1934 Blue Star fork links

[David Samways]

I'm reconditioning the forks on my W34-9, but I've made an error when dilling-out to reconditioned with new pins.

My question is, does anyone know how these links were made? Were the pins pressed into the links or were they some kind of high carbon steel forging? The machining of the pins would have been interesting if this was the case, but I can't see any evidence of them being pressed-in.

Does anyone have any old links with 3 3/8" centres knocking about? I could get away with just one - either of these part numbers will do 24-5100, 24-5105.

I may just make a new link from some mild steel plate.

Thanks, David

[Y13 Alan G]

Hi I sympathise with your problem. Many years ago ,probably 35, I got a friend to re-furbish the girder forks on my G32/12 & Y13. He had to make a jig so that he could drill out the forks accurately from each side as they narrow in the center and then bushed them. He then cut of the worn link spindles, taper drilled/machined the links and fitted new hardened links with a woodruff key and then welded them in place. A lot of specialised work but still no play, regularly greased, after all these years. So to make a proper job you need to find a good engineer as my friend has long retired. Sorry not to be of more help.

[David Samways]

Thanks for the reply Alan. I finished reconditioning the forks today. Fortunately I have an extremely well equipped machine-shop. I ended-up reaming out 1/32 larger and making new pins from 17/32 silver steel left in an annealed state. I drilled-out the old links in pairs and then brazed in the new pins. After a little tweaking to get everything parallel they work a treat and will no doubt last many more years. I think spiral milling the grease groove in the pins was the most enjoyable part!!!

I just need to find some friction material to finish the job.

David

[Hoppe30]

Gary Parkin can help you with the friction discs. he can be found at : https://www.gp-motos.com/

[David Samways]

Thanks. Just bought a couple of the Tufnol type from Draganfly - at a tenner including postage I'm willing to give them a try.

David