Fork tube sleeve replacement ideas

[Minimichael]

Those look like they’d clean up and work fine.

I knew somebody was gonna say that! And I might agree except that I want to do it up right since I'm building from bottom up.

 

[Minimichael]

These are all great ideas, and shows the resourcefulness, creativity and depth of knowledge y'all have here. I shoulda known the topic would generate such traffic.

Hey has anyone seen any of their ideas in action? The brass sheeting, ... pill bottles?

 

[Minimichael]

That 0.032" stock may be my answer. With some extra grease...

But how to split and finish? Lots of patience and a hacksaw? Then how to deburr? I'm a very amateur metal worker.

 

[mchadsey1]

Yes, and it could take the worry out of spending $50 on plastic that may fit too snuggly. I've run into that problem before.

Do you know a plumber? copper pipe comes in a standard and a thick wall. Maybe you could get a piece to try .

 

[BRACE]

Look for Nylatron. That is the name brand for a special plastic that can be easily machined but wears really well. It can even wear steel down. Comes in lots of different shapes solids, rounds, and sheets. Used for bushings, washers and places that ordinarily plastic would fail. McMaster Carr. Easy to drill and machine but really tough when used

 

[Minimichael]

Look for Nylatron. That is the name brand for a special plastic that can be easily machined but wears really well. It can even wear steel down. Comes in lots of different shapes solids, rounds, and sheets. Used for bushings, washers and places that ordinarily plastic would fail. McMaster Carr. Easy to drill and machine but really tough when used

Thanks for this tip.

Nylatron and nylacast appear to be too thick walled (1/2") to be practical, I think, since I'd have to have it machined. And down to less than a 1/16" wall thickness.

I might go with these for first trial.

 

[Minimichael]

Now THIS would be the best stuff to machine fork sleeves. I just came across it looking at cast nylon now, and this stuff is naturally slippery too. $32 per sleeve before labor, but man this material sounds really ideal.
https://www.mcmaster.com/product/4363N117

 

[sparkwizard]

You could get a roll of aluminum roof flashing and a Sheet metal shear. A good pair if tin snips could work, too.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gibraltar-Building-Products-6-in-x-25-ft-Aluminum-Roll-Flashing/5001929997
https://www.amazon.com/TOOLEAGUE-Aviation-Cutting-Shears-Straight/dp/B094Z62PQ8?th=1
https://www.harborfreight.com/5-amp...MIhIWD2uzfhQMVpTbUAR3vAwhBEAQYBiABEgKFO_D_BwE

 

[Cuda54]

How about this a heat gun and make it as thick as you need. Small Parts-44905 Plastic Shim Stock, Flat Sheet Assortment, 0.0005-0.030" Thickness, 5" Width, 20" Length (Pack of 14): Shim Stock: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

[ole4]

Thanks for this tip.

Nylatron and nylacast appear to be too thick walled (1/2") to be practical, I think, since I'd have to have it machined. And down to less than a 1/16" wall thickness.

I might go with these for first trial.

I think these would work with minimal effort.

 

[Ginz61]

This might be another possibility.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/293624487374

 

[scooter_trasher]

3/4" copper pipe sliced long ways to open & close a bit should do it, or have Bearing supply set you up with oillite shim bushings.
Google is your friend https://cuttingtoolpickers.com/prod...-1-od-x-1-3-4-long-inch-bronze-oilite-bushing
HDPE plastic tubing .78 per ft https://www.mcmaster.com/products/hdpe-tubing/

 

[Minimichael]

Google is your friend

Calipers, too. Thanks for the tips. I'll post again on this. I have some fresh repop plastic sleeves, and also bought brass tubing, and might even try each. I thought about copper shim but what if that were to corrode inside the tubes? I mean this is my children's inheritance I'm working on

 

[Minimichael]

And I'm sorry for not updating here, but these forks are my bigger concern at the moment. I'm not going down without a fight, tho. I saw this Italian guy use some chemicals..

 

[scooter_trasher]

And I'm sorry for not updating here, but these forks are my bigger concern at the moment. I'm not going down without a fight, tho. I saw this Italian guy use some chemicals..

Studz Hdwe has springer down tubes and new chrome springs, since it's your children's inheritance.
https://www.studzracing.com/product-p/springerdowntube.htm

 

[Minimichael]

Studz Hdwe has springer down tubes and new chrome springs, since it's your children's inheritance.
https://www.studzracing.com/product-p/springerdowntube.htm

Thanks again!

 

[sparkwizard]

https://www.amazon.com/Izzo-Golf-Bl...G4suGhgMVrpxaBR2LcwA9EAQYBSABEgIz1_D_BwE&th=1

 

[Minimichael]

I figured out the ideal thickness of the bushing should be approx. 0.058"... (Maybe 3/64's?). To allow space for lubrication. Both the old stock (trashed) ones and the new repops are about that. And the brass I'm working with will match that, too.