My last stand...

[MadPete]

Hello Beezer Geezers

I progress with my 1968 B25 Starfire. I was going to make a stand but now I have found one in reasonable condition. I can get most of the mounting peripheral parts but not the centre tube that goes over the pivot bar. An illustration to help:


Can anyone tell me the ACTUAL use of the centre tube, part number 50 in the parts diagram above. Does have some real mechanical use or is it just for corrosion protection of the pivot bar or some other cosmetic reason? I ask because if it has no real use then I could replace it with a suitable sized plastic tube/pipe. Or indeed leave it off all together.

[V500]

I would think a piece of plastic pipe would be fine. I've always assumed it's there to keep the grit and corrosion at bay on the stand spindle.

[MadPete]

Got the required bits, sawed down a long piece of metal tube and attempted to fit it all together. It sort of all fits but somewhat loosely. Now the question:

Where does the Thackary/spring washer (53 in above diagram) sit?
Does it go between the stand and the terminal washer/split pin - thus pulling the shaft tight.
Or dies it sit between the frame and the stand to prevent the stand from rattling between the frame lugs?

I suspect the second option but the first is also plausible.

[Derek996]

From the way the diagram is laid out I'd say that it goes between the stand and the terminal washer/split pin.
This picture from the manual seems to suggest that there are 2 spring washers. Maybe a later/earlier model?

[MadPete]

Yes, as that seems to be the official method, I will go with that.
As I only have one spring washer I will use one. If it really rattles I will fit another.
Hopefully that is the centre stand sorted. My thanks to @V500 and @Derek996 for their suggestions

[MadPete]

Hmmmm. Well the "thackary" spring washers from Draganfly are too thick. Mine is the narrow version of the stand and I was not even able to get one spring washer in the correct place. Just too thick when compressed and it doesn't allow one to see the hole in the spindle when the plain washer is fitted. So it seems that until I can find a suitable replacement I will have to run it with just the plain washers and the split pins securing the spindle pin.

Deep joy.