Cota 247 Restoration

[ed bremner]

Hi Guys,

New to this forum - have posted introduction elsewhere - although glad to see its not compulsory!

A couple of quick questions that some of the Montesa experts might be able to answer:

I am re-building a Cota 247 bought as non-runner on ebay (will I ever learn!)

So far its been fun, havn't rebuilt a bike in 15 years (last bike rebuilt was a Guzzi)

Its a right bitsa with frame no 21M16407 and engine no in the 5000s and a tank/seat unit from late 70s version.

OK, questions:

1) Would the fact that Frame is 1974, engine 1972 and they don't match make getting a V5 harder if I was to try?

2) When does the vintage no-tax deal start - 1973, 1974, 1975 - would this bike get it?

3) Does anyone know where to get replacement bolts for the M7s used in case? I would really like to convert to allens if I could find them. Current Clutch case bolts are usable at present, but Mag cover bolts are not present at all and I really will need to find somethign to replace these to keep cover on. Any ideas?

4) What is the nut that holds the clutch in place? Looks like a M10, but with a very fine pitch. Tried a M10 1.0 pitch and this does not fit, certainly a 1.25 pitch won't. Anyone know what this nut is?

5) I might be able to get some M7 Allens custom made (and clutch nut). If I was to do this, would there be anybody else out there interested in having some. It's normally cheaper the more you get.

6) Anybody know where one might be able to get the l/h spring washer that goes under the magneto bolt?

Bound to have some other questions.

but for now, a big thanks in advance

cheers

eib

[roberto]

Hi and good luck with the restore. Classic fasteners in Australia has all kinds of nuts, bolts etc. I

[woody]

You won't need matching frame/engine numbers to get a V5 - as long as you don't volunteer to DVLA that they are supposed to match they will be none the wiser and won't care. All they are interested in when they inspect the bike is that the frame/engine numbers match with those that you have put on the application and that the bike is what you say it is. They don't MOT inspect it.

Historic tax is cut off at end of 1973 and the age, or year of manufacture of a vehicle, is based on the chassis number so you won't get free tax on it as the frame is 1974 - if that is what the dating certificate says of course. Depends on who you are getting to date it to prove the year of manufacture - maybe you can swing them towards 1973.... There are various places to get one from I think. Maybe Sandifords as the importer, Sammy Miller, Vintage Motorcycle club. It has to be someone that the DVLA recognises in an official capacity in order to get the age related plate, otherwise it is a Q plate

Can't help with the other stuff but you might want to try Ellastone Offroad if you want a spare engine, or A & B Autos, both advertise in TMX. There is also some Mont 247 stuff on ebay at the moment.

Good luck with it, I have one myself to do one day. Nice looking bikes, almost as nice as an Ossa from the same period - but not quite...

[bilco]

Hi ed.

yeah let me know if you can get some m7's and the clutch nut made up from some where,if the cost is right i'll go for some.

How did you find your old bolt's come out like,they look like right git's to unscrew.

where are you from.

cheer's

Edited December 12, 2006 by bilco

[ed bremner]

Thanks for your answers.

First......that clutch bolt. Further looking now makes me suspect that the nut is not that rare....in fact a M10 with a pitch of 1.00mm.

I tried this many times before deciding that it wouldn't fit.....but now reckon it was just very stiff due to previous owner trying to fit a M10 with 1.25 or 1.5pitch and buggering up the thread a bit. No damage that I could see....but I hope this is it. certainly it does go on....although still stiff and isn't threading....so hope I am ok.

if anyone has any other thoughts I would love to hear.

Thanks for the advice on dating for V5. I think I can be quite accurate about date of manufacture without going to Sandifords, although realise they would need to give their opinion for DVLA. I found on Spanish site a full listing for every frame number against each change of spec. This dated the frame to late 74. It is an interesting document....and would be very interesting if I could read spanish!!!

They came out quite easy........some were ok....others harder. I think the fact that they all have an 'o' ring on them must make them easier to get out and also presumably suggests that they weren't done up that tight either.

I have just found some M7 hex bolts, so for the time being will round those off and grind a slot for screwdriver on top.

I will ask my brother for some idea on costs for getting the M7s made up. I know that he gets various nuts'n'bolts made up for him.

Oh....and yes....I do think that the cota is very pretty ......and the Ossa MAR too..... maybe one day!

cheers

eib

[ed bremner]

Sorry......

meant to say I live in Cornwall on banks of River Tamar just above Plymouth.

Lots of good woods and stuff to play in around here, but havn't found any clubs around here yet, so havn't really explored much further than local field.

cheers

eib

[bilco]

ed.

have you split the engine yet.

would be nice if you could give us an update on the restore of the bike, photo's would be good aswell.

i've got one myself to do sometime aswell,look's like your's will be done before mine though.

cheer's

[roberto]

Remeber not to overtighten the clutch nut. Use the special lock washer that is made for bending over the nut to hold it in place. 14.5 to 18 ft.lbsl is more than enough torque, if not you can actually break the aluminium cover.

[ed bremner]

Thanks,

that sounds like good advice.

I have got to make up a new clutch lock washer as the original is pretty bust up.

I have some brass plate of about 0.8 to 1.0 mm and have roughed it up in that. Anbody see any problem in using that. It seems of comparible 'hardness' and 'strength' to original.

I will try and get some photos together soon.

I should say that at this stage, I am working on the principle of a two-part restoration.

First, I am just fixing everything that seems obviously bust, but not looking for work. As it was bought as a non-runner, I first want to get it going and see what work needs to be done. I will then ride it for a while (most probably the winter) and then pull it apart again for any engine work that needs doing, plus powder coating frame etc next summer. I don't think it is ever going to be a really beautiful bike....but good enough for me to have a play with over the winters for sure.

Thanks again for the help and advice....please do keep it coming,

cheers

eib

[bilco]

ed.

try this bloke out last time i spoke to him he had some 247 part's his based in devon and know's what club's you can ride at aswell.

his called.

on any sunday

07703357260

[old trials fanatic]

If it's any help On Any Sunday is based in Newton Abbot and he breaks twinshocks etc.

Might also be worth calling Geoff Bungay at Mainly Spanish ex Sammy Miller employee so another good reason to use him

Also Dave Renham has now diversified into covering more than just Bultaco so give him a ring. He has started In Motion that sells parts for all twinshocks so might be worth a try.

When i rebuilt a 349 a while ago i found some M7 allen bolts via an agricultural parts supplier in Newark but for the life of me i cant find his details. Apparently M7 is common on the continent so might be an avenue to try down your way? If not then get some M8 ones and just turn them down a tad and thread M7 or alternatively do what a lot of local lads have done up here. Helicoil the cases to M8 ream the outers to 8mm and fit M8 ones. Just need to turn the heads down a gnats.

Good luck