rattle_snake's random shop projects v0.1

[FallibleFlyer]

Front receiver is for a generator mount for a Honda 3000 handi. Front location works well for my setup.
Also used front hitch for winch, but can't have both at same time and winch is really heavy. So solution was to spend a pile of money for something I hope to not have to use. (just like insurance)

I had built my own front receiver that exited through bumper up much higher than any of the commercially available one. Then built winch and gen cradles.

Makes sense, looks great

 

[rattle_snake]

Spent way too long shimming and adjusting the new bumper to get it to sit just right, but got it done in time for lake camping trip. Beach was soft but no need for winch this trip.

 

[rattle_snake]

Made some steel bushings on the lathe for kids quad new front shocks. The originals didnt move at all and were just a link that looked like a coilover.
Next is an adjustable carb.

 

[rattle_snake]

Made a dog chain stake out of a concrete form stake for beach camping. Been kinda laid up for awhile so I farted around with the lathe and made a cap for it, so nobody's kid impales themselves on it after being mowed over by my dog(s). Added some red paint to make it a more noticeable trip hazard.

 

[FallibleFlyer]

I'm envious of your air conditioned shop space... too damn hot in mine recently to get anything done. Nice recent projects

 

[rattle_snake]

I'm envious of your air conditioned shop space... too damn hot in mine recently to get anything done. Nice recent projects

The A/C is a game changer for sure. that and the lift make what were miserable jobs something I can almost enjoy.
Case in point, my Cobra ate a blower belt and needed yet another set of blower drive idler bearings. It also needs tags and emissions tests within a week, which requires some, uh 'TLC'.
I've been recovering from an injury and probably still shouldn't be wrenching much, let alone crawling under the car 25 times. Being able to knock out these jobs without laying on the ground or sweating to death is awesome, and I don't have to stress out on the time frame.

I get only 2 years/6k miles out of these bearings. Stock idler use same bearing. price for 15psi I guess.

Made a bearing seat tool on the lathe. The lathe is my favorite tool to play with now even if what I make isn't really necessary.

 

[rattle_snake]

Added a 5th O2 bung to cobra's midpipe. Also touched up the paint while I had it out. Going to need rear tires soon again.

 

[rattle_snake]

Installed a vent fan in my cab-over camper. Luckily the wiring was already present. Should provide some air movement when A/C isn't quite needed.
Also swapped out the vent cover for a black one that really cut down on the sunlight entering in the mornings, so no need for a interior cover. I tinted all the windows and made blackout shades to keep the kids and dogs asleep till a reasonable hour when camping. Now that cracked up trim ring looks even worse...

 

[rattle_snake]

Got the A/C in my old Ford working to some extent. Had to rework the compressor mounting bracket and space the fan forward to get belt to line up. Some how the system was still pressurized after who knows how many years of not being used/broken. Initial pressure test looked OK but had wiring issues and fan motor is on it's last leg. Dug around in the dash and found a bad switch, bypassed, so at this point the system is at least functional. The fan switch 'Hi' position doesn't work. I don't think this old system has the capacity to cool the cab from 140+ degrees in a reasonable amount of time, but better than nothing for $50 investment. Few more things to get worked out on it.

 

[rattle_snake]

I upgraded my drill press to a hybrid including this sweet 22mm carburetor. It runs a little faster now but has a flat spot.

 

[rattle_snake]

Build another pedestal/tool stand out of a truck drum. 1st step was to acid etch/rust the disc rotor to give it some character. Unfortunately the welding process messed up my nice uniform oxide layer so I had to go back and 'touch it up' with a spray bottle.

I imagine there are some of you who don't consider rust a 'finish', but just a pain the *** that prevents a good paint job.

For now I mounted a shamefully small and imported vice I had lying around, certainly not worthy of GJ. I have a 2" receiver tube to add when I can decide how I want to do it, exactly.

 

[Boosted1]

Great thread.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Completed rear axle assembly. Decided to remove the wiring and weld the holes shut on both axles. 9 years of use showed that the axle fills with water and was rusting out the holes.

Installed the axles, added a 't', hose bracket and hard line to the trailer frame for the new front brakes. While I had the u bolt plates off I had the paint color matched for future paint repair/touch up. First the rest purple vinyl pin stripes need to be removed.

Put all new bearings in to complement new races/drums and blead the system. No leaks but the front brakes didn't function properly and one wouldn't release, so all came back apart for inspection. I had tightened a pivot bolt/nut on the primary shoe that bound up the operation on 2 of the 4. They need to stay loose so I re-crimped the non-locking lock nuts and reinstalled. Found a questionable valve stem as I was checking tire pressure but ready for a test tow.

C-hawk trailer ? They were local within a few miles from the Baja factory.

 

[rattle_snake]

Great thread.

Thanks! I have to tinker to stay sane.

C-hawk trailer ? They were local within a few miles from the Baja factory.

No this is a Dorsey trailer. Build quality is OK, but it sits very low maybe only 4" off the ground. I launch the boat on the beach sometimes and the cross members plows the mud...
Not sure if Dorsey built or sourced the drop axles, but I had one fail on me. Broke spindle off at riser. Drove it 500 miles home after purchase then failed on way to DMV for out of state inspection/title. Guess I got lucky.

