mattinker

I very much doubt that it was to prevent cracking, boiling water will still crack an engine! More for better flow in the rad. Matthew

A word of encouragement! I've been following you for years, first the Denis and now the Thorny. I saw you in Brighton with the Denis, but, I won't be able to make it this time. The best of luck! Thank you! Regards, Matthew

Hi Steve, I haven't posted in a while, but I've been following along! Enjoying it as much as ever. With this kind of capillary tube oil pressure gauge, it is customary to include a couple of coils to render the pipe more more flexible. Engine vibration quickly work hardens copper, I'm afraid that without coils, you're running the risk of a broken oil pressure pipe! Regards, Matthew

Andy, Properly forged, (Sorry Steve!) it would have been possible to open up the bend a little bit without cracking, had it been hardened any form of carbon steel would have broken not cracked. Regards, Matthew.

Steve, Mild steel is just that, not enough carbon to make harden-able. You would not have been able to introduce enough carbon to make it brittle (otherwise, it would be a known technique for making harden-able steel!). So the only thing left is forging too cold! Still following along and enjoying the ride! May be see you in Brighton next year! All the best, Matthew.

Just a word to say how much I enjoy this thread. Thank you for taking the time and trouble to keep us informed of your progress by recording this interesting restoration! Regards, Matthew.

Just a quick word of encouragement! I know it's nice to know there are people out there following on! Thank you for this great thread!! Regards, Matthew.

It is perfectly feasible to drill square holes using a rotary broach. The attached video is for drilling hex holes, but a square, hole is done using a square tool! Something went wrong... Regards Matthew

Steve, I don't know whether or not I'll get across the channel for the next Brighton run, I hope so! Thanks again, Matthew

I don't have much to say apart from how much I enjoy and apreciate your rebuild and the associated thread. Thank you for making all this available. Thanks again, reegards, Matthew

I don't think there would be a strength problem, the Denis one seems to work. How about a crash test to see! ;-} Regards, Matthew

It's nice to see your back at! looking forward to the Thorny rebuild Regards, Matthew

Nice to see you back at it! I've never seen cast Iron pistons before, all that mass flying backwards and forwards, the mind boggles! Enjoying the progress as always, Regards, Matthew

I would go so far as to say the look like they've been made of old cotton reinforced tyres! Regards, Matthew.

Hi, The whole thing will become clear when there are holes drilled in leather. The washers go on the leather so that The two forks will be coupled by the leather. Six holes in the leather will be bolted to one of the six holes in the two forks, the forks won't touch each other. Give me a shout if I'm not clear! Regards, Matthew