: lets see your fab work


Donald Butcher
11-19-2001, 09:28 AM
hey I just got a welder and was wanting to see some of you guys bumpers and racks for your cruisers. Just looking for some cool projects to start


thanks

Donald:usa: :beer:

DonM
11-19-2001, 11:40 AM
Hey, I would post some pics but the rear rack I welded up fell off on the Interstate somewhere and the winch mount/front bumper is in the bottom of the creek somewhere.:D :rasta: Not really. Which welder did you get. I settled for a CH Mig about a year ago. Still learning. Biggest improvement came when I got a new helmet that dims automatically. DonM.

wild1
11-19-2001, 11:55 AM
Get yourself a chop saw, torch, and good grinder if you dont already. It will make a difference in time spent and the final result.

DonM
11-19-2001, 11:59 AM
Fully agree with Wild1. I have a chop saw and a good grinder. No troch yet, but have good sawzall.

Donald Butcher
11-19-2001, 12:11 PM
I also got the CH. I bought the 105 mig 3000 model. I found an open box buy at Home depot for $175 dollars! it was originally 300. awsome deal, that kind of stuff never happens to me. I need to buy a good chop saw next.

Shawn
11-19-2001, 12:53 PM
If you are looking at a chop saw, don't mess around with a cheep version, go out and spend the $250.00-$300.00 and get a good one. I had a Harbor Freight top of the line model and burned it up in less than a year. Now I own a Dewalt and am very happy:D

Just my $0.000002 worth:D

Donald Butcher
11-19-2001, 07:01 PM
does anyone have pictures of the spare tire carriers that they built? :beer:

fc187
11-19-2001, 10:48 PM
I would like to ad one more thing about cut off saws.

get one with a cast base. I bought a makita and the base sucks!. It is stamped and the surface isnt perfectly flat and you stock will rock back and forth a little. when you tighten the clamp its even worse. I think milwalkee chops have a cast base.

Cruiser Ken
11-20-2001, 08:00 AM
Why do you guys mess with cut-off saws? Most shops I have been around use a horizontal band saw. That is where I am putting my money.

wild1
11-20-2001, 10:19 AM
In a shop a band saw works great, but in the garage a good band saw takes up too much room. Unless you have a 60x80 garage.:D I also like the chop saw for the speed and cost. Price out a new blade for that band saw. If the wrong person uses it they can get hurt when that blade snaps too. They do make really nice cuts though.

wild1
11-20-2001, 10:20 AM
Sorry Donald about changing your thread.:beer:

MetalMender
11-20-2001, 12:08 PM
Why do you guys mess with cut-off saws? Most shops I have been around use a horizontal band saw. That is where I am putting my money.

I have a large horizontal band saw that I very rarely use but my verticle 18" bandsaw is a machine I could not be without.
From sheet steel to 3/4" plate it cuts everythig I can push through it and it's great for mitering tubing ,plus as an added bonus we have coils of blade stock at work :D
My bandsaw will always have a spot in the garage next to my miller tig machine,airco 225 mig, plasma cutter, beverly shear, 4' box brake,tubing bender,and oh yea lets not forget the chop saw .

I think I need a bigger garage

rich

wild1
11-20-2001, 12:11 PM
Dude, buddy, forget the bigger garage you just need to move closer to me.:beer:

Cruiser Ken
11-20-2001, 12:13 PM
My friend uses a chop saw. He has to pull down like hell to get through some stuff. With a horizontal band saw you set it and forget it. It even shuts off on its own. Try doing a piece of solid stock rather than tubing with your chop saw. Especially if you have to make multiple cuts, you will be cursing it. All I am saying is, that I only have room and $$$ for one. If I can only have one, I'm taking the band saw. The one I am looking at converts to a vertical band saw as well.

wild1
11-20-2001, 12:16 PM
hurrrghghh??<-- sound like tool time taylor? vertical band saw?? Tell me more.

Shawn
11-20-2001, 06:09 PM
Donald, Really sorry about changing the content of your post. Here are some pics of my swing away.

Shawn
11-20-2001, 06:12 PM
And another

flexing40
11-21-2001, 06:30 AM
Consider a PortaBand by Milwaukee. Very versatile and no sparks.

Donald Butcher
11-21-2001, 07:37 AM
thanks for all the info guys! Shawn that looks awsome! just like what I want to build. what did you use for the swinging point? you know what I mean? and the support out of your hitch, is that needed? does it rattle? I really like your setup

Donald :usa: :beer:

MetalMender
11-21-2001, 12:45 PM
thanks for all the info guys! Shawn that looks awsome! just like what I want to build. what did you use for the swinging point? you know what I mean? and the support out of your hitch, is that needed? does it rattle? I really like your setup

Here is a pic of my pivot that I made with some 1" trailer wheel bearings . I made a 1" spindle that was welded into the bumper
and machined a piece of 2.5 x .250 wall tubing to accept the bearing races and seals just like a hub would.
It pivots without effort and is rattle free but I dont have a latch on the locking end,I just use a 1/5" bolt threaded int the bumper.

