Slimline Featherbed Frame Alteration

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Nov 3, 2018
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Hi Guys;
I am rebuilding a 1968 Atlas (may be a forever project) and find that, sometime during its life, a previous owner removed the fixing points on the rear sub-frame loops to which the distance tube/spacer is attached. Is this something that is done??? It seems to me that removing the distance tube and its stud would adversely affect the stability of the rear wheel on cornering, as well as lead to stress fractures in the rear sub frame loops.
This should be a frame diagram; https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-drawing/304/featherbed-frame-swinging-arm
Has anyone seen this mod, and what were the results? thanks
 
I am not sure which part(s) have been removed from your description. Perhaps you can use the call-out numbers in the AN frame diagram.

In any event, it would seem likely that removal of any part adding rigidity to the frame would be detrimental to handling and lead to fractures.

It would be best to return the frame to stock.

Slick
 
If you’re referring to item number 55 in the exploded diagram you attached then no, that has no real purpose / impact. It is very common for cafe racers etc to remove these.

If you’re referring to item number 63, that is absolutely critical to the frame loops remaining in line with each other.

I know this cos I had one fracture in two (due to excessive vibration and fatigue) and it felt like the frame was made out of rubber !
 
If you’re referring to item number 55 in the exploded diagram you attached then no, that has no real purpose / impact. It is very common for cafe racers etc to remove these.

If you’re referring to item number 63, that is absolutely critical to the frame loops remaining in line with each other.

I know this cos I had one fracture in two (due to excessive vibration and fatigue) and it felt like the frame was made out of rubber !

Hi Fast Eddie; Yes, it is the mountings for part #55 that were removed. Appreciate your input. Lawrence
 
I am not sure which part(s) have been removed from your description. Perhaps you can use the call-out numbers in the AN frame diagram.

In any event, it would seem likely that removal of any part adding rigidity to the frame would be detrimental to handling and lead to fractures.

It would be best to return the frame to stock.

Slick
Hi Slick; The mounting points for part #55/56 (the spacer tube and stud) were removed. I would prefer to have the mounting points restored, but have no idea where to find them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Hi Slick; The mounting points for part #55/56 (the spacer tube and stud) were removed. I would prefer to have the mounting points restored, but have no idea where to find them. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I measure the mounting tabs as 1 x 1 inch x 0.13 steel plate. The top of the tab is full radius - i.e. 0.5 inch R. The hole for the thru bolt is at the center of the radius.

I measure the center of the spacer tube to the center of the welded-in cross tube to be 13 inches.
As a check, the center of the cross tube to the center of the rear grab handle bolt is 5.4 inches as measured directly on a straight line.

.
cross tube_1.JPG


5.4 inches cc bolt to bolt


cross tube_2.JPG


cross tube_2.JPG


Tab: 1 x 1 x 0.13 inches

HTH,

Slick

Sorry for the double image. I am afraid to try a removal .... might lose everything!
 
Last edited:
Hi Bernard; Yes, the tube spacer (part #55 in the diagram) mounts were removed. Any Input for me? Lawrence
Same as Texas Slick reply.
Fabricate a pair out of metal and grind back on frame ( to leave fresh metal) before welding them back on. The long stud could be made out of suitable dia metal bar , if you have access to a tap and die set, just cut new threads on each end.
 
I measure the mounting tabs as 1 x 1 inch x 0.13 steel plate. The top of the tab is full radius - i.e. 0.5 inch R. The hole for the thru bolt is at the center of the radius.

I measure the center of the spacer tube to the center of the welded-in cross tube to be 13 inches.
As a check, the center of the cross tube to the center of the rear grab handle bolt is 5.4 inches as measured directly on a straight line.

.View attachment 18770

5.4 inches cc bolt to bolt


View attachment 18771

View attachment 18771

Tab: 1 x 1 x 0.13 inches

HTH,

Slick

Sorry for the double image. I am afraid to try a removal .... might lose everything!

Thanks a million for going to so much trouble. Reallly appreciate the specs and photos. Just talked to my frame guy today and he thinks this won't be too much of a task.
Lawrence
 
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