Offline a10 gf

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #8 on: 10.01. 2021 10:50 »
Thanks for fine story, welcome!


Stand with
A10 GF '53 My A10 website
"Success only gets you a ticket to a much more difficult task"

Offline squiggle

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #9 on: 12.01. 2021 10:23 »
You are right about the mismatched bits. The fuel tank is from the swinging arm model, was going to make it fit but will move it on as it has no dents. The yokes and fork legs are from a later model but may use. The engine cases are mark 1 with mark 2 timing cover. The crank and pistons are from the mark 2 engine. The mark 1 bores are good as they were covered in grease I just need to braze 2 bits onto the to fins. The mark 1 head is good and complete, later a7 carb. The frame is a high number 1951 which could have had the mark 2 A7 fitted. Need to contact Steve Foden for a dating certificate.
Hopefully there will be some autojumbles this Summer which will shape and move the project forward.

Ted

Offline squiggle

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Re: Introduction from Ted alias Squiggle
« Reply #10 on: 28.01. 2021 22:00 »
Just had a dating certificate from BSAOC which states that the frame in the picture of the introduction, ZA7S 24935 was made in 1951 as a 650cc A10 Golden Flash, original engine number ZA10 1xxxx. Well worth checking as I would have been gutted if this came to light near the end of the renovation. Made this mistake only once before.