MetalMender
11-21-2001, 12:51 PM
Here is another view, and it's a great spot to carry your spare axles.

MetalMender
11-21-2001, 12:59 PM
Here is rear view.

Shawn
11-21-2001, 05:32 PM
Originally posted by Donald Butcher
thanks for all the info guys! Shawn that looks awsome! just like what I want to build. what did you use for the swinging point? you know what I mean? and the support out of your hitch, is that needed? does it rattle? I really like your setup

Donald :usa: :beer:

The swing point was really easy to make,
Drilled a 3/4" hole through the swing arm and the bumper,
Placed two bearings that allow pressure top and bottom, and have a 3/4" center,
Set the bearings on the bottom and top of the bumper,
Slid a 9"x3/4" grade 8 bolts through and wamo,,,,

The suport for the tire is only there as extra help. You know when you get vertical and you start hopin,,,, It just helps hold the tire from flopin around,, and yes the 37" tire can flop.

Rattle,,,, not even:D

Shawn

BJ On Roids
11-21-2001, 06:02 PM
Originally posted by Shawn
Donald, Really sorry about changing the content of your post. Here are some pics of my swing away.

shawn? umm that 'swing away' looks MEGA COOL, i wnt to do something similar with mine, but i was wondering, how it actually "swings"

i was thinking about just permanently attaching mine, and have 2 or 3 pins to take the whole thing off! :D
and either leave it on or off as i felt the need??

but if it swings down or out that would be cool!!
any other pics?

Shawn
11-21-2001, 06:10 PM
Originally posted by bj42


shawn? umm that 'swing away' looks MEGA COOL, i wnt to do something similar with mine, but i was wondering, how it actually "swings"

i was thinking about just permanently attaching mine, and have 2 or 3 pins to take the whole thing off! :D
and either leave it on or off as i felt the need??

but if it swings down or out that would be cool!!
any other pics?

I had a bud that wanted me to make one that droped down, then you pulled a built in leg up and had a "Trail Side Table",,,,

These are the only pics I have right now, If I got out this week end I'll snap some more.

BJ On Roids
11-22-2001, 04:20 PM
Originally posted by Shawn


I had a bud that wanted me to make one that droped down, then you pulled a built in leg up and had a "Trail Side Table",,,,

These are the only pics I have right now, If I got out this week end I'll snap some more.

yeah, i had visions of yours swinging down or something, until, i saw it secured into your tow hitch, umm, does it only go a small way into the hitch like 2" or something!!

a swinging down one would be cool seat/table even maybe a "workbench" to keep bearings and stuff clean for working on ya know, just throw a bit of ply on it and voila!!:smokin:

Shawn
11-22-2001, 05:35 PM
Yep,,, That's is what he wanted it for.

Donald Butcher
11-25-2001, 04:40 PM
thanks metal! sounds cool hey Shawn what other points does the carrier attach to other than the bearing setup? It really looks good. Just wondering what supports the tire


Donald

Shawn
11-25-2001, 07:20 PM
There are only two mounting points for my carrier. In the above pics you can see both of them, The bearing point and the Butterfly Bolt. The whole rack is made of 2 1/2" Square and is very stout. Not only do I carry the 37 tire but I also have a 5 gallon jerry can extended for the tire that I keep full when I'm on the trail.

Shawn
11-25-2001, 07:23 PM
I was going to post another pic for you but for some reason,,, I can't :confused: :confused: The load up area is gone,,,

BJ On Roids
11-26-2001, 06:58 PM
Originally posted by Shawn
I was going to post another pic for you but for some reason,,, I can't :confused: :confused: The load up area is gone,,,

ummmm shawn can you email me some of the pics,
MY EMAIL ADDRESS (rob@hawkinstpt.com.au)

feel free to send as many as you like as its a BIG connection
cheers
rob

Shawn
11-26-2001, 07:18 PM
Originally posted by bj42


ummmm shawn can you email me some of the pics,
MY EMAIL ADDRESS (rob@hawkinstpt.com.au)

feel free to send as many as you like as its a BIG connection
cheers
rob

I will be more than happy to email you some pics. This week end is X-mas tree hunting, so I will be out in the mountains cuting trees. I will snap some pics of the Tire Carrier and email them to you.

Shawn

bigwalla
11-27-2001, 07:49 PM
hey can you email me those pics also? dhbutcher24@hotmail.com:usa: :beer:

Shawn
11-27-2001, 08:10 PM
You got it, I emailed you.

