need help - steering lock removal
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need help - steering lock removal
I'm working on my '55, now I have the frame off, ready to be powder coated, there is only one thing I can't figure out: how to remove the steering lock without destroying it. Since I have the key and it works fine, I don't want to change it with a new one, but I'm not sure if it can stay in place during the powder coating treatment.
I've been looking around in the forum and I found that it should be a pin that holds the lock in place, I've got the paint out where i thought there was the pin, but nothing, there is just a small punch.
I'm stuck with this thing, any suggestions?
here are 2 pics of my steering lock:
I've been looking around in the forum and I found that it should be a pin that holds the lock in place, I've got the paint out where i thought there was the pin, but nothing, there is just a small punch.
I'm stuck with this thing, any suggestions?
here are 2 pics of my steering lock:
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
77,
Keep looking, the pin is there. Take a look at this thread, it may help:
Steering Head Lock
mike
Keep looking, the pin is there. Take a look at this thread, it may help:
Steering Head Lock
mike
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
Im sure you can tape that off so it dont get coated!--I have sent parts to my powder coat guy & taped-off what I didnt want touched!--Talk to the guy doing the coating!--He will tell you exactly how to do it properly.---Good-Luck---Richie
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
thank you Mike, I will keep looking but I was wondering if the pin is an afermarket thing or it cames with the original lock? Because in that thread it says to drill the lock, and I don't want to do that.FlatHeadSix wrote:77,
Keep looking, the pin is there. Take a look at this thread, it may help:
Steering Head Lock
mike
Thank you Richie too. I know it can be taped, but it would be better if it's all removed, because the frame will be sand-cleaned and then it goes into a oven at 200 °C. I will consider to leave it in place, anyway. I have a kind of same problem with the steering bearings races, they should be knocked out with a hammer and then replaced, but mine are good so it's a shame to waste them. but I'm wondering if they will get a damage in the sanding and painting process.58flh wrote:Im sure you can tape that off so it dont get coated!--I have sent parts to my powder coat guy & taped-off what I didnt want touched!--Talk to the guy doing the coating!--He will tell you exactly how to do it properly.---Good-Luck---Richie
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
77,
I posted the link to that thread becasue it had several good photos of the position of the pin hole. If the lock still works you should definitely not destroy it. In the first photo of your neck you can actually see the head of the pin, drilling them out is not easy but it is possible if you are careful and drill at the correct angle.
The other issue is also a big question, the powder coat process involves a lot of heat, the components of the lock may not tolerate that much heat. The lock housing and the lock core are both cast from pot metal and contain small springs and brass components as well. Check with the coater to see how hot things get when they bake the powder on.
good luck! Keep us posted.
mike
I posted the link to that thread becasue it had several good photos of the position of the pin hole. If the lock still works you should definitely not destroy it. In the first photo of your neck you can actually see the head of the pin, drilling them out is not easy but it is possible if you are careful and drill at the correct angle.
The other issue is also a big question, the powder coat process involves a lot of heat, the components of the lock may not tolerate that much heat. The lock housing and the lock core are both cast from pot metal and contain small springs and brass components as well. Check with the coater to see how hot things get when they bake the powder on.
good luck! Keep us posted.
mike
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
Why not use paint instead of powder? The bike would look more original with a lot less hassle...
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
I agree,Panacea wrote:Why not use paint instead of powder? The bike would look more original with a lot less hassle...
If I would have it to do over, I would have invested in a compressor and paint guns when I done my WLA.
Powder coat chips, and is a pain in the a$$ to fix.
Paint it.
Just my take on it.
George
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
I'm not a fan of paint on frames, it's too weak, where there are clamps it cames off, I think powder coating is stronger and more durable. Of course it has to be done by a real professional, I found one here in Italy that makes a lot of Harley frames, he does a precision by-hand sand cleaning (others have industrial sand cleaners that will take too much iron off the frame), then he will cover all the threads, holes and parts that must be clean, and do a shine polished powder coating that looks almost like the original paint.Panacea wrote:Why not use paint instead of powder? The bike would look more original with a lot less hassle...
It's more expensive than others, he will take about 300-350$ to do the job, but it will be a nice job.
The frame will be worked in september, so I have time to work on the lock
I'm not on a hurry, I want to do a nice job on the bike, so I think it will be ready next year. I have the '77 fx to hang around.
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
I shall never powdercoat another frame, Folks.
And another personal note about necklocks: I omit the return spring!
....Cotten
And another personal note about necklocks: I omit the return spring!
....Cotten
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
Dont ever take out the lock unless its not working.The powder coater can tape it off just fine and you can put duck tape on it if your sand blasting.
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
So you think that is better to leave it there? Could be the way, I'll check with the painter if it could stay there with the hig temp.
Another question...is it normal that the lock moves in and out about 0.08-0.11 inches?
Thanks to all for your help!
Another question...is it normal that the lock moves in and out about 0.08-0.11 inches?
Thanks to all for your help!
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
old77,
Yes, that is normal movement for your lock if only the inner section is moving. The core of the lock, the part that the key slides into, should have a small amount of clearance within the outer sleeve. If the entire lock is moving then something is wrong.
mike
Yes, that is normal movement for your lock if only the inner section is moving. The core of the lock, the part that the key slides into, should have a small amount of clearance within the outer sleeve. If the entire lock is moving then something is wrong.
mike
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Re: need help - steering lock removal
reading the old post - any info - did the lock survive the heat process of powder coating?