53 Chief forks

[BluChief]

I'm finally back on track moving slowly forward with my 53 Chief basket case that I'm 9 years into on my 2 year project. I finally have a set of reproduction forks and my new / old problem
is finding a machine shop to ream them. I've check with several shops with no luck. The problem is the lower sliders, the brackets were tig welded on instead of brazed. They can't be honed
until they are reamed. I have another shop to try but they don't know until see the forks again and this is getting discouraging. I've thought about getting another set but I have so much invested
already. Not really sure what to do at this point. Looking for advise, Thanks in advance

[tfburke3]

Are you saying that the lower leg bore is warped because of the fender bracket welds,or the leg bore came unfinished undersize and need finishing with brackets interfering with lathe chuck?
Also by reaming do you mean boring?
Tom

[PaulCDF]

BC
Don't get discouraged. All part of the journey.
Consider taking detailed pictures and measurements
Send them to Mike Tomas at Kiwi Indian and discuss
He is a machinist so should be able to help

Email: parts@kiwiindian.com
Phone: 951-780-5400

[BluChief]

Tom, The bore is distorted because of the brackets being tig welded to the lower slider housing. I have been told the bore needs to be reamed before it can be honed.

Paul, My forks are at Kiwi now and Mike didn't know if he can fix them or not.

Indian Engineering could not hone them said they needed to be reamed.

Went to several other machine shops that couldn't do the job do to tooling.

[Jerry Wieland]

Yes - You have to line ream before you hone to size. If it is not lined up it does no good to hone it. I am sure Indian had tools to do the job or a competent machine shop could do it. It's all part of being a motorcycle builder.

Jerry

[PaulCDF]

Blu;
Well it sounds like you have the forks in the hands of the experts.
I believe Mike is "Down Under" now so let's see what he determines.
If Mike Tomas and Indian Engineering cannot fix them.
Then consider other options.
(Is this a 'rider' or a 'points' motorcycle)?

[exeric]

Just curious, what is the diameter of the fork tubes ?