Hi,I have recently acquired my Uncles 1956 Ariel HT5 which he used in the late fifties and early sixties,as far as I can tell the bike has been unused/untouched since 1962. I would like to restore the bike but do not have much Knowledge of older bikes (magnetos etc.) and was just wondering if there is anyone local to me who could offer any advice. I will have to progress quite slowly with it as I do not have loads of money to throw at it,I am also unsure whether to try to return it to original spec.or just to restore to the spec,he used the bike in (seems to have several 'homebrewed'modifications).Any advice would be welcome.I am located near Leeds.

Some contacts on the Yorks classic trials website in the classified section. In your neck of the woods .

If you could put up a couple of pictures of the bike we can help point out what is original / modified.Mods done before 1962 were quite different to what is done now.I think you need to make a clear decision about what you want to do with it before you start.Just as a starter I would recommend Paul at APL Magnetos to do your mag.He did my HT one 3 years ago and has just finished the one off my AJS.He is VERY busy so just don't try to rush him.