Ciou Ducatisti! I am new to this forum and I am seeking advice regarding a 1958 175SS I am restoring. In particular, might anyone have any drawings of the frame geometry as I wish to check the frame alignment. Moreover, I am considering changing the ball-and-cone steering races for taper roller bearings. I know this will compromise originality, but the taper roller system is soooo much better than the push-bike techology of the little ball bearings. Has anyone done this? Specifications? Tips and tricks to know about? Finally, it would be helpful to see a sectional drawing of the engine: I have confusing information about the types of bearings used behind the clutch. My engine casing has a deep housing for the two bearings required. Both appear to be the same size, but one appears to be a roller bearing and the other a ball bearing. Advice on their orientation in the housing would be helpful. And any thoughts on why a pair of ball races wouldn't work in this situation? These would help react the lateral forces from the primary gears, surely... Any thoughts/comments welcome. I have some facility with a lathe and can make my own parts. Kind regards, Sigean
The frames are not usually a problem, if it doesnt show signs of damage its probably fine. A word of caution. You dont say if its Spanish or Italian...Just bear i mind virtually none of the parts are interchangeable although look similar. . Crankcases, cranks, bevel gears etc are all different. If the engine/frame number starts DM its italian, if it starts MD its spanish.
Back to Classics have exploded diagrams that may help: https://www.ducaticlassics.com/parts/175-200-and-250-nc-singles/all And as I always say with questions on singles Nigel at Lacey Ducati can be a great help: https://laceyducati.com/ducati-parts/about_us.html And finally do we have any photos?
Many thanks for these links. VERY helpful, and I have met and had dealings with Nigel Lacey - he reconditioned the crankshaft for my Ducati's engine.
Many thanks - as for the frame, there appears to be a slight misalignment of the front forks. I understand that Ducati could be a little careless in this regard, and adopted quite large tolerances, but it would be good to have a little more clarity on the acceptable range.
