Pat, I think you have to make a good set of DIY billies to keep in the spirit of the build, no?

I think you were running that setup with base suspension earlier because you're a madman.

 

Well, perhaps, but I ordered the Xida's today!

Been busy so forgot to post links to last few vids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regarding Episode 36, How 2 Fab Simple Bracket:

1. You will save a LOT of time and material by pre-fabbing brackets in cardboard first to get your bend angles, lengths and holes correct; scissors+cardboard+sharp_pencil is easier+quicker+cheaper than hacksaws, drills and aluminium.

2. This applies mostly to aluminium brackets >= 2mm thick:
When making aluminium bends in brackets, it's preferable to heat up the bend area first (hot but not glowing hot - makes metal more malleable, less prone to snapping) and NOT get that perfect 90* bend/fold, allow the corner to be rounded a bit (this helps keep its strength without snapping at the bend).
If you notice ANY "tearing" on the outside of the corner, throw it away and start again, a sharp jolt will snap it..

 

 

I just want to add this old trick of using a Sharpie as a temp stick for aluminum. I know, I didn't believe it either till I tried it. Sharpie doodle on both sides of the aluminum at the bend joint, when the temperature is hot enough the Sharpie will fade away and it's at the right temp to bend. Aluminum dissipates heat quickly so you will have to have the heat standing by for holding at the desired temp. One final note, aluminum has a grain structure and you want to bend against/across the grain for best results.

 

 

 

 

Sorry to hear about your transmission issues and bitch arms. I bet the shipping will cost you more than the repairs will cost the manufacturer. Enjoying the viedos, keep them coming.

 

Glad you are enjoying them!