I am in the process of fixing the Front End on the 1922 Touring and need new perches for the Front Axle. (See Post: Bushings Steel or Brass)
I have one out and I'm working on the second one. In the meantime I would like to know if I should be looking for a used Spring Perch or are the new ones just as good. It seems like allot of the older parts are better and it was a concern with the importance of the Spring Perches.
http://www.modeltford.com/item/3818B.aspx
Thanks
Adam Corts
Missoula, Montana
Adam
I have used these new reproductions, they are forged and outside quality and fit is just fine. Dimensions like the original part.
Now don't know the material, but seems to be just right. No reported problems on these front perches.
Dan: I sure hope what you say is correct. That makes me feel good, that a quality product is being made.
I have been using the repros for ten years on my 26, the problem with the originals is that they are in the hundred year age area. just my opinion.
Rick
Right there. Most 'used' front perches are just about worthless if you want the front end free of wobbles.
Normally the perch hole is worn egg shape, or the threads are banged to death, or like this one, the wishbone was allowed to be loose for years and wore down the shaft.
While a 'NOS' part is best, a new reproduction is better than any worn down old front perch.
Good to hear guys. Are NOS Perches even available and what is the price if so? I guess I will add the new ones to the list.
Update: I just got the second perch to break free from the Axle. I would like to recommend the "Royce Peterson Method" of clamping the perch in a vise (Across the Shackle Hole) and slowly working the axle up and down, using it as a lever force. It worked great! I wiggled it and slowly it started moving, little by little, and I kept adding PB Blaster (What I had at the moment). Once I could see a decent amount of movement I used my cheap Harbor Freight 12 Ton Press and it pushed right out, with a couple loud bangs along the way.
I've found good used perches, without egged-out holes and with good threads, usually dirt cheap as part of a pile of other stuff. But if I couldn't come up with any good used ones I'd go with new. I suppose some NOS ones are out there, but finding them is the challenge.
I have found when removing old bolts, perches, shafts, ect. Anything that is rusted together. Water is a good choice for working the parts apart. It is cheaper than w-d40 BB Blaster ect. After you get it to move a little bit start flooding it with water. The idea is to "wash" the rust out of the threads, bores, ect. By moving the parts back and forth and flooding with water, it will soon loosen up enough to come off and not "gall" the threads or shaft. It works especially well when you have to use a little heat from a torch to break it loose. I learned this from an old machinest who taught me how to loosen up you pliers. If you just use oil or Wd-40 ect you are making a gooey mess in the hinge area, it will not wash out very well with oil and soon locks up again. If you use hot soapy water to wash out the hinge area till its clean and then oil it they are as good as new.