Author Topic: Bitsa this, bitsa that. Poppy's non standard 1949 A7  (Read 4364 times)

Online Rex

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #30 on: 07.01. 2022 10:03 »
I'll have a Q plate which I think means age unknown / multiple doners etc. Q plates are to be avoided if at all possible.

Indeed. Q plates can cause issues when you're trying to get insurance and when you come to sell. As you say, avoid at all costs.

Offline Swarfcut

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #31 on: 07.01. 2022 10:34 »
 Owner's Club can help with accurate dating information, also act as agents for authority when it comes to inspection. Frame and motor may even be a yearwise close enough match. Making the bike look original gets an historic vehicle classification, and in these crazy times this offers certain advantages.....no road tax being one along with less stringent emission standards. By my reckoning any historic vehicle no longer needs an MOT and a fume belching 1942 Tank Transporter is ULEZ exempt.....

 Swarfy.

Offline RDfella

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #32 on: 07.01. 2022 12:46 »
Those tank transporters reminds me of when I worked at FVRDE in the mid 60's. We often spent time on the test track and associated facilities across the road and my abiding memory of those TT's was when they did their brake tests. Hour after hour the poor driver would slam on the brakes, the reaction to which would lift the artic tractor off the track by about 18 inches - and dump it back down again. How that never broke the 'fifth wheel' I don't know. Glad I wasn't in the cab. My favourite vehicle there was the TV1000, better known as the Rhino. Good for nearly 60mph. Remember when we were out in that and the brakes failed .......
'49 B31, '49 M21, '53 DOT, '58 Flash, '62 Flash special, '00 Firestorm, Weslake sprint bike.

Offline Big_Ben

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #33 on: 07.01. 2022 18:03 »
An engine crane or 6 hands should do it. Then you can replace the timing covers.


Thanks Swarfy

So far this is where I reach for the confused looking emoji, but I have no doubt it'll make (more) sense once I have the thing in front of me.

1949 A7 Bitsa this, bitsa that!
1979 BMW R80/7 with extensive upgrades...
1983 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport

Offline Big_Ben

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #34 on: 07.01. 2022 18:04 »
Here is a picture of plates and measurements.

Thank you, much appreciated.

1949 A7 Bitsa this, bitsa that!
1979 BMW R80/7 with extensive upgrades...
1983 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport

Offline Big_Ben

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #35 on: 07.01. 2022 18:14 »
As Swarfy mentioned earlier, you'll need a set of front engine plates which are different to the later short stroke engine with the holes being in different positions. Here is a picture of plates and measurements.

Is it only the hole locations being different?

In other words if I can find a set irrespective of long / short stroke, will I be able to get them welded and drilled to fit?

1949 A7 Bitsa this, bitsa that!
1979 BMW R80/7 with extensive upgrades...
1983 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport

Online KiwiGF

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #36 on: 07.01. 2022 19:32 »


Anyone UK got a set of forks and wheels they want to lend me?

 *smile*

Also... Grey porridge!

 *eek*

A surprising range of aftermarket parts are available eg the later fork stanchions, bushes etc, head bearings, used yokes are plentiful (albeit often bent) but fork legs appear to be hard to find. Being patient when searching for used parts is the key, do you know the key bsa parts suppliers eg Draganfly etc?

As for wheels u can start with a hub then spend up big time on new spokes and rims and tyres, and probably get aftermarket axles and bearings. 500 quid a wheel?

Small point but the rear axle looks “iffy” from memory the axle on plungers is pretty strong due to the need (at least try  *conf* ) to prevent one spring compressing more than the other.
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 Big_Ben

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #37 on: 07.01. 2022 19:46 »
Thanks, and especially thanks for the heads up re the axle. I'll be sure to check.

I know about Draganfly, but not about any others (yet).

I last had a BSA 38 years ago, and I never got that running properly.

Hopefully do better with this one.

1949 A7 Bitsa this, bitsa that!
1979 BMW R80/7 with extensive upgrades...
1983 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport

Offline Greybeard

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #38 on: 07.01. 2022 20:40 »
An engine crane or 6 hands should do it. Then you can replace the timing covers.


