webb front hub ?

[jonathanjoy]

Hi , Anyone know the ball size on a webb hub, circa 1929. I’ve just got the cones not ball bearings. or has anyone modified them to change to ball race ?
Also on the rear hub, there is a long spring along the axle, I’ve been puzzling over this , whats its purpose? I would be grateful for any advice. 😕
regards Jonathan

[BRIAN MARSHALL]

Hi, I can’t remember if the bearings are the same in wheels used in Webb forks as they are in wheels used in Scott forks, the latter having a hollow spindle and an inner knockout spindle, which frighteningly is only 3/8″ diameter, the same as on a pushbike ! . Over the years I have converted both types to take modern bearings, but the bearings for the Scott fork type of spindle were hard to find. If you send me a PM with your address I can send you a drawing for the conversion, but remember to tell me which type of forks you have.
Brian

[timetc]

Yes when making a front wheel for my Scott I had many sleepless nights thinking of that 3/8″ spindle
used the best steel I could find
As I was using 2 bantam hubs back to back their bearings were just large enough to take a close fitting 3/8 Id tube and I chamfered the ends to match the inside slight chamfers I found on the kite fork ends and the 3/8″ spindle nuts pulled the whole lot up and snug
But 3/8″? mycalculations did not stop me worrying

[jonathanjoy]

Wow, 3/8″ sounds on the Limit !!

[Dripfeed]

the wheel spindles and web fork spindles that I have made are in EN 16 T have served many years without trouble ,If anyone knows better shout up . Regards D F .

[ERIC BAYLISS]

Hi Timetc you say you have got twin bantam hubs in your bike, was it a success, it looks as if that’s the way I have got to go.did they work ok. I still cant get a usable brake on my two speeder with the small 5″ brake.it looks as if that’s the way I shall have to go.

[timetc]

I simply used two drums (Bantam D1 I think) and shoes. I brazed one drum onto the other end of the other drums hub turned up two nice thick alloy front plates out of two blanks from Mallard metals and ran two anchors right up to shoulder casting of web forks where two eye bolts were inserted.
I discuss the spindle above

Although a life long Vincent man my attemps at a balance beam were inconclusive I soon reverted to a twin pull at the bars with a short equaliser.

on a 20″ x300 front wheel (I wonder where I got that rim from :-)) it looks suitably vintage better that waiting for unobtanium and it works

[Author]

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