1946 Indian Chief rear axle alignment aiders AKA Three Blind Mice

[PaulCDF]

This really is not a tool as such but it helped me and may be of use to someone else so here goes:

BACKGROUND: When aligning my rear axle after tire change or drive chain adjustment or in my case some speedometer drive work I follow the method outlined in Kiwi Indians' Mike Tomas Riders Instruction book with success:

1. Clamp a 24" or longer straight edge across the down tubes of the frame just above the brake and clutch pedals.
2. Measure the distance from the straight edge to center of the rear axle on each side of the motorcycle.
3. Adjust the rear axle forward or backward until the measurement on each side is equal.
4. Check and adjust the drive chain tension as necessary."

Some prefer using an 8 foot fluorescent bulb or a steel straight edge against the front and rear wheels. All good. The method outlined by Mike Tomas works for me.

So here is the "tool"

20lbs Neodymium Magnets，6 Pack Strong Magnets, Cabinet Magnets with Screws, Rare Earth Magnets for Holding Tools, Door, Magnetic Cabinet Locks-Black, 0.63x0.19inch Purchased off AMAZON for $8.50

Various Length Roofing Nails I had cost $0.00

Picture #1 Shows straight edge clamped as per directions #1 above.

Picture #2 and #3 Show: Neodymium Magnets and Various Length Roofing Nails.

Picture #4 Shows "contraption" being used on Left Side

Picture #5 Shows "contraption" being used on Right Side

NOTE Pictures #4 and #5 were done during process and were NOT my final measurements.

Personal Note: I am right eye dominant but, a couple of years ago I lost the central vision in my right eye so I am learning and adapting to try and do accuracy work using my left eye. As Churchill said "Never surrender!" "Never Give up!"

#1

Three Blind Mice A1.JPG


#2

Three Blind Mice A.JPG
#3

Three Blind Mice B.JPG
#4

Three Blind Mice C.JPG
#5

Three Blind Mice D.JPG

[pisten-bully]

Thanks Paul! I'm going to try that next time, I always used the long straightedge against the tires method but this looks better!

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

That's a good method, Paul. I use one of these tools on all my chain driven bikes. You pick out a symmetrical spot on the frame (like you did with the down-tubes) and set the pointer screw to that length and just switch it over to the other (chain drive side) to get the alignment setting.


Alignment tool.jpg

[PaulCDF]

I'm liking this Deebs! Will look into getting one. Anything to make routine maintenance easier. Thank you!

[T. Cotten]

Awesome, Paul!

But I really got to ask everybody: Is a simple trammel lost technology?

....Cotten

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

Tom, that tool is pretty much a trammel.



trammel_beam_compass_plan.jpg

[T. Cotten]

My trammel, Deebs,

Is long enough to square the rear to the front, just in case something something in between is tweaked.

Even works on a harley.

TRAMMEL2.jpg

...Cotten
PS: There's always a time or place for everything, Folks!

I couldn't roll this Scout straight in a small room, so I was forced to use boards to rough it out,
SSALIGN1.jpg

And fluorescent bulbs are great for frame inspection,...
frambulb.jpg

But when it comes to doing the rear axle fast, accurate, and reproduceable, a cheap piece o' conduit with adjustable pointers makes it a lot easier.
TRAMMEL.jpg

Time is money for a service shop, but I learned it at the race track, where time is priceless.

...Cotten

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

I like the conduit tool. I like the guy holding it even better. Nice hat.

image_48215.jpg

[PaulCDF]

Yes the Trammel holding "helper" is the Best.

[T. Cotten]

Yes the Trammel holding "helper" is the Best.

Sold already.

....Cotten

[Peter Cooke]

Is your trammel aluminium tube Tom?

[T. Cotten]

Is your trammel aluminium tube Tom?

Just ordinary thin-wall steel EMT, Peter!

(Aluminum doesn't last in the dumpsters long.)

I think the sliders were mirror clamps.

.....Cotten

[Peter Cooke]

Just ordinary thin-wall steel EMT, Peter!

(Aluminum doesn't last in the dumpsters long.)

I think the sliders were mirror clamps.

.....Cotten

Thanks Tom. I now have a plan!

[T. Cotten]

I'll be real disappointed if nobody suggests lazers, Folks.

....Cotten

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

P113_2.jpg