Project - Ariel SQ4 1931 restoration page

I decided to try to make a Bobbing project of my VB600, to se if I could make a Ariel that would apeal more to the younger Generation.

Warning: no parts were hurt, destroyed or molested during this operation. Bobbed parts were made from old parts that needed restoration anyway like the rear wheel. Instead of dismantling the functioning rear wheel to use the hub in another rim, I found a unrestored rear wheel and restored the hub for the new rim.

This is th reason why I dismantled the Top, and decided to give the bike a complete overhaul... and eventually try to BOB the bike..

A Nicely done Ariel VB Bobbed unfortunately not mine (-:

Very Cool Ariel - I guess the engine is the only part from Ariel left on this bike ???

Hmm, Wonder how he did the wide Rear tire.. but Cool Ariel ???

Another Areil VB600

As i dismantled the bike I found that the primary chain has suffered from the sudden engine siesure, Bits of the thain rollers had broken in half !!!

Taking before photos of the rear, as I will be aiming for a wider rim for the bobber..

Taking the bike apart, This is a joy when you know its going to be as new when its assempled again.

Everything returned from Sandblasting, and are send to Powder coating, Shiny Black.

I found a doner rear wheel for the new rim. Spokes are cut and the hub restored with mat-black paint, my favorite.

Testing out the new WM5 rim and the hub on the frame.. Rim not fitted yet.

Fitting the new rim on the restored hub, Fits perfectly.

Now the rim is loosly fitted to the hub, and placed on the bike for measurement. I need to locate the correct tire before the complete tighten of spokes, as a slight offset migh be needed to accomodate for this extheme wide rim (-:

Received the Tire for the Rear rim, and when not inflated it shows 14 cm, and I have calculated that I will accept 13 cm. So I will have to dismantle the rim,spokes and hub, and fit the tire on the rim, and do the measurements:

Hub dismantled again.

Tire on the rim, and it shows a clean 13 cm, as requited. So that is satisfactory. Now I need to get the rim set according to the calculations on the map below:

Crude map descriping how the rim, tire and frame all fit together, in the new setup, Note the 5 mm Offset.

The workshed... Ariel parts accumulates like Dust ...

Now the Rear wheel is in its place, and what a sight... I realy like the look at the Rear on the bike now. Not it only needs a Nice looking Rear fender... Comming soon.

The Mudguard needs a repair before it will be used again, so some welding is needed...

The Locas switch is not god, as it locks up... Fixed by rebore of Aluminium, and fit a brass sleve... It works like a charm

This tank needs some fixing... Or another tank...

And Dont forget the KG either ..

Recieved my Rear fender and drag bar. This is a crude look of the bike, but the rear fender will be shortenen, and made to fir slightly better than what is seen on the pictures above.

The Frame will be supported at the end, and a frame to fit the Number plate will be made to fit the side of the fender support. To do this leagaly, you will have to comply with the following:

- The numberplate should be readable from an angle of 45 degrees to the sides
- It must be over 30 cm over the ground.
- It must not be tilted more than 30 degrees from vertical position.
- Must be supplied with numberplate light (Not red rear light)
- Rear fender must be supplied with rear light + brake light. (not the numberplate light)

Making the Numberplate mount:

Making the Seat:

Trying out some different Seat Arrangements..

Making the seat from soft/hard foam, I thought this was a challenge, but it was prety straight foreward. - Please have a look at the Seat on my bike on the later photos below.

Just trying out my Old School Sparto Rear light on the mudguard.

hmmm Yes that me.. in action

Making room for the rear chain..

Just received the Cylinder and Head from the local machine shop.. Painted Oven Black, and baked in the oven to harden the paint. - I know that the top should not be black, but As some of the finns were gone, and this top isnt the best looking on the planet, I painted it black to increase the HEat radiation, and eventually it will be swapped with a better top.

(The machine shop did not check the flow of the crank, the oil will actually drain out of the hole next to the nut.. Need to figure out how to fix this...) I took it back to the machine shop, and they placed a washer, so the hole was now closed. This was acceptable again.

Building the engine op again and fittin on the bike.

Fitting the Piston.

Taking the Bike out in the sun in its full glory, HAving fitted the Old Gas tank for test, but its not the tank that is supposed to be fitted at the end..... for that I have more stream lined Plans.