Hey 01ps...can I get a few closer shots of the hardtail? In particular where it comes together with the stock frame cradle. I like the lap weld you did on the bottom rails, and may try to duplicate that if it's alright with you. I will take pics of anything you can get....doing a little more research before cutting my bike in half again, so I can do it RIGHT this time. lol Thanks for any help man!
Also how much stretch is that? How many links are in your chain now?
Sorry I didn't get back sooner, on vaca.
The stretch is about 5". I can't remember how many links to be honest, I just got a couple of cheaper chains and made one out of it. The tensioner is an industrial idler sprocket, which happens to be the same pitch as 530 m/c chain.
I don't have any pics of the slugs or any mid-build pics unfortunatly, I was in a panic to get it done. I can take a couple of closeups of the finished product, but the drawings above explain it better I think. The upper method worked really well and should be way stronger than even needed, and you don't need any specially machined parts, just off the shelf round stock and tubing.
The lower method is very simple and easy but is plenty strong, just a bit of trial and error to get the tubing cut properly so it looks clean and does not have any gaps.
My hardtail was done from scratch with simple tools and a simple jig, since I did not have access to a machine shop or the budget to have it machined. I MIG welded it myself since I did not have access to a TIG and again, was on a budjet A MIG does a nice job too, and is plenty strong.
Like I said above, the only thing I'd change if I did it again are the axle plates.
Use any ideas you want of mine. Good luck, and let me know if you still want finished pics, the bike is just on the other side of the wall.
