Any tips for SonTour endless clamp installation?
 

I've been trying to install a SunTour Cyclone Mk. II front derailleur with an endless clamp on my old Lambert. I just can't get the clamp to stay in place while I insert the stud that holds it in place.

So far, I tried slip joint pliers, needle-nosed pliers, vise-grips and even tried levering the clamp together with a small screwdriver. Every time I managed to get the ends close enough together to install the studs, the tool that I used is in the way.

If anyone has experience with those clamps, I'd appreciate any tips you have to offer.

Bend the 2 ends so it 'snaps together', then install the stud.

use your one hand to hold the clamp aroundthe seatube, with your right hand slip the derailluer body over the clamp, then use your other hand to turn the allen bolt. LOL

I agree with jim. the 'plate that the clamp attaches to has to be in the body cavity and the clamp snaps on to it.

Thanks for the reply, Jim.

After I posted, I went to the garage to give it another try. I finally succeeded. I must have worked on this three hours.

The problem was that when the ends aligned so they could snap together, the end that snaps over the other end was bent out too much to snap over.

ai fnally realized that I might be able to thread the stud in even if the parts were not snapped together. So I pulled the two ends together with a pair of needle-nosed vice-grips adn the put a set of vice grips with curved jaws on the back of the band to hold it close. Then I was able to hold the end aligned and start the stud. after the stud was tight enough, I remove the vice-grips. The ends did lap over each other as they should.

I will say that this was more difficult that installing fenders. :)

Thanks for the reply Bianchigirl. I did have to use three or four hands, vice-grips, that is.

Maybe the tubing was slightly oversized. It's an old Lambert from the 70's. Straight-gage lugless frame. Brazed, I think.