A65 front axle

[Milemuncher]

Hi all,
I know that this has been discussed before but the final resolutions do not appear to detail / advise of the solution(s) or part numbers to fix.
1963/64 A65. Has 1968 TLS brake plate on non-flanged hub (I’ve sorted the brake lining rubbing on spoke ends issue). No idea if forks are correct for year/bike, but look correct according to part lists.
Fork bottom bolts mashed so I’ve re-helicoiled and new bolts ready to go.
Issue is with axle/spindle. Ordered new 42-5824 which should be correct. But this is the same as the one currently on the bike.
Fork sliders are 6 3/4” (centre to centre) apart, and spindle 7 1/4” is correct length.
However, the bolt groves in the spindle don’t line up, hence PO mashed bolt threads. They need to be exactly 6” apart (centre to centre), they are 6 3/16” on 42-5824.
Suggestions/advice appreciated (before consider getting file out).

[Ellington]

I am no expert, still on my first project. However I have found the Draganfly web site to be very helpful.
They have parts lists for every model year of A65. I looked at the 1968 front wheel and the part number for the spindle is not the one you quoted. You might try phoning them to see what spindle would fit your forks and brake hub?

[spaceman]

I've got various A65 fork sliders lying about and can will have look to see whether there is any obvious difference to the axle clamping dimensions.

At face value, because the fork spacing must be the same across the range, the problem must lie with the fork clamps but I would be surprised if the clamp bolts were not on the centreline of the fork tubes?? Out of interest, what do you mean by a non-flanged hub - is this not just the one that came with the TLS brake?

[Bess]

Hi,
    I have had a similar issue. Cannot remember for sure, I feel the Triumph forks are interchangeable but different so you might need a Triumph spindle. Firstly have you checked the forks are inline and move freely with the spindles you have?

I have 3 different size spindles, 5 15/16", 6 2/16" and 6 3/16" between centres and cant remember which I used in the past.

Best wishes...

[Milemuncher]

Thanks all,

The forks are straight (pleasant surprise) with no stiction on movement, although the LH fork seal has blown, likely due to a PO bending it out to fit the old 42-5824 spindle.

Spaceman: The fork bottom clamps are not in the centre line of the forks, they're inset to the inside. The non-flanged hub is the normal 8" full width hub with internal spoke ends - not really designed for the TLS brake plate which has an external flange for the spokes.

I've dragged through loads of sites and have really struggled to find accurate dimensions of these spindle grooves but have now come to the conclusion that I must have the 1968 forks on my 1964 bike so the new stainless steel spindle 42-5824 that I've purchased is now surplus to requirements.

I'm assuming that I'll now need the 37-1641 spindle for 1968 forks (as used on pre-1967 Triumphs?) as it looks like this is 5 7/8" or maybe 5 15/16" between grooves (but can't find these details on any sites selling them). I said 6" above 'cos I tried to measure across the bolts in the bottom of the forks - so very likely 1/8-1/16" out with my eyesight.

All good fun....

[spaceman]

I've just had a look at a couple of advertised 37-1641 axles online and scaling from the pictures indicates the groove spacing is ~6.25". It looks as though the issue may be with your fork sliders. I'll have a look at the ones I have lying around and see what can be deduced.

[JulianS]

Could you post a photo of your forks?

The 1968 forks are significantly different to the 1963/64 ones.

[spaceman]

Just measured up a few fork sliders lying in the shed together with an A65! This gave:

Fork centre separation :  6.75"

Fork clamp bolt separation:   6.25"

Clamp outside separation:      7.25"

Spindle length:    7.25"

All the spindles I've looked at including 37-1641 appear to have the 6.25" groove separation. It therefore looks as though the problem lies with the clamps on the fork sliders.

[Bess]

Hi,
    I have a set of 1970 A65 forks and sliders fitted to a B31, the comparison below:

[Bess]

last one:

Also, even if you get the grooves correct the brake plate might not locate fully into the slider stop.

Best wishes...

[Milemuncher]

Hopefully photos of the forks will be below

[Milemuncher]

Bess, as you can see from the pics above, I’ve extended the fork tab to fit the TLS slot

Any idea of the part number for the spindle in your last picture posted?

[Milemuncher]

Photo of bolt separation

[spaceman]

When I did my measurements, I measured how far the clamp bolts were from the centreline of the forks. It was 1/4" and since the forks are 6.75" apart, the clamp bolts will be 6.75 - 2 x 0.25 = 6.25" apart.

It would be useful to know what your clamp bolt offset is and what your fork centreline separation is to compare with my measurements? From the pics, it's not entirely clear where the main difference is that produces your clamp bolt separation of 6".

[JulianS]

The forks in question are not 1968 type - photo shows the 1968 type with stronger almost squared shape outside edge of cap and base of fork bottom.