Donald Butcher
11-29-2001, 12:36 PM
anybody else got some pics of front bumpers or roof rack? I'm interested in anything you guys have constructed.

Donald :beer: :usa:

MetalMender
11-29-2001, 02:01 PM
Here is my version of your basic front bumper.
The brush guard was made to protect the original fenders and turn signals so it looks kinda funny with my tube fenders so I will probably take it off and bend up something else.

Donald Butcher
11-29-2001, 02:50 PM
what kind of pipe bender do you have and how much did that set you back? :usa: :beer:

humelakefj40
11-29-2001, 05:05 PM
hey metalmender nice color
i've been looking for the "right" orange what is the color
on yours. thanks kirk

MetalMender
11-29-2001, 05:21 PM
what kind of pipe bender do you have and how much did that set you back?

I have a U.S. tool & die hydraulic maxi bender, and that comes with a 10 ton ram but no pump for $395. + dies which range from $215. for 2" $150. for 1.5" $125. for the 1" =$885 + shipping.
I used a 10 ton portapower pump for a short time but I now use an air powered hydraulic pump and it makes life sweet.

All these prices are three years old so not sure about current pricing. Contact U.S. Tool & Die 4509 orient road, Tampa Florida 33610 phone: 813-664-1055

A satisfied customer

rich

MetalMender
11-29-2001, 05:33 PM
hey metalmender nice color i've been looking for the "right" orange what is the color

Dupont centari code72 gm hugger orange

rich

MetalMender
11-29-2001, 06:09 PM
Here are some pics of my tube fenders due to popular demand:D

MetalMender
11-29-2001, 06:12 PM
And the left side

davefj40
11-30-2001, 04:22 AM
so rich, what do you have planned for this winter? will i recognize it or are you pretty much set with the way it is now?

i might be getting rid of the 60 and getting a mini-truck. that 60 was too damn big at the trail-fest especially when the brake lines decided to fail. although driving that unimog sure was fun.

dave

MetalMender
11-30-2001, 05:14 PM
so rich, what do you have planned for this winter? will i recognize it or are you pretty much set with the way it is now?

Hi Dave

It will be a little wider with the 60's under it :D

That is the plan,I should be getting the front axel this week and I already have the rear so I will be getting gears,a detroit and a spool shortly so I can start getting them ready for the install.
I also want to get an atlas if I can get the cash saved or else I will go with a D300. I will also have to get some 8 lug wheels and get some new beadlocks welded on and build some new drive shafts and more stuff that I can't think of right now.

I might have start selling some of my cruiser stuff to fund this operation. you would't happen to know anybody that might be interested in a brand new in the factory shipping crate original fiberglass roof panel complete with headliner and gutter for a fj40 ?

Oh you will recognize it but it will be different !

later
rich

Shawn
11-30-2001, 08:07 PM
Hey Metal,, I realy dig those front fenders!!

What does the Side and Rear of your Cruiser look like?

Post some more please.

60seriesguy
11-30-2001, 08:34 PM
Hey Rich (I mean, Metal Mender), nice to see you on the board! I thought I recognized that badass orange machine, and the BBB sticker is a dead give away! Sweet front fenders man, I DIG them!

MetalMender
11-30-2001, 08:45 PM
Hey Metal,, I realy dig those front fenders!!
What does the Side and Rear of your Cruiser look like?
Post some more please.

I can't belive how many people have said that since I built them last june they really draw the looks.

Heres a pic

MetalMender
11-30-2001, 08:52 PM
And another

Shawn
11-30-2001, 09:02 PM
I realy dig your Cruiser,

One more pic??

How about a pic of the motor compartment. Id like to see how it looks with no fender skirts.

Thanks

MetalMender
11-30-2001, 09:26 PM
Hey Rich (I mean, Metal Mender), nice to see you on the board! I thought I recognized that badass orange machine, and the BBB sticker is a dead give away! Sweet front fenders man, I DIG them!



I wish I had a buck for every person who wanted to buy them stickers .
The cruiser has changed a bit in the last few years, I think the last you saw it was catamount 99 and that was the trip I flop it over :D
I have hung around here for few years and remember when it was just starting, but I just hung around and absorbed all the info. I have some free time on my hands recovering from surgery a few weeks ago so it helps to pass the time and I really want to get rid of my NEWBIE status! (see my register date)

When we going to see you at the Coal Mine Cruiser Classic ?

later
rich

60seriesguy
11-30-2001, 09:35 PM
Couldn't make it to Coal Mine Cruiser Classic last year because of my sister's graduating (first PhD in the family!), but I'll be there next year. Didn't see you at the Fall Gathering (ex-Catamount), it was great this year!

If you ever need a couple more stickers, I got a handful left in my personal stash!

