Shorten fork tube?

[barnbikes]

Is it easier to rethread the tube or to cut and weld on a shorter tube?

I have a 50s girl Monark/Firestone springer that I want to put on my 50s CWC boys roadmaster.

need to shorten it an inch.

 

[Wildcat]

If it has support rods, they may not line up with the tube an inch shorter.

 

[barnbikes]

If it has support rods, they may not line up with the tube an inch shorter.

I was thinking I would have to make a straight rod holder.

 

[yoothgeye]

I always go the cut and weld method.

 

[509clunk]

this is the best way to do in! in my opinion :lol:

 

[barnbikes]

need to try and straighten the tube first.

 

[jackdaw]

Your LBS may have a tap for that. Well, I dunno actually, with it being that old. I know mine has a tap for regular 1" threaded steerer tubes. Worth a call anyway, if they're close.

 

[yoothgeye]

If I had one of those I'd stop posting my silly drawing of how to shorten one! :mrgreen:

this is the best way to do in! in my opinion :lol:

 

[barnbikes]

If I had one of those I'd stop posting my silly drawing of how to shorten one! :mrgreen:

Silly??? If I could do anything that good I would not be working in 100 degree shop bending metal for a living.

 

[Jpromo]

I extend the threads and shorten as well.. bought the Hozan die from Niagara cycle works for like 30$.

Since 2"+ die handles are like $$$, I've just been putting the die in a vice and turning the forks with a 2x4.. now that's silly :mrgreen:

 

[fordmike65]

Thanks to a member's post a couple months ago, I just ordered a 1"-24 round die for $39.99 & a die handle for $9.67 from Enco. Free shipping with code JULYWEB.

1"-24 die
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PART ... NO=2619618

2" round die handle
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=318-2013

 

[barnbikes]

Been mulling over the idea of putting a 1/2 inch spacer top and bottom.

 

[B607]

Thanks to a member's post a couple months ago, I just ordered a 1"-24 round die for $39.99 & a die handle for $9.67 from Enco. Free shipping with code JULYWEB.

1"-24 die
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PART ... NO=2619618

2" round die handle
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=318-2013

You're welcome! :wink: Gary

 

[sensor]

I always go the cut and weld method.

if you go this route(well you or anyone else)
make sure you fit the stem and see how far down the stem, will go(you will need to measure for this :wink: ) itll work but if you want your stem slammed(who knows...you mayor may n't) you might find you cant go down since theres a 1/8" of excess steel blocking it....always think ahead :wink:
just a fyi for anyone whos considering this method(there is nothing wrong with it ive done it myself a few times since prewar girls forks are cheaper than guys)

 

[CCR]

for a bent or swollen steering tube, the cut and weld method is best.

if you just want it shorter, hack the extra off the top and re-thread it, if you want cleaner threads put the headset top nut on below the cut (before you cut) and it will help clean the threads afterwards by taking the nut back off.

just my .02

 

[yoothgeye]

if you go this route(well you or anyone else)
make sure you fit the stem and see how far down the stem, will go(you will need to measure for this :wink: ) itll work but if you want your stem slammed(who knows...you mayor may n't) you might find you cant go down since theres a 1/8" of excess steel blocking it....always think ahead :wink:
just a fyi for anyone whos considering this method(there is nothing wrong with it ive done it myself a few times since prewar girls forks are cheaper than guys)

Thanks for pointing this out, I really should've drawn the picture with the cut being closer to the fork. There is also the option of an outer sleeve in a headtube that would allow for the extra material.