later forks on a 53 flash ?

[unclemeat]

Does anybody see any reason why i cant fit the later double damped forks from say a rocket onto a golden flash. Will the thread in the RH slider be the same - I know i may have to make a steel split bush for the LH slider axle hole as the axles are different diameters (oir am i thinking A65 ?). Also, do you reckon there'll be problems with mudguard stays fitting and central 'U' bracket.

Anyway, if anyone has any info or suggestions, it would be much appreciated.

Basically, i need to replace my stanchions and if i can get a complete set of forks that are from a later model (ie better damping with no significant difference in looks) then i'd be a happy guy !

[fido]

As far as I'm aware, no A10s had double damped forks so you would be looking at A65 parts. Plenty of people fit the early TLS brake from the A65 onto pre-unit bikes so it should not be too difficult to do a fork swap.

[A10Boy]

I've looked into this. You can fit the double damped a65 fork legs to the A10, and then be able to fit the TLS front brake, but you need to check which front mudguard you have.

Early models which had the fully valenced guard had stays both front and back, so, these forks have a pair of lugs to hold the stays both front and back near the spindle. Later types didnt have the stay at the front so the fork was different. If you fit a65 forks to an A10 with two sets of lugs/ stays, you might need to change the mudguard as well.

[beezalex]

Yes, the legs or the complete front end will interchange without modifications.  If you want to keep it looking identical, you can get an A65 single-sided brake, too.  This brake looks very similar except for some finning around the periphery of the drum, but it works much better.

[a101960]

As far as I'm aware, no A10s had double damped forks

That statement is correct, however, double damped forks were an after market accessory item marketed by Eddie Dow specifically for the Gold Star, and Rocket Gold Star. The two way damper kit will fit directly into A10 forks, I have seen them on sale for around £25. I have them fitted to my bike together with progressive fork springs. It is a mod that is well worth considering. I have the 8" single leading shoe brake which I am very happy with. Eddie Dow also did a twin leading shoe conversion. I have no idea if this item is still generally available, but I have seen it fitted to several bikes at different times.

[fido]

Are these the Eddie Dow bits? :

http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffyfork.htm

[a101960]

Those are indeed the Eddie Dow bits. I was aware of this source of supply, however my two way damper kit was bought for £25 (stainless steel) brand new at the Cheltenham auto jumble.

[unclemeat]

Interesting...looks like i have a number of options. Quite like the idea of some A65 forks with single sided brake so the looks wont really be affected but with slightly better braking and better damping. So basically as long as i get A65 forks that have the stay lugs front and back on each slider i should be able to fit a fully valanced original guard ? Bolt positioning should all be ok as far as i can see.

[fido]

Or you could use your original sliders with the forks + upgrade kit from Goffy for about £200. Or if your springs and bushes are still good you could just go for the forks + 2 way dampers for about £100.