One more on the road...

[bsa-bill]

lucky that dad's facing away from the shop

Ha , I noticed that -

[Topdad]

Nice job Paul, I think your Dad may not give you the bike back, He certainly looks happy sitting there ,enjoy 

[paulo]

Cheers Guys,

For information the shop is located in Heaton Moor, Stockport if you fancy a visit...

  Cheers, Paul.

[WozzA]

Geeeez... that was bad luck parking on the same spot as the Triumph that just left did..   
Dad looks happy enough.. 

[Topdad]

Hi Paul, I grew up in Haughton dale (1950's ) and used to be able to walk to Stockport through the fields and if I recall there used to be a fair there on Heaton moor in the  summer, happy days, Bob

[paulo]

Hi All,

Yes the oil drips are a bit unsightly. I overfilled the gearbox to get some lube to the kickstart shaft, there is a small drip from the primary. And another one... Nothing major though.

Hope to get the head back on tomorrow, had a slight delay as my blowlamp is too puny to anneal the head gasket, even after I made a little hearth out of bricks to concentrate the heat.

Don't remember Heaton Moor fair but we didn't move there till 1968, and I was only 4. A great place to grow up!

Cheers, Paul.

[Greybeard]

...my blowlamp is too puny to anneal the head gasket, even after I made a little hearth out of bricks to concentrate the heat...

Do you have a gas hob at home? I've laid the gasket over one of the kitchen cooker gas burners and then played my plumbers blowlamp over it. Better wait till the boss is out!
I reckon that as long as the gasket gets to cherry red a bit at a time it will be OK. Quenching is not essential but it helps to clean the copper.

[paulo]

Top tip and I did consider trying it, Instead I opted for taking the gasket to my local agricultural engineer and borrowing their oxy set. I then managed to destroy the gasket by melting it. Stormed off to see Beezermacc for a new gasket then a few hours later head back on.

Will be out riding tomorrow

Cheers P

[bodger]

Really nice Paulo, well done!

Such a good looking bike design too...

[paulo]

Quick update. Now done 350 miles and running ok touch wood. Pulls well and starting is getting easier.

Have dropped down to a 280 main jet in the 389 and it turns out I had the primary chain too tight so have slackened this off too. Engine is a bit tappety when warm so will be checking them as well. Might try 50 grade oil, instead of the 40 I'm using.

Ride it, mend it, repeat! The weather helps!

Cheers P

[paulo]

Bit of an update, very overdue I'm afraid....

Bike has been performing well with nearly 4000 miles completed since rebuild.

First major trip after running in was to
the MotoGP at Assen last year with the BSAOC Cheshire Branch lads. Following this there were numerous other club runs, including a trip to the Ace cafe. I came close to winning the mileage award last year coming a close second to Beezermacc!

I've also used the A10 for a lot of general running around and she has given great service. The engine seems much smoother now and I think the bike is in the sweet spot between being fully run-in and starting to wear out again!

Only break down I've had was a few weeks ago when she spluttered to a halt and wouldn't re-start. Turned out the points had closed up, my own fault for not keeping an eye on the gap.😳

The tank has been properly repainted since my last post and looks great but I also have a '54 tank with winged badges that I might do up and fit. Wrong year I know but would look nice I think. The bike is already a bit of a mongrel with the alloy head.

Anyway wishing you all well for the festive season and hope you don't get too cold fettling in the garage. Roll on spring!

Will send some pics when I've worked out how to reduce their size....

Cheers, Paul.

[Triton Thrasher]

If the points have closed up, check that the post that the moving point pivots on isn’t loosening in the base plate.

[paulo]

Thanks Thrasher, I'll check for that.

Some pictures: visit to Avro Museum, painted tank and modified float bowl extension.

[Scott and Jay]

Hi Paulo,

Welcome from me (us), and thanks for your intro and this thread. Your project is a useful reference for mine. I have had about 4 years of teething (now more sorted after sleeving and new IMD pistons/rings). I have a '58 Flash also, still with iron head, but way less correct cycle parts. Your overall finish is great yet practical. Your main jet compares with my 310, that I had to go up to - still with air cleaner, but custom reverse-cone mufflers (less baffle). I have the 1 5/32 new Amal 389. It now powers into higher revs, in the full-throttle range - where it started missing and fading, with a 290.

[Greybeard]

I must say, that tank is a thing of beauty!