BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Twins => Topic started by: DJC on 27 Dec, 2020, 17:29

Title: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: DJC on 27 Dec, 2020, 17:29
Hi - Does anyone know what the correct thread form should be for the front wheel spindle clamp bolt in the left hand fork leg please. Somebody has forced an obviously incorrect bolt into mine and I need to recaim it. I'm guessing UNF but maybe cycle ?
Thanks
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: JulianS on 27 Dec, 2020, 20:11
3/8 x 26 tpi cycle.

UNF threads not adopted by BSA until 1969.
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Nanonevol on 28 Dec, 2020, 02:11
https://partsbooks.britishonly.com/partsbooks/20-10205C.pdf

http://www.gregmarsh.com/MC/FastenersList.aspx
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: DJC on 28 Dec, 2020, 09:36
Thanks guys. Cycle it is.
Just to add confusion to the equation though, there are definitely some UNF threads on my bike - example being the bolt that holds the swing arm spindle end plate into the frame, the new bolt supplied with the new swing arm is UNF and its a match for the thread in the frame. There are others but I cant remember which ones just now.
Now to tackle that fork leg - theres not much thread left so it might not be easy (not enough meat for a simple helicoil). Anyway, it will be done one way or the other.
Cheers all
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Mike Farmer on 28 Dec, 2020, 10:30
 :) :) :)

Hi I have a similar problem where the wrong thread appears to have been either forced or tapped into the legs thus making mine a very bad fit.

I am seriously considering do a small countersink and then brazing studs in. Not the ideal solution but better I think than riding with dodgy bolts.

I once had a bike with studs instead of bolts and I'm now wondering if that was done by someone with the same problem????

Your views and other ideas very welcome.

Mike 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 28 Dec, 2020, 11:24
Hi Mike,

Later A65 has studs and I think B25 also. 

Dave.
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: BruceB on 30 Dec, 2020, 22:10
Mine has a nut and bolt straight through both sides, hadn't realised it was a bodge until now.
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: DJC on 08 Jan, 2021, 17:22
Hi - sorry for late response.
I tapped out what was left of the thread (cycle) and ended up with sufficient thread to take the bolt and to nip up the spindle. However, I wasnt happy that the thread would take 'proper' tightening or that if it did, how long it might last. Being safety critical, I therefore decided on a belt and braces approach. I little bit of filing of the leg behind the threaded portion produced sufficient land to fit a spring washer and nut onto a slightly longer bolt than standard, so I can now lock the bolt in position. The only other option would have been to weld and re-drill and tap a new thread.
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Bess on 08 Jan, 2021, 18:10
Hi,
    Unfortunately spring washers do not stop fixings loosening.

https://www.boltscience.com/pages/helicalspringwashers.htm

Your best option is to fit studs, washers and locknuts.

Best wishes...
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Mike Farmer on 08 Jan, 2021, 19:32
 :) :) :)

I have also considered making double size bolts/studs  something like 11/32 up into the leg with a 5/16 shank to go through the end cap then fix with a washer and nylok. That's as an alternative to brazing a stud in. The "inner" end could probably go up to 3/8 but that,s questionable.

Mike 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Bess on 09 Jan, 2021, 08:17
Hi Mike,
             If originality is an issue worth considering a Time-sert.

Best wishes...
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Mike Farmer on 09 Jan, 2021, 11:11
 :) :) :)

Its on my trike so originality does really mean much.

What is a time sert????

Mike 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Bess on 09 Jan, 2021, 11:36
Hi Mike,
            Similar to a helicoil, its of solid thin wall construction with a small flange. Its preferred over helicoils where the hole isn't blind and a carries a larger load.

https://www.wurth.ie/media/downloads/pdf/short_form_catalogues/Timesert.pdf

Like you I am not bothered with originality. Personally I would helicoil the leg and fit a high tensile stud, safer and long lasting.

Bet wishes...
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Nanonevol on 09 Jan, 2021, 14:13
Quote from: Mike Farmer on 09 Jan, 2021, 11:11
:) :) :)

Its on my trike so originality does really mean much.

What is a time sert????

Mike 8) 8) 8)

A 1966 Lightning Trike? 
Oh we need a photo of that?
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Mike Farmer on 09 Jan, 2021, 17:11
 :) :) :)

No its a 1963 A50 Trike.

Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Mike Farmer on 09 Jan, 2021, 17:14
 :) :) :)

Hi Bess yes I'll probably go the helicoil route. Still wondering.

Mike 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Nanonevol on 09 Jan, 2021, 21:43
I'm speechless!
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Mike Farmer on 10 Jan, 2021, 10:00
 :) :) :)

Hiya.

Why speechless: - surprise or horror.

Ho Ho Ho

Mike 8) 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Nanonevol on 11 Jan, 2021, 15:26
No, it's amazing!  Nice work!

I guess it's not cool to post H@r!#y stuff here.  My bad.
Title: Re: 1966 Lightning front wheel spindle clamp bolt
Post by: Mike Farmer on 13 Jan, 2021, 12:32
 :) :) :)

Hi Thanks for compliment. I did it this way cos I can no longer get on and off my bikes ( well actually I can get off, but then I can't pick the bike up)
Its a bit of a "B" but sadly I can't ride this very well either---back no longer up to sitting on a saddle. Tuff.

Mike 8) 8) 8)