any vintage sunbeam fans on here?

[cardan]

They're probably either butted or double butted - thicker at one or both ends, and thinner in the middle. I'd imagine that the thinner part of the spoke would be 10g (0.125") or thicker. If you're worried measure the spoke diameter with a micrometer.

Leon

[iansoady]

They're not butted but will measure them.

[mini-me]

Bob Metson is correct I think, in sussex somewhere?

On my 1929 they are quite thin and not butted, I still have original spokes.

If no clutch stop fitted, practice your hand gear changing those gear box innards are 500quid if you need to get a  new set

[iansoady]

If I can get any at all given the scarcity of this gearbox (which according to a mag article by Mr Champ was only fitted to the Model 10 and parts are not interchangeable!)

I suppose it may be possible to get new ones made by cnc somewhere if worst comes to worst.

Spokes are 0.122" which is between 10 & 11 SWG. ISTR that the spokes I'm used to would be more like 8 SWG but given the light construction of the bike suspect I have one less thing to concern me.

[mini-me]

The 500 quid I quoted was from a guy in the wilds of Scotland, Orkney or somewhere who has made the odd batch;

Seems to be respected by the Marston crew.

[cardan]

Unbutted 10g spokes are certainly in the "cheap and cheerful" category, and a bit unexpected on a Sunbeam. But it was 1931 and times were tough. Provided the wheels are well built and the spoke tension is OK, there should be no problem at all with the roads and type of riding we have these days.

Leon

[iansoady]

I have now delved into the murky recesses of the primary drive and am quite reassured. The engine has quite respectable compression and turns over freely so I may leave well alone in that department. The clutch corks look in good order although are soaked in oil. It does have the clutch stops although these are merely hollow externally threaded tubes with external locknuts - I suspect there should be some sort of friction material in them.

There is a slightly weird (to my eyes) longitudinal slot in the mainshaft with a pin going through the pressure plate - at first I couldn't see why the pressure plate wouldn't just pull off till I noticed it. I can't see why the splines aren't enough to locate it although it may be a user "enhancement". The clutch is the single spring type which I understand is looked on with some disfavour, and the kickstart quadrant doesn't have the retracting tooth which I've seen in pictures of other models. The clutch backplate has some welding on it so maybe has disintegrated at some time.

All in all it looks as though the bike has either been used very little or has been comprehensively restored at some time in the past. My thoughts are the former, as it was only first registered in 2013 according to the V5C. Maybe it's been on display somewhere for many years?

Some pictures: http://s43.photobucket.com/user/iansoady/slideshow/bike/Sunbeam/clutch?sort=2

[mini-me]

probably 2013 was when it was restored, V5 should surely state "declared manufactured in 19** "?

Mine does. regd 1983

[iansoady]

Yes it does say declared manufactured in 1931.

It would be nice to have a registration number in the correct format for the year ie XX 9999.

[mini-me]

Seen your post on that site upon which I will not post.

re your exhaust problem, its possilbe to remove the dents from inside the pipe by pulling through an egg shaped former.
I am trying to find an article showing how its done,which I will post up.
It is in french but with lots of photos and diagrams.
Be patient please

Far better and more satisfactory than replacing with pattern items; or filling with braze. My 1928 'beam still has its original exhaust, and with original innards in a new made silencer.

[iansoady]

I agree I would prefer to keep the originals and look forward to the article. Even if I did replace them I would keep the original items for any future owner.

I wonder why you refuse to post in the other place (apart from the usual infuriating know-it-alls of course). My experience is that there are some genuine and knowledgeable folk there.

[mini-me]

My experience is that there are some genuine and knowledgeable folk there.

Yes


also a couple of thugs.

been there T shirt etc
still searching for that article

[mark2]

are we talking a bike forum ? I have had this on a car forum VW

[mini-me]

Yes, another  bike forum, but lets leave it there?