16 h engine

What is the reason for a rebuild John?  Is there a failure, a performance issue or is it purely cosmetic.  These motors are generally quite robust, top end is easily addressed.  If it’s bottom end a little more of a workshop required.  They are a reliable rugged machine, idea for single carriageway exploration.

By the way yours is a great looking machine

Jon

First glimpses would indicate that it's very original. If the mechanicals are sound and it was mine I would just get out and ride it. You will enjoy it. Just keep it roadworthy with good tyres and regular mechanical checks. Keep the patina of it's past life. Once it is restored you lose it's past history.

As a 37 16h owner, I would give the head and barrel a dry wipe or light brush. Then I'd use a fine (Ish) brush and touch up the rusty areas. As far as the head is concerned, that doesn't take much removal. Otherwise, if it's going OK then just enjoy it with SAE 50 in the engine, 140 or oil/grease in the G/box (Upright on this one) And grease your nipples. Primary as thick as you can get away with without slip and drag. 

If the orriginal owner has  kept it all those years and its still a tidy runner , he knows what its about.  Unless you can obtain  NOS  WD parts ,any replacements (pattern bits from India or god knows where) should be  carefully checked  or  avoided .Touch up  rust and oil (ACF 50 is good) , Replace hard tyres and old oils ,charge and discharge battery to assess its condition.Check fuel tank and filter for rust flakes ,apply a little  lube to mag points cam ,go round and look for loose nuts, spokes If brakes are non existant check for rusty drums and oil on linings .Brush rear chain with some EP 90 or spray gease and check slack.Make sure there is some slack on the primary chain and its picking up some oil . If it has cup and cone wheel bearings a little play is needed. Oil cables pivots etc . Ride it locally  to get familiar with it. Carry tools that fit. and a spare plug gapped small. If you replace tires de-rust rim wells and paint ,rust flakes have punctured 2/3 tubes for me !.

As there seems to be no mechanical reason to strip it I would do a running restoration.  Just address the items that need protecting and improving in the week, then ride it out on the weekend.  

Drive chain looks to be out to maximum adjustment.  What type of battery holder is it. I have a near side one that bolts at the top of seat tube; I’d donate that to your cause!  

The responders have all given similar advise, get the basic safety stuff sorted and ride.

Cheers

Jon

Is it a 1936 civilian model with some WD parts or ex-WD ? I can't quite see from the angle of the photo. Civilian had "T" shaped batteries and WD the PUW7E with a hinged cover to the carrier. The differing frame heights mean that they're not a straight swap.

Paul Norman at Racing Norton makes replica wheel bearing dust covers.

Copies of the T shape battery are easily found.  I use a pair of 6v AGM batteries in parallel inside mine.  Packed in with pieces of camping mat.

The main problem with the box is the lid fixing clips are not easy to find.

Of what it should be.  If it's what I remember I will go in search of what's in the loft...

Cheers

Jon