Ghet-toe ass u-bolt bender

[BigSki]

I'm still farting around w/ a experiment that is quickly becoming a full blow project. It's a modded SCX-10 chassis that uses OG Bruiser spring hangers and cast 'Yota axles. I wanted to make u-bolts from scratch and on the cheap.

I had to buy a 2.5mm die today, it set me back $21 but it's very nice quality HSS production quality die, so it should last the rest of my RC hobby days.

I used a metal coat hanger for the raw steel rod, it measured .091 in diameter so it was perfect for the 2.5mm diameter I wanted to use.

My camera sucks at macro close ups, so use your imagination with this pic.


I counter bore a 1/4-20 hole into a piece of 1/2 steel rod and mounted it to a sturdy plate that gets clamped into the vise. This will be my inside radius of the u-bolt.


I clamped 2 pieces to the plate to act as guides to keep the rod stock tight against the mandrel and to act as a stop to locate the rod at the correct depth so that the u-bolts come out square. ( equal length)


I insert a piece of the rod w/ the ends already threaded.


I hold up a can of Natty Boh Ice that EeePee sent me ( not pictured) next to the end of the rod, it is so repulsed at the nasty liquid inside of the can, the rod bends away in complete fear of it's life.


I used a piece of flat stock to finish pushing the rod around the mandrel to finish forming the shape.


finished product.


The final results were pretty good, it took me 10 pieces to make 8 good u-bolts.

[EeePee]

Originally Posted by BigSki

I hold up a can of Natty Boh Ice that EeePee sent me ( not pictured) next to the end of the rod, it is so repulsed at the nasty liquid inside of the can, the rod bends away in complete fear of it's life.

True story!

[BigSki]

( I'm actually kind of freeked out that you found this so quickly )

[KennethXJ]

A lot of work but great outcome

[Duuuuuuuude]

[BigSki]

final product installed.




The small diameter of the u-bolt looks more scale to me, they hold very well and once the coating wears off of the u-bolts they will rust just like the real ones. If I don't count the cost of the die, the project only cost me $6 for 24 of the self locking 2.5mm nuts and about 2 hours of my time.

[Duuuuuuuude]

Now all you need is a little trailer to hold one of those Nasty Lites and it'll be more or less self propelled.

[Charlie-III]

Nice job BigSki.

Even Bob1961 would approve.

[BigSki]

Originally Posted by Duuuuuuuude

Now all you need is a little trailer to hold one of those Nasty Lites and it'll be more or less self propelled.

We've been enjoying a good natured back-and-forth 'discussion' about his beverage of choice, I started by calling it 'iced nappy hoe'

Originally Posted by Charlie-III

Nice job BigSki.

Even Bob1961 would approve.

Thanks.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by Duuuuuuuude

Now all you need is a little trailer to hold one of those Nasty Lites and it'll be more or less self propelled.

Like this....








Make sure the area is at least damp before firing it up, remember, "Only you can prevent forest fires!".

[Duuuuuuuude]

Originally Posted by Charlie-III

Like this....