Alex01 Silver Sport Build Thread
- Thread starter Alex01
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That’s totally awesome. I nearly bought some 1”x1.75” when I picked up the backers earlier this week. I’m glad I didn’t. I would have bought them too short.
Now I’m going to be tempted to make that bend.
OP
OP
It's worth a shot. I did about 6 pumps per press visit. Equal for all marks. It wasn't until around the corner I realized I needed the 5th mark.
I'm just hoping I can pull it off again. If I learn anything new as far as making the bend goes I'll update.
OP
I'm going to do the next piece either Sunday or Monday night so I can grab some then.
But as far as the press set up goes I had a spare 1.5" socket that I tack welded a bolt to, i believe it was a spare body mount or control arm bolt, and cut off the edges so only the smooth part remained.
Markings for attempt 2. I added the fifth bend location this time. As I said the first line is 1" past were the bend on the corner armor starts and each additional line is another inch away from the last.
The nasty looking press tool. My smaller tacks broke durning midway through the first piece and I only have a 120v power source to play with right now so it's not hot enough to really bond the two together.
I laid the piece on the H channel, or whatever the base is called on the press, and cranked 6 times after I felt pressure, on each on each mark.
I did damage my Presses H channel a bit on the edges though when I attempted to take a bit of bend out when I overshot it a bit.
That was the scariest part because I know aluminum doesn't like bending back on a bend. Luckily it was small and didn't cause an issue.
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Hey, your suspension will probably fall off, but your corners will be protected, lol!
Absolutely awesome work. I've been looking at options to replace Savvy's rails for the LJ. Any pics of the bending process would be helpful!
OP
At least it will look good when it's sitting on the side of the trail. I'll make sure to face the driver's side to the trail in case the other side doesn't come out as well.
Will do. I'm sure if enough people attempt it a better method will be found but this seemed to work. A large jig would likely result in a better bend but the practicality of making one for a one-off project doesn't make sense imo.
OP
I ran out to the garage to do a single pass on the other side, ended up doing two, just to give you guys a visual.
This was with 10 pulls on the press.
Like I said easier I bent the base of the press yesterday, on the egdges, when trying to unbend the other side. (Dont recommend.
Second pass 10 more pulls for each line.
That's all I got time for now but hopefully, it gives everyone who is interested enough of an understanding to decide if they'd be interested or not.
The total time to that point was about 10 min.
To he continued Sunday or Monday.
This was with 10 pulls on the press.
Like I said easier I bent the base of the press yesterday, on the egdges, when trying to unbend the other side. (Dont recommend.
Second pass 10 more pulls for each line.
That's all I got time for now but hopefully, it gives everyone who is interested enough of an understanding to decide if they'd be interested or not.
The total time to that point was about 10 min.
To he continued Sunday or Monday.
Thanks, looks like I might be buying some more aluminum damn it...
OP
Hey squirrel chaser, get it mobile first. June is coming quickly.
OP
Here's what I got from midwest steel supply
6061 Aluminum Flat Bar (61AFB1112)
Dimensions: 1 x 1-1/2
Quantity: 2
Width: 1
Length: 60
Price: $44.64
Item Total: $89.28
I didn't realize I've been sitting on this since November 2021 though. @Midnight LJR would be amazed by my procrastination.
The one other attempt at this that I am aware of used a large die to form the bend and the result was cracking. The compromise here is that the bend isn't as clean as might be desired or required. But for a one off home project, the multiple bends with the little steps might become more acceptable when there is no longer another option.