Do old parts fit with each other?

[KFitzke]

I just purchased an early sixties( what I think) AMC Caravan bicycle. I'm trying to put some different handle bars and stem on it to give it a "cafe-racer" look. The handle bars that are on it read to be 7/8ths and the stem to be 22.2mm. I bought some used stems and handle bars that I like and they either don't fit the fork and/or handle bars.

Is there a trick to matching up stem-fork-handle bars or am I doing the math wrong?

Thanks, Kevin

p.s. I'm new to the rat-rod building experience

 

[Hooch]

welcome and fill out an intro so we know more about you
but yes most vintage stuff is swapable but some of the newer stuff you might run into issues

 

[icyuod2]

theres a few different seat stem sizes to watch for 21.1 22.2 etc.
bars also come in a couple different diameters (the bars are the same thickness except for where they fit into the neck.)

you can purchase aluminum shims from your local bike store to make the smaller bars fit in the bigger neck

 

[KFitzke]

Thanks for the advice Icyuod2!

I forgot camera at friends house, but I will post pics soon of my bike.

 

[aka_locojoe]

Here's a FAQ that explains some of the simpler stuff

BTW Steve I borrowed a pic of yours for this FAQ. Hope it's ok.