headlamp forks are too narrow for the head lamps

[TBones12]

I didn't think headlamps came in different widths relative to the forks.

The forks are about 7" center to center of the lamp bracket holes.
The lamp bracket holes are about 6.75" center to center.

I had a hard time getting accurate measurements. The picture looks like they are both about 7"but they are not. Should they be?

Even if the measurements are off, the lamps is still wider then the fork.

Gentle spreading of the fork by hand was too hard and I was afraid of breaking them or ruining the lamps if forced on.

Any suggestions??
Thanks, Bob

[DanTreace]

I bend the malleable iron forks by hand. Locked one side in vise, then pulled bit or use rubber dead soft mallet or better, a short length of hollow pipe over the arm, little at a time. Checking fit as you go.

The lamp brackets should slide gently over the fork arms. Line them up first to see how much bending is needed, usually just a little bending is needed. The lamp brackets just need to fit over the tops of the forks a short ways down.

[DanTreace]

Bob

After you get the fork spread where you like it, then mount the forks and use short length of pipe over each arm and bend them to suit the tilt or angle of the lamp. On these, have electrified them, and want the beam to be down some, not straight out.

The initial setting of the forks had the lamp shinning on my toes!

[Allan]

Are they new reproduction forks or originals? I believe the originals are forgings, and as such can take a deal of bending/reshaping to fit. Repops are likely castings,and depending on the material used, may not be as tolerant of efforts to reshape them.

Allan from down under.

[TBones12]

thanks for your response. The fork is original so hopefully it will bend as you say. The pipe leverage was a good idea.