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By Graham43
#724
I plan to fit Hitchcock's 'better' front fork springs and replace the headlamp casing/casquette(?) so advice please - tips would be much appreciated, ie: do I really need to buy a special tool to remove the legs or is it possible to make/bodge one? Any thoughts? Cheers, Graham
By Beezabryan
#14165
The hex bar supporting the footrests is the same as the "special" tool
By Alan R
#14174
Hi Guys------- GRAHAM 43 }---I changed my std. fork springs from a Bullet 65 a few years ago for some HAGON progressives and on my Classic 500 for our hosts ones( softer) last Autumn. From my 1/2" drive socket set I used the 13mm A/F Hex.double-depth tool. ( Snap-On No.SA 16A )and, once started--the addition of a 1/2" drive, 6" extension. You don't need the "Special tool, sir" ). REMEMBER that you will be trying to UNSCREW a R/H thread from on top of the casquette so it's a CLOCKWISE motion that's needed. Also, they are in B.F.--TIGHT !!!!! As Professional Engineers we never, ever BODGE things. Good grief no---just "re-allocate existing resources" as it were. With that in mind }---if you can get hold of the valve port spanner I would strongly recommend it.----see HMC's tech notes on changing springs---- However, failing that we can utilise a 6" bench vice, a small Vee-block,( to give a 3-point contact around the circular shape), a lump hammer and a parallel drift.From here you can make up your own ideas---just remember to trim any burrs with a fine-cut file and clean all items before assembly. ( in my day that was at 09.00hrs.). Be careful when re-building that you don't damage the fork seal. Lubricate the stanchions beforehand as well. HOT TIP---- When attempting to re-screw the legs back into the top, make sure the lower yoke clamps are well & truly SLACK, otherwise the legs get slightly defected and there's a real chance of starting a cross-thread. Then you'll be "Cross" as well. I use an appropiate, steel tapered wedge with the aid of a dynamic-impact device ( heavy-duty, flat-bladed screwdriver and lump hammer. ). See, now that's not bodging !! Have a nice day !!!!
By Phil Ashbrook
#14178
Wow ! Foot rest bar the same as fork leg hex socket ! I would never have thought , which is a bit of a drat as I could have changed both my fork stanchion O rings as they weep , changed only one as the other leg was stuck , with the rod ..well I'll be blown !
By Graham43
#14191
Thank you all - I knew I could rely on this forum for sensible and practical suggestions. Great. Thanks again, Graham
By Alan R
#14221
Hello PHIL }---- re}--footrest shaft. That DOESN'T mean that you have to strip YOUR shaft off the bike each time you want to remove the stanchions--LoL !!! Take a look at this }----http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-ROYAL-ENF ... --------or the same from our hosts }--------Position 14

FOOTREST BAR

Code: 143303

Price: £6.50 ......... You could make two tools from this.
By Beezabryan
#14227
Yes Alan, I bought a footrest bar many years ago in the days when Alan H & his crew went to Kempton autojumbles, for a lot less than £6.50 too.

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