Bonanza Chopper forks- dissection help

[markus]

Anyone ever separate the lower tree/ large lower section from the handlebar tubes on a set of these forks :shrug:

This section here on the forks:

I would like to separate to forks there, It would make the cleanup of the shade tree goober welds that are on the top of the lower plate/tube joint much easier. Trying to figure out if the larger lowers were welded to the plate, slid up and then plate welded to upper section or the other way around. The larger tubing is welded to the plate on the underside, dunno if that weld mates all three pieces or not.

 

[motomonster212cc]

I personally don't know, BUT I can go out to the garage and see how mines welded if that helps.

 

[markus]

I personally don't know, BUT I can go out to the garage and see how mines welded if that helps.

Thanks, I actually had the opportunity to look at how it was welded on the one you have when I was boxing it up :wink: I could tell that the 7/8" was welded to the top of plate and the 1" was welded to the bottom, Both welds are clean and thin so its hard to say if they mated the 3 pieces at one time in either area. I have seen the some other choppers with the same homegrown weld up like mine in pics before so I am hoping someone might now what lets loose or what lies beneath.

Had an idea late last night about rebuilding it like a 60's Fox bike is where the forks slip apart right at that same point, I just don't know with the added pressure due to to the rake if that would be a no no.

 

[Mark G]

I could tell that the 7/8" was welded to the top of plate and the 1" was welded to the bottom, Both welds are clean and thin so its hard to say if they mated the 3 pieces at one time in either area. .

I recently checked the stock forks from mine and that is how they are also. I have a repro set from Scooterboy that looks like he did the same thing, maybe give him a shout. I bet he's had a set apart and knows the particulars:thumbsup:

 

[massacre]

I have disassembled forks before, just not that exact kind.
What I will tell you is, make sure you have a good set of files. I ground the welds down close with angle grinder, but finished with hand files to not remove too much material. It took a while but everything came apart and went back together fine.