A65 Lightning project......

[geraldhattrick75]

Thanks Bess.
Is it the same with the 3/8 head jobbies, ie 26 tpi?

No Mike, I took advice on not fitting them, but even on reflection I still think it was the right way to go..... I just needed to make em a bit more secure when fitting the barrels.
(the circlips I bought looked ever so flimsy and the thought of them maybe breaking and distributing themselves around the engine made me decide against fitting em)

As ever folks, thanks for your help.
Dave

[Bess]

Hi Dave,
              Yes, 3/8" 26 tpi.

Did you determine what year your engine is? I just checked and a 1965 head will have 2 x 5/16" rear head bolts, changed in 1968.

Best wishes...

[geraldhattrick75]

Thanks Bess.
Yes the bike is definitely a 1965 job, but because it was a factory mule until being released to 'joe public' in 1968, I'm guessing that the factory tested all the mods on it to see if they worked or not. The mods would then have been carried over to the later production models.

So, while mine is an old 65 model, the good old 'Bezza boys' kindly upgraded it for me......

Engine number is A65DC 7144

Again thank you,
Dave.

[Bess]

Hi Dave,
             Sounds like an interesting project.

I am refreshing my A65 at the moment, not a standard build, I never do anymore. I am probably a few weeks ahead of you so most of your issues are fresh in my mind and you are most welcome to any solutions.

Best wishes...

[geraldhattrick75]

That's great news Bess. In theory that means you get the problems and I get the benefits....
(As if... Not with your obvious experience)

You'll be miles ahead of me in no time, I'm working on a fairly tight budget. (it shouldn't affect the end product though- just lengthen the time it takes.... Which is where all the enjoyment is anyway)

It's how I built my lad's Velocette Venom....

Your help is greatly appreciated, as is all of the excellent help I've been getting.

Truly a great site.

[Bess]

Hi Dave,
             Curiously I was just looking at this Velocette Venom, out of my price range though:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164013004399?ViewItem=&item=164013004399&category=0&emailtemplateid=144033510&sellerid=abgl/Dyo1eEkzX6kRoagRA==&buyerid=eJGfcJBwsRL1OFa8SdiX%20w==&refid=store&ssPageName=ADME:B:SEMK:UK:LISTG

Best wishes...

[geraldhattrick75]

Gorgeous... It's the 2nd from top Venom model- only beaten by the Thruxton....

Both outside my price range too.
Here's my lad's venom. Took 2 1/2 years - my first project.  Loved doing it and really puts a grin on my mug when I ride it.

[geraldhattrick75]

Right, I'm moving to the front end now and am getting the front wheel rebuilt, after getting the hub powder coated.

The wheel parts that came with the bike are: Chrome steel 19" rim and Valtru 10 gauge spokes and nipples.

The spokes look a bit thin to me- but what do I know?

Should they be ok for the job?

Thanks,
Dave.

[ChrisG]

If it says on the box that the kit is for the Lightning then that should be OK. If not then give Devon Rim a call. They are very helpful!

[geraldhattrick75]

Yes, the spokes and nipples identify for use on A65s as well as a few other models.

So I'll drop it off at 'Staffordshire Wheel Works' tomorrow.

Thanks,
Dave.

[Bess]

Hi Dave,
            You could check your rim and hub with the table here:

https://www.central-wheel.co.uk/information/spokes-and-nipples-stock.html

I have just had an issue with a rear rim on my A65, I was supplied with 0.250" 10g nipples (which I believe is normal) but the rim supplied is drilled for 0.300" nipples. All sorted now .

Best wishes...

[geraldhattrick75]

Once again Bess, thanks- I'll check em out tomorrow (new rim and spokes are in the car boot and my ass is seriously affected by gravity on occasions...)

I've drifted the, ratchets that pass as front wheel bearings, out... Completely knackered.

They are open bearings and I would have thought that double sealed equivalents might be a better bet... What do you think.

Thanks again- but please don't let me over do the constant questions.....

Regards,
Dave.

[Bess]

Hi,
    As you say double sealed equivalents are the way to go, I use them whenever I have the option.

Bets wishes...

[geraldhattrick75]

Well the wheel is in for rebuilding.
I was going to clean and spray the hub but, for an extra 40 of 'er majesty's finest, I decided to go with having it blasted and powder coated properly.
(Unfortunately they found a cracked section of finning- so that'll have to be re-affixed. Hopefully a bit of silver soldering will do the trick.)
Engine's in the final stages of build. Rockers fitted (wot a ball-ache that was), tappets adjusted.

Ignition timing-wise, I set the contact breakers gaps to 15 thou, fitted the timing bolt thingie (wot I made from a bolt) into the crankshaft slot and connected a 'beeper' across the points.
Unfortunately, after loosening the baseplate screws in their slots, I cannot turn it enough to get them to open.

Is it possible that I have cocked up assembly of the automatic advance system beneath the contact breaker plate? It all seem free to move ok, so I'm not sure what I might have done wrong.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave.

[geraldhattrick75]

OK, I've found what I did wrong- I just fitted the auto advance unit in what seemed an ok position- and it was wrong.

I have now fitted the auto advance in the right position such that the points begin to open at the correct position.


My question is- is there anything to align the 'advance unit' into so that it is in the correct position?


Thanks,
Dave.