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[Leejm]

I really should of brought a better one to start with. But it's getting there even if I do have to wait a long time for the parts I need. This is my first ariel I have only had bsa's before. I guess I'm use to having what I need more available.

[simon.holyfield]

It's a long time since they were made new. Support those who make what's available while it is. No one makes millions from this sort of thing.. Nev

After a while in this game, you find that making do, fixing the parts you have or making new ones yourself is all part of the fun.

For example, look at one member with a huge hole in a Huntmaster crankcase, who welded it up; or the mudguards on my SQ4, which were more like a net curtain or some delicate lacework when I got them from eBay.

Those of us with 1950s bikes can at least buy some parts - look at that wonderful tricycle that a member restored - much of it was built from scratch.

And that's the thing. You get so much more than just a bike at the end - new skills, new friends, and a lot of satisfaction.

[steve.clarke]

Simons spot on,it is more than just a bike, there is a lot more personnel effort goes into keeping these old machines rolling,but I found it a lot easier to get new and 2nd hand parts than it was in the late 60s early 70s when I had my original Ariels, sometimes takes a bit of time but it is out there.

[simon.holyfield]

Simons spot on,it is more than just a bike, there is a lot more personnel effort goes into keeping these old machines rolling,but I found it a lot easier to get new and 2nd hand parts than it was in the late 60s early 70s when I had my original Ariels, sometimes takes a bit of time but it is out there.

That's very true. I returned to Brit bikes about 6-7 years ago after a 20 year break. It's quite amazing what you can buy now. New carbs are a real benefit - I can easily buy reproduction parts for my Solex - a carb used by ONE model.

[BUNNERS]

I am truly amazed that what I started, as a new owner of an Ariel, for any indication/recommendation of alternative suppliers has now stretched to 3 pages. All good fun and in some cases informative, as long as it stays just good fun and dose not degenerate to personal insults as happens on some club forums.

[simon.holyfield]

Hopefully that doesn't happen too often here. Not too many Arielists out there!

Happy to help if there is anything specific.

[david.anderson]

Bunners
I am very happy with the service and the large list of available parts that are offered by drags.
As mentioned by others when I first purchased an Ariel in the early 70s things were difficult. I had to deal with suppliers Pride and Clarke, and then Bob Metson. As a colonial I had to write to the supplier and ask about availability and a price. After waiting for weeks I would get a reply and then it would be off to get an overseas money order and post that back then wait for ages for the parts to be delivered. It is hard to imagine life without the internet and credit cards. So anything that I needed that was urgent had to be made locally at a premium price. But now with drags I can get a lot of parts for my 60 year old Ariels quicker than my son can get parts for his 5 year old car.
I cannot recall seeing any personal insults on this forum and am certain that the moderators would quickly deal with such matters. This forum has always been helpful.
David

[simon.holyfield]

I've written several times, maybe not recently, about the way the internet has changed our hobby.

Suffice to say, we can now research, discuss, purchase, sell etc. to our hearts content, more or less from our desks. Moreover, we can do it all over the world, at any time of day or night. It's true that sometimes the 24/7/365 arrangement is not helpful to one's sleep pattern, but the help we give and receive through forums, blogs, websites and eBay is a huge step towards making our hobby accessible.

One example I like to cite is when I needed a battery tray (the big one for the 20 Ah battery). Where did I get it? sheet metal from eBay, and a drawing that a kind soul, that I've never met (he know's who he is and he will probably read this), made from the tray on his own bike. Where was he? Australia.

You couldn't do that 25 years ago.

[charles.bulloch]

Hi, Bunners,

sometimes the quality of new spares can be poor. Although I would like to find out how to recondition Armstrong units. Any ideas, anyone?

Charlie

[BUNNERS]

I am beginning to wish I had not started this, Being an Ariel virgin so to speak, all I asked in the first instance was if there were alternative supplier's that may have the parts I required, Perhaps I have been spoiled in the past with the abundance of BSA, Triumph & AMC parts available. I am now feeling like the Anti Christ for daring to ask.
As for the Armstrong's I would also like to know if refurbishment is possible.