1934 Blue Star forks

[David Samways]

I think the mudguard fixing boss on my forks is bent - see pic. The bike came to me partly "restored" (actually pretty bodged) and I've only just noticed the bent boss. I mechanically restored the forks recently and after machining the forks feel confident that the components are steel forgings rather than cast malleable iron, so I'm cosidering attempting to cold straighten the bent boss. I'd prefer to get some heat into the job of course, but firstly I don't want to destroy the powder coated finish and secondly I don't want to melt the brazing.

I could just leave it and make a wedge shaped packing washer - I don't think anyone would notice. I didn't notice when I bought the bike or even when fixing the forks.

Anyone care to comment?

[Bicycle repair man]

I had the same issue but not as severe. The mounting pillar was affset to one side and pushed back. I agree that heat would have been preferable but figured that if it broke trying to bend it back, it would weld back on causing no more damage than heating it in the first place!
As it happened, a stout piece of hardwood and "tappometer" moved it back relatively easily.

[David Samways]

Many thanks BRM. I'll try easing it with a length of tube.

David

[David Samways]

Just an update to say that the mudguard mounting pillar bent back very easily using a close fitting three foot length of tube. Very malleable material, no drama at all.