Britbike forum Forums British Motorcycle specific Brands Bsa bulletin board 1967 BSA Thunderbolt

Found a 1967 BSA Thunderbolt. Thinking of buying. Tank and side covers are green. Is that a factory color?
Only has a speedo, no tach. is that original or die someone take the tack off?

Thunderbolts only had a speedometer, Lightning, Spitfire and twin carb models had a tachometer also.
Bacon's book on twins and triples has flamboyant red for November '67. Moss green was used on November '70

I see this topic has just started, so let me be the 1st to ask:
What are the markings you find at the bottom of the cylinder, left side, stamped into the alloy crankcase? Is that spot on the case smooth like the rest of the case, or does it have a raised pad there, specifically for the stamping. That pad would also have tiny BSA logo stamps all over it before the large ID stamping was made. Photos here show samples of the difference. I see you are not a new guy, so can you post a photo? If not, and you are willing to send me an email with a photo(s), I will relay post here. My email is in the profile spot. Interesting find! BTW, I think an actual ‘67 is about as pretty as they get!

67 Thunderbolt can be a really nice bike.

Hey Jack,…. Come on Back,…. BTW, joined 2013 and this is Post#1 ? It is friendly here……. 🤓

That's a very good point about the 1970 bikes with 1967-style numbers.

The whole "Y" and "dash Y" saga started because somebody had a 1970 model which had "1967" engine and frame numbers , and was having no end of trouble getting the correct parts for it.

Hello again. Going for a first look a this BSA Thunderbolt today. Question about seat. It doesn't have BSA logo on the back of the seat. Has it been recovered?
Does Anyone from the Edmonton Alberta area have old Brit bikes?

The logo on the seat could have faded away.

Stock seat would have a slight bump Up at the aft end, and have stainless steel trim on lower edges both sides. They do not hinge open for storage. The chrome grab rail you may have seen on others is an option I believe, may or may not be there.

Looked at old BSA yesterday. Looks not great but worth asking price in my opinion. Missing Side Stand. Speedo cable there but needs to be replaced. Chain guard missing. Dent in tank. Was repainted green. Pretty ugly, Barrel looks like it was repainted so may maybe engine was refreshed. Turns over good with kicker. Shifts OK.
In 1967 colors were either blue or red I think.
Can I find correct color by VIN number??

Have to sell my 1978 CB750 to get funds. It looks and runs good.

Can I find correct color by VIN number??

Errr No! I wasn't like that back then........ Having worked in several manufacturing industries in the 1970 in the British Midlands, it is a wonder the shambolic, unorganized, mess didn't collapse earlier than it eventually did.

The main problem with paint is what exactly is "correct". Back then there was little in the way of standardization and specific mixes of defined colours.

Stories abound of how the next week's paint was mixed by the foreman on a Friday night to inevitably settle and vary even during a single week! Now whether this is true of BSA or not I don't know, but from my experiences as a nipper I can believe it. It was certainly true of a bicycle manufacturer I worked in!

VIN numbers did not exist and it wasn't until the late '60s that they got organized enough to put the same number on the frame and engines.

I suppose you could find out from the original dispatch records, but you will still be stuck with "what the hell exactly is Flamboyant Red??"

You might find some of the original paint left in unexposed areas on the bike, such as the gas tank tunnel.

+ 1
You may as well just assume the bike was Flamboyant Red. Pretty much they all were in that year period with few exceptions.
“Can I find correct color by VIN number??” If you looked at it, did you get the Engine and frame numbers? Makes little difference in your decision to go ahead with that bike I expect, just nice to know. In my humble opinion, from what you said and indicated you have little support where you live……. Keep the Honda if you want a reliable rider. The BSA will be a long project. Just my

AND: “ I suppose you could find out from the original dispatch records, but you will still be stuck with "what the hell exactly is Flamboyant Red??"

It’s candy (clear red) multiple coats, over silver base. NOT a metallic paint.

Ah, no. The 67 T Bolts are either Black or Flamboyant Blue. Fenders, tank, side covers painted. Most of them were Flamboyant
Blue which is silver sheen base and blue tinted clear. It’s very difficult to paint.
Flamboyant Red was used for the Lightning which came with chrome fenders.
My 66 Thunderbolt. I did the paint work, it was difficult.

Quick hijack...

Don't think I've seen exhaust tips like those before. Decorative, or do they serve a purpose?

I’m going for the HD Bagger look. Just kidding.

It’s the kool factor like the bags, fairing, and crash bar. Please note side covers are handmade, I have the originals painted and currently installed.
That should cover it.

Jack,………. WHAT WAS I THINKING!! Richard is right! ThunderBolt,… Black was the standard I believe, with optional others. His is way cool!! 👀. BTW, notice the Tank.

OK another question. 1967 Thunderbolt

6 or 12 volt???

That's one of the best-looking BSAs I've ever seen, bar none. Congratulations on the vision and hard work it took to get there!

Lannis

Thank you Lannis. Might post some more pictures of the rebuild on its own thread.

Jack they 67’ are twelve volt

Richard, we were also pointing out the different seats by years. So just for the info, your Bagger is ‘65 right….. ?

No, like I said it’s a 66’ and flat seat is correct.

This thread has gone sideways and I apologize to Jack. Thread needs to get back to Helping Jack and issues on his 67’ Thunderbolt.

OK, ……. Jack, it was Black. The bottom of the tank tunnel is usually the best indication, like Steve mentioned above.
Any numbers yet?

Stolen from the Bring a Trailer site. Nice except the bogus T-Lite, poor seat trim: