razinhellcustomz
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Yeah, looks to be right where you wanted. Nice job. Mark.
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Identified Why does this Springer look odd on my Rat rod 1956 Schwinn Spitfire
- Thread starter Robertzep
- Start date
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Yeah, looks to be right where you wanted. Nice job. Mark.
WillWork4Parts
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
That's it! It just lets the front of the Yoke pivot down and align with the spring tension bolt.
The original Yoke shouldn't be tweaked from running the steer tube backwards...but, there could have been a wreck that tweaked the Yoke, it's pretty typical to see one bent a little. As long as you are careful with the finish, you can straighten the yokes with a crescent wrench and whatever leverage bar and alignment punch you might have to hold it steady. Once upon a time, springer parts were cheaper and more readily available and you didn't have to worry about all of that, just bought a new part.
If you take it for a ride and notice the wheel pulling to one side when you ride no handed, there could be an alignment issue, or a fork leg that was tweaked along with the Yoke in whatever wreck it might have been in. Before looking too hard at your fork legs, loosen everything on the fork...axle nuts, yoke nuts, pivot bolt, and headset top nut. With both wheels on the ground, hold the bike level and put some weight on the handlebars to seat all of the bolts and take up any tolerance in their holes, then tighten Yoke bolts, axle nuts, pivot bolt, and finally the headset nut.
I've just had a lot of bikes through my shop with steering issues...that someone else assembled on a stand where those bolt hole tolerances weren't taken into consideration and it was enough to make the bike ride a little wonky.
Robertzep
Look Ma, No Hands!
I will do this tomorrow, it's supposed to be a sunny day! I did go a couple rounds the block and it seemed to ride good.
Robertzep
Look Ma, No Hands!
acg_schwinn
Wore out three sets of tires already!
Just curious: is it possible that the tension bolt is a replacement of longer length than the original?
Wolfmac
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
I suppose that’s possible but it appears the spring in his case has been compressed as is typical when they loose tension. This is one I’ve just installed. Notice the gaps between coils with the tension bolt flush with the nut.
Robertzep
Look Ma, No Hands!
@WillWork4Parts After loosening all fasteners on the fork, axel nuts, and headset top nut, I put weight on the handlebars. I then retightened everything and went for a shakedown ride. I can report that it tracks pretty straight no handed. I did this at various speeds with little deviation. So, I think all's well. Everything is from the parts springer except for the legs, nuts and bolts, etc.
@Wolfmac I agree that the spring is worn out. It doesn't seem to hinder the ride of the bike at this time. I think that I'll keep an eye out for a heavy duty Whizzer spring to replace it with. I believe on thecabe's eBay store, he's selling them.
I want to thank everyone who pointed out and or commented on my issues on this springer. I enjoy this place, everyone is helpful and doesn't make one feel stupid for not knowing everything. It's nice to not be belittled for ones lack of knowledge. I knew it wasn't right and everyone of you helped me fix it. This is what all Social Media should be like. Thank You All!
-Robert
@Wolfmac I agree that the spring is worn out. It doesn't seem to hinder the ride of the bike at this time. I think that I'll keep an eye out for a heavy duty Whizzer spring to replace it with. I believe on thecabe's eBay store, he's selling them.
I want to thank everyone who pointed out and or commented on my issues on this springer. I enjoy this place, everyone is helpful and doesn't make one feel stupid for not knowing everything. It's nice to not be belittled for ones lack of knowledge. I knew it wasn't right and everyone of you helped me fix it. This is what all Social Media should be like. Thank You All!
-Robert
Wolfmac
Cruisin' on my Bluebird
Happy to hear it all worked out and rides well. I’ve had several bikes that never really felt like they should until replacing worn bits and it’s not always clear which part is the culprit. Looks like a fun rider.
Enjoy
