1956 A7 SS

[chrisannesam]

Just joined the forum and am hoping to get someone to send me some pictures of an A7 of this year.  I have just restored this bike but now want to make sure it is correct.   Photos on the web are as rare as hens teeth.  Best so far has been this viseo on uTube;  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9SPW7DpLnQ. 

[Goldy]

Hi chrisannesam, nice looking bike. you say you want to make sure it,s correct, well the only comment that I would make is that the frame would have been black and for 56 it would have had Ariel hubs, but I am sure others will advise. All the best.

[chrisannesam]

Pretty sure that the '56 model had a BRG frame based on the period sales brochure (attached). But yes, those indeed should be Ariel hubs.  Better braking I was assured but the front is awful as it has not bedded in yet.

[trevinoz]

chrisannesam,
                         Well, you asked for it!
You have the wrong front guard, your seat shouldn't have piping and if your tank badges are black ,it's hard to tell, they should be dark green.
You are correct in saying the frame should be dark green, don't know if it was BRG.
Shame about the hubs as the Ariel type are much better looking.
The one that you looked at on u-tube has a few things wrong with it so maybe shouldn't be used as a yard stick if you want 100% correctness.
Still looking, the resolution is not quite good enough for enlarging, the oil level sticker seems to have too much writing.
Do you have a manual advance magneto? I can't see a lever for one.
Nice job and if it goes as well as it looks you will be very happy.

  Trev.

[kiwipom]

hi guys/chris, i believe that you will find all the info you need if you can get this book: BSA A7/A10 Twins Super Profile. by Owen Wright. i have taken some pics for you but to read the info you will need the book, i love this book all the technical info as well,cheers, Bob

adm edit: some pictures removed (copyright)

[chrisannesam]

Thanks for your comments and book suggestion.  I have ordered the book and taken on board the comments!   The magneto does not have a manual lever.  I understood that this was optional from the factory (?).  The other things I have noticed that may be wrong are that the top and botton yokes should be dark green not light green.  Also the shocks should have silver body and only the shroud dark green.   I agree that the Areiel hubs do look better.  I think I will look out for them...
On the downside the big end has just gone after only 300 miles.  Winter project I think!