Hello all,
I have a slimline featherbed which is currently underway for build.
I have an oddity in that it has no frame gusseting on the front two tubes.
I have contracted Andover Norton and they are unable to source the correct part for this.
Pictures attached, does anybody know a supplier that could provide this frame part?
Many thanks.
hello Ryan - Is the frame…
hello Ryan - Is the frame for a single cylinder bike or has it had another type of engine fitted ? The gusset plate at the steering head, in front of the two down-tubes, is usually a thin flat triangular plate. There is usually a hole for afixing the bottom of the friction steering damper. The images do not blow up well but am I correct in thinking that the top portion of the gusset has been removed for some reason ? You will need to make the triangular piece of plate, remove what remains of the original and then braze it in place. If you're fitting a Dominator engine you should also fit the correct front engine plate mounting brackets while you're doing the top gusset. Cheers, Howard
Singles frames are easily…
Singles frames are easily identified by a "flat" on the inside of the RH top frame loop, to provide clearance for the tappet cover of the "fatter" single cylinder head. Might explain the peculiar front engine mounts.
I thought the pics were…
I thought the pics were examples of the bit that’s missing (the trouser plate). That may have been a silly assumption.
Now I have no idea.
Details
Thanks guys, to clarify none of the pictures are my bike. They are all meant to show the gusset that I am trying to find.
I think I am going to have to find a slimline frame to make a cardboard stencil out of which has the gusset, which I can then cut out of steel plate as suggested.
I can mig weld myself, so I plan to fix it into the frame once I find something to copy.
My frame is for a twin engine, with the two mounting lugs attached for the front of the engine. It just doesnt have the gusset as pictured in the examples.
Will work on finding a good frame to copy, maybe a trip to Sammy Miller he might not mind haha
The slimline frames for the…
The slimline frames for the twins usually have a mounting bracket for the centre, front engine plate mount and another, lower down the frame tube, for the bottom of the front plate and the engine lug. Obviously these two brackets are replicated on the other downtube so there are four in all welded to the frame. Your frame doesn't have this arrangement so it may be for a single cylinder bike or a Triton or some such special. Good luck with it, Howard
A Possible Solution?
There are firms out there creating new Featherbed frames. You could try asking one/some of them for assistance.
Hi Howard
None of those frames in those pictures are mine, but I do have the four mounting lugs like you describe cheers
New featherbed frames
Hi Alan,
Could I ask who you know doing the slimlines? I asked Don Pender if he had anything left and unfortunately he doesnt. Still on the hunt for someone making the actual part rather than fabbing up some metal, would rather it was proper after all
Hi Ryan . I have read that…
Hi Ryan . I have read that the thin gusst plates do sometimes crack along the welds but that it does not usually become a problem and handling is unafected . So it appears that from a handling point the gusset is superfluous . However as the gusset assembly acts as a mount for the steering stop it seems neccessary to get something made up and fitted , unless you can rig up something else.
Post pics of your frame.
Before you go adding a repair panel let’s be clear on what you actually have. An early frame, Manx frame, modified frame, crashed frame. Codes within the frame number and headstock fillet will clarify what you have.
Jon
New Framemakers
..may not be making Slimlines, but may have suitable parts for welding or may be able to advise whether or not the piece is necessary for frame integrity.
Welding parts
Hi Alan,
Sorry for my delay on replying, if you are still available to discuss would love to have a chat. Can I give you a ring maybe or PM?
Has someone with Manx pretensions sawn it off?
Some people might just do without it. Otherwise, I guess you’ll be getting a new one made, or sawing a replacement one off a rusted-out frame.