Hitchcocks Forum

I am trying to fit a new pair of tank knee pads to my 1937 bullet, they are the sort that have to be squeezed over a plate bolted to the side of the tank. Does anyone have any tips on the best way to do this before I end up scratching the freshly painted tank?

Use a little bit of lubricant, washing up liquid is good, on the inside faces of the rubber to ease them on. And do it in a warm environment, outside is good at the moment!
REgards, Mark

Hi guys---------- yes, I'll second that re}--- washing up liquid as a rubber lubricant..Once you have the item fitted on it will still feel a bit loose...Don't worry as the detergent will eventually evapourate and the rubber will GRIP !!!...Because I'm a caring type of person I only ever use this very well known product, and ended up LOOKING like this as well----------OOooh, get you dearie !!!}----------- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynBWtvi0lmQ ------------------------------- "I hardly ever buy Fairy Liquid".... it's a wonder they're still in business then !!

Thanks guys, have already gone down the route of wash up liquid, but just can't seem to get the rubber to stretch far enough, as for the hot weather, I live in the middle of France, temperature currently at 17.00 hours is 38 degrees, no problem there then. Will just have to have another go tomorrow and try a little harder.

Bunk 'em in hot water for a bit.

don,t use fairy liquid , it has salt in in it , and will cause rust later on,,,

A friend of mine who owned a pushbike shop showed me a trick many yrs ago for fitting handlebar grips etc.

mens arosol deodorant , yup spray it on , apply the part (slides on) then it evaporates , to remove grips etc , lift the edge ,insert a screwdriver or long small dia rod (I use an allen key) , spray deodorant and work around with the rod , the item will slide off

Alan's right, loads of salt in dish detergents. The only difference with the posh thick ones is they have more salt in them.