Rocker arm help

[Rob Caldwell]

Hello all, I’m currently rebuilding a1935 Excelsior but the rocker arms are in very poor condition, can anyone suggest someone to refurbish them or better still make complete new ones as I don’t think I will be lucky enough to pick up any replacements. Thanks in anticipation, RC

[Bob.Murphy]

Hello all, I’m currently rebuilding a1935 Excelsior but the rocker arms are in very poor condition, can anyone suggest someone to refurbish them or better still make complete new ones as I don’t think I will be lucky enough to pick up any replacements. Thanks in anticipation, RC

Hi Rob, Welcome to the Club (do you have an Ariel as well ).

I sent the cams and followers from my 1931 Panther to Newman Cams. They might be able to help you.

http://www.newman-cams.com/

They had to build-up the followers and re-profile them and they did a good job.

Alternatively, you could try these guys (I guess you are already a member ).














Even if you don't have a "Manxman" these guys must need cams and rockers reburbished.

(Pics taken at the Bristol Classic M/C Show on 7th Feb ).

Bob.

[Mick.Small]

I'd also recommend Newman Cams, they're in Farnborough, Kent. They do the Ariel club's Sq4 cams and followers, and many vintage cars and bikes,including one offs.

[Rob Caldwell]

Hi Bob & Mick, thanks for your quick response, yes I do have an Ariel a '52 VH with Anstey link, my favourite mount at the moment. I too went to the Bristol classic on the Sun and had a long chat with Dave Lee, all very interesting but no info on rocker arm repair. I had my cam re-profiled by Newman but when it came to the rocker arms not much could be done as the roller pin holes had previously been opened up and the width of the roller increased so really I think I'm looking for someone to make new ones.

[Bob.Murphy]

When it came to the rocker arms not much could be done as the roller pin holes had previously been opened up and the width of the roller increased so really I think I'm looking for someone to make new ones.

Could you post some pictures so that we can see what you are looking for (which model Excelsior do you have ??).

The chances are the Australians will know someone who can help .

Bob.

[Rob Caldwell]

Hi chaps, I went to talk to a machine shop yesterday and they recon they can make them but we need to know what material. The originals were made from "90 Ton steel" annyone know what that is in todays money?

[simon.holyfield]

90 tons is the tensile strength... 201 klb/sq in, or about 1300 MPa. You'd need a heat treated alloy steel to get to that strength.

[Knud.Degnbol]

Is that the best one or the worst one? Couldn't some thinwalled bushes do it, if the holes were cleaned up first?

[RobCarter]

Off on a very bizzar tanget, but hear me out.
There are companies out there that are regularly casting parts for flintlock pistols, many of which are made from hardened steel (fritzens cor example) they are very approachable and if you can get a casting from one of your originals it should be a simple matter of machining the detail. Looking at your pictures that is what was done in the first place.
The most helpful I have found are Peter Dyson, it would only take an email to find out. I could cast it in bronze, but I don't think that would be much use!
Rob C.

[Rob Caldwell]

Thanks guys.
Simon, I've PM'd you.
Knud, my worry is the amount of metal left since they were butchered, bushes won't put much strength back and it won't make the cheeks any thicker. Rob, I might just drop them an email as you suggest but I think the material they use won't be tuff enough.
RC