Need some help

[Gordon Brennan]

OK, I'm breaking down the frame on my Penton / Mudlark / Wassell / trials bike for it's bath, blast and coat of fresh paint. Everything is done except the headset. I have removed all allenhead screws, the cap, nut, washer and bearing cover. The top of the triple tree is off, but the bottom, I'm not sure of. Probably a stupid question, but what comes next?
I can see the bearings and there is a threaded pipe coming through from the bottom triple tree. Are the top triple clamp, bottom triple clamp and pipe, three (3) seperate pieces? Or is the bottom triple clamp connection to the pipe supposed to remain connected until death or larger hammer?

I must admit, I am having fun with this thing, so far. And using ALL my tools. No prejudices between my SAE and Metric wrenches and sockets. Each gets to work enjoyably together, and sometimes, at the same time. An 11mm on the nut and a 7/16 on the bolt. .... Everyone's happy. Can't do that with my Kawy, Yamy or Ossa. Those knuckle heads stuck to just one system.

[tomale]

Gordon, yes the steering tube is a seperate piece. you could take it off of the bottom triple clamp. but unless you need to why do it?

Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)

[Gordon Brennan]

I want to replace the bearings and I'm going to sand blast the frame. If the lower triple clamp comes off, how do I get the tube out? Wooden block and hammer? Or drive the tube through, with the clamp still attatched? Again, with block and hammer?

[Gordon Brennan]

"you could take it off of the bottom triple clamp" HOW! That's what I'm asking. Can I leave it connected and just drive the center pipe through the bearings, so that now I will be able to get at the bearings?

[Bob Marsh]

Gordon, it sounds like to me that the top race is stuck to the steering stem and will not let it slide out(the lower triple and the tube assembly). I would think a little persuation(hammer and wood) will get it moving and then off..

[chicagojerry]

he's going to send me a picture of what he has. i should be able to tell from that whats going on.... chi jer

[Gordon Brennan]

quote:Originally posted by Bob Marsh

Gordon, it sounds like to me that the top race is stuck to the steering stem and will not let it slide out(the lower triple and the tube assembly). I would think a little persuation(hammer and wood) will get it moving and then off..

Thank you Bob. That is what I was looking for. I gave it a few light taps last night and it didn't budge and didn't feel right. Since I have never taken a Wassell headset apart, I wasn't going to continue until I talked to you folks. So I put some Kroil to it and left it alone. This afternoon, after reading your comments, I gave it a couple more taps and down she went. Now I just have to loosen up the bottom bearing and lift it off.
I don't know much, but I do know when to stop, when something isn't going quite right.
Thanks folks,

Don't forget .... Ballots for Trustees are due the 15th!!

Also, now that I know how to post a picture on here, thanks to Mike, I'm going to post my (BEFORE) picture of this Mudlark, my first Penton.

[Paul Danik]

Gordon,

   I do believe that you have both metric and whitworth nuts and bolts to contend with on your Wassell.  

Good luck and have fun.
Paul

[David Laite]

We learned very early on about Whitworth tools with our Raleigh bicycles. eCrater.com has a combination wrench set (spanners) for short money.

1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R

[tomale]

Gordon, It is wise to stop and ask questions when you reach the end of your knowledge. It could be the difference success and failure. Good job!

Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)

[Gordon Brennan]

quote:Originally posted by Paul Danik

Gordon,

   I do believe that you have both metric and whitworth nuts and bolts to contend with on your Wassell.  

 

Paul, What about the threads? Metric, SAE or do I need Whitworth nuts and bolts too?

[Dennis Jones]

Gordon,

The Sachs motor has all metric fasteners and the rest of the bike is all whitworth. On my competition bikes I change almost every thing to metric. The exceptions would be axles, swingarm bolt, and steering stem. The larger pieces are not a problem to fit a wrench to.

For example on the side cover mounts just chase the threads with a 6mm tap and a metric bolt will work just fine. The stud for the chain tensioner can be chased with an 8mm die and then use an 8mm nut. Same for the tank mount stud and so on and so on. It makes things a lot simpler. I also like to use all stainless steel fasteners.

One more thing, //www.boltdepot.com is your friend.

Dennis Jones