Hi there, Probably should have done an introductary post somewhere, But I guess I'll get around to that some time soon!
I noticed this thread upon searching the net for 1947 and 1949 A7 info. Was quite alarmed when I saw these pics, as it was only yesterday that I put mine back together. (currently restoring a 49, but also piecing together a '47 that the old man is doing as well).
The '47 I have has interchangeable wheels, and I can tell you I have the original ones here pulled off the bike. I am not in the shed right now, but will take pics, and show dimensions tomorrow sometime.
I do know that both the wheels ARE identical, and if you put a straight edge from the spline side of the hub, to the outer edge of the rim, this should be all straight. ( not too good at explaining this!).
Also, not sure if it is optical illusion, but the pictures appear that the fork are tapering in.. (wider at top), You realize the '47's have a wider triple tree set up? It appears you have the correct top one (can see the wider handle bar clamps), is the lower clamp the same width? It should be, otherwise the forks will taper in (Not parallel)
In regards to "Shimming" front wheel... I don't think that is possible. The front brake plate should have a shoulder that goes into the fork tube (Primary side of bike), and then the other side should have a bush that goes into the fork leg, and spacing it correctly. What you have in the pic looks correct in that matter, but there is 2 different length bushes, one for interchangeable wheels, one for regular wheels.
AND I think the interchangeable wheel front axle is slightly different to the regular wheel axle...
Not here to poke at your work, just thought I would offer some knowledge! I will take some pics tomorrow, and also see if I can take pics of original parts list/manual that will back it up for you.
Cheers, Brett.