Wrench'n Ride'n

Did a bit of Study time today. Then butchered one stem to get good use able bearing cup for the stem I want to use. Started to respray the gloss black on the engine with high temp satin black. Removed black paint from rocker cover. Gold paint on push rod tubes gone.

Valves are out. Both seem ok!? Will do further checking of them. Inlet was held in by surface rust and spider webs. They both look like they are not original. Clean up of head and valves then lap the valves in.

BSA Firebird scrambler fiberglass tank has now set the direction this build will go in. Inside of tank will get treated with Caswell epoxy liner. Need to make mounts that come off the original frame's mounts so tank sits level.

Lets see if I can get this BSA Firebird scrambler fiberglass tank to fit on the Matchless.... As a precaution may seal the inside with Caswell Expoxy Tank Sealer. I have read it works very well with fiberglass tanks and modern fuel does not eat the epoxy coating. With BC comic Grog.

I used the AJS Matchless UK club dating service to date the frame. No doubt about the engine. 

A number of years ago I owned a 1953 Matchless G3LS. I never really got to do much work to it. I ended up selling it to pay a tax bill. This is the only bike I have ever regretted selling. Today I was able to get hold of another Matchless. A 1947 G80L 500cc. Its needs lots of TLC. It will take time to give it that TLC. My regret has now gone. Photos below show the progress the previous owner has gone through from barn find to what it is this very day. Today it arrived and I started work on it straight away.