Hello,
Moved to Florida and now getting back to the WM20 rebuild. The found an old school machine just a few miles. He is putting valve seats in a 1948 Cushman 53A. It is civilian model of the Airborne WWII 53 model.
I have to replace the front wheel bearings. Has anyone machined the wheel hubs to take a standard off the shelf bearing? The rear wheel takes a non-tapered bearing. They are cheap and available.
Thanks,
Charlie
Machining the hub is a bad idea. Your choices are to use a sealed ball bearing of the correct OD and make spacers/sleeves so it all lines up or Dragnafly in the UK has tapered roller bearings they have modified to fit. OD has been ground smaller and the ID has a sleeve/spacer to fit the axle. This is probably the simplest way to go. Unless you have access to a lathe as the sealed ball bearing option makes for less maintenance.
The original bearings BSA used are obsolete but can sometimes be found but at very expensive prices. I was quoted $375 for each bearing years ago!
Charlie, please don't suggest that I was not being sensible!! I answer loads of questions to the best of my ability. But the question itself must be understandable??? Ron
Hello Ron,
It has been awhile since I have checked in. Life is is fast forward mode. While wintering in Florida a neighbor’s daughter asked to buy our New Jersey home. Had to pack, sell, give away 28 years of hoarding stuff. Sold seven motorcycles, three boats and a ton of parts. What a nightmare. As you suggested I did a search. If found it very useful. I also found an old school machine shop. Give him the specs and he does the rest. The Cushman Airborne was something to mess with while I got the Florida shop ready to tackle the basket case 1944 WM20.
Thanks for all your help.
