Frame, Wheel, Tyre and Fuel Tank Issues- BSA Build Progress: Pt 3

Hello all, and Happy Monday. With an extremely hectic schedule lately, I haven't had much time to update the rider's blog. As I recall, in the last post I left off with the readying of the engine and gearbox. Once again a huge thanks to the masters at Vintage and Veteran, Ken and Phil. These chaps have gone far above and beyond with the work they are doing to this BSA. On behalf of the CCM team, I can definitely say that we are eternally grateful to our friends Ken and Phil. When you chaps arrive for the Cannonball, be prepared for a Texas-style welcome!


Closeup of the original, damaged petrol tank



  This post I'd like to go over some of the updates to the frame and petrol tank (fuel tank, for fellow Americans) as well as the work done to the wheels, tyres, and brake system. To begin with, the fuel tank is a prime example of how my friends K and P have gone far beyond anything I could expect. Upon removal, it was discerned that the mounting points on the tank itself have been ruined over the years. It seems that prior owners have enlarged the threaded holes and ruined said threads. Ken took the tank to a specialist to discuss suitable methods of repair, and in the end they decided to actually make a brand new tank.

New fuel tank in progress



The master at work!



Final fitting to BSA, prior to painting

With possible fuel tank issues out of the way, I started to think about other sources of failure. One of the points I thought about was the mounting tabs on the frame. Having strong welds on the engine and gearbox tabs is incredibly important. Anytime you ride, whether it's a brand new Harley Davidson or in this case an 85 year old BSA, vibration is going to play a significant role. What no Cannonballer needs is for his power plant or gearbox to come loose and start doing major damage to other components. After consulting with Mike Wild (#25) and Ken, we all agreed that the strength of these tabs was important.
  Anyway, other updates on the build- the front end has since been disassembled, cleaned, and re-fitted with new bearings and grease. All spacers and spindles were found to be in good condition. Both wheels have new rims and spokes, new tyres and tubes. On the front wheel, new bearings on a new axle with a re-lined brake set up finished off the front end. The rear wheel has sufficient brake lining, and clean bearings. Both wheels were reassembled with new grease.

Til Next time

Buck Carson
Confirmed Cannonballer # 3
Carson Classic Motors Race Team