The last few weeks I've been working on trying to sort out this Arco front end with new bushings and fork spring.
I drilled out the well worn and enlarged 1/2" fork bolt hole to a larger 5/8".
The bronze bushings I purchased had a 5/8" ID and 1" OD.
Unfortunately, The ID of my fork tube was about .94" so the bushings 1" OD had to be machined down to fit. A local machine shop charged me only $25 to do that. The place is pretty much closed down and the owner is semi-retired but still does small jobs.
I bought a small block chevy valve spring for the lower fork spring and found some retaining washers that worked out perfect.
This is the part where I got into a bar fight and won!
The original handlebars were slightly bent and only 19 1/2" wide. They weren't wide enough for my liking and didn't feel comfortable. I also wanted the option to be able to adjust -and- fold down the handlebars so I can transport this minibike in the back of my car. So off came the handlebars! Oh, the horror!
I purchased a set of bmx bike knee-saver type handlebars called "Bar Fight". no...really!
4 PIECE BARFIGHTS
They were 28" wide and I cut them down to 24" wide. Also purchased new bar clamps.
Arco's original foot pegs were very narrow and not very functionable. So I cut off what little pegs were there and inserted a steel rod. I'll be using some bonanza style pegs. I'm gonna wait until I get wheels and tires mounted before I decide on the final length of the peg rod and foot pegs and weld it in.
Up Next: I need to buy some wheels and tires and mount them up so I can finish mocking up the frame.
Hopefully OldMiniBikes will be having a Thanksgiving Weekend sale on 6" wheels and tires! :thumbsup:
I want to get the all welding done soon and get this thing out to powdercoat.