mufflers needed

[L.Kalal]

Hello everyone, I just recently joined this website. I own a vintage British motorcycle shop just outside of Cleveland Ohio. Recently I've had several square four's come in for service, one of which is a very original 1958 that has been sitting since 1966. This bike is being cleaned up and made to run again rather than restored. Most of the chrome is cleaning up very nice but I am in need of a good pair of used mufflers, the ones on the bike are just too far gone and new ones will just look out of place on the bike. If anyone out there has a set they would like to sell please get in touch with me. My shop has been in business for 17 years but I am new to Square Four's, most of the service and restoration work I do is on Triumph, Norton and BSA. In 17 years I've only had five Ariel's in the shop, 4 of which have shown up in the past year. So, I guess it's time to start buying parts books and service manuals! Any info you fine folks can offer me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Larry

[roger.fellows]

Hi Larry. I would be very wary of running any Square Four where the history is not completely known. What they are famous for is throwing con-rods - usually wrecking crankcases in the process. This is most often because the sludge-traps in the cranks are blocked. If it's sat for fifty years there will be a chorus saying, or shouting, rebuild. I hesitate before seeming to advise a professional - and then rush in where angels fear to tread.

There's lots of stuff on this site which you'll find relevant/alarming/interesting.

Welcome and all the best. Roger

[nevhunter]

Strip and clean sludge traps fully. An absolute MUST. Twins also (for a machine that has sat for a while or any you have doubts about) Don't CHANCE IT. Nev

[L.Kalal]

Thanks for your advice guys. I will recommend to my client that we open the engine up and clean out the sludge traps. I fully agree with you guys that it's the proper way to do it. With a bike that is this original and unmolested, it deserves to have the proper care taken when bringing it back to life.

[Brian.Fosh]

This Guy on ebay has been trying to sell these for at least a year, possibly more...
I've been minded to buy them for the $10 asking price and ask him to throw them in the trash for me

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1953-ARIEL-SQ ... SwZd1VXMXg

There is a photo of a Mk1 on the salt flats with Bill Johnson, the US importer alongside, with something similar fitted. (P38 of ISBN 1 85520 6234).. But I still think my first idea is best.

Good Luck

Brian.