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

[Big_Ben]

Edit: Hi Folks, I'm going to keep this thread going as a cumulative record of the tear down, research and eventual build up.

Edit: Both engine and frame numbers seem to confirm 1949


Original start:

Hello, thought I'd introduce myself as I'm sure to have a bucket load of questions once I get down to the rebuild.

I've just bought a non standard A7, possibly 1949, but tbc. It's fitted with modern wheels and forks.

Although I think the anodized gold sucks, I quite like the bulky aesthetic. However once the bike is finished, I'll need to sort a UK registration for it so I may put it back to standard trim as I love the old black and silver reg plates and I'd get a Q if I tried to reg it in this trim. Maybe a period build, but all TBC.

Once I've got the bike home, I'm going to take stock of what I've got.

Keep safe everyone, Poppy.

[CheeserBeezer]

Nice to meet you and good luck!

[KiwiGF]

Great intro, with luck you could sell the forks and wheels and use the proceeds to pay for originals (albeit you may want to get a better, period, BSA front hub/brake 🤭).

Thats very thick looking gasket material on the engine!

[Big_Ben]

Thanks for the heads up on the gasket material. Hopefully I can avoid a full engine strip, but I'm certainly going in with my eyes wide open.

[a10 gf]

Thanks for fine intro ! Welcome aboard, hoping the forum will be of great help.
ps. excellent quality photos.

[Greybeard]

 

[Big_Ben]

Thanks for fine intro ! Welcome aboard, hoping the forum will be of great help.
ps. excellent quality photos.

Ah, as a practicing artist I do take a damn fine photo, but... these were done by the seller!

 

[Triton Thrasher]

Those idiots don’t half mess up some bikes!

[KiwiGF]

Thanks for the heads up on the gasket material. Hopefully I can avoid a full engine strip, but I'm certainly going in with my eyes wide open.

Personally I would strip the engine, but it does look like there is chance its a runner, what with the oil pipes connected up, what looks like a new carb etc.

In NZ the easiest option to get an unregistered bike back on the road and registered is get the key parts back to standard for the frame (suspension/brakes/wheels) but your call obviously.
I think the engine is the early “long stroke” version, did you know that?

[Rex]

I reckon an engine strip would be essential, given the oozing gasket goo!
As customs go, that's not too bad in my opinion but what a odd bike to pick to mess up given the relative rarity of engine parts.

[Big_Ben]

I think the engine is the early “long stroke” version, did you know that?

I was told that by the seller, but I've not yet had time to research or understand the implications of that information.

"The frame looks good it turns out its a 49 frame and a 48 to 50 long stroke engine so they are period to each"

Is that (long-stroke) information of importance because of it's character or just spares etc?

[Big_Ben]

I reckon an engine strip would be essential, given the oozing gasket goo!

I've had a multitude of bikes over the decade, and I've done many an engine strip and rebuild, but never on a Brit or something this old.

I have no doubt that at some point I will have to delve inside the cases, but if at this time I can get away with an inspection that is what I'll do.

I'm a little nervous vis a vis the skills required that I may not (yet) have.

[KiwiGF]

I think the engine is the early “long stroke” version, did you know that?

I was told that by the seller, but I've not yet had time to research or understand the implications of that information.

"The frame looks good it turns out its a 49 frame and a 48 to 50 long stroke engine so they are period to each"

Is that (long-stroke) information of importance because of it's character or just spares etc?

The long stroke engine was relatively short lived and consequently certain parts are hard to source compared to the later engines. On the plus side (at least in NZ) the long stroke bikes are rare and more valuable.
For example I have in a box of spare parts a pair of early fork legs from an early A7 rigid, these only have one mudguard bracket/lug (dumb design!) but all the later fork legs have two (one for the rear stay, one for the front stay) details like that can make building a “correct” bike time consuming (sometimes expensive).

[Big_Ben]

For example I have in a box of spare parts a pair of early fork legs from an early A7 rigid.

Good to know, thank you.

I didn't know the A7 went back as far as a rigid frame. After a quick google, I have to say they're pretty damn cute!

[KiwiGF]

For example I have in a box of spare parts a pair of early fork legs from an early A7 rigid.

Good to know, thank you.

I didn't know the A7 went back as far as a rigid frame. After a quick google, I have to say they're pretty damn cute!

and there were even two types of long stroke rigid A7, one had a single piece frame, and one a two piece (bolted together, (like the plunger frame....I think).

I guess the point is, if you do decide to make bike “correct” you will have to do quite a bit of research to find out what parts were fitted to the particular year you decide your bike is.

The very early a7’s also had odd size headlights (8”?) and wider yokes, all hard to find.