ianashdown

I've just added 34 new pictures of other Dalesmans gathered form all over the place. I hope they are helpfull or at least enjoyable. You can find them at http://www.flickr.com/photos/64592529@N00/sets/ Ian

Hi, This is all great information. I would really love to speak to you about getting copies of whatever Dalesman information you have. I started posting pictures to flickr because there is so little information about these bikes on the web. I've actually thought about starting a small web site as a repository for anything and everything I could gather on these bikes. Do you have good pictures that you'd be willing to share? Yes this is the one on Craigslist. He didn't send me the photos either, but I'm close enough I just got in the car and went there! Did the deal right away! He had a nice little Cotton that almost found a new home as well!! I would really appreciate any information, pictures, specs or whatever that you would be willng to sell, copy etc. If there is going to be a web site already I may not bother - he'll probably do a much better job - but if not I may put something together to share the story of my restoration, everything I learn along the way and all the information I can put together. I'll sent you my e-mail via PM All the very best, Ian

Hi, It's good to get confirmation of the paint color. I'll have to decide if I go with Silver or the mid-green color that I remember from my original bike back in '72. I'm surprised to hear that the exhaust might be original! Good job I didn't throw it away!. I haven't found a picture of anything that looks similar, although I have found some where I could say that the first pipe could be the same. The silencer looks a little home made! If anyone has any pictures showing this or any exhausr style I'd love to see it. I've put up a load of Pictures on flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/64592529@N00/sets/ recently, and I've been collecting all kind of photograps of other Dalesman and/or Puch machines, I'll try to post them to the same site in the next day or two. If this is a helpful resourse to someone it will have been worth it. Cheers! Ian

Hi, After a little careful scraping of the nasty black brushed-on paint job I have revealed a previous Silver, hammer finish. I don't know if this is original or one of many in the life of this bike. I'm still thinking that the front hub may not original as there is no provision for a speedo drive. I don't really care, but it does add to the mystery, particularly as there was a speedo cable taped to the frame! I've started to dismantle the bike and will be posting more pictures to Flick at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64592529@N00/sets/ Thank you all for the input, everything is helpful. More to come! Ian

Hi, It may be that I went thru a couple of gears! I hope it's a six-speed - my original one was. I agree with you about the cam adjusters, they look OK. I'd like to find a period style Alloy rim if I'm going to go that route. Morad still make the Valanced 'Akront' style rims and that might look quite good. I have had rims refinished in the past if they were original, but it's not inexpensive - especially here in California! I think you're right on the tank, but we'll see what it looks like. I think it'll be just fine! Do you know how I can tell when mine was made. I can't find a frame number, but I don't know where to look - any ideas where I should be concentrating my search? If I have a number, is there a register of bike made or whatever. Does the engine number tell us anything? I really appreciate all the help, this is going to be fun! Ian

Hi, I've counted the gears up and down and it seems the mine is a four speed. That a little dissapointing, but not really a big deal. I think most of the rest is probably original, well not the exhaust, and I'll keep most of it. The foot pegs may not be, but they seem OK. The rear wheel adjusters might get changed, but I'm not sure at this point. I'll have to figure out which front mudguard mounting I should use, or maybe which one I can find! I did find a Tank at Sammy Millers and it is on its way. I think I need to replace the hand controls, handlebars and seat (obvious), and the rims need to be re-chromed, unless I can find some period Alloy Rims. Otherwise it's fairly straightforward - I think. The front hub may be original, but so far I've found now way to drive a spedometer although there is a cable tyraped under the tank! I'm not bothered about a spedo, but I think it may be required if I plan to enter any events. All in all a nice little project. I thought the engine was siezed, but it's not - it's just the kickstart thats jammed. Good news! I'll try to decide the frame color etc. So far I've heard Green, Blue, Silver or Black as being the original color. I think mine was green back in 73 so I'm leaning that way. I think the suggestion to not worry too much about originality is right on. I just wanted to figure out where I was starting from, and then re-build it in the correct period without being crazy about the details. I'm really not sure how this bike found its way out to California. It has a Sammy Miller Plate on the front so I think it was probably in England for some of its life. I found it locally and they have no history at all. If I could find a frame number I might be able to start tracking it down from the other end! I did locate the engine number; its 3603566. I don't know what that tells us, but at least I have a number. I'll post some more photos on Flickr now it's been pressure washed. Thanks for all the help and guidance, Ian

Hi, I've posted some photos of my Puch Dalesman, as recieved, on Flickr. You can view them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/64592529@N00/ I hope! I'd appreciate any comments as to what appears to be correct original and what is not. Does anyone know what the correct original frame color should be? There appears to be a light grey color under the black, but I don't know if that's primer or original color. As you'll see one of the major missing parts is the tank. I've been told that this same tank was used on other bikes - anyone know which other bikes? Also if any one know where to look for the Frame and Engine numbers I'd be grateful. Right now it's been hand painted and I can see one anywhere - mind you a quick blast with the pressure washer may help! I had one of these bikes in 1972 when I was 15 back in England (now live in Southern California), and my memory of the details is just not working for me! I hope the photos are interesting, I'll add some more when it's been cleaned up a bit! Ian

Hi, I have just acquired a 125cc Puch Dalesman Trials bike in need of more than a little TLC. It's been years since I was involved with trials and I've lost touch with where to get parts etc. Obviously an old bike like this presents even more of a challenge, but if anyone has any information, pictures, manuals etc that I could purchase, copy, borrow I would be really grateful. Also if there are business that specialize in this bike or similar I'd be happy to hear about them. Thanks! Ian