Mid 1930s models front mudguard details

[David Samways]

Can anyone help with the detail of how the front mudguard on mid 30s models are finished on the top end. I have had a replacement guard made, but it has an upsweep on the end rather than finishing at the same radius. The replacement guard also has a rolled edge which is continued to the top end, but I get the impression from photos and original literature that BSA didn't do this. Some pics might help - see below.

The first pic shows how the replacement guard looks - rolled upwards with a beaded edge at the end.

The second shows how I think it should look which, to me, looks like there's no beading or rolled edge - certainly no upsweep.

[MALCOLM.JOHNSON]

My 1932 Blue Star is like your 2nd picture, with no change in radius. a period drawing I have also confirms that.

[David Samways]

Thanks Malcolm. How is the end of the guard finished? Is the metal rolled or folded, or is it just cut off?

[MALCOLM.JOHNSON]

Found this picture originally off Ebay of a pretty original looking 1934 Blue Star. Makes me wonder if mine is correct?

[MALCOLM.JOHNSON]

Period adverts.

[David Samways]

Thanks again Malcolm. I saw that BS myself, I think it's a 30+ year old restoration with a replacement guard.

I have a '32 OHV model L with original tin-ware (who knows how much it's been chopped about though) and it has no up-turn and is simply cut to shape at the ends with no folding (what I would call a hem if it were a piece of fabric!) or beading.

It's interesting to note that the guards on my 32 machine have very neat beaded edges folded tightly round to form a C shape, while the guard on the '34 BS has an underfold to form a U shape about 8mm deep - looks original.

At times, restoring these old machines is more industrial archaeology than exact science!

[Bicycle repair man]

Here is a picture of the front mudguard from my 1935 W35-7. Note the correct front number plate fittings. The front does turn up slightly and there is no rolled front. A real pedestrian slicer!
The rolled edges on the under side look more like drainage channels rather than a full rolled edge.

[David Samways]

Thanks for posting this. Any chance that you could show another from the front (ie at 90 degrees to the present pic?)

You'll forgive my adolescent exposure to Monty Python for saying "thank you bicycle repairman how can I ever repay you?" but I'd suppose you'd just say "it's all in a days work for bicycle repairman"!

[mark quinney]

 Hi David
My 32 BlueStar also has a front mudguard that looks like your second picture the front appears to be just cut off , the sides are beaded there is no fold or anything on the front as you look at it head on  and no upsweep
Did you manage to make a gasket for your timing chest,  I had a thought is it possible there may be a bush that is sticking proud so tightens the timing gear against the casing when when fitted ?
Also did you manage to get a gearbox cover with the extended plate to fit the foot change  linkage  to if you haven't and still looking I now have one available if interested (  it's not 100% but with a little work would be very usable  ) regards Mark

[David Samways]

Hi Mark

Thanks for your post. I've reassembled the crankcases now using some Threebond sealant - very good stuff.  I thought the same about the timing chest bushes and have given them a squeeze-down in the vice to make sure they're home. It's the cam bushes that are binding and it looks like they are just touching on one half of the face of the bush - making me think that the cover is distorted. I have made a gasket and will try it.

I'd be very interested in buying your gearbox cover, it's one of the last bits of the puzzle I'm missing. I'll drop you a PM with my email address.

It's always interesting picking over someone else's almost complete restoration and finding all the things that are bodged due to lack of tools or parts. I found that the machine has two RH footrests the other day (both the forged sort). I'll have some fun making a replacement LH one!

David

[Bicycle repair man]

Sorry about the delay in responding re the front elevation of the front mudguard. The mudguard is being repaired at the minute so it is not here, I will post when avbailable.

I also had to fit a gasket onto the timing cover. There was no end float on the cam bushes without it.

I am looking for a tank for mine, I want one for hand shift but with the cutaway at the rear of the tank. I have two tanks of the earlier smaller type that sit slightly higher and don't have the cutaway.

[David Samways]

Thanks for the reply BRM, having looked at the catalogue illustration for your machine it does appear that the 1935 models had a completely different style of guard to earlier machines. In fact your mudguard is from a W35-9 and it looks like it's lost the beaded edge from the front which is clearly shown in the catalogue illustrations. The repro guard I have here is almost an exact replica of the W35-9 guard. The W35-7 model had a more deeply valanced guard. See pics.

I'll PM you about tanks. I have a hand change tank, but I'm not sure whether it will suit your machine.