Sunbeam B24 350cc 1939

Should this be restored or scrapped?

It is all there but the condition is in the best eday fashion used.stored for 50+ years time has not been its friend.

I've restored cars in worse condition. It just takes time, energy and money. A very interesting project!

That bike is in perfect shape for restoration, everything standard. The only parts that need scrapping are the tyres and tubes.

There is a never ending thread on motorcycle related themes, this one would be better there.

Is it being restored as hobby or to make money. If the latter, one in rather better condition has an expected auction price of £3,400 - 3,800. So worth doing if it can be restored, time and parts, for that sort of money.

But plenty of people enjoy bringing old vehicles back to life, and for them the hobby aspect of restoration offsets the financial negatives considerably. Horrible to spend months slaving to fix up an old banger in hope of a handsome profit only to find no-one wants it! Another thing entirely to get months of pleasure out of a fascinating hobby, with no need to worry about filthy lucre.

Dave

My friend has restored an AJW which he dug out of a ditch in much worse condition than that Sunbeam. It was for the joy of the restoration not profit, and it gets ridden regularly every summer.

Can this post be moved to a more appropriate place please?

Not wanting to start an argument, but it is under the Vehicle Restoration section, and has a fully descriptive title. Would be more likely to get lost amongst the more general motorcycle thread IMHO.

Rob

This SUNBEAM is one of six bikes I have inherited after the death of my farther in law.

The SUNBEAM would be the biggest project by far.

The others are

1 Honda P50

2 Honda C90

3 Raleigh runabout

4 James autocycle

5 Trojan autocycle

All are complete and apparently to have been stored from running but stored for many years.

It is well worth restoring. It dates from the short period when Sunbeam were owned by AMC ( Matchless) . They only bought Sunbeam from ICI a couple of years earlier. And, because of the war and the demand for the G3L for the Army production ended soon afterwards, in 1940 or 41.

Sunbeam was alferwards sold to BSA but don't think they ever revives these early bikes.

Edited By Gerard O'Toole on 15/01/2023 19:01:30

Dave, I would love to see it restored but having looked on the Internet for part suppliers I couldn't find any. Any parts would have to be made. OK I could make some of the parts myself but any Engine wise now they could be expensive.

CT the parts may not be as elusive as you think. There appears to be an owners club - but it has a far wider membership and appeal. Potential buyers would die for a machine as complete as this. Don't you dare scrap it!

Robert Butler

Edited By Robert Butler on 15/01/2023 19:48:40

Don't restore it. Put some new tyres on it, get running and use it as it is!

I suggest that you join either the Sunbeam OC or the Vintage Motorcycle Club. These clubs will give you all the advice you need an be able to point you in the direction of specialist spares stockists.

HTH

Dave

I suggest that you join either the Sunbeam OC or the Vintage Motorcycle Club. These clubs will give you all the advice you need an be able to point you in the direction of specialist spares stockists.

HTH

Dave

Oops! Can’t delete the duplicate post. 

Edited By David Davies 8 on 15/01/2023 20:17:48

As part of the probate process I have needed a valuation. I tried three dealers one recommended by the solicitors each with laughter said "no value bud far beyond resurrection".

Hence my question.

I would just love to do that.

If it runs and is safe, use it:

1. Too many bikes are just restored and then never seen.
2. Using it will tell you a lot about the bike, its failings and what is nice about it.

As already stated Sunbeam was, by then, owned by AMC (Matchless Motorcycles changed their name to AMC when they bought Sunbeam). Although no productions figures exist I doubt if many were made (perhaps one batch of about 500 in 1939).

JA

Just seen your comment about probate. I would put down a nominal sum since it has little value unless restored. Keep the Probate Office and Inland Revenue (if necessary) informed. In my one experience as an, or the active, executor I did not have any problems at all with either of these organisations. I would be more worried about other beneficiaries.

Edited By JA on 15/01/2023 20:36:48

.

For the purposes of probate … You have your answer

That leaves you “Quids-in” to get on with the restoration

Treat it as a fitting memorial to your father.

MichaelG.

CT

The Marston Sunbeam Club and Register specialises in pre-war 'Beams.

www.marston-sunbeam.org.

Jim

Anyone who sent this motorcycle to scrap or sold bits off it should be publicly castrated for vandalism in my opinion

This is a rare model - a historic survival and should be l,ovingly restored, in my opinion by someone who is an old bike enthusiast. Unfortunately the solicitors and the dealers who "advised" you know nothing of its real value and are talking through their anatomy. Some things are worth more than money. My suggestion is to put it up for auction through a reputable auctioneers who specialise in the sale of old motorcycles e.g. H&H auctions, Cheffins or Bonhams.

Dont make the mistake of "preparing it for auction" it is best left in its original condition. Mike Smith of H&H amongst others would be happy to advise, I'm sure. As JimmieS suggests, it would be a big help to contact the Sunbeam club for their advice about this bike

Chas