BSA Gold Star Refurbishment Project (photos in listing)
This bike was received almost completely in bits (photo 1)
Most of the parts were there – but they were in several crates and boxes of other spares. The first thing to do was to completely strip down the remaining items, then clean and repaint the frame and other black items – fork and shock absorber covers etc
The wheels were then dismantled and re-chromed and re-built using new stainless spokes. The bottom end of the engine as received was checked and the bearings found to be in good condition – so all it needed was a clean up.
The cylinder was generally in good condition and only required a clean and a light hone. The Cylinder head had a broken fin which was welded back on and the valve guides also needed replacing and new valves ground in. The cylinder was then refitted to the crankcase.
The timing gears were then checked and reassembled. The clutch assembly was cleaned and reassembled.
There was no gearbox with the items received so a second hand standard one was purchased checked and fitted. The rear shock absorbers were replaced and the font suspension stripped and refurbished with new seals etc
The bike was fitted with a Thorspark electronic ignition system which necessitated fitting a coil and ignition switch. A bracket was fabricated for the coil and the switch was fitted in the tool box unit
A wiring harness was then constructed and fitted. A new Amal monobloc carburettor was purchased and fitted, this necessitated the fabrication of a special mounting block / adaptor
The bike came with a clubman style seat so it was decided to fit this and some clip-on style handle bars (original genuine BSA Gold Star ones). The new front mudguard was purchased (Original genuine parts) but the rear one was in reasonable condition so was left as is
The headlamp unit was all functional and just required repainting. The speedo and tachometer were professionally refurbished and re-calibrated (both genuine original models not replicas).
The biggest issue on the bike was the fuel tank. This was extremely corroded. The bottom had been cut out to clean it up. These pieces were welded back on and a tank sealant applied. The tank was then painted black
Unfortunately, the tank sealant did not completely seal the tank and some bubbling of the paint has resulted
The finished bike has been tested and run and starts on usually the first or 2nd attempt. It still needs some running in but rides well.
The engine number and frame number match and have been checked wit the BSA Owners club who have verified that the bike was made in 1956 as a B32 350cc Gold Star Scrambler (certificate will e provided from club detailing this) – as such it was not registered until 1972 by which time it had been converted to a road bike
Over £3000 and many hours have been spent getting this lovely bike back together and running and really is a bargain for such an original and sought after bike.
This bike was inherited from my uncle who collected BSA bikes and had a total of 6 goldstars over the years. This is the last of his collection and a reluctant sale but sadly i am unable to give her the time she needs due to family commitments.
