I'd love to fit a front break rod to my machine, (1940 M20) I believe my contract would have had them, unfortunately my forks are later, therefore too short for the break rod .
The longer forks are later war, it may be that the early rod system is designed to be used with the early shorter forks, but as there is only half an inch difference I suspect you may get away with either.
Good show ! ....... I will complete my research and if my bike contract C7297 (placed in May 1940 & completed August 1941) is supposed to have a semi break rod I will swiftly be in toutch
Ps my bike came off the production line 31/Dec/1940 (thanks Henk for this great info)
Great looking work, how much do you charge for the brake rods and do you have and pictures you could send me of one installed showing the top and bottom.
I have one of Roy's front brake rods. Fits and works nicely. It's a painted item, like the frame, forks, mudguards, wheels etc, so not so important to be stainless:relieved: Ron
It's a sort of sprung loaded bayonet fitting. Push and twist to release it from the brake arm to save faffing around with clevis and split pin when you need to remove the wheel. Ron
By the way,what thread is it at the top of the forks?Mine's all gobbed up with paint and needs tapping out.I might have a go at making a brake rod on mi old Myford.My bike's a 1947 m20 but I'm not a rivet counter.😉
Strangely a normal 14mm spark plug screws straight in that thread, so it must be very close to that. Some guys think it's a good idea to carry a spare plug there? Ron
Quote: Strangely a normal 14mm spark plug screws straight in that thread, so it must be very close to that. Some guys think it's a good idea to carry a spare plug there? Ron
Must be 9/16 x 20 TPI then, which was not uncommon...
Thanks for replying quickly Ron. I don't think my bike should have one but it's non standard anyway & I'd be interested if it improved the stopping power. Plus it looks good, bait for the "What's that bit?" crowd.
Hi
I will have 3 x quickly detachable brake rods modified (longer) to suit the more common longer fork arriving very soon
1 is spoken for - so 2 are remaining available for sale
Would suit someone wanting the authenticity of a brake rod on a period bike but running with longer blades.
Don't take my word for any lack of improvement of the rod over the cable. Because of a previous spill which buggered my right arm a bit I mostly use the rear brake. But there must be less flexing in the system, and I think it looks much neater. Ron
I've thought of fitting one to my M20 although I think it's too late for it really ('41)...I found on the Triumph 5SW it made for a much more rigid set up with hardly any of the 'give' which is apparent with the full cable...
It is worth noting though, that a number 4 or 5 Bowden cable with a good quality outer sleeve is much better than some of the lighter pattern cables that are about...Ian