Convert Brooks B17 into Flyer?
 

Hello.

Does anyone know if it possible to convert B17 into a Flyer, by installing the Flyer Backplate & Bolt Assembly and the Flyer Bracket and Coil Assembly (available at the Brooks website)? I have tried googling this question with no success.

I ask because the B17 is available in more colors than is the Flyer.

Thanks!

Edit: I just asked Brooks this question.

RHM should be able to answer that. He put my B17 back together after the tensioner failed, and did a great job of it too!

Thanks -- I don't post very much here so I don't know who RHM is but presumably he will see this thread?

Signal boost to @rhm. :thumb:

Thanks, I missed that. I sent him a PM too.

Thanks, guys, for the heads up! I was away from the forum while riding my bike around Lake Ontario... again. Doh!

Anyway:

I'm pretty sure I could take a B17, remove all six rivets at the rear, and attach it to a Flyer frame. That assumes I could get the whole Flyer frame. I'm not sure the parts you list comprise the whole frame, I'll check that later.

I am not sure the rivet holes would line up correctly. If not, I'd punch new holes and plug the old ones with the plugs that came out of the new ones. Then I'd replace the six rivets.

You don't have to remove the nose piece.

All that's not terribly difficult. Can you do it? Probably, but it would help if you have the right tools. Rivets are easier to install with the right tools.

Okay, that said, what you really want is a Flyer in a better color, right? I suggest you Google "Angelus Leather Paint." It seems excellent stuff. If you go that route, get a jar of the color you want as well as the pre- paint conditioner, which is a solvent to remove anything that would prevent the paint from sticking. All this should cost about $7 at a craft store.

First, thank you for the folks who reached out to rhm.

And second, thank you very much rhm for your detailed post and for your very practical good advice.

If I end up painting the Flyer, I will post a pic.

Best to all!

Here's what Brooks' customer service told me:

"It is possible to make this conversion, in theory, but it is not that straight forward

You need all of these parts:-

BYB 299 Flyer Bracket & Coil Assy
BYB 274 Backplate Assy
BYB 298 Flyer Side Rod
BMP 183 x 2 Nut
BYB 702 x 6 Rivet"

Clearly not worth the effort, but I'm glad I asked and thanks again for the posts.

Rob