I thought it's a good effort, a neat job and would be fine for anyone who isn't a rivet counter..(literally!:laughing:)....I can't say I see that many military bikes that wouldn't have matching minor discrepancies anyway...Ian
Ron, not all the tools should go in the pouch, see the first photo below.
I have managed to find the correct type of Rexine for the side's but I am still struggling to find the correct type of leather for the main section. The leather has a structure of very thin long lines, the original is identical as the one on the first photo. The tool bag on the second photo is made of the same type of leather.
Please let me know if someone has any tips as were to find the correct leather.
Very interesting Bastiaan, the Norton tool roll carrying tool bags which were around NOS a few years ago were definitely black and the materials were the opposite way around Rexine top, leather ends as opposed to the Leather top and Rexine ends on your bag.
It looks like this BSA tool bag was in use for quite a few years and we don't know if they were always identical in design and materials throughout, so your tool bag may not be early war military, it could just as easily be pre or even post war civilian, but its certainly the best information we have at the moment.
I have a piece of bandsman's leather apron left over from previous projects which has the lined pattern the same as 1939 pattern military equipment, the white coating comes off with the help of thinners and is a lovely brown underneath but I'm wondering if it may to too thick at 3mm?
The BSA tool bags were indeed in use for quite a few years, from early in the 1930's till late war. I think it is likely that my tool bag is pre war, as there were some BSA tools in it which were all pre war dated. I do think that the design of the toolbag remained the same throughout the years though.
The structure of your leather looks spot on, I will measure the thickness of my toolbag this evening and let you know. I have bought a vintage bag which is described in the Netherlands as 'doctors bag', it has the correct colour and structure of leather. I intend to use it as a donor for my BSA tool bag.
The rivets which attach the 2 leather straps to the main section are of the bifurcated type (or splitleg). These are available via ebay. Only have to source the 2 small buckle's for the straps.
I have started to make an exact replica of the original toolbag. The thickness of the leather should be approx 1,5 mm. I have test fitted my toolbag in a toolbox and it fits perfect. Below a few photo's. First photo is of the original toolbag with the BSA tools which were with this bag when I bought it.
Sorry, might have been a bit harsh on the replica tool bag, but am a terrible rivet counter! I do have many original tool rolls and tools, so do have some experience.
Give Les a call, I got some original tools from him a couple? of years ago. He had the Hub box spanner, the long bar that goes through it and also has the end for doing the rear spocket nuts, and the cylinder head box spanner.Oh, and Henk made me a couple of screwdriver bits:grinning:
Cheers,
Dave
Thanks Dave. I'll ring Les before lockdown. I've managed to acquire the rear wheel nut spanner, the cylinder base nut socket and the little mag spanner.......I always said I'd never get into all this! But once you start you have to complete the kit:confused: Ron