05 Flame Red TJ Build

[Mike_H]

Lance Brew is a custom bicycle frame builder. Runs a class to DIY your own frames, does boutique frames, etc. He posted a first hand account once of a mistake someone made using chlorinated brake cleaner. It's pretty scary to read...

https://www.brewracingframes.com/safety-alert-brake-cleaner--phosgene-gas.html

 

[Apparition]

Lance Brew is a custom bicycle frame builder. Runs a class to DIY your own frames, does boutique frames, etc. He posted a first hand account once of a mistake someone made using chlorinated brake cleaner. It's pretty scary to read...

https://www.brewracingframes.com/safety-alert-brake-cleaner--phosgene-gas.html

That's worth the read. wow.

 

[JMT]

Yes. Acetone

How do you keep the steel from rusting? Can’t you use WD-40 after use, then clean with Acetone before use?

 

[rasband]

How do you keep the steel from rusting? Can’t you use WD-40 after use, then clean with Acetone before use?

It's mostly up to how you store bare steel, but most you'd buy has millscale on it that you'll clean off anyway - so small surface rust isn't a big deal

 

[Mike_H]

How do you keep the steel from rusting? Can’t you use WD-40 after use, then clean with Acetone before use?

You're probably going to be grinding your weld area anyway. I vary rarely use any cleaner before I weld. As long as you're not in a super humid environment and you keep the steel from getting wet, it will be fine.

 

[JMT]

I welded more than this today, but I didn’t take pictures of everything.

A Filet Weld using slip-pause (it helps if I count). It’s pretty good. Stated high and moved low.

My first Butt Weld. I cut the 4” wide 1/8” steel down the center to make two pieces, then butt weld end to end. I had a hard time staying on the butt. I couldn’t see very well. I turned the shop lights off and it was better. I ground it down after. The weld itself is pretty bad.

 

[Wildman]

Looking great for some one who is just starting out.
Are you glad you finally took the plunge and bought the welding equipment? I really think you will enjoy yourself once you get the hang of it.

 

[JMT]

Looking great for some one who is just starting out.
Are you glad you finally took the plunge and bought the welding equipment? I really think you will enjoy yourself once you get the hang of it.

I am glad! Now it’s just building the confidence to start cutting on the frame! Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[JMT]

Crawled under the Jeep today to check the front lower CA mounts. Saw this.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the M14 bolt was bent. Bashed my thumb with a hammer trying to get it out. Ended up having to cut it on both ends and wrangle the CA out, then drill a hole into the bolt to place a punch and beat it out with a 4lb hammer and about 50 smacks.

 

[JMT]

Forget trying to find a 10.9 M14-2.0 flanged bolt that’s 110mm long in a local store for the front lower CA. I had to settle for a Grade 8 SAE 9/16”x4” long for now. Finally found the stock metric bolt on moparpartswarehouse. Shipping was as much as the bolt and nut, but I like to keep the stock bolts if I can.

I did get the bracket reasonably straight. When the mini skids arrive I’ll see if it’s straight enough to weld them on.

 

[bobthetj03]

I switched all my lowers to 9/16 SAE grade 8 bolts with torque prevailing nuts.

 

[JMT]

I switched all my lowers to 9/16 SAE grade 8 bolts with torque prevailing nuts.

I couldn't find a torque nut locally. Of course, I was in a hurry since the only plan was to remove the arm at the axle and straighten out the bracket. It turned into a full on battle with that bent 10.9 M14 bolt in the CA sleeve and I was just trying to get back on the road.

 

[JMT]

I debated getting the JKS mini skids, but the pictures look different all over the internet, so I decided to go with something I know will be right. This is the cheapest I could find them. These RockJock came from CJ Pony Parts.

 

[JMT]

I'll be using some of Blaine's Johnny Joint Washers to center the front lower CA's in the bracket. I hope my bracket is straight enough. I'll post up some pics later of what it looks like and get you guys .02c.

 

[JMT]

I also have on order 10 x 0.045 Sait Cutting Wheels to do the rear frame tuck and other projects. The thinner the better to keep as much material as possible so I don't have problems lining up the rear body bolt.

 

[bobthetj03]

I had to take a file to the oval holes to get the JJ washers to seat, but it was time well spent.

 

[JMT]

I had to take a file to the oval holes to get the JJ washers to seat, but it was time well spent.

I don't even have a metal file. It's something I've been meaning to get for a long time and I always seem to manage and then forget.

 

[bobthetj03]

I don't even have a metal file. It's something I've been meaning to get for a long time and I always seem to manage and then forget.

Pick up a round, a flat, and an angle file. You'll use them.

 

[Wildman]

Pick up a round, a flat, and an angle file. You'll use them.

I know I do.

 

[Mike_H]

Pick up a round, a flat, and an angle file. You'll use them.

Make sure they are good ones, too. Nothing worse than filling with a crappy file.

Nicholson or pferd. Then, once you have them, keep them separate... Metal for metal, wood for wood.