home made struts

[MrYeats]

Since I got my 16" wheel from Buchanan's, I had my 130x90 tire mounted
and got to do a prefit for my struts to see how long they would need to
be.
After measuring the mounts after I set the swing arm where I wanted the
tire to ride, I got 10".
So I cut a piece of 1/2" galvanized pipe and drilled the holes all the sizes
they need to be. The bottom inside hole nearest the frame had to be .65"
and the other 3 had to be .55". I then took a piece of 3/4" aluminum tube
and cut it the same length as the measuremet between the bottom hole
and the top hole. Remember the inner hole is bigger so measure to it, not
center to center but edge of top hole and edge of inner bottom hole.
Now notice how nicely the aluminum fits over the galvanized! It is a nice
firm fit.
They got painted and are now on the frame.
I will get pix tomorrow.

 

[volcomskater77]

wat is the wall thickness of the pipe that you used?

 

[MrYeats]

wat is the wall thickness of the pipe that you used?

I dont really know, but these are the common items you would buy in a hardware store. The aluminum is thinner than the steel.

 

[MrYeats]

Here are a couple pix of the struts.

 

[volcomskater77]

im no expert, but I can see those holes getting wallowed out over time.

 

[willem]

I agree that doesn't look like a snug fit. Maybe put some bushings in? This is gonna rattle and wear down

I'm also not an expert, though

 

[MrYeats]

good point from both you. This is how it gets done.BUshings are on my agenda. Thanks!

 

[willem]

good man

forgot to say they do actually look like some nice struts besides from the holes

 

[MrYeats]

Im going to look into some copper tubing for bushings

 

[volcomskater77]

these are the correct way to do it. theyre pretty cheap, I bought a set for another bike for 30, and they look simple enough to make.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Spor...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d05e4e77a&vxp=mtr

 

[MrYeats]

Well I removed the lower studs on the frame and drilled a hole to accomodate a straight
10mm bolt in place of the stepped diameter bolt which was designed for shocks. I left the top 10mm bolts in place as they are straight shouldered. I then made a new pair of struts with the aluminum covering the steel completely and the 10mm bolts fit the holes snugly. No need for sleeves I just got a good solid fit and they are plenty strong for the task.

 

[MrYeats]

Actually what works even better is to get a 10mm tap and tap the hole in the shocks to 10mm x 1.5 and thread the bolt thru the strut and tapped the frame hole so the bolt is threaded all the way thru. Works like a charm.