My BSA C12 1957 - Restoration

SA7VA5 · 24th November 2009, 13:48

HI All,

While working on my Dad's Lambretta - I had mentioned that I will embark on my BSA C12 restoration and infact I have started on it.

I am posting the pics of my bike as is and will soon start posting the developments.

It may not be the same level of "Madness" as on my Dad's Series 2 but it will be close.

I need help on parts for this bike and am requesting all the BSA Guru's to help and contribute. You will be suitably rewarded / compesated.

Cheers!

Saurabh

SamuraiJack · 24th November 2009, 14:52

All the best bro! All eyes on this one

suren181 · 24th November 2009, 15:30

Though it may not be of great help, methinks you should grab this:

BSA SPARES LIST C10L,C11G,C12 1954 - 1957 on eBay (end time 28-Nov-09 19:05:25 GMT)

beejay · 24th November 2009, 15:43

Get going Saurabh. Maybe your thread will be a motivation for me to restore a BSA Falcon GT50.

Looking forward to it a long time now. Availability of spares, time involved and other things just don't let me get started.

SA7VA5 · 24th November 2009, 18:14

Come on beejay - lets start you on your Falcon and I on my C12 - lets do it together!

I am sure we will be able to help each other on the way.

Suren - I grabbed a soft and hard copy of all the spares lists available across the globe already.

I have bought a full set of Service Sheets for BSA - ALL MODELS!

Ihave invested a packet on this one already.

Who said BSA is going to be an easy restoration!

I have found a guy who will cut gear plates, temper them and install the right size bushes on the gears so that the wear on shafts can be accounted for.

Have sourced old style handle bar levers.

Am in the process of sourcing the horn button, mag/air lever etc.

Have ordered specially made 19" WM2 wheels - high quality steel with MIND BLOWING quality chrome - plus stainless steel spokes plus brass nipples with high quality chrome.

Have bought a pair of tailights - the correct design - Found that MInda was exporting it. Have bought the original tail light and number plate plastic beading

Have ordered a stainless steel set of fasteners

Have ordered Speedmaster Mark II tires from England - 3.25 upgrade - Classic style

Have sourced Tank Pad rubbers

Have bought all 6 volt Lucas New Coils that I could find in the local market for now and for future use and for other fellow enthusiasts

Have bought an enfield seat base and modification to make it suit the BSA is on

Am on the look out for whole load of parts. Dont want the bike restoration to stop due to lack of availability of parts

Most importantly have found a mech and hired him at my father in law's workshop to do the job

Have found & bought the original old style petrol tank cap in chrome

Have bought the side oil tank BSA Piled Arm Stickers (High Quality 3M material)

Am in the process of procuring an original AMAL Carb from UK

Have found out the sources in UK for most of the parts. Still hunting for more.

Have bought a full engine gasket set

Wow - didnt realise I had sooo much already!

Cheers!

Saurabh

beejay · 24th November 2009, 18:27

SAV, lets see how much hair you loose and then let me think about it

.

Again all the best with the restoration. You managed to source quite a lot of things. Good.

SA7VA5 · 22nd December 2009, 18:23

OK Another update.

Just managed to source the original AMAL Carb brand new freshly built and assembled from AMAL Carb UK.

So parts collection is on the way.

Cheers!

SV

SA7VA5 · 15th January 2010, 13:14

Hi

The Fuel tank has been removed from the bike and it has been sent for tinkering and clean up from inside.

There is some rust build up and that now needs to be cleared.

Once it is in shape we will then get it chromed.

More parts are now in inlcuding the tappet cover gaskets and cylinder head gasket.

So while the process is fairly slow it will be a thorough one.

Wait for pics - will upload shortly.

Cheers!

Saurabh

chanu · 16th January 2010, 00:15

Now that's what I call RAPID. You have got a load of spares and few yet to come. No doubt another master piece is on its way

Good luck Saurav

kylohere · 22nd January 2010, 01:59

Kudos on your latest restoration project.

With regard to your list of spares procured from the UK, why don't you get them from India itself? The BSA C11 and the C12 250s share a whole load of parts and they aren't rare at all in the country. With regard to the parts in the UK, a lot of cosmetic parts are manufactured in India itself. Badges, caps, tinware - it's all made here or other Asian countries. So unless it's something you absolutely don't get here, it doesn't make sense importing it.

With regard to the bushes of the gears on the shafts in the gearbox, any competent machinist can do the job.

