Plunger Golden Flash rear mudguard alignment

[unclemeat]

My rear mudguard on my plunger Golden Flash sits off centre to the rear wheel (see photo) by quite a large amount.
The RH rear mudguard stay nut/bolt sits approx 10mm away from the tyre edge whereas the LH stay nut/bolt sits approx 45mm away from the tyre.
The wheels are in perfect alignment with each other and all the rear wheel axle / spacer is correct. The stays are not bent and are fitted correctly. The rear mudguard is not bent.
What do other owners see at their rear end ?!!!  

[cotterpinkid]

Mine looks fairly central. Wouldn't be anything to do with the 'cotton reel' spacers no being equal length?

[unclemeat]

I thought there was only one spacer on the rear ?

[muskrat]

Yep, should have a spacer 67-6761 both sides. It might be the picture angle but the wheel does seem to sit to the right a bit as well.
Cheers

[cotterpinkid]

Just to confirm, I was talking about the small 67-6761 spacers that are used to space the mudguard and not the rear hub distance piece 67-6066. My thinking was that if the brackets, frame and mudguard are okay then a 'missing' or incorrect length 67-6761 might be enough to make a noticeable difference when viewed as in the picture. - Thanks Musky

[wilko]

Make sure your wheels are in line with centre of your frame. Difficult when the guard is on though.

[muskrat]

Wilko is 100% right. Easiest way is to measure from the edge of the rim to the outside edge of the column screw (top of the plunger units) on both sides. Mine are both 4 1/4", will depend on your rim width. If their not equal and all the axle/hub parts are where they should be the rim offset is wrong. A little (1/8") can be done with the tyre on and in the bike, any more the tyre would need to come off and the spoke ends trimmed to prevent punctures. DAMHIK.
The other unrelated thing I think I can see is that the right side plunger unit is a tad higher than the left. Might just be the picture angle, but I'd check anyway. My '51 after a good bush bash was 3/4" up on the right. Nothing a good whack with a sledge hammer can't fix  . Put up on center stand on level concrete, measure height to the center of the footrest studs and make equal (pack shims under stand legs). Now check the lower plunger pinch bolts for level.
Bottom line, get another spacer (bobbin) for the guard.
Cheers

[unclemeat]

Yep - both 67-6761 are there. Will check wheel alignment with frame today and also if theres any height difference between sides. Will let you know how it turns out.

[unclemeat]

ok - measured rear wheel rim to outside edge of top plunger bolt on both sides :

RH - 4.48"
LH - 5.11"

Thats exactly 8mm I would need to move the rim to the left relative to the hub to bring the wheel central to the plungers.

Does that seem correct ?

Also - the RH plunger is indeed slightly higher than the left but only by approx 3mm. Not enough to worry about.

So .. just to confirm, the rear wheel should sit exactly mid position between the plunger posts. Does that mean in-line with the vertical frame post as well ?

Think its time to remove the mudguard so i can get this right after i've bought myself a spoke spanner.

It still seems strange after measuring alignment to front wheel (using the good old fashioned string on tyre edge technique) and all seemed spot on.

[duTch]

 hi there UncleM,
                       I also had an issue setting mine up (~'52/3), having used any bits I could find that fitted.
   You said you have the correct wheel,axle,spacers, but how about the brake drum/chainwheel?
(I had to disuse the A65 brake/chainwheel, as they look similar, but don't work but not so sure about the singles ones )
 
  Also I figure it makes sense that the axle be parallel to the G/box mainshaft... maybe worth a check?

  After a whole lot of messing round, I decided the frame was bent (well I did buy it from a wrecking yard!!!), so I took it to the frame guy and now it's good.......not to say that's what you need-hopefully not!!
    Hope it's a simple issue , cheers, duTch
 

[unclemeat]

Thanks duTch - yep, i've got the correct drum.

[muskrat]

Yep 8mm to the left would do it and yes it should also be in line with the vertical post.
I also use the string line method but that doesn't mean they are straight in the frame.
While your at it check the front rim is central in the forks.
Once it's all straight and correct you'll be amazed at how well the plunger models handle.
Cheers

[unclemeat]

Thanks for the help guys. 

[Russ]

My 51 A10 appears to have 2 "home-made " spacers #67-6761. Can some-one tell me the correct size for these as I would like to make new ones.
Russ

[muskrat]

11/16"
Cheers