Tandem HD wheel questions

[GTs58]

Yes keeps getting crooked and off center, the later forks obviously 69 and on had a fork slot with a rounded top that requires the washer to keep axle centered. I'm not sure this bike ever had any at all.

Does it look like someone modified the fork? Possibly replaced it with one made for a 5/16 axle and then widened the slot?

 

[coasterbrakejunkie1969]

Does it look like someone modified the fork? Possibly replaced it with one made for a 5/16 axle and then widened the slot?

This is a shot of a '69 fork from a Stingray. I believe all Schwinn forks were made this way from '69 on. The axle on the HD hubs has 2 flat sides to allow it to slide into a standard fork slot. once in there it stays put for a little while but then it shifts under use and gets out of line. The washer fits into the round hole and keeps it in the center. They may have been on there originaly but they are gone now.