I bought some Unknown Badda Boom forks recently (you might have seen them on eBay) in the mistaken belief that buying the screw-in brake bosses afterwards would be a simple 'purchase and install' deal.
Not so. Best laid plans and all that.
Although the diameter's fine (10mm), the threads on the bosses are too fine and won't fit. Numerous possibilities present themselves:
Have some custom made with the correct threads. Not really doable by someone who buys bike parts on eBay.
Buy 8mm bosses and a thread adaptor. IF one exists that fits both sizes. Also, as with using a helicoil, strength could be a factor.
Abandon the chrome finish and have some welded on. IF that's possible.
Use a 990 plate. Haven't held one up against the forks yet, but the only problem I can see is that the hole is triangular and the bolt is round. Is that an issue or a needless concern?
Ask for the right thing, a pair of the correct bosses exists but they're not what was ordered. Instead, on the sage advice from this very site, an order should be placed for some "xxxxxx from xxxxxxx, with a xxxxx thread pitch".
Appeal to my fellow riders, who may have an unused pair in a poly bag at the bottom of their toolbox or in that kitchen drawer that's full of old tut.
The one option that isn't on the table is going brakeless. Oh no.
As ever, your advice is appreciated.