Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

I was pleased to pick up a 1940 VA500 project mostly complete but it needs some things and most are available from Draganfly or my spares stash except a piston and rings. I have checked the AOMCC spares listing and could not find the 81.8mm +1mm piston I need to assemble this engine. In addition I need the exhaust pipe so need advice on where to find one, checked Armour's but they don't specifically list one. Could a VB pipe work?
Frank

I have a +20 and +40 for VA.

The exhaust pipes have different numbers but the Part number only differs by having a suffix 'C' on the VB version, which is listed as 'with baffle'. I am confident in saying that the 'c' indicates 'complete' as in with baffle. Secondly the exhaust port is shown as being in the identical position, diameter and angle on both drawings of the cylinders., so you are safe in using a VB ex pipe.
These are pretty rare machines, production numbers were 1939 260 with 8 known, 1940 120 made with 4 known and 165 W/VA made and 2 known survivors. I will swop this information for your engine, frame and gerabox numbers to add to the club's register, if you have any history of previous owner's and dates I would love to have that as well membership@arielownersmcc.com

adrie.degraaff wrote:I have a +20 and +40 for VA.

I will take that +40 one Adrie so pm me price and shipping cost so I can transfer funds. Shipping would be to Kamloops, BC, Canada.

Roger, eng CH1191, frame XG10652 and I will get the gearbox no and forward with some prior owners info I have perhaps tomorrow when I am at my storage.
Frank

Roger,

In 2013, a 1940 VA was registered to Bob Appleton of New Westminster, British Columbia. At the time he was a member of the AMCNA.

I have seen this restored machine as I knew the previous owner.

You may consider contacting him (appleb8888@gmail.com)
to ask if it’s OK to record numbers.

Your VA is new to the register, has matching numbers and was supplied to Deeley's when new. I siezed the piston on mine several times when I was 'pressing on' trying to keep up wth a somewhat more speedy VB so I would suggest a piston to bore clearance toward the top end of the recommended .0045/.0065. Remeber you are always at the front of the traffic queue on a side valve and can get your own back on caravans!

Cool bike Frank, congratulations!

You have a PM.

SEDoan wrote:Cool bike Frank, congratulations!

Thanks Sean, seen your posts and the bikes are looking good. Hope we can meet up again once the border is open.
Frank

Hi Roger, the bore has already been prepared by the previous owner at +40 plus 4.8 thousands which will probably work out pretty good but I have to get in there and confirm this figure my self as I “believe everyone and trust no one” when it comes to engine assembly. A line I picked up from my first workshop instructor in my RCEME days.
Just need that piston now.
Frank