
August 4, 2019

Hi, I have just unearthed my D7 which I have owned since 1970. Having stripped down the bike and as I discovered today stored it in a leaky outbuilding I now have a major rebuild on my hands.
DVLA web site does not recognize the registration any longer but hey ho onward and upwards.
Having owned British bikes in the 70's I became accustomed to the perils of not looking after my only means of transport and succumbed to the comforts of four wheels.
Now retired I recently purchased a CanAm Spyder which has revitalized my desire to get back onto two wheels before my knees give out, and relive the misspent youth. Also I want to prove every doubting Thomas that the D7 will rise from the rust and be back on the road by next summer.

May 14, 2014

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your rebuild. Have a look at the club website here
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That will give you the low down on getting your bike a new V5, but remember it has to be complete and roadworthy first. If you get stuck on something, and you can’t find what you need with the search facility, just ask!
Current bikes......1958 D5, a 77 Suzuki GT250 and a 77 Honda CB125S. I have a B175 in the workshop and a 76 Honda C90 waiting its turn. A 1980 Honda CB400N waiting for MOT. Everyday ride is a 2011 Harley Davidson Sportster.

January 2, 2014

Hi Stu,
Welcome to the site, you have come to the right place regarding all things Bantam, free advice, help and enthusiasm all in abundance. I have just bought a D7 and will be doing an engine re-build soon.
How come you stripped down your D7 all those years ago, was it running at the time.
Good luck with your restoration and keep us all informed of your progress with some photo's
Best regards...... Nick
1950 BSA D1 Plunger 242 UYW
1966 BSA D7 LBF 62 D

August 4, 2019

Hi Nick, thanks for the welcome.
I cannot remember why I stripped it down, but I wish I had taken more care in storing it.
The piston is seized solid, but looked brand new when I lifted the cylinder head off ????????
Believe it or not the carb stripped down very easily all the jets are now cleaned and I have begun to restore the carb body buffing it up with the Solvol Autosol whilst I seek advice on un-seizing the piston.

January 2, 2014

Hi Stu,
Oh dear I see what you mean. Looks like some of your parts have been buried in the garden for some time.
It's unbelievable how readily the parts clean up though. I suggest a bucket of paraffin for your engine, an overnight soak and clean off of the dirt. You will probably find the crank has seized as well as the piston in the bore. I use a hot air heat gun, a full tin of WD40 and a lot of patience when taking a seized motor apart.
A lot of your parts look quiet serviceable, but you have a lot of work in front of you.
Again good luck with your restoration.... Nick
1950 BSA D1 Plunger 242 UYW
1966 BSA D7 LBF 62 D

June 23, 2013

chickensoup said
...I suggest a bucket of paraffin for your engine, an overnight soak and clean off of the dirt. You will probably find the crank has seized as well as the piston in the bore...
As Nick says, though I'd give it a going over with an old scrubbing brush first, to get rid of whatever loose dirt and rust will come off. You could also use diesel, whichever is cheaper, and leave it for several days if necessary - it won't do any harm.
If you think that may be too far gone - have a read of** Please log in to view **!
1956 D3 running, lights to sort. 7 other bikes in the Barn, including a Morini 250 now insured and on road testing.

August 4, 2019

Thanks for the encouragement, advice, and the link to the WM20.
The barrel and crankcase have been submerged in paraffin now since the weekend, and as Nick suggests, I reckon the crank has seized, so gentle persuasion will have to be applied and a great deal of patience (not one of my strengths).
I did have a small success this week, the side stand which was a solid lump of rust is now fully functional and cleaned up ready for a coat of primer.
Cheers Guys

June 23, 2013

stu said
...I did have a small success this week, the side stand which was a solid lump of rust is now fully functional and cleaned up ready for a coat of primer.
As good a place as any to start, while you wait to get into the engine.
1956 D3 running, lights to sort. 7 other bikes in the Barn, including a Morini 250 now insured and on road testing.
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