Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post Reply
User avatar
Vincent.vanGinneke
Holder of a Platinum Anorak
Holder of a Platinum Anorak
Posts: 4294
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2011 12:14 am
Location: "The Dutch Branch"
Contact:

Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by Vincent.vanGinneke »

Part 1

My plan was to wait until I had assembled enough material to make it a complete story on this forum.
But the recent worries about a dying forum made me change my plan.
So here goes my adventure in resurrecting a 1928 Model C - 500cc OHV- :

Just one look at this happy couple and you are smitten, aren't you?
Out you go on Black Ariel hunt!
Ariel catalogus 1928 voorpag Model-C - kopie.jpg
The Model C.
Single port 500cc engine 3 speed gearbox Lucas KSA1 magneto and much less
Ariel sales Catalogue 1928 (12).jpg
But less is more !
This -ofcourse- is the best looking Black Ariel you could wish for! :D
Light, only 145Kg. and a 500cc engine, wich means it should be pretty fast .
Basic mudguards, no fancy ribs along the centreline, valances or beaded edges.
The total loss oiling system with a lovely oil regulator on top of the tank gives a certain Edwardian style.
No such frivolities like a automatic oil pump or electric lights on this baby.
The Ariel factory sure hit the jackpot with the 1928 model range.
1927 was the first year that Ariel used a saddle tank on the models.
But that year they went through 3 different type of frame's, words like banana and scaffold spring to mind...
But then, in 1928, they got the knack and made what basically became the standard rigid 'Y' frame.
Right up to the last rigid ones half way the fifties. that's some 25 years later!

Amazingly quick I found one for sale in the Netherlands.
This model C was dispatched on 17 Februari 1928 from the factory to dealer Augustinus in Den Hague, Netherlands.
With Amac carburetor, Lycett seat and a magdyno (!)
Now a full 93 years later it is looking rather sorry for itself..
Black Ariel Model C 1928 - kopie.jpg
Task Number One is the frame, here a few pictures
Model C frame conditie vooraf (21).jpg
The front part looks o.k., at the rear it needs some attention :)
Model C frame conditie vooraf (1).jpg
Traces of a heavy life.
multiple repairs and a few added on strips, did I just write scaffolding ? :D

Then, while browsing the wonderfull website from Karol I noticed this picture :
framerichter Oostenrijk.jpg
Aha! made a copy of that steel plate to hold my frame in line while applying much needed force to straighten it.
drawing steady plate.jpg
In place with the '28 frame on my frame jig.
richtbank ariel.jpg
Taking out the offending bits.
Model C frame conditie vooraf (36).jpg
Model C frame conditie vooraf (34).jpg
Freed the original bottom double T lug from it's alien bits.
uitslijpen originele onderste T  (1).jpg
uitboren originele onderste T  (4).jpg
uitslijpen originele onderste T  (9) - kopie.jpg
For the two new bottom rails I needed a bit of 1"tubing, found that at a special builder who sold it per meter.
Made a 1" pipe bender for it in a specially dug 'vice holder' under my car port.
(yes, I have a very understanding wife :D )
buigmal  (2).jpg
buigmal  (1).jpeg
Square rod on top is the angle I should get.

Made 2 new 'T' lugs that go left and right from this centre double T.
White piece of tubing is a ceramic 'prop' normally used in a pottery kiln.
Now it prevents any welding blobs to go in the inside of the tube, the ceramic prop had the precise diameter of the inside.
maken onderste L en R  T verbinding  (4).jpg
fast forward, otherwise you might fall asleep ;)
Half ready new bottom cradle with Burman Q gearbox platform made by Karol (what would I do without you Karol ! big Thanks!)
Model C bottom cradle  (4).jpg
To squat the bent rear frame upper tubes I made a 'tube pincer' in 1" that fits in the vice.
It works surprisingly well.
framewerk Model C  (9).jpg
See if it all fits..
framewerk  (2).jpg
Now on to welding it up, that's for the next episode here....
User avatar
Bob.Murphy
Holder of a Golden Anorak
Holder of a Golden Anorak
Posts: 1134
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 10:32 pm
Location: Kirkliston, on the West side of Edinburgh.
Contact:

Re: Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by Bob.Murphy »

You do a lovely comprehensive job Vincent 8-) .

I'm looking forward to the next bit.