MetalMender
11-30-2001, 09:37 PM
How about a pic of the motor compartment. Id like to see how it looks with no fender skirts

I just looked around and don't have any good shots ,I also took a few pics of my fenders without the covers on for "TLC obssesion" and the damn disk screwed up so I will get some tomorrow and get them posted.

rich

Actnjacksn
12-01-2001, 10:22 AM
Are those stock cruiser axles? What gears are in them? After you get your 60's, what are you going to do with those axles?
Thanks

davefj40
12-01-2001, 01:46 PM
hey rich, dale might be interested in the top. i know he just got a tub shipped in from california. i'll get ahold of him and find out. he's thinking about swapping in a sm-420 but not real sure yet.

let me know when you start swapping axle's in and maybe i'll drive up and hang out one of these days.

hope your feeling better

dave

MetalMender
12-01-2001, 04:10 PM
One more pic?? How about a pic of the motor compartment. Id like to see how it looks with no fender skirts

Here the right side with the fender skin removed

MetalMender
12-01-2001, 04:17 PM
And another

MetalMender
12-01-2001, 04:29 PM
Maybe this more like what you wanted to see.

MetalMender
12-01-2001, 04:50 PM
Are those stock cruiser axles? What gears are in them? After you get your 60's, what are you going to do with those axles?

Yea they are stock 4:11 all setup for a SO but I think they are already spoken for,but if not I'll let you know.

rich

1970cruiser
12-01-2001, 04:51 PM
Dude......I think I just creamed my pants. Those fenders are the sheet! Have you thought about selling those? I am interested in a set if you do. I have 38" Tsl Sx's and I need more fender clearence. I really want a set, how much will you make a set for? I have some parts too, are you looking for anything?:eek:

arndog
12-01-2001, 06:19 PM
metalmender looks like you are using a heim on the top of your shock or I am just seeing things. Did you do anything else to support your shock or just weld a tube to the frame

thanks,

arndog

crawlin cruiser
12-01-2001, 07:01 PM
Atention Ladies and genelmen................. we have a winner!!!

The most popular newbie in the cruiser section!!!:D :D

yjtj
12-01-2001, 11:44 PM
looks like you frequent paragon, hope to see yah there

MetalMender
12-02-2001, 12:04 PM
Dude......I think I just creamed my pants. Those fenders are the sheet! Have you thought about selling those? I am interested in a set if you do. I have 38" Tsl Sx's and I need more fender clearence. I really want a set, how much will you make a set for? I have some parts too, are you looking for anything?

Glad you like them, and that is one of the reasons that I built mine to give the sx's room to move. I ran 35 boggers before and they would stuff all the way into the fenders so I knew the new meats mould need more room.
As a mentioned in an ealier post I am on the mend from surgery and I doubt that I'll be doing any work till the new year so I will give it some thought and see if I can come up with somthing.

ps: sorry about the pants

rich

MetalMender
12-02-2001, 01:13 PM
metalmender looks like you are using a heim on the top of your shock or I am just seeing things. Did you do anything else to support your shock or just weld a tube to the frame

Yes I am running a heim on the top to help free things up a bit as the stock mounting configuation tends to bind on the shock bushings as the axel moves through it's arc fore and aft, and the shocks that I used whre laying aroung the shop but had the pin mount on the top so I just cut it off and welded on piece of 7/8" solid that I threaded for the 5/8" heim.
I used alumalite 5/8x1/2 rod ends that I cut to keep the overall lenght down .

The shock mount is a piece a 1 1/2"x.120 tube that is welded to the frame.I did this before the fenders where done and will probably do something different but it worked great all year.

here is better pic

MetalMender
12-02-2001, 01:53 PM
Atention Ladies and genelmen................. we have a winner!!! The most popular newbie in the cruiser section!!!

Thank you what do I win,an atlas 2 I hope :D :D :D

I might be newbie here on the board but have been wheeling since 76 in my dads scout (he still doesn't know) and bought my first cruiser in 81, a 66 that I still have and now own a 60fj24/
66fj40/ 72fj55/ 76fj40/ 77fj40 the orange one/ and a 91fj80.

I know I know YOUR STILL A NEWBIE:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

rich:D

MetalMender
12-02-2001, 02:07 PM
looks like you frequent paragon, hope to see yah there

Yea I only have a 60 mile drive to get there so whenever I have time I try to get down there.
Not sure what your jeep looks like but look for my orange cruiser or my green&white f350crewcab tow vehicle at the campground and I'll have a :beer: :beer: for you.

rich

crawlin cruiser
12-02-2001, 03:25 PM
Hey Metal Mender, sounds like you have some sweet rigs. Your also a kick ass fabricator!

Welcome!!! Fawkin newbie!!!:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

Shawn
12-02-2001, 03:56 PM
Thanks for all the pics Metal.