Design Rodeo » Rolling Chassis

Front Cross Member

kevin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:35:53 +0000

I made some progress on the front cross member. First I cut the frame horns off leaving enough meat for the new pipe cross member. Then I tacked it in place and cut the frame in the shape of the pipe.

Then I welded the entire seem real hot to get good penetration, ground down the weld and prep’ed a piece to wrap around the cross member. Welded it all up and smoothed the welds. The inside portion will be TIG welded but I am waiting until I finish boxing the frame for that. Here is the somewhat finished look. (Try to ignore the shopping cart, it was my rolling stand today, saving my back.)

Split Bones

kevin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:48:42 +0000

I got a set of split bones but they were in pretty bad shape. The threaded bungs were fine but who ever did the welding really jacked it up. Safety aside, which was a major concern, it really looked like shit. So I had to cut a bit more away than I wanted, now what to do.

I really want a long drag look so I don’t want to run little stumpy split bones. So I made three inch long threaded bungs and decided to try to blend them to match the slope on the bones. I think they came out pretty good (I didn’t blend them until after welding, sorry no up close pic).

Spring Perch

kevin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:37:29 +0000

I have heard the debate back and forth over the pros and cons of a spring perch, and guess what I figured out. It is my build and I am going to do what I want, and I want a model T style spring perch on the front end.

So I cut out these pieces with the Wire EDM at work, then cranked up the TIG to put it all together. I was pretty fired up how the welds and the piece came out.

Filling Holes

kevin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:32:31 +0000

I have taking on the task of filling all the holes in the chassis that I do not need (there are a bunch).

The best method I have found is to clamp a piece of graphite behind the hole and fill it by MIG welding. The weld does not stick to the graphite but gives you something to build on. Here are a couple shots.

Brake Backing Plates

kevin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:34:20 +0000

Still in the “don’t spend money stage”, so I am trying to do things that are labor intensive but not much cash. So I mapped out a pattern and drilled (actually milled) out the backing plates I have.

I don’t even think I am going to end up using these, because the wife seems to think the hot rod should stop. So I will probably be using disc brakes, but if not, now I have some bad ass backing plates. 117 holes in EACH!