This bike isn't the least difficult to restore, unless you try very hard to complicate things. Let me know if you need anything...

Kyle

SA7VA5 · 28th January 2010, 17:39

Hi Kylohere

I would need the following parts if you can help:

D Shaped Smiths Speedo
Petrol tank - to be chrome plated and not painted therefore either new or in very good condition
Clutch Plates Set
Exhaust Bend Pipe - New
Silencer Muffler New
Seat Base Plate
Petrol Tank Knee Pad Mounting Plates
Piston, gudgeon pin, lock and 3 rings set - if available I can let you know the oversize required
Steering Head Race & Bearing Set - do you know which Bike I can replace it with - I need a new set
Rear Shockers- Girling 10.9"

Please let me know if you can help.

Cheers

Saurabh

chanu · 29th January 2010, 01:20

Spotted this beauty along with an unfamiliar BSA hand gear at my garage which has come for restoration, this blue bird seems to be failrly original except that of rear seat, tank badges.

I am sorry if this post is irrelavant or deviating the topic.

kylohere · 1st February 2010, 14:40

Hi!
Here's the list of parts that you had mentioned and their availability.
D Shaped Smiths Speedo - AVAILABLE, but used
Petrol tank - New tank is virtually impossible. Good condition maybe. But your tank doesn't look too bad so I don't get the need for a new one.
Clutch Plates Set - Just the friction plates alone or with the pressure plates? If so, AVAILABLE (friction plates) - replica

Exhaust Bend Pipe - AVAILABLE but replica
Silencer Muffler - AVAILABLE but replica
Seat Base Plate - HAVEN'T CHECKED
Petrol Tank Knee Pad Mounting Plates - CAN BE MADE BY ANY COMPETENT DENTER
Piston, gudgeon pin, lock and 3 rings set - AVAILABLE BUT NOT IN ALL SIZES so you might have to bore/sleeve accordingly
Steering Head Race & Bearing Set - I mixed and matched so I don't know which bikes they came off. But if you could help me out with the measurements, I can perhaps get a set for you
Rear Shockers - AVAILABLE but used Girling 10.9"

SA7VA5 · 5th February 2010, 13:57

Hi There! Can you also tell me the prices of these parts so that we can decide if we go in for these items or not.

Thanks a bunch.

Is the D SMith working or not?

Cheers!

Sv

SA7VA5 · 27th April 2010, 12:25

Ok the update on C 12

The Engine has been completely restored with new bearings, new piston, recon crank and con rod, polished tappets, new valves, a sand blasted head duly painted with high temperature paint, all aluminium is now buffed and polished, stainless steel nuts and balance chromed, a new tappet cover, new gasket set, overhauled oil pump, all shims in place (some were missing when I opened it up), new oil seals of the correct size.

I will post pics soon enough.

The Gear box is ready for assembly after all parts have been cleaned and inspected for wear. All bushes have been replaced with new ones of the correct metal spec and size, new clutch plate in place and all new bearings. Its been on the back burner but its now going to witness added speed.

Body work is being repaired right now and tinkering is on.

All parts that required Chrome are done.

New Wheel rims in place and have got Stainless Steel Spokes made to order to EXACT OE SPECS!

New Silencer fabricated and at home awaiting fitment trial before it goes for high quality chrome.

Smiths D Shaped speedometer sourced and at home in stock - in fact now 3 in stock.

Petrol tank dented and repaired. Requires surface preparation prior to high quality chrome plating.

Brake shoes re-ligned.

Original Gold Paladium spark plugs on way to my home from London.

Original Tail Light and Front light sourced and in stock.

All body fitting nut and bolts in stainless steel sourced and in stock.

So as soon as the body work is over and painting is finished assembly will be completed in 2 weeks!

Cheers!

