Progress has been made. For the frame, I decided not to try to stiffen the prewar frame as was done with the original R51RS. I did not want to modify a rare frame. I was able to locate a 1952 R51/3 basket case. The forks that came with the basket case was a 1954 set of forks. The forks required rubber gaiters. I decided to use rubber gaiters for the front and back, a homage to the pre-war compressor race bikes.
I had some small repairs made to the frame and I had it powder-coated and front forks installed.
The fork tubes were made by Frank's Maintenance and Engineering, Inc. It took almost a year of calls before a production run was made and I got myself a few of the forks for different projects.
I had some simple aluminum "spools" machined up to allow me to attach the rear rubber gaiters. Those gaiters are Triumph part number 97-1645.
They fit very well and tight! One of the spools had to be heated up a little to get to fit.
I was able to get both front and rear suspension parts all complete
Next step is to get the hubs brake surfaces machined and trued and new brake pads arced. I plan to make the 3 hour trip to Vintage Brakes in the next few weeks and get both the race brakes and the '54 R51/3 brakes refurbished.
Also the motor is nearing completion. I sent out my flywheel to get lighten up and I hope to have a complete motor in the next couple of months. I can't wait.
