Re: 1949? Ducati Cucciolo T2 - Back to the clean up...
First of all the curiosity factor... this little gem didn't last too long at all on the 'Bay:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&hash=item1c2ab6334e&item=120975668046&nma=true&pt=AU_Motorcycles&rt=nc&si=zqqvQn94IiukoaP9LFQgXGiLARU%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc#ht_500wt_1203
It confirms that it's pointless holding out for the front end off one of those as there's no way it's gonna work with 28" wheels!
Now for the fun bit for me...
Front drum used but in good condition, manufactured October 1965 if I read the date correctly.
Rear drum is NOS and manufactured in May 1946 if I read it correctly.
I really need to get the wheels dismantled and cleaned up... well... that and a lot of other things :
What I really need is my shed built and lots of time...
I'm still having zero luck with forks. One pair showed up on eBay and looked good going by the pictures, but the seller just doesn't answer questions so I couldn't confirm the rake or leg length... item has ended, not re-listed, and not one reply to my messages...
I have however discovered an awesome bit of work over on the cycling forum where someone took some triple clamp style forks and made up what is effectively a dual shock springer front end with some mountain bike shocks.
The way it's going with the fork hunt I'm seriously thinking that I may need to concede that one area to being non-authentic from the era and making something up. Given the era though, making something is still probably in the right spirit....
Here's a link to it on the forum:
http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=42961
And his build elsewhere:
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=39628