I have just bought an old Bantam that I will be starting work on as soon as I have my bike garage dry (a leak on the roof).
my question is this, in very broad terms is it generally cheaper to have chrome bits wheels, handlebars etc re-chromed or
buy used items to replace them?
Its usually cheaper to buy NEW parts than to replate old. It's a mad world.
I always restore bikes to factory condition and so will not fit used chromed items. In the way I do things, my general experience is that it is cheaper to get items re-chromed than to buy new replacements when this is practical. However, I normally draw the line at re-chroming wheel rims unless they are no longer available new.
Thanks Guys, I am out of practice, when I was 16 I had a Bantam, then a Goldie and a Road Rocket, the last bike I rode was a Triumph Speed Twin in 1976 (but I say that quietly).
Just bought a Bantam to restore and ride in the summer, so I hope you don't mind all these questions while trying to get back in the way of things?
Out of interest, which Bantam model are you going to restore? I spent most of my teens messing about with Bantams (and Lambretta scooters) and taking them apart but am not really a fan of 2-strokes or die cast engines. Despite that I restored a D14/4 not that long ago which was fairly straightforward although, as usual for a BSA, re-chroming the tank was not cheap! However, most spares were readily available and the engine was easy to work on.
Not 100% the exact model, it's a D3 frame with a D7 motor, I have applied to the Club Machine Dating Office,
just awaiting a reply.
I bought some Service Sheets off ebay but I really need a Workshop Manual if anyone has one to sell.
The next thing I want is a battery, cheap enough off ebay but not sure of the amperage required of the 6v batt.
I think the first thing would be to check the wiring out, everything has got to be stripped down, including the
motor which is seized.
Service sheets and handbooks available free to download from Club website
The Haynes BSA Bantam manual covers most of the models. The D3 & D7 instruction manuals are attached:
Many thanks Spaceman.
just seen your post about needing a battery,
you need the right size and I have replied to your other post
but don't forget, many will not have acid in with them , so be aware