BSA Blue Star 1933 (R33-5)

[Hot Frog]

Hello,

My first post!

I am stumped with my first steps on the rebuild of this lovely old bike: the suspension damper was missing along with star washers etc..

I now have the parts but cannot insert the damper because it is blocked by the bolt securing both of the star washers which goes through the frame.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[David Samways]

First download the parts list from here: https://bsa-info.nz/parts-lists/#Various (ftp://bsa-info.nz/parts-lists/#Various)

You'll see that the steering damper rod is slotted at the bottom so you need to remove the bolt that secures the bottom fork links to the steering yoke and then insert the rod with the damper assembly. Then reinsert the fork link bolt.

[Hot Frog]

Thanks David

[Hot Frog]

I hope this follow on question can be solved just as easily!

Where oh where can you get hold of gaskets?

Please don't tell me they have to be made from 70 year old lino that has been matured in peat for 12 years.....although I'm learning that may well be the answer!

[Steve.S]

Fortunately? there aren't many gaskets on vintage BSA's. If you search the internet, you will find companies who can manufacture copper/asbestos head gaskets. Carburettor flange gaskets can be purchased from various suppliers. Gearbox gaskets can be had from Russell Motors. You will have to make your own cylinder base gasket. There was no timing cover gasket. Just use sealant. So overall I would suggest buying sheets of gasket material of different types and thickness and a set of hole punches. For cylinder base gaskets, I use the shiny red gasket material (don't know what it's called), as I find normal gasket paper too fragile and they leak.
If you make your own gearbox gaskets, be aware that the thickness affects endfloat.
I use Hardy & Hanson for making felt seals.
Steve.

[Hot Frog]

Thanks Steve - appreciate the advice.

Any contacts for knee rubbers?

[militaryron]

Jeff Hunter (The rubber man)
jeffalanhunter@aol.com

Ron

[Hot Frog]

Brilliant!

Thanks Ron - what a superb resource this forum is!

[Hot Frog]

My next cry for help!

I have two footrests from (I think) a WM20. Both are splined and fit nicely into the spacers. The securing bolt is in place but I simply cannot see how they fit - there is nothing for the small peg on the spacer to catch hold of.

Stumped.

[idie]

On my M33 and M20 the small peg locates in  small hole in the engine plates.

[David Samways]

My next cry for help!

I have two footrests from (I think) a WM20. Both are splined and fit nicely into the spacers. The securing bolt is in place but I simply cannot see how they fit - there is nothing for the small peg on the spacer to catch hold of.

Stumped.

If I was you I'd get some proper footpegs as per the parts book - 15-8161 left hand and 15-8158 right hand (p.214) - I don't think these are anything like those for the M20.  You do need the spacer 15-8161 for the right hand footrest - very easy to make. If you do carry on trying to fit the wrong parts you may find the riding position is all wrong and that the rear brake pedal is in the wrong place etc. My 1934 W9 was fitted with two 15-8167 and it just didn't work for the left hand so I made 15-8158. I still have the spare right hand if you want it.

[Hot Frog]

Morning David,

I didn't realise they were the wrong parts until it was too late.....beginner's error

Could I take you up on your kind offer of the spare?

Can you PM me with payment details?

All the best,


Simon

[Steve.S]

The left hand footrest is 15-8158. There is a very wonderful fellow in the Czech Republic who sells on ebay. Joseph Cingros makes exact replicas and trades as joseph60.7771. He casts both footrests and the plate, but is not currently listing them. Might be worth contacting him?
I had a pair from him a while ago, but noticed that one was about 1/4" lower than the other when fitted. Seems odd, since he casts from originals. Can anyone throw any light on this?

[Hot Frog]

Thanks Steve - I'll try him

[David Samways]

I sent you a PM Simon about the footpeg. If you still want it let me know.

David