Old Bantam.

[scousebantam]

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?

[Dean Southall]

Its usually cheaper to buy NEW parts than to replate old. It's a mad world.

[Spaceman]

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.

[scousebantam]

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?

[Spaceman]

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.

[scousebantam]

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.

[Dean Southall]

Service sheets and handbooks available free to download from Club website

[Spaceman]

The Haynes BSA Bantam manual covers most of the models. The D3 & D7 instruction manuals are attached:

[scousebantam]

Many thanks Spaceman.

[rhyatt]

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