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1955 Model D 150 - Front forks installation

PostPosted: Sun Nov 29, 2020 3:02 pm
by Big Al
I am about to fit the front forks back into the frame tube.
The inverted upper cone (99096106), which sits above the ball race and below a new chrome protection cap, seems an extremely tight fit inside the frame tube. It will not just push in.
Is this correct, and if so, what is the best way of drawing the forks up inside the frame tube?
Should I thoroughly clean the inside of the frame tube first with emery paper or similar perhaps?

Re: 1955 Model D 150 - Front forks installation

PostPosted: Sun Nov 29, 2020 3:14 pm
by Big Al
The cone (99096106) is called the "Lower steering ballrace upper cone" in my parts book, but it's the one that goes at the bottom of the frame tube!

Re: 1955 Model D 150 - Front forks installation

PostPosted: Sun Nov 29, 2020 11:58 pm
by jbcollier
Which part number in the diagram below are you talking about?

https://scooterhelp.com/manuals/LD_D.15 ... page41.jpg

Re: 1955 Model D 150 - Front forks installation

PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 10:31 am
by Big Al
Number 79 John (the inverted cone under 78 the chrome ring).

There is probably paint inside the frame tube which would not help. The painter seemed to spray everything, including some of the threads on the parts, which was not very sensible.

Alan

Re: 1955 Model D 150 - Front forks installation

PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 3:19 pm
by jbcollier
Carefully use a razor to clean the paint out of the bore AND off the end of the frame's fork tube, top and bottom. The upper and lower bearing cups should be a press fit into the bores. Very careful work with a hammer and a block of hardwood can do the job. I prefer to use washers, nuts and a long piece of large threaded rod. It allows more control. Both cups need to be fully seated against the ends of the tube.

Re: 1955 Model D 150 - Front forks installation

PostPosted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 6:11 pm
by Big Al
Thanks John. I will do as you suggest.

Re: 1955 Model D 150 - Front forks installation

PostPosted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 4:54 pm
by Big Al
I managed to get the lower cone back in yesterday. I had put it in the freezer for a few hours, in the hope that it would contract a bit!
I had also scraped all the new paint out of the frame tube. The cone then tapped in fairly easily, and I was able to get the forks back in, bolted down securely and swinging freely.

Re: 1955 Model D 150 - Front forks installation

PostPosted: Mon Dec 07, 2020 3:28 pm
by jbcollier
Excellent!