Bitsa this, bitsa that. Poppy's non standard 1949 A7

[chaterlea25]

Hi Poppy,
A quick search on ebay and I found a pair of fork sliders and fork yokes , same seller has a wide A7 top yoke as well (not right for your bike though)
The same forks were used across the heavyweight BSA range (more or less)
Those sliders are strictly speaking A7 or B31 for the 7in brake, it does not stop you fitting an 8in. one though

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363676875004?hash=item54acd4b8fc:g:JcAAAOSwypNhh76F

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393840146252?hash=item5bb2b3b74c:g:o0UAAOSwaQZhyEln

Nearer home for you this Australian seller has most parts for a complete front end (a bit pricey I think??)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/m.html?item=254300088589&_ssn=37plonker&_pgn=2&_skc=50&rt=nc

John

[Big_Ben]

Thank you, much appreciated.

I'm going to double check the part numbers but could be just the job.

Poppy

[Big_Ben]

The same forks were used across the heavyweight BSA range (more or less)
Those sliders are strictly speaking A7 or B31 for the 7in brake, it does not stop you fitting an 8in. one though

John

Got the fork bottoms, the yokes (not available new) and front engine mounting plates. Thank you for the heads up!

I've messaged the seller in case he has some of the mundane bits to go with the bottoms. Obviously I'll go with new springs and stanchions, but bolts, washers, spacers all add up.

Bit impetuous, but they're exactly the right thing for the frame. Carpe Diem etc. 

[Rex]

I've always find it's best to buy these bits when you see them offered for sale, as it seems to be an unwritten law that parts suddenly become rare and unavailable when you actually need them.

[RDfella]

Agree, Rex, but also those parts one already has that are surplus to requirements are curiously never of much value.

[Rex]

Yep, I've found that to be true too.

[Angus]

I keep buying bits, that are sitting in boxes, just in case. Spare timing cover, compete primary case, spare crank cases pistons, conrods, barrels, heads, front mudguard (still looking for a back one) fork sliders, a complete gearbox and more ( I do have two A's)
I am about to move house and am wondering what I should keep and what I should sell.
Being a single bloke, I will probably keep the lot.

[Big_Ben]

Being a single bloke, I will probably keep the lot.

Having broken up with my fiancé (it's complicated), I get to do exactly what I want!

Keep safe.

[berger]

you don't need to have break ups with a partner , you need one like mine who looks forward to all the toys coming and is logging in her diary what i do with the norbsa/ berger build in the kitchen. shame to say i haven't got as far as i would like but the toys are lining up. pub tomorrow thankyou for listening

[Big_Ben]

Hello to you all.

So.... I have the bike in my possession and of course as is always the case the list of issues is getting longer.

To start with, the side stand has snapped. The seller gave me the broken off bit. I'm going to buy a track stand and then I can remove the remainder and ascertain what's what. In the meantime, can anyone advise:

If this looks like the standard plunger side stand?

And if it is, does anyone know what it's made from? The fact that it's snapped suggests cast iron (very brittle) or maybe ductile iron (less brittle). I'm wondering whether it will be weldable (by a specialist) or whether I should just get a "new" one.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, this is going to be a long road.

Poppy

PS: Anyone got suitable back and front wheels for sale...?

[berger]

poppy looking at your remaining part of the stand it looks very much like one i bought from evil bay, a pattern part, luckily mine hasn't broke YET

[Greybeard]

I reckon that stand is a 'modern' replacement, probably made of cast iron, which is not suitable for the job. At first I bought and cut down a side stand for a Triumph from Burton Bike Bits. Later I was lucky enough to see a new old stock genuine side stand on eBay. My bike (1955 Plunger) has the frame lug attached, (brazed?) to the bottom tube; this has to be a better system than the clamp type. Whatever you do, try not to buy a cast iron stand. 😬

PS: It looks like the primary chain and clutch has been modified on your bike.

[Big_Ben]

100% agree on cast iron; I make sculpture from it, but never ever anything structural.

OK - dodgy side stand, another thing to shop for!

Re: Modified tensioner, are you able to be more specific?

I have the parts book, but the pictures are so bad it's of limited use.

I'm going to go and look through my other books.

Keep safe.

[Swarfcut]

 Poppy... Sit yourself down and think on this.

 For starters the plunger side stand with the brazed on frame lug was introduced with the 1953 model year.  Yours is a clamp on aftermarket type and as such carries a high degree of risk, as to its source. From experience, made in India from old Oil Tankers as numerous  bikes on their sides testify. Keep well away from these. A good genuine original Plunger Centre Stand will be expensive but more practical and a good deal safer.

 The primary chain looks to be a single row type. WRONG.   Duplex chain, duplex clutch wheel, duplex engine sprocket  and an unlined tensioner are standard. The tensioner looks homespun, but rather cleverly done. This set up is possibly a Swing Arm or other make (Norton?) lash up, so more pictures of the primary side and obviously worn Clutch will help see what's what. First one I've ever seen like this, might even be a World First. Gearbox mainshaft type could also be suspect, depends on the clutch centre type used.

 As for wheels, it depends on what Fork legs you have to match. Sorry to bear bad news, but the bike ain't as it should be.

 Draganfly's online parts catalogues are worth a look, parts diagrams and pictures of the actual bits in most cases..

Swarfy.
 

[Greybeard]

The genuine side stand is quite delicate looking.