1947 WL springer fork installation

[TChief]

I bought a 47 WL a little over a year ago and the front end always turned horrible. I decided to redo the entire bike and have taken everything apart. In removing the front forks I found no races on either the bottom or top on the stem. So I ordered races and bearings from 45 restoration. The bottom race called for a race with a guard. I put on the guard and races and replaced the forks on the frame. I have tightened it all the way down. It steers now like it should but the neck threads are not up as high. So now the headlight frame doesn't fit on the handlebars and not all the hardware will fit on the steering dampener.

Any ideas? Thanks TCHIEF

[Rubone]

Regretfully most of the aftermarket races are made incorrectly (too thick) and your problem is common. Original parts fit fine with no issues on overall height and damper ( not dampener) fitment. I have used the aftermarket with success only after grinding to the correct thickness including the concave recess which is a PITA.

[TChief]

Thanks I think I now have it fitting right.