Early Enfield v twin forks etc

[vintage_keith]

Hi everyone.

This is a long shot........

I have a couple of really early Enfields, one complete/roadworthy, the other an incomplete project (see at www.vinvetmotorcycle.simplesite.com).
Both 1912, largely same cycle parts but different engines.
I bought the runner to help me with the restoration of the prototype/racer.
The prototype came with a set of fork legs, and I knew I needed to source/make the rest.
Now that I've compared the fork legs closely, and visited the Birmingham (UK) museum, I find the fork legs that came with the project are for a 425cc 3hp twin!

Hence I'm looking for a swop (or buy if anyone has a surplus set).
The fork legs I have are possibly new old stock, and fit the larger tyre size of the 3hp twin (I'm definitely NOT looking to sell them).

If all else fails, I may be able to cut and shut the 3hp forks, but I'd rather try all options before I resort to that.

Whilst I'm on, might as well see if anyone has bits of the 425cc 3hp engine spare? The project is a 345cc forerunner of the 425cc v twin, same stroke but smaller bore.
I'm missing some of the valve gear, should imagine that will all be the same as the 425cc kit. May take a complete engine if one turns up.

Come on, somebody surprise me...........

[Rex]

Contact Mrs Elk's husband...he's the girder fork guru.
Rather than cut-n-shut yours maybe he could do a deal on a correct set?

[cardan]

That's an interesting project Keith. When I started reading the story on your website I thought "I know where there are tanks to suit that frame" http://forum.arielownersmcc.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4706 but I see you've already located them.

Are they original or did Ivor Mutton make them to suit the frame?

Re the forks: If the side profile is the same, I'd modify them to suit. I think this could be done fairly easily, and safely. Another option would be to fit a set of lightweight Druids - I notice a pair on one of the other early racers.

Re missing parts: They are around. A couple of years ago I was cleaning out a friend's shed, and amongst the stuff there was most of a V twin motor (425 I suppose), some 2-speed gear stuff, and the top and bottom of the glass oil tank. I also had a 60 degree open-magnet magneto for years - the one with the flat blade on the drive end to suit the engine where the magneto sits in line with the frame. It went to an Enfield enthusiast years ago, and the other parts went too. Sorry!

Good luck.

Leon

[vintage_keith]

Hi Guys
I will admit I haven't tried Elk yet, only realised I had the problem 3-4 days back!
I doubt they will have anything this early, but you never know.......

There are also a couple of guys that I've heard of in the UK that specialise in girders, Jake Robbins and Jess Ryles - but I've no experience of their skills/competence.
I believe I've seen somewhere that Jake was constructing replica Webbs for Triumphs and/or maybe Castle forks for Broughs?
I probably won't take modifying on myself, as I'm not set up for checking square/parallelism etc. A good adjustable jig/framework will help enormously. Although I can make spindles, links, steering column/head.
The side profile is the same between the 2 different models, but the 3hp version is wider (frontal), and hence pulls in more for the top spindle tube.
If I do go down that route, at least I have a pair on the standard bike to check for correct geometry.

I believe the petrol tanks are original, mainly due to the attached fittings (the petrol taps are a work of art, being the full depth of the tank, complete with mesh filters). I'll pop a photo up on the site shortly. The oil tank is similar. They've been repainted, and one tank has a small patch to the underside where it has no doubt been cut to give access for de-denting. The side mounted sight glass has a nickel plated top, with "Davisons" stamped in - Davisons were advertising their tanks and fittings in the magazines of the time.

Shame that v twin motor went, I couldwould have been interested in that - even 1/2 a world away (recently had a set of New Hudson Druids sent over from New Zealand). Same goes for the 60 degree Bosch mag, they're like hen's teeth now. The shaft driven version fits the road bike, but the prototype/racer has a rather interesting (and scarey) chain drive. Still, my 2 lads are grown now, and I don't have a need to add to the world's population any further!

I should have been into this game a bit earlier, instead of Lego (mind you, the internet is a wonderful thing for putting people and parts together).
Cheers Keith

[Rex]

Jake Robbins is Elk, and yes he does a lot of early and remanufactured stuff too.
I was very pleased with the work and price he charged for my Chief forks some years back.
Highly recommended.