help make these bars work

[Porkwagon]

I got some mini ape style bars from a buddy of mine. I gave them to my dad for his bike, but we cant get them to snugly fit into the stem. They dont have the raised center section like his other bikes, or the "threaded" area for grip. We tried to space the gap with rubber...no dice, the bars just moved since they are slick. Tried to build up tape right there in the center, bars still moved. Any other ideas short of buying a new stem?

 

[scrumblero]

they make shims, but yours doesn't look like a very good candidate for that or welding either one.. :roll:

 

[Porkwagon]

Yeah...This sucks! LOL. Guess I just need to brainstorm more.

 

[Bettleguise]

I would sand and grind some "tooth" into the bars, maybe with a file then use shims.

 

[Markm]

need to find one of these...
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=28511&hilit=v+stem#p280151

 

[scrumblero]

need to find one of these...
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=28511&hilit=v+stem#p280151

YUP! thats the one....

 

[Sinner4]

The steel shim is usually spot welded on the older mtb bars, or find that correct cool stem

 

[udallcustombikes]

You can use a center punch to create rows of dimples around the bars where the stem mounts. You will need to get a BMX type stem that fits the 7/8" bars.

 

[Porkwagon]

Thanks guys! Will just throw his old ones on until we get the correct stem. Bummer, but it is what it is.

 

[mikesbikes36]

use a sharp chisle and make ur own gripper threads ,,it works

 

[Porkwagon]

If it has the grips, will the rubber shim work? Because they are still too small in diameter to git snug when the stem is torqued down all the way. (or any shim for that matter)

 

[mikesbikes36]

mayb u need a differnt neck ? u can make shims out of and old tin can ..that may b thick enuff 2 work ?

 

[kev]

udallcustombikes is spot on. i had the same problem with some motorcross bars i wanted to put on my klunker.
i grabbed a center punch and made rows of dimples where the stem attaches.

Also, if you have any old handlebars that you feel like cutting down a little you can make shims out of that too.

 

[c.p.odom]

No problem, call around to your local bike shops until you find one that has a "Stein Knurling Tool". This tool will roll knurls into your bar in just a couple of minutes.

 

[Beau]

All you need are 7/8" to 25.4 shims. (Or a BMX stem but they look funny with apes)

http://www.jbimporters.com/web/checking ... mber=33103

They are about $5 and your local bike shop should be able to order from the supplier above.

Rubber will never hold.

 

[Porkwagon]

Awesome. I will swing by the lbs next time im in town. Appreciate the help guys.

 

[chaunceysj]

um a more permanent solution would be drill a hole through the stem and handlebars in the exact position you want it. mark both first, then use a a sheetmetal screw and a shim between the handlebars and the stem. handlebars wont move side to side or spin. just an idea. no welding or anything.

 

[Beau]

um a more permanent solution would be drill a hole through the stem and handlebars in the exact position you want it. mark both first, then use a a sheetmetal screw and a shim between the handlebars and the stem. handlebars wont move side to side or spin. just an idea. no welding or anything.

:shock:

 

[chaunceysj]

hahaha its a rat rod site!!!! only do this if you dont particualarly care about removing it. or better yet.... dont do what i said before.. in fact. forget i said it. haha :lol: i got a bit excited