Pre-WW2 BSA, something of a diamond in the rough I believe

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I have been searching but i can't find a drilled seatpost from the black and white days.

@Guinessisgoodforyou @Woz

Is the only component not listed in the spec. Must've been used on the lighter version, i guess, and must be as rare as rocking horse doodoo.

Don't think I've seen a catalogue picture with a drilled seat post before.

 

[Woz]

I think it looks very much like the Mansfield Ormond as spec'd going by the front part of the rail

View attachment 985497

Interesting. I think you would be right. I did note a more slender front rail portion. Uncannily very similar.

A nice looking saddle that must have cost a small fortune back in the day.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/388280157794

 

[Woz]

Don't think I've seen a catalogue picture with a drilled seat post before.

It doesn't even look tubular - more like the octogonal tube profile found on the Caminargent (1936) and then drilled.

Dunno, just a guess considering what was around.

Probably a one off and probably went in the bin when it snapped due to unforeseen extra rider weight; like rain soaked piss wet tweed and knee high wool socks for example?

 

[Mark Manley]

Be nice if 480 turns up somewhere on the frame.

It is very faint on the bottom bracket which only shows up with primer on it so I am presuming the forks are original, here is the BSA fork menu from the time and these are Russ pattern and were fully chromed.



I started off with the intention of dabbing some paint stripper where there might be a frame number and scraping away to try and find one, I got carried away and did the whole frame. I would say at some point the original paint and chrome of which there was not much left had got so bad that someone stripped it back possibly using paint stripper as there are no signs of it being removed mechanically and repainted it with one coat using a brush, a totally crap job, there were no signs at all of original paint or decals.
I scrapped the old paint off including trying to clear the corners then rubbed it down with 180 grit followed by 320, it looks quite pitted but felt smooth.


I thought a coat of etch primer would show up any pitting and other blemishes but to my surprise apart from two small dents in the top tube it has come out pretty good.



A close up of the head lugs.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

A close up of the head lugs

Lovely stuff right there

 

[PhillB]

Looking forward to seeing this one come together!!

 

[Woz]

In it's raw state it looks sharp and looks it's age. Being a sucker for that type of thing I would have been so tempted to clear coat it.

 

[PhillB]

In it's raw state it looks sharp and looks it's age. Being a sucker for that type of thing I would have been so tempted to clear coat it.

It's a tough one - I debate with myself all the time about whether to repaint or not. Wherever I try a draw a distinction (e.g. not if original paint and finish) the next restoration challenges it. Now I find myself looking at frames where the finish is either so knackered or so well preserved , that it is not a dilemma for me

 

[Mark Manley]

I have tried keeping a bike with heavy patina and cannot live with it, I tend to buy bikes like this one that really need a full going over which when finished I find most satisfying to look at and ride.
Having scoured the internet for photos of the BSA Opperman Special using all sorts of search terms I have found five that are out there, I am sure there are more in existence but their photos are not easy to find, all of them have many of the same features as my bike but none have the same lugs, there are also many brochure photos none of which show then either so I am not sure about what decals to use assuming I could get the signature ones made.
I have an idea how to proceed but out of interest will put up a poll to see what others think, the last option is the one my friends who are not bike enthusiasts would vote for.

 

[Frankenorange]

I have an idea how to proceed but out of interest will put up a poll to see what others think,

1x and disc brake conversion with 700mm riser bars then.