MSC is a really good supplier of all sorts of stuff that can be used for bikes. The shipping will strike many of us a being a bit high, but they usually have everything in stock. And some of the prices are really good compared to bike wholesalers. (Like for SS bottle cage screws) Their prices for most bike size taps are only sometimes better than you'd get from a wholesaler or from places like "bike tools etc"
Another good source of stuff could be Maryland Metric. I haven't dealt with them for a few years, and when I bought from them it was for a hydraulic company, but they had sources for a vast assortment of non- US spec stuff, and could often make things as needed. You need large quantities for specials to keep the cost down, but almost anything is possible. I found their pricing to be all ove rhte lot, some stuff very cheap, others very expensive. Worth a call at any rate if nobody else has what you need. (They can even get special taps made- at scary prices of course, but it can be done)
Steve Birmingham Lowell, Massachusetts USA
Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 09:58:42 -0800 From: Jim Merz <jmerz@schat.com> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Subject: [CR]Re:Nuts and Bolts with French Threads Message: 13
Taps in metric diameters with many non ISO pitch are available from MSC. They also have metric pitch gauge tools. This very good company will sell to anyone with a credit card. I have made many fasteners for pre 1967 Japanese motorcycles as some of these threads are not available either. If you really want nice reproduction parts a lathe is really needed, along with a milling machine to do the hex head. I also was able to buy metric hex stock from a company in the USA, Parker Steel. They will sell small qty. also, but not cheap. They even have 4130 CrMo in sizes above 10mm.
I noticed some concern from some on the list of so called "counterfeit" parts. I have been involved in the highest level of vintage motorcycle restoration and here is my opinion. First of all what exactly are you trying to do? In the case of vintage cars or motorcycle, it is to show or race. If it is to show, then the reproduction parts must me indistinguishable from the original parts by a judge. This is the key, there is no problem with even making a new body as long as it meets the test stated above. If some judge can notice some very small detail such as no Logo on the brake washer, then maybe some points will come off. However if you must take the brake apart to see this I can't see getting worked up about this. The other case is vintage racing. Here much more leeway for making new parts is allowed. I have see the whole machine made from new parts, and most racers use many newly made parts. The rules say what you can and cannot do, but the idea is they must be mostly like the period in question.
In any case I can assure you that someone who makes reproduction Campagnolo parts that look even close to the original is not going to make a killing. I have made chainrings for Campi cranks in the old days. I actually thought about making some 31 tooth inner triple rings a while ago, but I don't think it's worth it. So my point is, if you see parts on Ebay that look like copies either don't buy them or ask the seller if they are copies. If you need them and they are rare it's up to you to buy. But I can't see going ballistic over the seller being a criminal. Just my opinion.
Jim Merz
Big Sur CA