Thanks Swarfy

So far this is where I reach for the confused looking emoji, but I have no doubt it'll make (more) sense once I have the thing in front of me.
The engine and gearbox are one rather heavy lump, (hence known as semi-unit). To fit the front engine plates needs the assembly to be loosened, (don't miss the bolt underneath the gearbox) and lifted at the front. The dynamo needs to be threaded through the engine plates at the same time.
I'm assuming the details of the earlier model are the same as my 1955 bike.
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A Distinguished Gentleman Riding his 1955 Plunger Golden Flash

Offline Big_Ben

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #39 on: 08.01. 2022 09:30 »
My search turned up these forks https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275095249313?hash=item400cf461a1:g:ld0AAOSwgA1h2Bar, but looking at the picture in the parts book, I'm 99% sure they're not A7 / A10 because the top yoke is very different.

Am I correct?

1949 A7 Bitsa this, bitsa that!
1979 BMW R80/7 with extensive upgrades...
1983 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport

Offline Swarfcut

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #40 on: 08.01. 2022 10:04 »
 Poppy,  Keep away from those forks, instead spend time researching until you know exactly what to buy and that the part offered is the correct one.

 Draganfly have had a mention and I would endorse the use of their online catalogue, but would also add that sometimes even they can have their problems. The forum has a section for suppliers that Forum members have found to be very helpful, two of note are Priory Magnetos and Brightspark Magnetos, both run by fellas who are both enthusiasts and know their stuff.

  The Longstroke Parts Catalogue along with later versions can be found in the Forum Literature Section. Later versions feature the more usual exploded diagrams, the Longstroke one is more of a parts list, but with useful and detailed line drawings of the actual parts. Roy Bacons book "BSA Twin Restoration" publisher in 1986 is one to look out for.

 As always I would make haste slowly, bearing in mind all projects like this will swallow the cash as mistakes are made through inexperience with unfamiliar designs.

 Longstroke engine plates look the same as normal plunger ones, but the crankcase profiles are just ever so slightly different, hence the differing holes.

  For that frame you need a set of Plunger Yokes. These and the later Swing Arm type differ in the position of the turn stops on the lower yoke, and early versions of the top yoke do not have a hole for the steering lock. Fork stanchions, bushes, seals and oilseal holders are common across the range. Fork sliders all have the same bore, but differ depending on mudguard mountings, wheel hub type, torque arm arrangement, backplate stop and spindle type for starters. Headstock bearings are common across the range.

 For now I'd say get it back home undercover and give it a big dose of looking at. A notebook is useful to keep track of what's where and what it all cost.

 Swarfy..


 Additional. Thanks to GB for more details of engine fitment. It's a lot easier with some help, it can be a good wriggle and a juggle to get all the parts in place at the same time.

Offline Big_Ben

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #41 on: 08.01. 2022 10:10 »
100% good solid advice there.

Thank you (Inserts thumbs up emoji!)

1949 A7 Bitsa this, bitsa that!
1979 BMW R80/7 with extensive upgrades...
1983 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport

Offline Greybeard

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #42 on: 08.01. 2022 10:17 »
The two sources mentioned do not just do magnetos. Always worth contacting them.

Re, keeping a note book. If you start to record expenses on the project, keep the book somewhere secret so your 'significant other', (if you have one) doesn't get to see it. I started to record my costs on a spreadsheet while restoring my bike. When I could see that I was going to be exceeding £4k 💷 I deleted it. Wifey would have had pups if she knew! 😱
Greybeard (Neil)
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Warwickshire UK


A Distinguished Gentleman Riding his 1955 Plunger Golden Flash

Offline Greybeard

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #43 on: 08.01. 2022 10:18 »
100% good solid advice there.

Thank you (Inserts thumbs up emoji!)
*good3*
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

Offline bikerjohndavies

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Re: Hello - Just bought a non standard '49(?) A7
« Reply #44 on: 08.01. 2022 10:20 »
My search turned up these forks https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275095249313?hash=item400cf461a1:g:ld0AAOSwgA1h2Bar, but looking at the picture in the parts book, I'm 99% sure they're not A7 / A10 because the top yoke is very different.

Am I correct?

You are correct, they are Ariel forks.
1931 Ariel VB31, 1935 Triumph 5/3 project, 1946 Ariel Square 4, 1952 Norton Model 7, 1953 BSA A10 Super Flash, 1954 Ariel VH