Another leader build

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gearhead1951
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SELF INTRODUCTION: I am an expat tennessee hillbilly and retired us navy engineer livin' in Scotland and I have a love of old cars , trucks, motorcycles and most any other machinery !

I dont know if I can think of enough to say to reach the two hundred charactor minimun set by the mods , but I will persevere
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Re: Another leader build

Post by gearhead1951 »

Yeah , take look at a Kiwi leafer ! There is always a rebound leaf installed !
hansgoudzwaard
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SELF INTRODUCTION: I was on the last board as bonustoolkit. I have changed that to my given name.
I started a project build there " File and Fit." I paln to continue that when I go back home in Dec. 2011. I first joined the board when Gary W had it in the year 2005. That was the time I really gained an interest in building chops. I have a long way to go, compared to some here.

Re: Another leader build

Post by hansgoudzwaard »

yona wrote:I looked ....you just need a top leaf,, cut from another spring, the same length as the leaf, under the eye leaf .
Good eyeballs Yona.
kheaton
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SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
Location: Augusta, GA

Re: Another leader build

Post by kheaton »

I have the rebound spring, just haven't put in in yet because the bolts holding the spring are too short. Been meaning to buy longer ones for about a month now and you just reminded me!

Just started machining the rockers today. I'm using a buddy's mill so I may not get to finish them until next weekend. Don't really want to ask to use it after work, can't be greedy with borrowed mill time. Almost done though!

Ken
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yona
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Re: Another leader build

Post by yona »

You are farther ahead than I am.... ; ))))
I.D.G.A.F.H.T.D.I.A.O.C.C.
kheaton
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SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
Location: Augusta, GA

Re: Another leader build

Post by kheaton »

Still not done! I must say I have a new respect for all you machinist out there. I spent hours over the weekend trying to mill my rockers from solid 1" stock. Didn't even get close before I gave up. This was on my buddies Bridgeport. I have since cut new rockers from 1/2" bar and will make them that way.
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curt
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Re: Another leader build

Post by curt »

i know what you mean
ever notice when you hit somethin or someone with a hammer you feel instantly better
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rudog
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Location: Texoma

Re: Another leader build

Post by rudog »

There's alot to milling before you ever get to turning two handles at the same time. Same principle as working wood to a scribed line, but 1" is ALOT!!!
kheaton
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SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
Location: Augusta, GA

Re: Another leader build

Post by kheaton »

The leafer is done but I goofed a measurement somewhere and only left 4.18" between the narrowest point on the rockers and my hub won't fit. Not only will mine not fit, I haven't found one that will and allow me to run disc brakes. Thought about drum on front but every one I've checked is too wide. I did find a Hallcraft/Airheart setup that would fit but everything I've read on them basically says its a brake to say you have a brake and doesn't work good. Not really comfortable riding without front brakes.

All is not lost though. I'm still looking for a hub and it will go on another bike. I must say even though I haven't ridden with the leafer, it was extremely satisfying to see it on the bike.

Ken
Jeff L
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Re: Another leader build

Post by Jeff L »

Where do You think the Measurement is off?I just checked Mine, & with the Forks at 8" centers & running the Rockers on the outside, I have 9" between my Rockers.
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kheaton
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SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
Location: Augusta, GA

Re: Another leader build

Post by kheaton »

Jeff L wrote:Where do You think the Measurement is off?I just checked Mine, & with the Forks at 8" centers & running the Rockers on the outside, I have 9" between my Rockers.
Not sure yet. I was a little confused with the plans. On one page there was a thrust washer on each side of the rocker and on another page it appeared to only have one on one side. I put one on both. I have the rockers on the inside, if I put them on the outside the axle will bottom out on the rear leg. Working from the inside out I have: the bolt head, flat washer, thrust washer, rocker, thrust washer, lower leg. Measuring from bolt head to bolt head I only have 4.18.

I have an ironhead disc wheel that fits but its a 19" and I built it for a 21". I looked for a used one on a 21" for weeks but no luck and a new one is high as giraffe ears.

Ken
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gww25
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Re: Another leader build

Post by gww25 »

I know this is a really old post but I need to clarify that the motion of the axle on a leafer is always 'upwards' therefore the axle can never 'bottom out' on the rear legs unless the builder makes a horrible mistake with their rocker design geometry.
kheaton
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Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 10:12 pm
SELF INTRODUCTION: My name is Ken Heaton. I've been in the medical field in the Army for the past 18 years and work on and build bikes as a hobby. My main hobby and goal is to think of parts that do not exist and make them or modify existing parts. I currently own a 99 Softtail that I bolted together, a 78 Triumph bobber that i built from the ground up, a 75 CB360 cafe, and a 76 Kawasaki KH500 that needs a lot of work. I joined the original forum about 8 years ago and I'm glad to see it up and running again!
Location: Augusta, GA

Re: Another leader build

Post by kheaton »

gww25 wrote:I know this is a really old post but I need to clarify that the motion of the axle on a leafer is always 'upwards' therefore the axle can never 'bottom out' on the rear legs unless the builder makes a horrible mistake with their rocker design geometry.
I understand. Jeff mentioned putting the rockers on the outside to make room for my hub. I put them outside without the wheel or spring legs mounted and when I rotated the rockers, the axle hit the legs. I have no idea if this would have happened with everything put together.
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