24th November 2009, 13:48	#1
SA7VA5 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DELHI Posts: 297 Thanked: 154 Times	My BSA C12 1957 - Restoration HI All, While working on my Dad's Lambretta - I had mentioned that I will embark on my BSA C12 restoration and infact I have started on it. I am posting the pics of my bike as is and will soon start posting the developments. It may not be the same level of "Madness" as on my Dad's Series 2 but it will be close. I need help on parts for this bike and am requesting all the BSA Guru's to help and contribute. You will be suitably rewarded / compesated. Cheers! Saurabh Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

24th November 2009, 14:52	#2
SamuraiJack BHPian Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 175 Thanked: 145 Times	All the best bro! All eyes on this one
	() Thanks

24th November 2009, 15:30	#3
suren181 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 850 Thanked: 11 Times View My Garage	Though it may not be of great help, methinks you should grab this: BSA SPARES LIST C10L,C11G,C12 1954 - 1957 on eBay (end time 28-Nov-09 19:05:25 GMT)
	() Thanks

24th November 2009, 15:43	#4
beejay Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: The Nilgiris Posts: 1,963 Thanked: 204 Times View My Garage	Get going Saurabh. Maybe your thread will be a motivation for me to restore a BSA Falcon GT50. Looking forward to it a long time now. Availability of spares, time involved and other things just don't let me get started.
	() Thanks

24th November 2009, 18:14	#5
SA7VA5 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DELHI Posts: 297 Thanked: 154 Times	Come on beejay - lets start you on your Falcon and I on my C12 - lets do it together! I am sure we will be able to help each other on the way. Suren - I grabbed a soft and hard copy of all the spares lists available across the globe already. I have bought a full set of Service Sheets for BSA - ALL MODELS! Ihave invested a packet on this one already. Who said BSA is going to be an easy restoration! I have found a guy who will cut gear plates, temper them and install the right size bushes on the gears so that the wear on shafts can be accounted for. Have sourced old style handle bar levers. Am in the process of sourcing the horn button, mag/air lever etc. Have ordered specially made 19" WM2 wheels - high quality steel with MIND BLOWING quality chrome - plus stainless steel spokes plus brass nipples with high quality chrome. Have bought a pair of tailights - the correct design - Found that MInda was exporting it. Have bought the original tail light and number plate plastic beading Have ordered a stainless steel set of fasteners Have ordered Speedmaster Mark II tires from England - 3.25 upgrade - Classic style Have sourced Tank Pad rubbers Have bought all 6 volt Lucas New Coils that I could find in the local market for now and for future use and for other fellow enthusiasts Have bought an enfield seat base and modification to make it suit the BSA is on Am on the look out for whole load of parts. Dont want the bike restoration to stop due to lack of availability of parts Most importantly have found a mech and hired him at my father in law's workshop to do the job Have found & bought the original old style petrol tank cap in chrome Have bought the side oil tank BSA Piled Arm Stickers (High Quality 3M material) Am in the process of procuring an original AMAL Carb from UK Have found out the sources in UK for most of the parts. Still hunting for more. Have bought a full engine gasket set Wow - didnt realise I had sooo much already! Cheers! Saurabh
	() Thanks

24th November 2009, 18:27	#6
beejay Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: The Nilgiris Posts: 1,963 Thanked: 204 Times View My Garage	SAV, lets see how much hair you loose and then let me think about it. Again all the best with the restoration. You managed to source quite a lot of things. Good.
	() Thanks

22nd December 2009, 18:23	#7
SA7VA5 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DELHI Posts: 297 Thanked: 154 Times	OK Another update. Just managed to source the original AMAL Carb brand new freshly built and assembled from AMAL Carb UK. So parts collection is on the way. Cheers! SV
	() Thanks

15th January 2010, 13:14	#8
SA7VA5 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DELHI Posts: 297 Thanked: 154 Times	Hi The Fuel tank has been removed from the bike and it has been sent for tinkering and clean up from inside. There is some rust build up and that now needs to be cleared. Once it is in shape we will then get it chromed. More parts are now in inlcuding the tappet cover gaskets and cylinder head gasket. So while the process is fairly slow it will be a thorough one. Wait for pics - will upload shortly. Cheers! Saurabh
	() Thanks

16th January 2010, 00:15	#9
chanu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: APX to AP 29 Posts: 1,483 Thanked: 150 Times View My Garage	Now that's what I call RAPID. You have got a load of spares and few yet to come. No doubt another master piece is on its way Good luck Saurav
	() Thanks

22nd January 2010, 01:59	#10
kylohere BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Andheri (East), Mumbai 400069. Posts: 41 Thanked: 3 Times	Congratulations... Kudos on your latest restoration project. With regard to your list of spares procured from the UK, why don't you get them from India itself? The BSA C11 and the C12 250s share a whole load of parts and they aren't rare at all in the country. With regard to the parts in the UK, a lot of cosmetic parts are manufactured in India itself. Badges, caps, tinware - it's all made here or other Asian countries. So unless it's something you absolutely don't get here, it doesn't make sense importing it. With regard to the bushes of the gears on the shafts in the gearbox, any competent machinist can do the job. This bike isn't the least difficult to restore, unless you try very hard to complicate things. Let me know if you need anything... Kyle
	() Thanks

