U BOLTS

[Espeefan]

Brass u-bolts would be pretty strong, I'd think. Especially given the job that they are doing. Simply bolting an axle to some radius arms, for instance, means there really isn't going to be a ton of lateral force pulling on them. If they are formed properly, they'll have the support of the axle tube also.

You could make u-bolts out of steel rod as well, and it would be stronger, but harder to bend nicely. Nothing a little heat with a torch couldn't take care of. You would just need a jig or something to help the process. A piece of metal, the exact diameter of the axle tubes, and a tab or plate with one hole to insert one end of the rod into. Add a nut to keep it in place. The other end wouldn't need a hole. Just add a little heat and pull the rod around the tube, till it conforms. I think you'd have the most time invested in making the jig. The rest would be easy.

[tc1cat]

Brass would be plenty strong uness you get a kink in the bend then you start over. Nathan is correct about using heat to bend. You will have a hard time bending 3mm rod without the use of heat. I have already made some stub axles for the trailer axles with no problems out of brass.

[glorydays24]

OK, here is what I need the u-bolts for. It's a spread axle flatbed I got in a partial trade from firefighter-1177 (Ken) thanx buddy. I was going to drill through the leaf springs, but I don't have a drill press and it was to much on my hands to go at it with a hand drill.



Big John

[ihbuilder]

John , I'm assuming your going to make a plate some what like the setup on the front steer axle of a truck . If you do not want to go to all the trouble making u-bolts ( would look scale ) You could make a top and bottom plate and use 4 bolts & nuts . If you have trouble with u - bolts let me know , It wouldn't take me long and they can hitch a ride with your other stuff

[glorydays24]

Originally Posted by ihbuilder

John , I'm assuming your going to make a plate some what like the setup on the front steer axle of a truck . If you do not want to go to all the trouble making u-bolts ( would look scale ) You could make a top and bottom plate and use 4 bolts & nuts . If you have trouble with u - bolts let me know , It wouldn't take me long and they can hitch a ride with your other stuff

You are correct Steve, I am planning on a plate, but I don't have anything to make them out of. I'll take you up on the u-bolts, just let me know if you need extra $$.

Thanx buddy, Big John

[CG Bob]

2-56 or 4-40 all thread or threaded pushrods can be bent to shape. I've used Sullivan threaded steel rods to make some u-bolts for a 1/8 scale boat trailer. I used the assorted double end threaded rod, cut and rethreaded as necessary prior to bending.

[glorydays24]

Originally Posted by CG Bob

2-56 or 4-40 all thread or threaded pushrods can be bent to shape. I've used Sullivan threaded steel rods to make some u-bolts for a 1/8 scale boat trailer. I used the assorted double end threaded rod, cut and rethreaded as necessary prior to bending.

Thanx for the site, but I think Steve and I are working something out.

Big John