1936 BSA Roadster

[duffer]

Afternoon all. I'm a new member here (albeit one who signed up for an accout in 2010...).

I've just become the owner of what i gather is a 1936 BSA Roadster (Model 700A, as seen in this catalogue.

I'm looking to complete a sympathetic restoration, cleaning and salvaging whatever i can. I think i'll clean the worst of the surface rust from the frame and clearcoat whatever is left. What do people suggest? Rub it down with wet-and-dry and a lacquer from a rattle can?

Anyway, pictures:

 

[Jonny69]

Blimey, that's a bit of a survivor! No need to clear coat. An oily, greasy rag will make that look fine. Only original once etc. Have a go at the rims with some WD40 and aluminium foil, but unless they come up nice and smooth you'll have problems with them eating the stirrup brake blocks.

 

[duffer]

Re:

Yeah, the rims are ruined. This image shows what's left of the chrome (on nickel?) coating. I guess I'll have to replace the rims, or at least get them re-coated...

I've stripped most of the bike now; it's covered in surface rust, but everything is remarkably solid. I only sheared one bolt, which is amazing after 80 years really!

 

[Jonny69]

The rims are easy to get hold of - there are loads on eBay either new or secondhand. For what they go for, you could just get a pair of good secondhand wheels. 26" stirrup brake wheels aren't anywhere near as expensive as 27" calliper brake wheels!

 

[bm0p700f]

Got some old wheels in the shop. Rims are probably decent. Have not had time too look at them but if uou are near suffolk ypu are eelcome to tale look. Some of them may use the rims you need.