Prewar + Postwar = My first rat build (fully assembled but build not done)
- Thread starter whitefiretiger
- Start date
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OK was just going to drop the fork off and get back to it later but ... I decided if I drive to work I'd have time to try the fork 
Had to cut the pos stem to get the pos fork out.
Then I was able to try the fork for a quick mockup and grab a couple pics before work.
Looks like I need to take the fork back to have the threads hit a bit more because none of my good parts would screw past the old threads.
Have some in the junk bucket that were a bit loose and one of them threaded on for my mockup.
Had to cut the pos stem to get the pos fork out.
Then I was able to try the fork for a quick mockup and grab a couple pics before work.
Looks like I need to take the fork back to have the threads hit a bit more because none of my good parts would screw past the old threads.
Have some in the junk bucket that were a bit loose and one of them threaded on for my mockup.
Tossed a different fork on earlier so I could take the WF fork back to the shop to have the new threads gone over again but didn't make it so it will go back Monday and I should have it back Tuesday.
Otherwise no progress right now; but if time allows I hope to true the rear wheel so I can properly fit the rear fender.
Otherwise no progress right now; but if time allows I hope to true the rear wheel so I can properly fit the rear fender.
Awesome! Glad the fork race is working properly now!
When you cut it use an old race below the cut as a guideline and when done and unscrewed it will help clean the thread too.
Luke.
When you cut it use an old race below the cut as a guideline and when done and unscrewed it will help clean the thread too.
Luke.
Luke you hit the nail on the head... That is how I just did it. Well I used two old pos races and a hobbyist hacksaw (very narrow blade) in between to get as straight of cut as I could. Its now 1.875" shorter.
Its cut and I made the little hole already. Can't wait to go to the garage to give it a go.
And now the pics...
Its cut and I made the little hole already. Can't wait to go to the garage to give it a go.
And now the pics...
Nice work!
Luke.
Luke.
What is the hole for? Sorry, I don't have any experience with old American bikes...
Luke.
Luke.
Ah yes, well familiar with the vertical line, cool to see how they did it back in the day. 
Luke.
Luke.
I personally like it better because I've had the rings spin out of the line and trash threads before.
The downside is the hole has to start up quite a bit higher than where the tab will rest when put together so it will go together; probably why they changed to the line.
The downside is the hole has to start up quite a bit higher than where the tab will rest when put together so it will go together; probably why they changed to the line.
Well the fit on the fork is great. Need to do a bit of work as I can only get the stem/quill in a little bit.
I swapped to the bearing cups from the WF as well and got the truss rods bent to a position I think looks good.
Also tossed the seat post back in and the WF seat on for some pics.
Still need to decide what I'm going to do about the kickstand it sets the bike a bit too vertical and is trying to be tip happy.
Also a quick roll down the driveway confirmed that I need a layback seat post for this. But not sure how that will work out with the luggage rack but oh well.
I swapped to the bearing cups from the WF as well and got the truss rods bent to a position I think looks good.
Also tossed the seat post back in and the WF seat on for some pics.
Still need to decide what I'm going to do about the kickstand it sets the bike a bit too vertical and is trying to be tip happy.
Also a quick roll down the driveway confirmed that I need a layback seat post for this. But not sure how that will work out with the luggage rack but oh well.
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What do you guys think of how I shaped the truss rods?
Also any ideas how I should mount the rear fender? Its a curved fender but the frame is notched for the peeked center fenders.
Only thing coming to my mind is to make a piece to fit into the mounting area of the frame to adapt it. I don't want to modify the frame in case I ever want to redo it to more original.
Also any ideas how I should mount the rear fender? Its a curved fender but the frame is notched for the peeked center fenders.
Only thing coming to my mind is to make a piece to fit into the mounting area of the frame to adapt it. I don't want to modify the frame in case I ever want to redo it to more original.
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Whitefiretiger I'v noticed that some of the steerer tubes have a smaller I.D. Towards the bottom you may have reached this spot on that fork. It looks like about 2 1/2" cut off. the old stems are pretty short and couldn't really go in too far so they didn't have the thin part of the tube go down too far. I usually cut off a doaner fork and weld It about an inch above the bottom that's how I discovered the
Difference. You could use a flexy shaft dremmel tool or die grinder to open it up for more insertion or find a buddy that works in a machine shop to open it up. Project looks very cool by the way!
Difference. You could use a flexy shaft dremmel tool or die grinder to open it up for more insertion or find a buddy that works in a machine shop to open it up. Project looks very cool by the way!
Thanks.
I had to cut off just under 2" (1.875").
I'm trying to find my brake cylinder hone to see if its small enough to run down the steer tube to clean it up.
It would make sense if its smaller at the bottom but I'm thinking its just rough from rust because I had trouble getting it in and out before cutting it down.
Thanks its a fun project.
I had to cut off just under 2" (1.875").
I'm trying to find my brake cylinder hone to see if its small enough to run down the steer tube to clean it up.
It would make sense if its smaller at the bottom but I'm thinking its just rough from rust because I had trouble getting it in and out before cutting it down.
Thanks its a fun project.
Personally I would have put the bend up higher on the rods, but it is looking good anyway!
Luke.
Luke.
I was trying for higher but it wasn't working out quite right with the angle of the mounting plate on the top of the steer tube.
I'm going to fit the fender and maybe try for a bit higher if I don't like the way it sets with the fender.
Ah, of course! Yeah it would cause them to come in on a different angle at the stem.
Luke.
Luke.
