Brake Arm Model W 1919

[Domas]

Hello, is this the right brake arm for Model W built in 1919?

[Hutch]

Hi Domas,

The brake arm you have pictured appears to be the type used from 1920 onwards. The brake arm typically used on the 1913-1919 2 3/4 HP are of the type shown in this thread

https://www.douglasmotorcycles.net/index.php?topic=9427.msg37441;topicseen#msg37441

The mounting on the frame is different for the 1913 to 1919 type (hole through rear fork leg) compared for the 1920 onwards type (small bracket on top of the fork leg). See attached pictures from the 1925 Parts List.

As there can be many mixed and matched parts on these post WW1 machines, your frame type will dictate which rear brake lever/block is "correct". If your frame is truly 1919 I suspect the brake lever you show may well be incorrect and will not line up with the belt rim when fitted. Also, the 1913-19 brake block presses on the inside of the belt rim rather than in the "V" on the outside of the belt rim for the 1920 onwards type.

(note: To add slightly to the confusion, the 1916 parts list shows both types of rear brake lever / blocks, but as the war department insisted Douglas not to change the design of the 2 3/4hp for the war effort (for reasons of uniformity of the machines for repair and replacement parts logistics I gather?) Edit - they stuck to the older design for the rear brake. They were released from this requirement just after the war. Hence I don't think there would be many 2 3/4 HP bikes with the "later" type rear brake as shown in your picture, prior to 1920, but I guess it is possible some survive (? - not sure at all but I have not seen any) )

Hope this helps,

Cheers

Hutch

[Domas]

Thank you for your assessment. I will post pictures of the frame.

[Domas]

Hello.

[Hutch]

Hi Domas,

Looking at your frame number it is from 1920. See;

https://www.douglasmotorcycles.net/index.php?topic=488.0

Also, as the bracket for the rear brake arm is present on the rear fork,  the "style" of rear brake arm you have appears to be correct (as compared to the 1913 to 1919 variety).

But, on closer inspection, the arm you have (I only glanced at it before) does not appear to me to be quite correct for an early 1920's 2 3/4HP Douglas. I also note that the brake shoe has 3 bolts, (incorrect socket heads on your brake) vs the 2 (part 1605D) that are used for the 1920 onwards type and that the shoe shape is different. That may be why you are possibly having problems lining it up with the belt rim and frame?

I don't have an original Douglas one (only the 1913 to 1919 version), but maybe another forum member could post a picture of one here for comparison purposes? I think I have some repro metal parts for the shoes (144D) and will dig them out and take a picture for you.

Cheers

Hutch

[Hutch]

Domas,

Are you using the fitting circled in red? It does not appear to me to be from a 1920 2 3/4HP Douglas. The parts list shows a bolt (1608D) and a distance washer (1609D, that goes between the frame and the brake arm). I don't know the thickness of the distance washer but that would be easy enough to work out for your bikes belt rim offset.

The fitting you have could be offsetting the brake arm too far inwards towards the rear wheel?

-Hutch

[Domas]

Hello, the 3 Allen screws in the brake arm are new and mine. Originally slotted screws were used.
The brake pad is also new.

Are you using the fitting circled in red?

Yes, it was there but it doesn't fit well!
Thank you very much, you helped me a lot.
I thought the vehicle was from 1919, on the timing cover it says 1919.