PeterLYoung 

I have recently acquired a Wartime Austerity Production Sunbeam at an Auction. Robert Champ at V-CC has provided all the knowledge I really have about this bike (thanks Bob). It has a transfer indicating wartime Sunbeam production and most of the paint is missing from the frame and accessories, apparently under wartime restrictions they were only allowed one coat of black paint and no chromium.
I plan to fully restore it and have it all re enamelled black again. I am in USA at present so can only post a few poor photos and will take better ones when I get back. Someone has fitted an SA 3speed later as it would have been single speed originally. As it is a BSA Sunbeam (BSA bought Sunbeam in 1943 as I understand it) it would have had a BSA 3Speed. As it happens I do have a period correct BSA 3Speed hub and a NOS BSA top tube mounted BSA shifter so I have to decide how period correct I should make it, however, for me gears make it more usable. One thing I find curious is that the drive side rear wheel drop out is extended under the chain stay for what could be derailleur mount and it has a design registration number stamped on it. This looks like a bracket for a Cyclo or Tri-velox Derailleur. It may be that it is a pre-war frame and they were using 'old stock' up to build new cycles.

I plan to post progress of the restoration of this bike here as it proceeds.
Opinions invited plus any new information. I cannot determine the frame number until I get back to UK later this month.
The Serial No is WS3907. I guess W is for Wartime Finish and S for Sunbeam after BSA took them over in 1943.


Sunbeam as purchased at auction. Note Front Wheel painted Black (no chrome) and replaced Back Wheel is Chrome (added as replacement with Sturmey Archer 3 Speed).



















Extended drive side rear dropout for Cyclo/Tri-velox type derailleur.

stardognine

Very cool, we sure don't see many Sunbeams these days. 👍 Someone recently posted a Sunbeam brake caliper, but that's just not quite the same. 😁😉

Wildwood 

What's a little surface rust...???


But seriously, kudos to you for bringing something back from the rust pile.
May the project yield joy and a beautiful new bike.

More than I would undertake.
Good luck.

3speedslow

Another cracking good project waiting for your talents!

OT, how did you all fair during our latest hurricane? The storm we had last night was far worse then that blow. We lost power for a few hours yesterday!

canklecat

Seems a shame to undue decades of hard earned patina.

I'd be tempted to oil or wax the whole thing to slow down aging and set it outside as a trellis for a period correct Victory Garden.

PeterLYoung 

Well we managed OK, went up to Raleigh and stayed with daughters family. Southport barely marked just a bit blowy by all accounts. Lost power for 12 hours.

PeterLYoung 

They always one of the most expensive bikes, aimed originally at the 'well to do'. So never all that many around at any time.

PeterLYoung 

I'm in no rush, you can eat a mountain in small bites!!!

squirtdad

I can't wait for the finished pictures

PeterLYoung 

THANKS, it might be a while as I've two to finish first, a 1948 Humber Beeston Clubman and a 1955 Dayton Roadmaster. This was not a planned purchase, a friend drew my attention to it at auction and I could not let it pass, it is a very rare machine and has not been messed with. It will get a 'no expense spared' restoration.

3speedslow

^^^ As opposed to some of my “no expense” restoration,

PeterLYoung 

You must be on same wavelength, it's the only way to go if the bike has passed the threshold for Oily Rag treatment. Most of them coming my way have done so, so at least I save them for posterity.
Just hope my kids know what I have left them when I shortly pass on!!!!