Charge Plug w/ Tektro R536 - front pads hitting sidewalls, WTH am I missing?

So I was 'gifted' a free 2009 (I think) Charge Plug Freestyler, apparently owned by someone who hates bikes. Having replaced the toobz, chain, freewheel, pads, pedals, and front wheel, I have a 99% bike. However...

Front pads (new Swisstop Flash Pro BXP) refuse to fully clear the sidewalls. See attached pic.

I adjusted the eccentric spacer that clamps the front brakes to the fork, to slight improvement but not total success. As far as I am aware, this bike came with these brakes and 700c wheels so everything should fit. Back brakes are fine.

What utterly noob moment of enlightenment will show me the way forward?

Thanks in advance for all constructive (or even just quality humorous) responses/japes.

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The drop on your front brake isn’t long enough

Just get R539: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tektro-r539-long-drop-road-brake-caliper-set/

@MCamb Yeah, I know it isn't enough but it should be as far as I can tell, so where is this going wrong?

@amey Thanks. I realise I could get new brakes. I want to understand why what should be working isn't, though.

what’s this?

‘the eccentric spacer that clamps the front brakes to the fork‘

@MCamb Sorry, the 1/2 moon washer. Edit: GAH! Engage brain... not 1/2 moon. Concave.

I should make another coffee...

This is the concave washer I'm talking about.

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Cool, I don’t think that washer matters too much...

Is it possible that your friend replaced it at some point and bought the wrong one?

Did the old pads clear the sidewalls?

@MCamb I didn't notice any problem with the old pads/wheel but both were so knackered I quickly replaced them so it's possible it never worked right. Still, R536 + 700 is the stock configuration for this bike. Hence, me wondering where something is wrong. All of the older Charge Plugs with these forks seem to wear R536.

@MCamb I just found an old pic I took when I first got it. Pads line up fine with the rim. Clearly, I've upset something in The Grand Order...

You can sometimes file the slot for pads out a bit allowing them to drop further in the callipers. Ok if you need a few mm more.

Are the wheels sat all the way up in the drop out? Different axle type?

I would say check the wheel is fitted up in the drop outs properly as well.

Might just need to slacken the wheel nuts off, lift the bike up and give the wheel a smack. It might fit up better

This might be a stupid suggestion, but is the new front wheel different from the old one? I.e. diameter?

1. Old & new wheels are same size.
   
2. Axle fully seated in drop outs.
   
   

However, clearly the forks are not straight. Seating the axle fully in the dropouts results in the wheel being (eyeballed) 8-10mm off-centre at the tire. Clearly, the forks need straightening/replacing but I can't see that explaining having pads at the farthest drop and still hitting the sidewall.

I reckon @MCamb and @amey are right. This fork must originally have used R538 long drop callipers and a pervious owner fitted the R536.

Thanks to everyone for their feedback. I appreciate the efforts! You guys rock.

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