Condition before restoration

I bought the bike unseen on eBay, just going by the rather sparse description and the photos. I could see that it looked basically sound, though the kick-start pedal and the rear light were missing. The paintwork looked somewhat uneven and the chrome clearly wasn't as bright as it should be.

Closer examination revealed:

1. The kick-start pedal and its shaft were missing - why? The shaft has been deliberately removed and its bush has been put back. This may turn out to be a significant problem.
2. The rear light is missing, but replica lights are readily available for around £10.
3. The electrical wiring is a complete mess, a full re-wire will be needed. The 6-position Miller light/ignition switch is in poor condition and has a crude home-made knob.
4. The bike has a very poor diy paint job. However this has at least kept the rust away for the most part.
5. Most of the chrome is quite pitted, however the wheel rims have been liberally coated with grease and are in fair condition.
6. The engine turns over freely and has compression - I wouldn't dare try to start it however!
7. All 4 gears can be engaged and the gearbox and transmission turn freely and with no ominous noises.
8. The clutch cable was detached from the handlebar lever, however the clutch does engage and disengage OK.
9. Both brakes work - they'll still need to be stripped and checked, though.
10. A 30 - 0 - 30 car-type ammeter has been fitted, that will need to be replaced.
11. The 1000s digit numbering has become detached from its spool on the speedometer. That will need to be fixed - estimate from a specialist company is £75!
12. The centre stand flips forward as well as back, so is currently useless. It also seems to be too low(?) - doesn't lift either wheel off the ground.
13. The radiator hoses have been replaced with plastic piping, which doesn't look good and doesn't fit well.
14. A number of bare wires floating about in the headlamp shell and the headlamp bulb connector is missing.
15. Headlamp top and bottom cowling missing.
16. R/H exhaust pipe rusted through.

Some "before" photos: