Twin plate fork or fork crowns

[freshpatents]

Hi,
Does anyone happen to know of a source of twin plate fork crowns to have a period correct 1950's Hetchins fork made, or have a twin plate fork they want to sell?
As you can see I've been searching for a while,
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewt ... 25&t=45740" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
but recently I managed to purchase from the UK a pair of Hetchins Magnum Bonum "?" fork tangs but the twin plate fork I have, while nice, I don't want "butcher" by adding the tangs to make a fork.

Example of how it should look is here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8379107@N0 ... 5045805921" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Helpful thoughts? Suggestions?
thanks

[WyvernRH]

If you have the fancy cut tangs you can get someone to make you a set of twin plate forks. They are not hard to make. The reason a lot of post war UK frames use the twin plate crown is that there was a big shortage of cast or pressed crowns (and other bike parts). So, you cut two plates to shape, drill out the fork slots in the bottom one and put a bit of steel in the centre to hold the brake. Braze in the blades and braze up the rest of the frame lugless with filleted bronze and voila! Top quality bike frame with minimum of rationed parts. As all the top flight builders used this method through necessity it then became fashionable and lingered on as an optional feature long after parts became available and commercially produced crowns were made. (Does look good tho'!)
You can buy cast 'twin plate' crowns these days from the USA and Taiwan I believe. A spin-off of the 'Fixie' craze.
Cheers
Richard

[freshpatents]

thanks. Good comments. Got a link to one of the twin plate crowns that fit round fork blades?

[rollin]

When I was looking to get a pair made recently someone told me to contact Llewelyn cycles....
There indeed is no sexier fork..
http://platedforkcrown.blogspot.com.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[HappyHumber]

http://www.bikelugs.com/store/index.php?intCategoryID=8 ?

But going through their gallery, it looks like they might supply Llewelyn to some degree - so +1 to previous comment about contacting him.

[bicyclepassion]

Board member, Cotterpin, has the skills to make these forks for you, and may have the twin plate crown you need in his stash as well. PM him. He has done a few frame repairs and things for me lately, and his workmanship is excellent. Warren

[freshpatents]

Hi,
thanks for the comments. I've been in touch with Cotterpins and looking at a few other options too.
Cheers