28th January 2010, 17:39	#11
SA7VA5 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DELHI Posts: 297 Thanked: 154 Times	Hi Kylohere I would need the following parts if you can help: D Shaped Smiths Speedo Petrol tank - to be chrome plated and not painted therefore either new or in very good condition Clutch Plates Set Exhaust Bend Pipe - New Silencer Muffler New Seat Base Plate Petrol Tank Knee Pad Mounting Plates Piston, gudgeon pin, lock and 3 rings set - if available I can let you know the oversize required Steering Head Race & Bearing Set - do you know which Bike I can replace it with - I need a new set Rear Shockers- Girling 10.9" Please let me know if you can help. Cheers Saurabh Attached Thumbnails Last edited by SA7VA5 : 28th January 2010 at 17:43.
	() Thanks

29th January 2010, 01:20	#12
chanu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: APX to AP 29 Posts: 1,483 Thanked: 150 Times View My Garage	Spotted this beauty along with an unfamiliar BSA hand gear at my garage which has come for restoration, this blue bird seems to be failrly original except that of rear seat, tank badges. I am sorry if this post is irrelavant or deviating the topic. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

1st February 2010, 14:40	#13
kylohere BHPian Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Andheri (East), Mumbai 400069. Posts: 41 Thanked: 3 Times	Hi! Here's the list of parts that you had mentioned and their availability. D Shaped Smiths Speedo - AVAILABLE, but used Petrol tank - New tank is virtually impossible. Good condition maybe. But your tank doesn't look too bad so I don't get the need for a new one. Clutch Plates Set - Just the friction plates alone or with the pressure plates? If so, AVAILABLE (friction plates) - replica Exhaust Bend Pipe - AVAILABLE but replica Silencer Muffler - AVAILABLE but replica Seat Base Plate - HAVEN'T CHECKED Petrol Tank Knee Pad Mounting Plates - CAN BE MADE BY ANY COMPETENT DENTER Piston, gudgeon pin, lock and 3 rings set - AVAILABLE BUT NOT IN ALL SIZES so you might have to bore/sleeve accordingly Steering Head Race & Bearing Set - I mixed and matched so I don't know which bikes they came off. But if you could help me out with the measurements, I can perhaps get a set for you Rear Shockers - AVAILABLE but used Girling 10.9"
	() Thanks

5th February 2010, 13:57	#14
SA7VA5 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DELHI Posts: 297 Thanked: 154 Times	Hi Hi There! Can you also tell me the prices of these parts so that we can decide if we go in for these items or not. Thanks a bunch. Is the D SMith working or not? Cheers! Sv
	() Thanks

27th April 2010, 12:25	#15
SA7VA5 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DELHI Posts: 297 Thanked: 154 Times	Ok the update on C 12 The Engine has been completely restored with new bearings, new piston, recon crank and con rod, polished tappets, new valves, a sand blasted head duly painted with high temperature paint, all aluminium is now buffed and polished, stainless steel nuts and balance chromed, a new tappet cover, new gasket set, overhauled oil pump, all shims in place (some were missing when I opened it up), new oil seals of the correct size. I will post pics soon enough. The Gear box is ready for assembly after all parts have been cleaned and inspected for wear. All bushes have been replaced with new ones of the correct metal spec and size, new clutch plate in place and all new bearings. Its been on the back burner but its now going to witness added speed. Body work is being repaired right now and tinkering is on. All parts that required Chrome are done. New Wheel rims in place and have got Stainless Steel Spokes made to order to EXACT OE SPECS! New Silencer fabricated and at home awaiting fitment trial before it goes for high quality chrome. Smiths D Shaped speedometer sourced and at home in stock - in fact now 3 in stock. Petrol tank dented and repaired. Requires surface preparation prior to high quality chrome plating. Brake shoes re-ligned. Original Gold Paladium spark plugs on way to my home from London. Original Tail Light and Front light sourced and in stock. All body fitting nut and bolts in stainless steel sourced and in stock. So as soon as the body work is over and painting is finished assembly will be completed in 2 weeks! Cheers!
	() Thanks