how come the two pipes can't match? Something gets in the way?

I am restoring a 1966 Matchless G15CS. This blog has been of great interest to me considering the N15CS is virtually the same motorcycle. Back in November you posted a photo of assorted parts and frame which you had powdercoated. One part which I had never seen before then is the pan which goes under the seat. Is this the toolbox lid? I've attached a copy of it here. I did not know this part even existed since my bike was slightly chopped when I bought it. Can anyone help me to identify the number or name of this part or how to acquire one? Also,I am having trouble detaching the swingarm from the frame. How exactly is that done? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome, "Rust"

The seat pan is a seat pan; foam above it, all wrapped in a vinyl cover. I'll see if my parts book lists the number.

By the way, I wouldn't mind having a better replacement foam if anyone has one in one piece!

To remove the swingarm, you must drift out the spindle without damaging it. I used a heavy bolt nearly the size of the spindle's diameter, and gave it a few smart whacks with a 5# sledge hammer. Once it broke free, I used an axle with a nut then a washer on the end and drove it the rest of the way out with a smaller hammer.

grandpaul wrote:..To remove the swingarm, you must drift out the spindle without damaging it.. I used a heavy bolt nearly the size of the spindle's diameter, and gave it a few smart whacks with a 5# sledge hammer..

AFTER you loosened the clamp bolt that is holding it , I may hope ?
Undo the nut at the back a few turns , tap it slightly to looen the bolt .
Than the spindle should slide out without too much trouble .
Easier than on a Commando .

Correct, ludwig, except that this one was well and truly frozen in place.

Pelican, the two pipes have different bends to better follow the different lines on opposite sides, I suppose. i can't think of a reason why they couldn't have been bent to a symmetrical compromise...

Pipes are back from chrome prep, they look perfect!



Close-up of the cleaned up weld joints-

anticipating a awesome ending

Gday Grandpaul,
not wanting to offend, BUT, if my chrome plater sent me back pipes with a finish like that (on the welds), I'd tell them to brace themselves as I would shove them where the sun dont shine!!
Just my personal opinion.
Foxy

Foxy, I took a set of P11 pipes, cut and re-fit them to clear the N15 sidecovers, then welded them up. I then took the pipes down to my painter to have him carefully crind and sand down the welds so that AFTER they get back from chrome (in about 2 weeks) they'll look seamless again.

...don't panic!

O.K. GP, I miss understood the Chrome prep. Look forward to the chrome finish then!
Foxy

Well, paul can't hold my breath forever.

britbike220 wrote:Well, paul can't hold my breath forever.

I would have been dead and buried years ago if i held my breath every time I outsourced stuff like chrome, mag rebuilds and wheel lacing.

"A man's got to know his limitations" (as 'Dirty Harry' would say). Those are a couple of my limitations, along with painting & powdercoat.

grandpaul wrote:I would have been dead and buried years ago if i held my breath every time I outsourced stuff.

"A man's got to know his limitations" (as 'Dirty Harry' would say). Those are a couple of my limitations, along with painting & powdercoat.

Heh, Heh, Heh, ain't that the truth

Pipes are back from chrome - perfect finish, you can't see where they were trimmed.



Carbs also got back from polishing - very shiny!

Ahhh, now the pipes look good! Mmmm cant believe for some one like you GrandPaul you dont own your own buff/polishing wheel! I love to make parts shine and this side of a restoration job is very satisfying (apart from the odd burn).
Foxy