Bob.
My avatar shows the late Len Rich in 1970 with the bike I now have - a 1958 Ariel VH
User avatar
cmfalco
Holder of a Waxed Cotton Anorak
Holder of a Waxed Cotton Anorak
Posts: 472
Joined: Fri Apr 07, 2017 4:53 pm
Location: U.S.
Contact:

Re: Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by cmfalco »

Excellent work. I'll be following your posts closely.
User avatar
Roger Gwynn
Holder of a Golden Anorak
Holder of a Golden Anorak
Posts: 1113
Joined: Tue May 28, 2013 11:34 am
Location: Norwich, UK
Contact:

Re: Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by Roger Gwynn »

That is a lovely hymn and so poetic as well. \The repairs are quite good as well.
Roger Gwynn, Membership Secretary, curator of the Machine Register and the works drawings. Director of Draganfly Motorcycles, Craven Equipment and Supreme Motorcycles mostly retired.
User avatar
Karol Burger
Holder of a Silver Anorak
Holder of a Silver Anorak
Posts: 771
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2018 7:08 am
Location: Rudinka/ Slovensko
Contact:

Re: Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by Karol Burger »

Beautiful work. If you need any of my repair products in the future, try writing to me. Maybe I can help you. For example, the sheet metal to secure the position of the frame has been processed in electronic form. I would send you a laser burning program.

continue your beautiful work, I will watch you
Ariel 500 E - 1927 /Ariel SF-1931 ,Ariel SB - 1932 / Ariel 4F6 - 1932, 1934 / AOMCC Slovakia Branch Secretary


https://www.arielklub.sk/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/322716757874756
https://www.facebook.com/ArielKlub.sk
Julian Murphy
Holder of a Waxed Cotton Anorak
Holder of a Waxed Cotton Anorak
Posts: 370
Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2020 1:42 pm
Contact:

Re: Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by Julian Murphy »

Excellent.

I do like the detail and the pictures.

Waiting for the next part.

I have a comfortable chair, and a cup of English Breakfast tea ready. :lol: :lol: :lol:
User avatar
Steven.Carter
Holder of a Platinum Anorak
Holder of a Platinum Anorak
Posts: 4311
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2011 4:45 am
Location: Eastleigh, Hampshire
Contact:

Re: Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by Steven.Carter »

Another bit done :D
20211008_112930.jpg
User avatar
adrie.degraaff
Holder of a Golden Anorak
Holder of a Golden Anorak
Posts: 3275
Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:07 am
Location: Holland
Contact:

Re: Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by adrie.degraaff »

Very good, an other Ariel saved from the scrap heap.
User avatar
Vincent.vanGinneke
Holder of a Platinum Anorak
Holder of a Platinum Anorak
Posts: 4294
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2011 12:14 am
Location: "The Dutch Branch"
Contact:

Re: Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by Vincent.vanGinneke »

cover from Steve : Thanks! I got my contacts.... :D
User avatar
Vincent.vanGinneke
Holder of a Platinum Anorak
Holder of a Platinum Anorak
Posts: 4294
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2011 12:14 am
Location: "The Dutch Branch"
Contact:

Re: Hymn to the 1928 Model C

Post by Vincent.vanGinneke »

The frame was, apart from being bent at the rear, also shorter.
Possibly because of repeated breakages and repairs just aft the gearbox platform,
( a known spot for breaking, see the Black Ariel book by Dave for more info)
So if these tubes are shorter the top rear frametubes have to bent down just after the seat tube.
Not unlike the WNG frames that have shorter rear bottom frametubes and bent down top tubes.
To establish the true size I payed a visit to Rein who let me measure up his very original 1928 Model B.
1928 Model B origineel  (5) - kopie.jpg
For that I made a large 'caliper' to be able to get the distance correct.
from the front lowest bolt hole to the rear stand pivot it measured 90.5cm.
My frame was 86.7cm , that's where the 1"tube pincer came in very handy.

Part 2

Footrests, from these only the 'dog bones' I could save.
The hangers or distance pices I made from bits of concrete steel rod and turned them slightly tapered.
For the footpieces I used 1954 passengers fold up footrests by cutting off the hinge hole, drilling them and welded a short stud in them.
voetsteunen 1928.jpg
the old hangers : made by Ford ?
voetsteunen  (3).jpg
IMG-20210423-WA0008.jpg
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest