In a previous search I had found them, but now I am having considerably less luck. Does anybody here know where to look? I've tried the Shimano site, but I am looking for stuff from the early 80s. Thanks for your help.

https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-434029.html

Maybe this'll help.

Good luck.

This isn't super-helpful, but does this help?
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/shimano1982/

Is there anything in particular you're trying to figure out? I worked in a shop back then, and I thought the Shimano stuff was the bee's knees. I've grown up since then, though.

If you have a part number from a Shimano exploded view, try Googling that part number. I had a site from somewhere in Scandanavia that had dozens of old documents that I found by doing that. I had it bookmarked on an old work computer but didn't extract all my bookmarks before I left.

Edit. Think I found it, looks like they've updated the site.
https://www.paul-lange.de/produkte/sh...hungen_archiv/

I'm looking specifically for BR-Z57, which is a Golden Arrow/105 caliper. The date code places it at Jan. '85. I'm trying to rebuild it for future use, but I'm having a hard time getting it so that the two arms stay parallel but without rubbing. An exploded view would really light my fire.

Yeah, yeah, I know. Maybe I should have paid more attention when disassembling...

Um, yeah...

In any case, the Z-series calipers weren't particularly robust even for back then. The "cheap sidepull" of choice was Dia-Compe.

Here's a couple pictures of your beastie, but none that show the arm arrangement:
https://www.velobase.com/ViewSingleCo...m=117&AbsPos=5

IIRC, there should be a plastic washer in between the two caliper arms. Is it there?

If you really get stuck, I may have a spare Z-series caliper in my bin o' parts. I could send it to you if it's the same reach.

(Old bike mechanics never die. They just disappear under their piles of parts.)

They really should rub at the fully-expanded position. That's what keep the spring from fully expanding and making the arms stick out sideways. As long as they're not rubbing when compressed to operating width, then you're fine. Also adjust the locknut to take out the play, but not so tight that they return spring can't operate.

I also have a torrent with a bunch of old stuff in it: https://www.demonoid.com/files/downlo...37255/15687865

Wow. This all good info. The velobase site is pretty cool (ps-the link was dead). There is no plastic washer there, though there is a metal one... perhaps I've found the culprit. I'll dig around and see if I can find something that'll work.

The whole issue is that when I tighten the lock-nut so that the arms aren't loose the calipers become too stiff to move.

Thanks for all of the input. BFers rule!

Second try on the link:
https://www.velobase.com/ViewSingleCo...m=117&AbsPos=5

IIRC, the metal washer is supposed to be under both arms, on top of the spring mount. There should be a (white?) plastic washer between the arms.