As owners of this famous motorcycle brand we want to collect and restore / preserve original examples. The following article follows the restoration of one of our own bikes. We will bring you installments of this process on a regular basis follwing the work undertaken through to the finished fully restored motorcycle.
Initially it was discovered that the Levis’ rear mudguard was very loose so that was removed which allowed the rear wheel to be taken out. Although in general the Levis’ frame was in good condition and must have been resprayed quite recently, items such as the mudguards were obviously in need of some work and surprisingly, smaller bits such as engine mounting plates were found to be rather grim.
Scratches, scrapes, and dents in evidence on the front mudguard
Compared to a Connaught, it’s a different oiling system on the Levis, so a photograph was taken to ensure correct re-connection. Possible disaster if re-connected the wrong way around.
The gearbox was very difficult to adjust forward and backwards. It took quite a lot of freeing off. It should now be possible to tighten the drive chains with some ease.
A general shot of the left-hand side, showing the awful state of the engine mounting plates.
A general shot of the right-hand side with the gearbox now removed.
Proof that in general the frame looked to be in good condition.
With the frame stripped bare, blemishes touched up, and with new nuts and bolts fitted, things are beginning to look better.
The Levis’ girder fork arrangement. The Druid forks also seem to be in good condition, so won’t be removed, though they will be well lubricated.
Front mudguard, handlebars, rear wheel sprocket and engine fly wheel blasted before painting.
Fuel tank restored to the original colour scheme with the levis logo painted on the sides to cover the embossed version in the tank surface.
