YOUR RESTOS
What’s been happening to the entrants for CB ’s Barn Find of the Year 2018 since the winner was announced in February? Let’s have a look – and the winner has been a very busy boy...
Latest on your Barn Find projects
JOSS CREED
Joss’s 1947 BSA A7 was the bike you voted Barn Find Of The Year 2018. The 71-year-old Star Twin was worn out but extremely original, having sat under a cover since 1965.
Although it was in the Barn Find of the Year competition, I couldn’t resist getting on with my 1947 BSA A7. It was nearly finished before the awards ceremony at the MCN Show in February.
I’d already rebuilt the engine – it had never been apart and was completely worn out, needing a rebore and two-sizes-down regrind on the crank. Parts for these early long-stroke A7s can be hard to find. I had also rebuilt the wheels and brakes, but kept the bodywork the way it looked – it’s an ‘oily rag’ restoration.
Since then, all I really needed to do was finish the wiring, and I’ve fitted LEDS in the headlight and tail light. I’ve got a solid-state regulator, which probably helps as LEDS need the voltage pull. Mine are from Classic Dynamo and Regulator Conversions in Lincolnshire, who do lighting as well. I’m really impressed with the tail lamp in particular.
I’ve done about 250 miles on it, but the head gasket has just gone – the composite one that came in the gasket set I bought isn’t very good, so I’m going to replace it with a copper item. It’ll be back on the road in a week or so, then I can get on with some of my other projects.
I’m rebuilding a 1974 Triumph Bonneville that I plan to go away on this summer, and also have a Triumph TRW that’s nearly done. It was pretty much just a frame and hubs when I got it, so I’m doing a sort-of Trophy/trials replica but with my own spin on it. Then there’s the Triton based on a 1959 wide line Norton Dominator, and also the 1952 Triumph Thunderbird – I’ve repaired the frame and worked on the engine. I’m rebuilding a Norton engine too, and have a BSA motocross bike.
My girlfriend says I spend too much time with my bikes, but at least she knows where I am.
My everyday ride is the Ariel VB. It’s outside now with a small pool of oil growing under it...
‘I’VE FINISHED IT, BUT THE COMPOSITE HEAD GASKET’S JUST GONE’