Hitchcocks Forum

I've always wanted an old British bike to restore, now I've got my wish - I just need to know where to start! I've bought a 1949 500cc Bullet is there anyone out there who can let me know the best way to go about turning a very rusty old bike iback to its former glory?
I live in Manchester .

A good start would be to read Gordon May's book Overland to India. He describes rebuilding and preparing his '53 Bullet for a long overland journey. It doesn't go into too much technical detail but all the suppliers and experts he used for advice are mentioned in the book. Well worth a read in its own right.

500s Bullets were first made in 1953. More research will be needed as to WHAT it is that you actually have.

Some pictures would help (search the previous messages about displaying pictures here if you need some info on this).



All the best for the restoration.



A.

Agree about the book, I love it. Order from Hitchcocks Accessory Shop at top left of this screen. Good luck! -C

First, assess what you have (what exactly is it, does it run, is it all there) Then decide where you want it to go. Do you want a complete nut and bolt showroom restoration (expensive if you can't do it all yourself) or just to tidy it up? DO NOT rush to dismantle it untill you have a plan.

Rmcg - if the frame is 1949 it will be a G2 Bullet and could have had a later 500 engine fitted at same stage in its illustrious career . . . or it could be a ringer. Did you get any history with it? For more info on it I suggest you join the REOC and contact the Chairman as he holds factory records and can check out engine/frame numbers. Only when you know what it is should you start taking it to bits and remember to take clear photos at every stage of the 'deconstruction' and note all fasteners/sizes etc.

Yes, do google Royal Enfield Owners Club and join. Lots of information there.

Gordon May also produced a magazine called Bullet-In during the early 2000's. This contained a lot of information including rebuilds of various Enfield models. A DVD of PDF copies is still available on the website royalenfieldbooks.com

For any unaware, a 'ringer' is a stolen vehicle that has had its identification numbers replaced by a set from another to pass it off legitimately.