leaf spring springer

[elewayne]

I did a search and didn't dome up with much. Does anyone know how to build a leaf spring, springer fork, like the early Indians had out over the front wheel.
Like where to find the spring leafs? What would they be made from, some small car springs?
Wayne

 

[bluegoatwoods]

If only there was an existing one to copy. but I'll bet that's a low production item.

And small car leafs would surely be available, but they'd likely be a bit big for the job.
(Yugo springs, maybe?)

There's a guy here named "Houghmade" who has a decorative spring on his. There are photos, but it's non-functioning.

Good luck.

 

[HoughMade]

I'm him...and yes, it would be a neat idea. The only thing to do is look at some pictures, see how it works (it is simpler in concept than a "beehive" springer), and fabricate it.

As BG said, mine is for looks only, but there is no reason someone (you!!!) couldn't custom build a one-off functional set.

 

[Revorunner]

Hey HoughMade,

You said it was not fuctional? Too Bad.

It looks like it would be very smooth even on very rough roads.

 

[gerbil]

there are some pics at greenridgecycle.com , no more complex than any other springer (maybe easier) maybe leaf springs from a small trailer would work good

 

[elewayne]

Thanks for the website. Very good pictures. Also thanks for the trailer leaf idea, I hadn't thought of that.
wayne

 

[Revorunner]

Yep,Interesting website.

Interesting prices on leaf springers.

 

[Irish John]

I did a search and didn't dome up with much. Does anyone know how to build a leaf spring, springer fork, like the early Indians had out over the front wheel.
Like where to find the spring leafs? What would they be made from, some small car springs?
Wayne

I know guys in metal workshops around here who could make you one pretty cheap. I'm sure it's the same around you. Get it made exactly as you want it.
They braze them I'm told. They don't weld them.

 

[elewayne]

I can braze and make one myself. I just was wondering if anyone knew where I would get the springs or specs. Someone mentioned small trailer springs and that may prove to be a good source. I hadn't thought of that. The close up pictures on the web site were a big help also, I hadn't seen that site in my research. When I finish my Lotus Seven project this summer I may really start looking at building one and maybe selling copys if there is any interest. My home in Houston is in a historic neighborhood and board track motorbike would fit in nicely there.( I could be so cool.)
Thanks for the help so far, from all of you.
Wayne

 

[Tom Bartlett]

Similar interests?

elewayne,
Your mention of a Lotus Seven project caught my eye...I'm in the final stages of finishing my third Seven project (I built two this time). And they are located right beside my motored bikes. Which are alongside a half-completed cyclekart...which is another story.
Tom Bartlett