So I finally picked up a tank for my BMW project and decided to keep the stock front suspension so now I'm off to build a new sub frame, exhaust hangers, etc. My question is, for the sub frame, what's a good way to build a pivot into the end of the steel stock so that the whole system is removable (kinda like the sbk's) that's not going to require a full machine shop to build. I have a good amount of hand tools and fair fabrication skills but no drill press, lathe, mill, etc. and I'd prefer not to weld the new parts directly onto the frame permanently. Takers?
Quote from: Jarvicious on December 01, 2010, 10:44:14 AM
So I finally picked up a tank for my BMW project and decided to keep the stock front suspension so now I'm off to build a new sub frame, exhaust hangers, etc. My question is, for the sub frame, what's a good way to build a pivot into the end of the steel stock so that the whole system is removable (kinda like the sbk's) that's not going to require a full machine shop to build. I have a good amount of hand tools and fair fabrication skills but no drill press, lathe, mill, etc. and I'd prefer not to weld the new parts directly onto the frame permanently. Takers?
Pics?
First thought is heim joints.
(http://www.mcmaster.com/param/images/RodEnds/ItemDetailClevisMaleShank.gif)
More info here:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-clevises/=9ym2xs (http://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-clevises/=9ym2xs)
Or this, discarding the clip and using a bolt:
(http://www.mcmaster.com/param/images/RodEnds/ItemDetailClevisEasyAdapt.gif)
http://www.mcmaster.com/#clevis-ends/=9ym4ty (http://www.mcmaster.com/#clevis-ends/=9ym4ty)
Also:
(http://www.markwilliams.com/images/10814-1.jpg) (http://www.markwilliams.com/images/20312-1.jpg)
http://www.markwilliams.com/chassisClevises.aspx?CategoryID=162 (http://www.markwilliams.com/chassisClevises.aspx?CategoryID=162)
Heim joints or rod ends FTW!!!
Total newb response. So these are pre-fabbed tips you can weld onto rod or tube stock?
No pics as of yet, I'm kinda flying by the seat of my pants. Plan is to get the tank and forward control situation settled in, then I can work on the seat position and overall geometry. The frame does have mounting points where the old subframe was bolted on, but I'm not sure I'm going to use them until I get the tank fitted.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-ends/=9ysok4 (http://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-ends/=9ysok4)
They do make weld in versions, but those apply more to auto suspension fab.
The sizes you'll need would be thread on and secure with a lock nut.
poke around on mcmaster.com, they have damn near everything a mad scientist would need.