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Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 2:38 pm
by a.j
Is it possible to tap a Lammy kickstart a centimetre away to stop it rubbing on an expansion by putting it in a vice and gently using a rubber mallet, or is it always necessary to apply heat to reshape it in all circumstances?
cheers.
Re: Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 6:49 pm
by Tractorman
It is better to put force on the lever with a piece of tube or stilsons rather than hitting, more controlled. Problem with heat it spoils the chrome but it is better.
Re: Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 6:54 pm
by dom
Be careful using heat , I managed to soften mine , but I think the problem was I was using a blow lamp so the heat gradually built up , you might be ok if you was to use oxy acetylene because of how quick it would heat the metal up
Re: Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 7:24 pm
by DigDug
It's how quick it cools that affects the property of ferrous metals and alloys.
Re: Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 7:51 pm
by coaster
DigDug wrote:It's how quick it cools that affects the property of ferrous metals and alloys.
That sounds familiar from O level metalwork
I have reshaped one of mine using one of those yellow bottle blow torches (B&Q). Heated it to cherry red and used a lump hammer to do the 'adjustment'. I did that a year ago and it has been fine but it did affect the chrome. Not a problem in my case as needed to paint it matt black anyway. You won't get anywhere using a rubber mallet
Re: Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 7:58 am
by DigDug
My best 'O' level result.
I used to love using the forge.
Re: Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2015 2:25 pm
by dom
Sorry for hijacking this thread , would it possible then to re harden my kickstart then , I pursume heating it up and quickly cooling it , it's a original sx200 one !
Re: Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 1:48 am
by B-Race Tuning
dom, technically yes, no problem. Regarding reshaping kickstarts, Ian at Taffspeed is a dab hand. It was a regular job on the dodgem
Re: Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 3:40 am
by onthelam
Tractorman wrote:It is better to put force on the lever with a piece of tube or stilsons rather than hitting, more controlled. Problem with heat it spoils the chrome but it is better.
If you want a gentle bend? Maybe a conduit bender? If you have a mate that has one?
Re: Reshaping a kickstart
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2015 10:03 am
by Tractorman
onthelam wrote:Tractorman wrote:It is better to put force on the lever with a piece of tube or stilsons rather than hitting, more controlled. Problem with heat it spoils the chrome but it is better.
If you want a gentle bend? Maybe a conduit bender? If you have a mate that has one?
He might not be your mate long if you try to bent solid bar with a tool designed to bend tube.