RealClassic SQ4

[simon.holyfield]

I'm currently reading an article in RC on a SQ4 into PRF frame conversion and whilst I wouldn't dream of such a crazy idea myself (or would I? Should I?) it made me think.

Question is, the frame top tube is usually (I believe) extended for this conversion, which also makes it higher relative to the bottom tubes. If you do this, surely you have to extend the forks, or reduce the ground clearance? Doesn't the steering rake and trail change as well?

[roland robinson]

Simon,

The frame extension needed is one to one and a quarter inches, can not remember the exact figure at the moment. So yes there is a small vertical increase in height but at that shallow angle,and in the greater scheme, it is negligible and can be ignored. Certainly undetectable on my swinging arm Square Four.

Roland.

[roland robinson]

Simon.

Forgot to mention that the increase in height is taken care of in the modification to the front down tubes to match up with the Square Four front engine plates.

Roland.

[simon.holyfield]

One and a quarter inches! I see, it looks a lot more in the RC article, perhaps that is why he has used an A10 tank as well - I have not heard of anyone using a non-Ariel tank before.

Did you do the conversion yourself Roland? Was there any difficulty in registering it for the road?

[roger.fellows]

Try asking Ben Mitchell??

[simon.holyfield]

I don't think I know Ben... Where would I find him?

[roger.fellows]

PM Simon

[paul_turner]

Hi Simon
Does that mean you fancy doing one? I have the last frame Graham Horne did. Been collecting parts for quite a while and I'm pretty well there apart from seat and exhaust . All good tinware , rebuilt GB7 and mk2 engine. Rolands is a GH frame and so was the first one or possibly 2 that Ben built. I already have a swinging arm square I built as cyclone and have had two others previously so along with a few other squares have decided sell so if its some thing you may be interested in shoot me a pm.

[simon.holyfield]

Hi Simon
Does that mean you fancy doing one? I have the last frame Graham Horne did. Been collecting parts for quite a while and I'm pretty well there apart from seat and exhaust . All good tinware , rebuilt GB7 and mk2 engine. Rolands is a GH frame and so was the first one or possibly 2 that Ben built. I already have a swinging arm square I built as cyclone and have had two others previously so along with a few other squares have decided sell so if its some thing you may be interested in shoot me a pm.

Hmm... Thinking about it, but honestly it won't be for several years. The QR50 is almost finished, but the FH is on the bench with the Model A behind it (four Ariels and a tiny Honda in one garage) - there's no space until I sell something!

[paul.jameson]

These swinging arm Squares are OK but a Healey 1000/4 is better, IMHO.