Newbie with frame/engine number questions

[BPilgrim]

Hello everyone,

First post on here.  I'm an engineering student at Liverpool Uni and have just completed my first bike restoration of a 1979 Montesa Cota 348.  I wanted a British bike, but I thought I'd start on something a bit simpler and cheaper first!  So now that the Montesa is done, and I have learnt quite a lot, I thought it was time for a new challenge, so I'm now after an A10. 

I currently have my eye on an A10 project, (which includes just the frame, crankcases, fuel tank and oil tank) but I need help identifying the frame and engine numbers. 

Frame = GA7 11540

Engine = DA10 10834

I've researched the numbers a bit, to (try to) avoid asking silly questions, (the A7 in the frame number confused me at first), but from what I have gathered it is an A10 Golden Flash with a Golden Flash engine?  Also, what year do the numbers correspond to?

BSA numbers seem quite confusing, (compared to my montesa which has frame no. 51M13030 and engine no. 51M13030), simple!

This could be silly question now, but do BSA numbers officially match?  As in, are the digits after say DA10 supposed to match the frame digits after GA7? Or are they considered to match if they're from the same year?

I ask because I'd really like a 'matching' set for the project.

Thanks in advance,
Ben

[bsa- bill]

Short answer Ben is - no

they did match things up later with the A50/A65 range I believe

[BPilgrim]

Thanks for your reply, that's cleared that one up!

I don't suppose you know the years of the numbers above?

Thanks,
Ben

[chaterlea25]

HI Ben,
Welcome to the forum!!
The short answer to your question is NO!
BSA engine and frame numbers do not match each other on A7 or A10 models
(I think matching numbers appeared in the 60's at some stage?)
The BSA owners club have access to the original factory records and can tell if the frame and engine "belong " together
From the little information I have,
1961frames begin at GA7 11101 so yours is early  in that sequence
1961 A10 engine numbers started  with DA10 13201, which is later than yours
1960 A10 engines started at DA10 7801
From this it would seem that you have a 61 frame and 60 engine numbers

HTH
John O R

[Sidcar]

Hi Ben,
Are you a VMCC member? They have the BSA factory despatch records in their library. Send them your frame and engine numbers and they can tell you if the frame and engine were despatched as one bike, the date of despatch, colour and where it was despatched to.
They've just done mine. The frame and engine numbers match and it was despatched to Cowies in Durham on May 27th 1959.
If your not a VMCC member there may be a charge (or just join the club).

Hope this helps.

Sid

[BPilgrim]

Hi Sid,

No, I'm not a VMCC member yet, but I'll join as I'm sure it'll be useful.

Many thanks,
Ben

[iansoady]

The VMCC library is a gem and the librarian (Annice) is very helpful. It's well worth a trip there to browse as they have tons of fascinating stuff.

[Sidcar]

The only disconcerting thing about mine is the despatch records have it marked down as "SA bge" which I assume is Swinging Arm, beige. It's swinging arm alright but the colour is black. No sign of beige paint on it so probably BSA's shoddy record keeping. I've seen a Norton despatch book and it's much more tidy.

Sid