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VIC AMTRA Public Forums => General Chat => Topic started by: flipper on July 06, 2013, 04,31:10 PM



Title: Fork tube straightening
Post by: flipper on July 06, 2013, 04,31:10 PM
I picked up a drum brake front end for an '83 TT600 a little while back.

Intitally it looked to be okay, but upon disassembly, I've discovered that the chrome fork tubes have a slight bow in them.

If you roll the chrome tubes on a flat surface, there is about 3mm of bend in the overall length - not a huge amount, but it is causing binding of the forks when they are compressed without the springs in place.

Does anyone know of a place that can straighten these out?
And what sort of cost is associated with it?

Thanks
Peter



Title: Re: Fork tube straightening
Post by: john t on July 06, 2013, 05,07:00 PM
I picked up a drum brake front end for an '83 TT600 a little while back.

Intitally it looked to be okay, but upon disassembly, I've discovered that the chrome fork tubes have a slight bow in them.

If you roll the chrome tubes on a flat surface, there is about 3mm of bend in the overall length - not a huge amount, but it is causing binding of the forks when they are compressed without the springs in place.

Does anyone know of a place that can straighten these out?
And what sort of cost is associated with it?

Thanks
Peter
 


Garage press and a block of wood should do the trick


Title: Re: Fork tube straightening
Post by: flipper on July 06, 2013, 06,19:37 PM
Knowing my luck, I'd probably squash the tube flat!

I was under the impression that it needed to be done with v-blocks and a dial gauge to make sure it was straight.


Title: Re: Fork tube straightening
Post by: steve f on July 07, 2013, 08,11:30 AM
John is right it will straighten it but be careful. "V" blocks and dial indicator is the ideal way of doing it but not everyone has them and probably a over kill.   


Title: Re: Fork tube straightening
Post by: Phil E on July 07, 2013, 09,11:52 AM
I would take it to a suspension specialist. I use SPMX in Seaford.


Title: Re: Fork tube straightening
Post by: Serge C on July 07, 2013, 09,17:45 AM

I would take it to a suspension specialist. I use SPMX in Seaford.

Or speak to Chad at Chad's Offroad Setups.  He's a good AMTRA friend and has been hassled by some of my requests over the years!


Title: Re: Fork tube straightening
Post by: john t on July 07, 2013, 11,46:06 AM
Knowing my luck, I'd probably squash the tube flat!

I was under the impression that it needed to be done with v-blocks and a dial gauge to make sure it was straight.
Each to there own
As you said it is only 3mm deviation
cut your self 3 vee blocks out of wood if you have a hole saw the same size as the fork tube even better drill a hole
in the wood and  cut it half set it up an the bench mark your high spot and give it a gentle press if it doesn't work
take it to a shop
nothing venture nothing gained
PS only use wood near fork tube