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Post by hoojumiflip on Apr 14, 2012 7:18:55 GMT -6
Hi Folks, The GoodSo I've read a few posts where people are asking for more info on all the bits and pieces inside the forks and what order they go back in when you're changing the seals. Here's a couple of photos I took, hope they help: The BadYou may notice in the above pictures that the small spring that sits at the bottom of everything doesn't look quite right. It looks like the previous owner reassembled things wrong (he'd put the big spring in upside down too ) In close-up it looks like this: So, two questions: 1. Any ideas about how to source such a part? I'm guessing a part like that probably isn't available any more? 2. Anyone know what that part actually does and what the implication might be of putting it back in the way it is? The UglySo here's where the previous owner really went to town. He mustn't have known how to get the top off the forks (the bit with the air-valve in it) and he's gone all ape-man with a screwdriver on it. When I removed it I found this inside the tubes: And I was wondering why the top of the fork was covered in silicone sealant So...another question...anyone have any good ideas about how I might pack those gouges out and sand them back to create a tight seal around the air-valve piece? I'm open to any ideas. Thanks All....
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Post by eaglerider on Apr 14, 2012 8:28:21 GMT -6
Ouch! This is the results of someone tearing into something, not knowing how, nor having done any research beforehand, nor asking anyone's advice on how to do it. This has resulted in damaged parts, and unneeded expence....really sad. From what I can see, looks like the top of the fork tube is really messed up, and likely too far gone to repair. I think it would be cheaper, and easier, to go to ebay, find a complete fork replacement. The early model Vulcan 500 uses the same forks, without the air assist (like the later model 454), and the early model Vulcan 750 will also work. The 750 does have dual rotors, but if the fork u are replacing is the right ( side without the brake caliper) the mounting tabs on the 750 lower fork leg can be cut off and smoothed out to match, if u wanted to do that.
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bwhittet
Junior Member
it is by will alone I set my mind in motion.
Posts: 186
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Post by bwhittet on Apr 19, 2012 15:59:27 GMT -6
you pay shipping from 55426 and its yours. Off my 86 project. (tubes have rust, seals are bad, fender dented/rusty, and ignition not included.)
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Post by chopperfreak2k1 on Apr 20, 2012 10:00:40 GMT -6
that's a heck of an offer bwhittet!!!
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Post by hoojumiflip on Apr 21, 2012 4:50:22 GMT -6
Wow....that is indeed a very generous offer, for which I thank you. Unfortunately, as I'm in Australia, I'm guessing that the shipping is probably going to be prohibitively costly, especially as I only really need one top tube and a small spring. That's a good front end and I wouldn't want to tear that apart for a couple of parts. Let me just say though that this type of generosity and camaraderie are what make this bike and it's owners a special bunch, thank you again.
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bwhittet
Junior Member
it is by will alone I set my mind in motion.
Posts: 186
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Post by bwhittet on Apr 21, 2012 11:24:23 GMT -6
If i took them apart and mailed them US postal service and they fit in the largest Priority mail flat rate box it would be about $65 us. That is if it fit in the 24" x 12" x 5" box when disassembled and were under 20lbs. delivery in 6-10 days. let me know is your interested. Again top tubes have rust. picture is couple years old and does not show rust well.
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Post by eaglerider on Apr 21, 2012 15:36:49 GMT -6
Put in new seals and install the complete forks.
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Post by hoojumiflip on Apr 22, 2012 5:26:42 GMT -6
I took a measure and scales to them today and each fork is a shade under 10lb so the weight is OK, but the top tubes are 30 inches long. I'm going to call round some of the local breakers and see what's out there but if I can't find anything then I'll get onto Fedex or someone similar and see what they'd charge. Cheers.
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bwhittet
Junior Member
it is by will alone I set my mind in motion.
Posts: 186
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Post by bwhittet on Apr 23, 2012 12:08:30 GMT -6
Price jumps to $115 for the length up to 42". ouch. also I'm using Sydney as my drop off point so not sure what price change would be for your location. Trying to help. Sad to just have them sit here if someone could use them.
My on line FedEx and UPS searches put it at about $300. hope you have better luck.
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bwhittet
Junior Member
it is by will alone I set my mind in motion.
Posts: 186
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Post by bwhittet on Apr 23, 2012 12:16:05 GMT -6
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Post by hoojumiflip on Apr 24, 2012 5:33:05 GMT -6
Thanks heaps for looking the prices up..I appreciate it. I did see the 250 forks on ebay and that breaker is only just down the road from me so I'll pop down there at the weekend and see. I have to say they look quite different in the photos though so I don't know? There's one other breaker in Australia that I know has some 454 parts as I had a couple off him a while back so I've emailed him to see if he's got any decent forks.
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mayhem
New Member
It´s a very warm winter here n Croatia :) Let´s ride!
Posts: 67
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Post by mayhem on Apr 26, 2012 4:05:43 GMT -6
I also need that one small spring. I´ve changed fork seals last time and discovered that one spring is missing. If anyone could help me with that, it would be great...
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Post by hoojumiflip on Apr 27, 2012 15:46:20 GMT -6
If I end up getting a pair of forks then you're welcome to one of the springs. I'll keep you posted.
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mayhem
New Member
It´s a very warm winter here n Croatia :) Let´s ride!
Posts: 67
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Post by mayhem on Apr 30, 2012 6:37:50 GMT -6
That would be great! Thanks!
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Rob
New Member
Posts: 71
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Post by Rob on May 1, 2012 5:43:42 GMT -6
Man, Croatia - Australia - UK - all North America
Where didnt they sell these little bikes?
Probably not one in Japan, they all drive old 40's hardlys!
And I thought we had a hard time finding parts. Lots on ebay but shipping kills you to most locations.
Curious to see how many are still on the roads??
Theres always 2 or 3 for sale in Nova Scotia on kijiji (canadian version of craigs list)
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Post by eaglerider on May 1, 2012 15:49:59 GMT -6
All over Europe, Phillipenes....we do not actually know how many are still going.......there are a lot of owners that are not registered members of our family.
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mayhem
New Member
It´s a very warm winter here n Croatia :) Let´s ride!
Posts: 67
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Post by mayhem on Jul 15, 2012 22:59:21 GMT -6
So, my friend that works in springs factory made those springs for me. 4 pairs are available if anyone needs them.
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