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Noddydon
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![[*]](./images/corporate/default_icon.gif) posted on 10-16-2007 at 11:45 AM |
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1969 Bantam Cub
Just a few hours ago I became the owner of a 1969 Bantam Cub and so the search is officially over.
Mainly complete but very shabby would describe the bike at the moment. Tomorrow begins the "Getting to know you" stage plus more photos. Have
ordered a copy of "The Triumph Tiger Cub Bible" which should arrive soon.
May I just thank the members who have helped to keep my spirits up during the search.
Will attempt to keep the forum updated as things progress.
Noddy
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Chris Foster
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| posted on 10-16-2007 at 01:20 PM |
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Congratulations on finding a Cub at last. It looks fairly complete and should keep you entertained during the Winter months. Keep us updated.
N.B.
ronmcl recently completed a superb restoration job on a Bantam Cub which is well documented under "Current Restorations" |
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-17-2007 at 04:51 AM |
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Thanks Chris and I have been many times to ronmcl's post to admire his hard work.
Day one and almost stripped out to a bare frame. But I feel a big challenge coming up as the rear shocks do not move at all and, although they are
still in the frame, I suspect that the main cause is the sub frame pivot pin having seized. Anyway, that joy is still to come! Generally speaking the
cub hasn't had a lot of love and care during it's life. One good thing though is that engine kicks over with good compression.
Noddy |
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Chris Foster
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| posted on 10-17-2007 at 10:30 AM |
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Slow down, especially before you attack the swinging arm pin and bushes. Fortunately mine were ok and just needed a thorough slug of fresh grease but
I have read horror stories of attempts to remove the pin! I am sure that there are old forum topics on the subject and plenty of advice available. I
seem to recall that safest option is to push the pin out with a hydraulic press. Over enthusiastic hammering risks damaging the pin making removal
even harder! |
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-17-2007 at 11:03 AM |
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Panic over as the pin drifted out with minimum effort - however the two rear suspension units are seized solid...........!
Sort of a mixed blessing really.
Thanks though for the advice - appreciated.
Noddy |
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Chris Foster
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| posted on 10-17-2007 at 01:12 PM |
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Well done!
At least your suspension units are the Bantam type rather than standard Cub variety and it may be easier to pick up a pair at an Autojumble. |
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Raggles39
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 posted on 10-17-2007 at 01:21 PM |
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1969 Bantam Cub
Hi Noddy - Congratulations on your capture - 'Everything comes to those who wait' - would agree with Chris - take your time and enjoy -
All the best with the project - looking forward to the updates
Jim  |
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-18-2007 at 10:07 AM |
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Most of the frame components are now ready for sand blasting and powder coating. A couple of days should see them back again when the satisfying part
begins.
There are two things that I am considering. First is that should I use the colours for the year of the bike, or go with what I fancy? (Most likely a
bright red)
Secondly the wheel rims are pitted badly enough not to polish up nicely - but it is only "chrome deep". Would I be committing a sin to have them
powder coated? (Triumph Terriers at one time had painted rims) The wheels are otherwise sound and true and each spoke gives a satisfying "ping"
when tapped. At the moment I want to get a decent looking rolling chassis asap. Perhaps later on I could run to new rims etc.
Hmm., hope I haven't stirred up strong feelings!
Noddy |
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Rob vW
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| posted on 10-18-2007 at 01:13 PM |
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Well done Noddy and congratulations on getting hold of a bike at last.
With regard as to how the bike is finished, its your bike, you do with it as you want and don't let anyone tell you any different. At least you have
Greystone not far away for any parts.
Well done and good luck.
Rob vW |
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Grumpy
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| posted on 10-18-2007 at 11:22 PM |
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Ah, the elusive cub captured at last.
Think of it as a blank canvas and paint, chrome or substitute parts to your own taste and nobody elses.
Cheers,
Trev
New Zealand |
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-19-2007 at 12:39 AM |
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Will definitely change the colour. All the present black will remain black and the rest will be a bright red and chrome. Only undecided colour are the
wheel rims as I really cannot afford yet to renew them just for a small amount of surface rust being present. Any ideas on a suitable colour will be
most welcome. Although the most obvious would be silver I am not
convinced. Will have to sit down with Photoshop and a photo of the cub and play around.
Noddy |
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Rob vW
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| posted on 10-19-2007 at 11:55 AM |
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Why don't you paint the wheels red and black? Painted silver always looks dull, and with red and black they will match the tank and frame.
But don't let me tell you what to do! Its your bike and you should feel free to do what you want with it.
But most of all, enjoy it. Until you find the widget that joins the thingy won't fit and the replacement is unobtainium.
Rob |
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-19-2007 at 12:32 PM |
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| Quote: |
Until you find the widget that joins the thingy won't fit and the replacement is unobtainium. |
Nice one Rob, but it's the fully reversible dingle sprocket falling off that bothers me the most!
My son suggested black rims as well, but only, I suspect, because his Triumph Trident has them. Thanks for your reply and I will add it to the list of
possible schemes.
Noddy |
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ronmcl
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| posted on 10-22-2007 at 02:42 PM |
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Good looking Cub noddydon - seems to have a lot of the original parts which is a big help.
