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Knee pad tank rubbers

Submitted by alan_thomas1 on Tue, 23/08/2022
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Heavy Twins

Has anyone had any experience with new (Copy) rubber tank knee pads and the fitting of them to your tank.

I've just bought a pair and they are fine, but quite stretchy and flexible, I expected them to be a little more solid. As these are a little under size, I have to stretch them to fit the screws to the holes (2) in the tank, where I now worry about the rubber splitting due to the rubber pulling back to the slightly smaller size it wants to be. Any suggestions, anyone?

Also, where on earth do you get new 3/16" x 3/8" slot head screw's from? I've been offered some for £14 each, rip off or what, I know M6.1 fit's the thread 26tpi or 24tpi, cant remember but I can only get in Allen or Phillips not slot, again Any suggestions, anyone?

Thanks for your time.

Submitted by andrew_sharp on Wed, 24/08/2022

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You don't say what bike you are fitting these to, so assuming that its a1950s. two screw type. You can buy the screws from the NOC spares shop, also there are a few different knee pads around, none of which are perfect, but again there are pads in the NOC shop. I tried several for my 1956 ES2, and eventually found some original used ones on ebay which are a much better fit.

Submitted by neil_wyatt on Wed, 24/08/2022

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Well said Andrew. I wrote a piece hours ago before I realised what bike?

But the same issues are also found on the 57/58 singles + some twins.. Made worse, in my opinion by the chrome plate that also uses the same holes.(More to line up)

There is something to be said for the 16H etc single bolt fixing rubbers.

Submitted by alan_thomas1 on Tue, 30/08/2022

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The bike in question is a Model 7 Dominator with the oil gauge in the tank, with the twin hole knee rubber, the hole centre distance is 5" on the tank, but 4 3/4" stretchy rubber knee pad replacements, as I try to fit the pads they deform pretty badly and the edges twist outwards. I could use a double sided tape, might hold, or an epoxy clear glue, but would rather try to get proper fitting ones.

Any suggestions out there?

Submitted by neil_wyatt on Tue, 30/08/2022

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Alan,

If it were my bike, I wouldn't go down the stick on route for this bike.

What I would do is to test on one side: Elongate slightly one of the holes. I suspect you can cover the tiny gap with some black sealant. If acceptable do the other side.

The other tip is to screw in the first fixing loose, this should create a bit of give.

It was a big stretch on my 57 pre F/bed but I managed.   

Submitted by ian_soady on Tue, 30/08/2022

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.. Jeff Hunter does the pads with the correct hole spacing. I believe all the cheap ones available have the incorrect spacing you describe. But they're a hefty price - £51 last price list I have.

Submitted by david_cooper on Wed, 31/08/2022

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The prewar ones have an internal alloy plate  so they can be bent to fit. Do the two bolts ones not have that?

If I were to glue them, I'd use clear silicone sealant. If the tank paint is good, they will then peel off if and when you want them to. Masking tape to hold them in place because they'll take a long time to set.

I agree with Ian.

I bought a set from Jeff Hunter.

I can't fault the quality, they fit a treat and look superb.

But they are very expensive especially when you include a plane ride to the Antipodes. 

Not to mention the price of the Wassell ones I'm not going to use.

Submitted by neil_wyatt on Thu, 01/09/2022

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Wow, and I thought I was mad flying to Shaky City (Via Melbourne -Thanks Ian) to collect a rear mudguard and a head lamp shell. (Thanks Lex) But it was GR8 just to see the Norton folks down under again. They know how to rally......

Wish I could visit again. RIP Mark M.

 


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