Machinists- Can it be done? Turning an offset springer to inline.

2503 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by rsssbelair, Dec 1, 2011

RPS

Discussion Starter · Dec 1, 2011

So here's my situation. I've got what I think is a VL springer. It has a 7/8" stem and what appears to be a 3 degree offset. I'm trying to use it on a new big twin frame. My original intent was to have the bottom (where the rear legs will be attached to) milled flat and the stem hole punched out to 1" at a 90 degree angle. However I failed to take into account that the surface that the lower bearing race sits on is also at an angle. When you place that bearing surface flush against the bearing cups, the "posts" on the fork are raked back.
So, machinists, is it possible to convert this to an inline fork using a 1" stem? I've included some photos so you can see what I'm working with.

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1 - 13 of 13 Posts

Destralo Roach

· #2 · Dec 1, 2011

Thats a WL/FL springer rear leg, not a VL/RL.

You will need the top tree to do what you want and then deck the bearing seat.........Roach.

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RPS

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 1, 2011

I guess that's good news. I have an inline top tree already.
So I'll ask a follow up question- can anyone recommend a machine shop to do this? I live in the mountains and the only machine shop within an hour of me is in the back of an auto parts store. They bored out some jugs for me and did an ok job but I'm not sure I trust them with this. Obviously everything will need to be perfectly square.

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charmer21o

· #4 · Dec 1, 2011

I can do it but I'm in los Angeles. Not sure it will be worth the shipment. But it is possible. U just have to have the right tools to do it.

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RPS

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 1, 2011

It's not a real big part. Probably $15 each way to ship it to any machine shop in the country. That's well worth it for me knowing that it's done right. Anyone who has the tools and the expertise and can complete the job in a reasonable amount of time- send me a PM.

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VonWegener

· #6 · Dec 1, 2011

Did you cut the legs off? With the legs attached you can bend the lower triple tree as it isn't solid but a sheetmetal construction. That's how the factory did them. You mount a fixture that looks like a neck on your frame table. Now the springer rear legs are horizontal a few inches above the table. All you do is bend the legs downwards, a little past three degrees to allow for flexing and you are done. No machining involved.

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MarkRado

· #7 · Dec 1, 2011

when u bore the hole out for a 1" stem, just bore the hole so it is 90 degrees to the plane, easy as shit

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Matthew Olsen

· #8 · Dec 1, 2011

The fork piece that you are working with is from 1939 to 1944. It was originally an inline front end. I would be more concerned with putting the legs in the fork than the stem. THat is a tough fix

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Larry T

· #9 · Dec 1, 2011

A long time ago, I was told that the offset springer was made with an inline springer and a press. I don't know if it's true or not, but I think I'd try to press it back to inline before I milled it.

How are you planning to put the legs on the tree? Looks like a lot to clean up so that you can slug it.
Larry T

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RPS

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 1, 2011

The legs that I have are Ford radius arms. I think I'm going to re-use these because they look badass. The plan was, after milling the surface, to clean up the holes in the bottom to accept some 1 1/8" slugs that I would then slide the radius arms over.
I realize that I could probably re-use the 7/8" stem (with those special bearings that adapt it to 1" cups) and probably press it to inline, but this whole piece needs a lot of work to be brought back to square anyway, I figured I might as well just do it right. When dealing with a part that has been chopped and hacked on over 70 years, I think it's probably best to go back to the start and make sure everything is done right.

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Zeeman

· #11 · Dec 1, 2011

RPS said:
It's not a real big part. Probably $15 each way to ship it to any machine shop in the country. That's well worth it for me knowing that it's done right. Anyone who has the tools and the expertise and can complete the job in a reasonable amount of time- send me a PM.

Irish Rich is in Denver, and will do it right..

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RPS

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 1, 2011

I tried Irish Rich. His reputation proceeds him and he wouldn't be able to get to it until spring because he's got too much work lined up.

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rsssbelair

· #13 · Dec 1, 2011

Get ahold of " A righteous ride v-twin motors" they are in greeley co. (970)-339-5781. Thomas will help you out. they are a full on machine/builder shop. I have nothing to do with the shop, just throwing a bone for all that he has helped me out. if you do use him tell him valhalla kory from omaha sent you.

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