Apart from the hubs, mudguard brackets and petrol tank the Super Cub and Bantam Cub are virtually identical - looking forward to following your
progress. As you'll know most of the cycle parts are BSA - let me know if you have difficulty tracing any parts as I've found a number of places
that do Bantam parts. (Keep meaning to make a list and post it here, but not had time yet.)
Good luck
Ronnie
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-23-2007 at 12:44 AM |
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One thing that does concern me at the moment is the fuel tank. Apart from a small dent it has been patched on the inside of the saddle with what looks
like Isopon. Also internally it looks the inside of a forty year old cast iron cistern! What technique's I wonder can be used to preserve such a
tank? Will be looking at autojumbles to see if a better one can be found.
As for spare parts, any sources would be a welcome addition. Perhaps there could a post that all members could contribute to with details. (Bantam
parts sources very welcome!)
Thanks for the offer of help Ronnie
Noddy |
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Rob vW
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| posted on 10-25-2007 at 03:29 AM |
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I suggest you remove the filler to find the extent of the damage. If it is in the saddle and is there to hide a dent, leave well alone as no one will
see it. However, if it is hiding a hole, it should be repaired with a new section of metal.
With regard to the inside of the tank, they are all going to look like that by now if unused.
Your best bet is to fill the tank with a load of old nuts, bolts and nails, plus a drop of white spirit, and give the tank a good hard shake. That
should remove any loose rust inside. Then swill the tank with more white spirit to get out any other debris.
Then, depending on the damage in the saddle, or elsewhere, get one of the tank liner mixes and put that in the tank. I have used Petseal on a sound
tank. Be careful about mixing the resin and accelerator (hardener). It is basically the same stuff as used in fibreglass (polyester resin) and if
you put too much hardener in, it gets very very hot when going off. It is best to use it before the tank is painted as it will blister paint. Don't
let it get into the threads of the petrol tap hole. Be prepared to swill the tank around and probably re-coat several times. Also do it in in a well
ventilated room. The fumes are intoxicating!!!!
Rob |
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Raggles39
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| posted on 10-25-2007 at 04:47 AM |
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Bantam Petrol Tank
Noddy - Have you checked eBay item #270179472197 - looks very similar -
Jim |
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-25-2007 at 08:14 AM |
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Thanks Rob for the info on reclaiming a fuel tank. Guess that after all those years the inside is going to look rough. On the other hand, Jim has
posted an eBay link which I have either missed or it has just appeared. Looks a real find at the moment just so long as it doesn't reach silly money.
Will definitely follow that one and thanks to you also Jim for the heads up
Have decided to bite the bullet and go for new rims and spokes - alas not stainless though. Had a chat with Greystone and it looks the way to go. It
will take a chunk from the budget for this year so the engine will have to wait. Not stripped it out yet, so I will leave that as a surprise!
At the moment the frame is coming along nicely. Forgot to mention that the frame and engine have matching numbers.
Noddy |
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Raggles39
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| posted on 10-25-2007 at 10:34 AM |
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Noddy - The frame looks great - a good solid foundation to start the rebuild also good news on the matching frame/engine numbers becoming a rarity
these days -
Take your time and enjoy - there are always parts coming up on eBay so don't be tempted to go for something that's too costly -like the buses
'There's always another coming along'
Jim |
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Rob vW
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| posted on 10-25-2007 at 12:53 PM |
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I agree with Jim, the frame looks great and done so quickly too.
Be careful about buying a Bantam tank. They have two round indents for the BSA badges. The Cub version should have plain sides and screw holes for
the badges.
Rob |
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Raggles39
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| posted on 10-25-2007 at 01:27 PM |
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Hi Rob - Glad you commented on the tank - downloaded the picture from ebay enlarged and lightened same - as you say it is a BSA tank with indents for
the badges which wasn't clear on the original photo - sorry about that Noddy but will keep looking for you
Jim |
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-25-2007 at 02:17 PM |
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People here are so helpful and I really appreciate that.
I also have access to another Bantam Cub tank but from the previous years model. Same as on ronmcl's machine actually. Just an option. Don't have
any tank badges as none came with the bike. Not to worry because as Jim said earlier.....
| Quote: |
Take your time and enjoy - there are always parts coming up on eBay so don't be tempted to go for something that's too costly -like the buses
'There's always another coming along' |
Going to do just that - sound advice!
Noddy |
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whitmorrie
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| posted on 10-25-2007 at 03:01 PM |
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I do remember seing a Super Cub petrol tank complete with its badges on Greystones stall at the Kempton Park autojumble.
It might be worth giving them a call to see if they still have it |
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-26-2007 at 10:01 AM |
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They do still have it and I hope to do a deal after the weekend with them.
Nice work whitmorrie and thank you.
Jim mentioned earlier about waiting for another bus - look like it's arrived and you were it's conductor!
Noddy |
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Noddydon
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| posted on 10-29-2007 at 10:35 AM |
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Thanks again whitmorrie as I successfully purchased that tank from Greystone. Picked it up from their workshop and also had the pleasure of meeting
and shaking hands with them.
Still debating a colour scheme for the cub and all that's decided at the moment is for the mudguards to be an ivory colour. Quite like the colour
that ronmcl used on his mudguards. Any chance Ron that you could let me know the colour code please?
Noddy |
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