B40 shocks

[Stubaker58]

So here's the thing...
My B40 project is edging towards completion, still a long way to go.
Long story short I've rebuilt the engine, painted the framed had the swinging arm done etc. I'm almost at the dry run stage having ensured the wheels are true and the forks straight and working. So I think I'll put on the shocks that came with the bike.
These shocks are new, maybe NJBs? But they turn out to be 12", too long. Rats!
I should say that the bike is NOT in anyway standard, rather it will have an alloy tank and 'guards together with a single seat.
My question is ...
Rather than spend (another!) £100 plus on another set of shocks if I cut the footrest supports off the frame will I have enough clearance for the 12" ones I've got? Also what impact is that likely to have on the handling?
Thanks

[rhyatt]

Hi Stu,
I've had the same issue with my Son's 1959/60 C15 rear shocks
Correct length is 10.9inch , later were 11.9 , but were the later shocks fitted to the same frame , in other words, even though longer , did the swinging arm clear the pillion forest hanger subframe
Do you want me to measure what clearance I have?

[Stubaker58]

Hi Richard
The swinging arm hits the pillion footrest support with the 12" shocks, not really ideal!

[rhyatt]

Ah ok,
In my research for my sons bike , I've rung njb who can do open chrome spring shocks 10.9" correct length for about £125
He's got 2 C15s himself and I think he is ex Girling , so he knows his stuff.
I'm going for his shocks for my sons bike.

[Richtalk]

Hi, I also have a problem with 1959 C15 rebuild which I am in middle of. The old rusty shrouded shocks are 10.75" which seems odd but the swinging arm will foul on RH pillion peg arm if I put longer shocks on. BUT the odd thing is the LH peg arm has more clearance. In other words the LH and RH peg arms are not horizontally aligned. Any thoughts?

[rhyatt]

The most likely thing is that the short support arm/s have been deformed by the pillion footrest digging in the road during an OFF

[Stubaker58]

Hi Rich
That's exactly how mine is.
As I've got new shocks which came with the bike (albeit too long) and I'm not aiming for anything other than a useable greenlane/road bike my plan is to cut off the pillion extensions and plug the end of the tubes.