Author Topic: Wanted coventry eagle parts  (Read 8766 times)

Offline donnygaz

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Wanted coventry eagle parts
« on: August 24, 2016, 08:11:19 PM »
firstly I would like to say hi to all
 I am new to the site and also new to vintage bikes.
I have recently bought my self a 1929 172cc Coventry eagle .
I am on the hunt for most parts for this bike
and also any advise
many thanks
gary

Offline 33d6

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2016, 11:47:11 PM »
Hi Gary,
As with all vintage bikes the VMCC Library is your first port of call for information. You need copies of the relevant catalogue, owners handbook, spare parts list and so on. Unlike some clubs the VMCC give non-members full access to their Library. You need this info to point you in the right direction otherwise you're just running around in the dark. Start there NOW, because until you have this info you don't really know what you've got.
As you say it is 172cc I presume it is a Villiers engine. Villiers made three 172cc engines in 1929. The Sport, Super Sport and Brooklands. You need to identify which one from the engine number. I would also expect it to have an Albion gearbox. Again, you have to identify which one. Again, identity numbers are important.
As far as spare parts are concerned there is no great drama. There are none to speak of so you make them. There is little about a late vintage lightweight bike that needs more than a mildly competent home workshop with lathe. Your local model engineering club is far more important to you than your local motor bike shop. They have the necessary skills. For example, making front fork links and spindles uses exactly the same skills as making a model locomotive.
Tell us more and put up photos.
Cheers,



Offline donnygaz

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2016, 05:29:58 PM »
hi thank you for response really happy your advice . I have already join vmcc and bet they are already getting fed up with me .
I have also put ads in the classic bike mart.
I now know that I have a 1929 eagle with Villiers super sport tt engine bz912 and a Albion mk3 gearbox.
I am willing to hunt the uk for parts and other goddies,
this is the bike at the minute.
many thanks
Gary 

Offline donnygaz

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2016, 05:30:58 PM »
pic 2

Offline donnygaz

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2016, 05:32:15 PM »
pic 3

Offline donnygaz

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #5 on: August 25, 2016, 05:33:10 PM »
pic 4

Offline Rex

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #6 on: August 25, 2016, 05:54:24 PM »
There's a bloke in the VMCC mag every month after Silent Superb parts. I guess he's struggling too.
Then there's the bloke called Roy from Kent who's been advertising for Triumph twin bikes and parts every month for years now in the glossies. I wonder why the editors haven't made him take out a trade ad and stop making out he's an individual?

Offline 33d6

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #7 on: August 26, 2016, 12:39:05 AM »
Hi again Gary,
That is a nice machine--and you have the Super Sports 172 engine. This to my mind is the best engine Villiers made in the interwar years. You will be happy with it.
I am puzzled though. Why do you say you want Coventry Eagle parts? The bike is all there. I see you need Villiers parts and Albion gear box parts but what Cov Eagle parts do you need? Like many bike makers of the period Cov Eagle bought in much of their bikes. You have to differentiate between what is Cov Eagle and what is not. For example, tell people you want an engine sprocket for a 1929 Cov Eagle and they'll just shake their heads. Tell them you want a prewar Villiers 16 tooth engine sprocket and it's a different story. Villiers parts are interchangeable between makes. A Villiers engine sprocket in a 1929 Francis Barnett or James or whatever will happily fit your engine. A lot more people will know what you seek so you have much more chance of getting it. Same with the Albion gearbox.
Obviously there is a little more to it than that. There are a few subtleties but you get the message.
Look forward to your reply.
Cheers,
 

Offline cardan

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #8 on: August 26, 2016, 02:37:32 AM »

Hi Gary,

Great little bike: I hope you're thinking of hitting the Banbury Run with it. It should romp up Sunrising Hill.

Do you have the carburettor for it? If not, let us know what model it was originally and we'll chase up a photo or two. As 33d6 says, knowledge of what you're looking for it half the battle.

Cheers

Leon

Offline donnygaz

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #9 on: August 27, 2016, 08:19:06 AM »
would like to thank 33d6,cardan,rex for the replies and all there help.
so I have a Coventry eagle with a Villiers 172cc super sport tt engine with a 3 speed Albion gearbox.
the bike looks alright on photos but there issue's the bike was put together loosely and with bits missing I can only guess, I am waiting on images from the VMCC library.
things which are missing or need attention
the gearbox has parts missing and need new sprocket or clutch disc which ever. plus the clutch lever and pin. oh and kick start.
the engine seems to be all there whether it will run I don't no.
I have an oil tank with the bike but it is in pieces and would guess that it need 2 oil hoses from it to the engine .
missing a small decompression lever or cut off.
speedo and cable
front foot pegs
rear back light
centre stand is missing but just bought an vintage one off ebay going to try and make it fit.
.all in all very happy with the bike as it is going on 87 years of age the more I look at it the more I think it deserves to be completed.
will keep hunting for more info on my bike will get in touch with locals hobby group.
once again thank you
cheers
Gary

Offline Simmo

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Re: Identifying my Coventry Eale Motorcycle
« Reply #10 on: December 16, 2017, 07:38:22 PM »
I'm restoring a Coventry Eagle motorcycle, I bought it in bits so I do not really know how much is original
Can anyone identify the year of my bike, the frame serial number is 12623. Its got a sports motor, I guess its 172cc.

Many thanks for any help.

Cheers
Simmo

Offline chaterlea25

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #11 on: December 16, 2017, 08:53:09 PM »
Hi Simmo,
This post is going back to 2016,
I wonder how Gary is getting on with his bike?
I must have missed this post back then ???
I could (I think) help with some Albion parts

Sorry I cannot help with dating your CE,
Back to asking the VMCC I suppose??

John

Offline 33d6

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Re: Wanted coventry eagle parts
« Reply #12 on: December 17, 2017, 03:22:10 AM »
Hi Simmo,
It looks like you'll asking the VMCC Marque Specialist for an accurate date for your bike but I can help with the engine.
You say you think have a 172cc 'Sport' but nothing is quite that simple with Villiers of that age. Unfortunately they attract the village bodger by the busload.  Between 1924 and 1932 Villiers were making three 172cc engines. All with the same bore and stroke but all with different internals plus two different lubrication systems. The first just a simple petroil mix and the second Villiers own low pressure system. This is also quite simple but unforgiving and full of traps for newcomers to it. Most owners slipped up sooner or later so survival rate is low. Luckily it can be ignored and the engine run on petroil which easily solves any problems.
If you give us the engine number we can go from there.
Cheers, 

Offline Martin_UK

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Re: Identifying my Coventry Eale Motorcycle
« Reply #13 on: December 27, 2017, 08:47:00 PM »
I'm restoring a Coventry Eagle motorcycle, I bought it in bits so I do not really know how much is original
Can anyone identify the year of my bike, the frame serial number is 12623. Its got a sports motor, I guess its 172cc.

Many thanks for any help.

Cheers
Simmo

Hello Simmo,

I have a 1931 Coventry Eagle and it's frame number is in the low 14000's ...I know it was registered on the 18th May 1931 ...so I would guess at  your bike being a 1930 model.


I don't believe there is a Marque Specialist anymore for CE at the VMCC...however you could try John Hodson (former VMCC Marque specialist) at his website http://coventryeaglemotorcycle.org.uk/

I'm on the lookout for a pressed steel carrier to replicate as mine is missing, unfortunately I don't have any spare CE parts to swap though.

Regards,

Martin
« Last Edit: December 27, 2017, 08:50:34 PM by Martin_UK »