Restoration continuation 2024
Now I have retired, this October, I decided to pick up where I left off, only now the uncovered bike was covered in 35 years of dust. It was washed, then the carburetor, fuel tank, and oil systems required attention. Realizing I had the incorrect Amal 276BP/1J carburetor, I sourced the correct 289D/1MB carburetor through persistence and luck on eBay. After replacing seals, making a temporary fuel line, and draining old oil, I started the bike for the first time in 35 years. Riding it around the backyard was an exhilarating reward for decades of effort.
The project continued with wiring updates, gearbox repairs, and additional restorations:
- Electrical: Remade connectors on the original wiring harness, repaired the hooter, and installed a 6-volt battery with a quick connector.
- Speedometer: Modified a replica speedo to fit the tank and installed a vintage oil pressure gauge.
- Gearbox: Replaced worn gears, corrected alignment markers, and resolved shifting issues.
- Heat Seize: After riding the bike around the back yard, it locked up, reminding me of what had occurred back in 1990. An investigation following disassembly of the top end revealed a piston defect.
- Tires were cracked and required replacing.
December 2024
After months of searching, I found the enamel petrol tank badges wrapped in paper purchased in 1987, though the tank lacked fixtures for mounting them. Research revealed the original “ARIEL” logo was a water-transfer decal. With no blue decals available, I had vinyl graphics printed to match the originals.
Recent efforts included:
- Mounting new Dunlop K70 tires and inner tubes.
- Sanding and repainting the toolbox, front forks, and brackets.
- Polishing chrome rims and mudguards.
- Reassembling the mudguards with stainless steel hardware.
The polished wheels were installed, starting with the rear, followed by chain adjustments, brake lever modifications, and tidying the brake light switch assembly. Each step brought the bike closer to its former glory, and with the acquisition of a period correct dating Dispatch Certificate containing the Ariel Factory, December 3, 1945 build date, matching engine and frame numbers, Deluxe Model with two option, a 0-80 MPH speedometer and a pillion seat and foot rests, then Exported by Keep Brothers, LTD. presumably to South Africa .
January 2025
Having inquired and completed the Texas State Laws to inspect, register and license the motorcycle, replace the defective piston and bored cylinder, replacing a bent pushrod, rebuilding the cylinder head for reliability reasons (I had forgotten what I had done in the past), the restoration is complete. A spreadsheet compiled of the 121 parts purchased and manufactured which included wheel rims, exhaust pipe & silencer, saddle, several internal engine components, many nuts and bolts, chrome plating and painting, is a testament of detail necessary to complete the project.
Following a few weeks delay due to snow, ice and bitterly cold weather, I was not able to ride the bike tight away. Then on a beautiful, but cold day, I pulled the plug, dressed warm and took the bike for a ride. After 14 miles, it began to loose power, the engine rattled a bit, forcing a prompt stop. Once back home, disassembly revealed I had made a mistake in the valve assembly back in 1988, reversing the inlet and exhaust valve guides and valves, causing the “exhaust valve” to bend.
Restoring the confirmed and matching numbers motorcycle via the original Ariel Factory transfer records, retained by the Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club in England, my 1946 Ariel VG500 has been a labor of love, weaving together decades of personal growth, technical challenges, and memorable discoveries. Each part tells a story, and every ride brings a sense of accomplishment and connection to a bygone era. As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that restoration is not just about machines, it’s about preserving history and cherishing the adventure and memories along the way.
