5/4/2026

Started the week by setting the length of the two rear brake rods, ready for fitting.  I then applied a coat of primer to both.  Whilst that was drying, I removed the fork end that was still attached to the brake lever on the O/S, by cutting through the pin, a fraught process that inevitably caused minor damage to the lever and the fork end. Though both appear perfectly safe to use, I built up the fork end a little with weld and ground it back to shape whilst waiting for the silver paint on the rods to dry.   Fitted the offside rear brake rod, not as straightforward as I had hoped but OK in the end.  I need to fit the return springs next, which require stretching to meet the mount points and they are very strong springs…  I did this by setting up a frame of handy-angle to stretch them and made a clamp to hold them from a couple of bits of steel and a threaded rod.  To stop the clamp from being  forced off, I used several jubilee clips.  This worked as hoped.  I was about to fit the N/S rear brake rod, when I realised I need an additional thick washer for the last pin, so started to machine one from steel bar.  This remains to be completed next week.