Paralever bolt specification please help!

[chilipepper]

Ian

The bolt has arrived, thank you very much. I'm having two engineering companies look at it. One produces bolts etc for the Nuclear industry the other bespoke parts for vintage race cars. Both of whom I've had personal introductions to via my cousin and a great friend (who at 32 isn't old enough to be an airhead rider but can appreciate both the GS and my wounded spaniel face every time he mentions his "how to use a torque wrench for idiots" speech!)

I'm going to get a price from each on tooling costs for 2 units and an extra over cost for each additional unit, once I've got the cost I'll post them up.

I took the bike to the Adventure Bike Warehouse today where Gaz was most helpful, he introduced me to an engineer on the same business park who is sure that he can also produce something to fit the bill.

So now the proof of the pudding will be mainly displayed in time and money

 

[Beemerboff]

Sounds like you have the engineering side under control.

I am no expert on bolts but I know enough to know the extent of my ignorance and when to seek expert advice.

If the costs are anywhere close I would go with the bolt specialist - you cant have too much expertize!

 

[Bendy toy]

High tensile steel is seriously not corrosion resistant and any rust pitting will quickly degrade it's strength.

There are high tensile versions of stainless but I don't expect it compares well with the carbon steel options. The experts will know if any are up to the task.

As we know, both steels will electrolytically react with aluminium so a zinc plate on the carbon steel would be wise. It's worth asking if it's worth zinc plating the stainless (to protect the aluminium).

Aluminium oxide is many times the volume of the metal so it will seize onto the bolt thread. Especially as the FD catches a lot of road crud.

Decent copper grease paste helps but any torque setting should be reduced. Again the experts should know how much to adjust the torque setting.

 

[chilipepper]

At long last I have internet access again and can update anyone who's interested.

The bike has been fixed courtesy of Gaz and Chris at the Adventure Bike Warehouse in Manchester. They used an engineering firm in the nextdoor unit to drill and retap the offending bolt all for the princely sum of £50!!! I can't speak highly enough of the team at ABW great people to deal with. They all enjoyed "test" ride's before I got it back!

While the bike was in they fully serviced it, balanced up my carbs and I can now say it's running great. I've done all the modifications I intend to for the moment, namely Ohlins on the rear, uprated Wilbur's PD springs in the forks and a new seat and 320mm disc upgrade from Gary at BaMW.

I'll be heading into North Wales a couple more times before putting the bike away for the winter and sending the shock off in to be shortened. Any advice on where I can get this done?

I must also thank Ian Boyd for getting involved and supplying the spare bolt for manufacturing tooling.

As for having a bolt manufactured, I found a company who would manufacturer a batch of 20 at £52 each, but I can't see me getting enough orders to make that viable, not when Gaz at ABW will do it for £50!!