New to forum, UK A7 to be restored

[Mark_789]

Hi all,

Thanks for adding me to the forum, at first glance it looks full of info I need.

Approx. 35 years ago I built a Triumph twin T100 from a box (with a lot of help from a good friend), then let it go, then regretted it. Since then I've been aimlessly wondering around on various bikes. Thinking I was missing something in life I've got hold of another brit twin, a '53 A7 plunger. I'm in the early stages of a restoration, i.e. standing looking at it and deciding whether to regret buying it.

At first glance it has most of the original paint and parts held together by many bodges. It's going to need a complete strip down and rebuild, no problem as I was looking for a project. I'm expecting it to take 3 years and too much money. Looking at the examples on this forum and elsewhere they can look great when finished.

I'm going to rummage around this forum looking for tech advice etc, any initial pointers much appreciated.

Cheers
Mark

[muskrat]

G'day Mark,  .
Bookmark this date and see if we can help make it any quicker than 3 years. 1st put a heater in the shed (I've been told it gets cold up there) and a coffee maker/beer fridge. Make good use of the search button, there's a wealth of info in past posts and literature. Take lots of photos along the way. And remember there is no such thing as a stupid question. We're all here to help.
Cheers

[Greybeard]

 

I strongly recommend not stripping the bike down until you are really ready to continue. If in five or maybe thirty years time you are looking at a box of old motorcycle bits with maybe some missing the job will be much harder.

[Mark_789]

Thanks guys,  kettle and a heater are definately needed. I've started on the photos, guess I should post a few. I'm going to spend some time reading up and planning first, there seem to be quite a few mods available these days. So the aim is less than three years, my son says six, hmmm :)

[Bedfordbeeza]

Welcome Mark, I think 3 years is a reasonable timescale without killing yourself.  I've never bought a finished/complete bike.  Always knackered, with missing parts, and usually boxed.  I feel this gives you more freedom, and definitely more gratification seeing it come together.

Very best of luck with the new project, and good to have someone local with the same machine as me 

[Bedfordbeeza]

Also mark, as you're local I don't know how you're fixed for tools, but I've got some machining capability in my garage if you need help with any small jobs.

The mancave:

[Tomcat]

Welcome aboard Mark.

Hi all,



. I'm in the early stages of a restoration, i.e. standing looking at it and deciding whether to regret buying it.

Cheers
Mark







Welcome aboard from down under Mark.  Don't regret buying it, even when they say "you paid how much for that pile of junk!"  Sounds like you have it all planned out? If i may offer some advice, buy a cheap lathe and a bike lift. Don't put a price or time limit on the resto, but do something (no matter how small) on it each day. I started and RODE my '59 Super Rocket after 54 weeks of persistance. Cheers Tomcat

[bsady]

Welcome aboard Mark.
I too started my A7 last week.
I'll watch your posts you will possibly ask the same questions as I want to ask.
Where are you? I'm in Peterborough
Ady

[Greybeard]

...but I've got some machining capability in my garage if you need help with any small jobs.

[bsady]

I'm an electrician, happy to help where I can

[Bedfordbeeza]

I could have done with your help a couple of years ago Andy, wiring single to 3 phase with inverters was an eye opener and gave me savagely sore fingers with all the terminal glands etc 

[duTch]

  to Plungerworld

[Mark_789]

Great man cave BedfordGeeza, I can but dream. Just one concern, I didn't see a kettle.

Hi Bsady, I'm about 50 minutes away, south of Bedford. That's not at A7 speed though, probably add a few minutes. I've seen wiring harnesses for £35, which has to be the easy option but I'v got much to learn about 1950's electronics.

I've attached a photo, not sure if that will show ... let's see.....

nope... too big .... watch this space :)

[Bedfordbeeza]

haha, no kettle but a fully stocked beer fridge in close proximity!!!!

I make my own looms from parts purchased from vehicle wiring products, a great old school company, they will send you a catalogue on request.

[a10 gf]

Thanks for the intro post. Welcome !