Deben Classics

09/03/2026

Allis Chalmers model B reverse idler... the original caged needle roller bearings are no longer available, neither is the hardened shaft, the bearing surface in the gear is shot as is the surface on the shaft, in this situation we are maching out the hardened idler gear both ends to take conventional roller ball bearings, and resurfacing the shaft to fit, its not an original setup but should overcome the obstructions to get the tractor back in the field.

04/02/2026

7/8 BSW thread cutting gone wrong, one of those moments when you know you should have spent the time and set up the Lathe.

12/08/2025

Apparently there was a "Clatter and a Bang" before the little Allis B decided to spit sparks and metal bits out of the clutch inspection hole, what should be a simple replacement turned into a quest to find a replacement clutch slider, so we have come up with a plan to repair the original which should save the customer a fortune over replacing the whole clutch assembly to accommodate the more common placed; conventional clutch release bearing setup, More to come on the finished piece later in the week.

Update: made a band to go round the slider, .25mm smaller than the new shoulder, expanded the band with heat and fitted on the slider, as it cooled it contracts and nipped it all up nice and tight😀

11/08/2025

CAV KU-1 In for rebuild! Funnily enough the coil metered out ok but you just cannot guarantee how long it would last being back in regular use, first step is to strip and work out what's needed, in this case, the condenser had gone short circuit, so will be replaced with a modern more reliable component, new armature bearings along with bearing insulators, pick up brush and of course a rewind. The nice thing about this build is the instruction to preserve the original aesthetics; an absolute must when you get to see the bike its going on! Updates to follow.

27/07/2025

22/07/2025

They come in two's nowadays! Second TX240 stator complete and ready to roll.
Once again thanks to Nick and Brad for the challenge.

22/07/2025

Aprilia Tx stator, the casings aren't water tight so let in moisture which caused a great deal of corrosion in this case, the coils were fried and the rust had gotten in between the core layers, of course you can't get any parts so we made up a new coil bobbin (fortunately the customer doesn't want lighting on his trials bike), wound a new coil, split the core layers, blast and protect them, then onto reassembly finished off by a nice bake in the oven. Many thanks to Brad and Nick for the challenge! Second stator also just completed..

11/07/2025

05/12/2024

Another smiths speedo! This time the drive gear for the chronometric was worn to half the thickness allowing the drive to jump out, new gear with a form to make sure it goes on to the correct position and using the tailstock to ensure it's pushed on square! All back together and working a treat..

05/12/2024

A Matchless G3ls update, working on the principal that it is only original once the decision to move forward with a full mechanical restoration and preserve the patina was made, with the engine out, cleaned, inspected and measured, we found that you could drive a bus through the ring gaps! 70 thou recorded on the top ring.... the big end is worn and mains too tight for comfort so the crank was split, new parts ordered and work began.. BEWARE, we went for a Hepolite big end assembly- check them before you fit them because ours arrived undersize on the crank pin and with a 5 thou clearance without any lapping! (The old one only had 3.5 thou after 66years) so we're just awaiting the new piston and big end before it can go back together.

05/12/2024

If you can't buy the right thing then make one? The original is very worn causing poor idling and throttle response, with a small amount of wear in the carb body as well, we made this slide oversize to compensate for it. We love doing different things, this time it's a Motobecane 125 with Gurtner carb.