Gotta Few More Mods Underway...

[LC_Hamma]

Chuck I think you have a serious problem....you are a fab-o-holic!

You're making me miss my Yellow 66 40 on 1 tons!


Have you checked out my thread lately?....got some kewel pics!
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/245582-what-do-you-think-my-build-so-far-7.html

Checked out the pics & I saw those fab welding beads I knew I was doin something wrong cuz mine don't look that good ;p Not much uptravel w/ those 39's huh? Classic Roy thrashin the 80

 

[LC_Hamma]

Got 'em in! Finished boxing in w/ 1/8" mat'l. Now, it's onto the inner links which'll be raised to control pinion tilt. These will look similar to the one's I've already built for the

 

[LC_Hamma]

Inner Axle Brackets:

I've already begun forming these. The tops are 1/4" plate & curved for the bumpstops. One of the legs is flat so that bracket mounts just outside the diff. I'll affix both, then start on the panhard frame mount on the driver side.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Axle Brackets Done:

I finished these up Now, I hafta figure out the panhard from the frame to how it'll mount to the axle The steering shaft is in the way if I tried to use the inner frame for bracing. I'll set it under the frame & run braces from the outside. I'll maximize the mount to frame connection cuz this needs to be the stoutest bracket.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Axle Panhard

I figured It'd be better locating the mount on the axle first, since that's more critical. I have more area on the frame which is adjustable to line up the panhard link. Chek out the triple sheared bolt I had to notch the base of the coil retainer in order for a full box job on the new mount.

 

[CruisinGA]

Lots of red X's here.

Might have something to do with the updates/issues Woody is dealin with right now. ???

 

[LC_Hamma]

More Progress...

I added the 2" O.D. piece of tube for the front cutout & the inner curved portion of where the heim mounts is completed. You can get a better view of the shock's location & how I left the rear plate a little bit high for drainage. Next will be a finished pic of the entire bracket.....

 

[FJCRUZR]

That's what I would call insane and beautiful at the same time...lol

I hope you're keeping all the blue print to all this!

 

[LC_Hamma]

That's what I would call insane and beautiful at the same time...lol

I hope you're keeping all the blue print to all this!

Thanks! I kept a few of the cardboard cutouts for reference I really don't wanna replicate the same bracket twice on another rig..... just to keep designs different. I finished up this one & will start on the frame mount next. I already have the design worked out on paper. Time to put it to METAL ;p

 

[FJCRUZR]

Most people put the pedal to the metal...But you put the metal to work!
Awesome stuff...

 

[LC_Hamma]

Panhard:

I welded up the seams in the frame, top & bottom, & patched the factory holes. Then I started piecing together the panhard mount. I'll burn it to the frame so I can get more weld attachment on the insides of the mount. Then, I'll box it in & add a reinforcing 3/8" plate from the outside of the frame.

 

[LC_Hamma]

I ran outta wire or this'd be done I'll fully weld on this 3/8" plate, inside the cutouts too, then finish boxing it in. Next, I have the plates plasma'd out & ready for the y-link bars.

 

[CruisinGA]

I really like the attention to detail. I'm plain old jealous.

Do you work in fab, or is this just a hobby you happen to be pretty good at.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Thanks dood

Really, it started out as a weekend hobby but now it's progressed to full awn fabbin. The combo of heavy tunes & welding fumes keep me charged. I can't wait to test this out this new updated version.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Got 'er dun! Onto the inner links. I'll have to slightly curve all the pieces on my press, similar to the angle on the axle lowers.

 

[mrqtipp]

nice work!!!

 

[CruisinGA]

I've only had a press in my garage for a little while, and it's already proved itself pretty useful doing some simple bending etc aside from the standard U-joint change etc.

But since almost everything you weld seems to be bent, curved, or otherwise fancy I was wondering if you have any special attachments for bending or if you just rig something up when you need it.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Sometimes simple straight lines don't work for me, visually or structurally, so angles or curves are the design of choice. I gotta admit those last brackets were too bulky & I shoulda cut down on the size by about 1/4" scale on each one For the curve forming, I'll use the press for 3/8" & if it's a large radius 1/4" mat'l. Other than that, I just use some blacksmithin skillz (3 lb. slegde & eyeball) to shape a curve on various pieces of tube I have here. Pretty caveman for "Simplefab". Many imperfections show that pieces weren't storebought or machinecut & that's preferred.

 

[LC_Hamma]

I lightened up the shock tower a little. All that work for a few oz. of steel & I really couldn't tell much difference I also finished up shaping the inner link brackets. Now I just gotta bend 'em, burn 'em, & box 'em. Next, I'll figure out how the upper coil retainer will mount to the frame as I burned off the old brackets.

 

[HENDOG]

I guess you could say your work is FABulous........Funny stuff HuH????