 

[bonneyman]

The A/C is a game changer for sure. that and the lift make what were miserable jobs something I can almost enjoy.
Case in point, my Cobra ate a blower belt and needed yet another set of blower drive idler bearings. It also needs tags and emissions tests within a week, which requires some, uh 'TLC'.
I've been recovering from an injury and probably still shouldn't be wrenching much, let alone crawling under the car 25 times. Being able to knock out these jobs without laying on the ground or sweating to death is awesome, and I don't have to stress out on the time frame.

I get only 2 years/6k miles out of these bearings. Stock idler use same bearing. price for 15psi I guess.

Made a bearing seat tool on the lathe. The lathe is my favorite tool to play with now even if what I make isn't really necessary.

Nice work on the pulleys!

And I hear you on recovering from injuries and/or surgery. Makes having fun in the shop - and fixing **** that needs done - a whole lot harder.

 

[rattle_snake]

Nice work on the pulleys!

And I hear you on recovering from injuries and/or surgery. Makes having fun in the shop - and fixing **** that needs done - a whole lot harder.

Thanks. Ya it can be frustrating not to be able to get things done. I'm not a good patient - don't want to watch TV, rather be out in shop building something... just like my old man.

My dad had lots of knee surgeries when I was in high school, we were building 69 mach 1. He would say things like 'don't tell your mother', and fall out of his wheelchair but we continued forward anyhow.

 

[rattle_snake]

In an effort to get my boat out of the 90s I am toning down the purple where I can, specially the light purple/ lavender. I painfully removed all the vinyl pin stripes from the trailer. For the hull I bought a 10 yard roll of charcoal metallic vinyl to cover up the light purple in the gel coat. Using a roll of tracing paper I made stencils of the graphics to transfer to the vinyl, then hand cut slightly over sized. I applied the vinyl wet with a squeegee came out OK.

 

[rattle_snake]

Upgraded my original attempt at a tool stand from leftover parts. The main issue was that the thin wall tubing riser wasn't stiff enough and would oscillate. I built 2 more heavy stands but still need another for this POS HF belt/disc sander (perhaps 'HF' implies 'POS') so I added some weight down low and beefed up the riser pipe.

Like many things in life, I had mismatch 5 lug wheel, and 4 & 6 lug discs. To mount the riser from the bottom like it was before, the top needed to be removable. I welded a captive nut on a large washer on the top to attached the fox body disc. I re-drilled the 6 lug chebby disc to a 5 lug pattern to match the wheel and riser flange. Painted blue as to not be red like many other things in the shop. Much improved for $0.

I was noticing how much cooler it looked than my old stool or 3-2-1 box that I use as little table to set my beer on. Might have to build another.

 

[FallibleFlyer]

Upgraded my original attempt at a tool stand from leftover parts. The main issue was that the thin wall tubing riser wasn't stiff enough and would oscillate. I built 2 more heavy stands but still need another for this POS HF belt/disc sander (perhaps 'HF' implies 'POS') so I added some weight down low and beefed up the riser pipe.

Like many things in life, I had mismatch 5 lug wheel, and 4 & 6 lug discs. To mount the riser from the bottom like it was before, the top needed to be removable. I welded a captive nut on a large washer on the top to attached the fox body disc. I re-drilled the 6 lug chebby disc to a 5 lug pattern to match the wheel and riser flange. Painted blue as to not be red like many other things in the shop. Much improved for $0.

I was noticing how much cooler it looked than my old stool or 3-2-1 box that I use as little table to set my beer on. Might have to build another.

I like this one a lot better, well done.

 

[rattle_snake]

Took a road trip to smoky California to spend some time fishing (aka beer drinking) and hiking. Took some leftover vinyl from boat graphics and had my friend cut some letters so my floating money pit can have a name.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Nice, I like it!

 

[rattle_snake]

Nice, I like it!

Thanks!

Built a little table out of junk to free up my step stool. Top is a 'seasoned' irrigation port cover. I replaced the stud with a 7/16 threads to attach to the pipe The thin metal isn't ideal and could slice open one's knee if unlucky. Will change up the design at some point but for now it spaces my beer up off the floor.

 

[rattle_snake]

Helped a friend fab some low profile bed rail covers for his Taco. Has a roof top tent, which is heavy so we used the 2 post lift to lift the canopy/tent. Also installed a high output alternator and upgraded associated wiring with 1/0.
Shady frame extension stacking and beams

Also R&R'd front CV boots on a friend's Suzuki 4x4 quad. Since my A/C'd shop is popular this time of year, I had both of them show up at the same day/time, while I was trimming trees. Needless to say the yard work took 1/3 as long in the miserable humid and hot weather...

 

[rattle_snake]

Finally got around to rebuilding a steel pistol target that I found in a wash a few years ago on a hunting trip. I have built a few other steel targets but seem to use this one often as it is the right size. It's a turd and takes up a bunch of space, so I addressed it's shortcoming without completely starting over as it will just get shot up anyhow. Started like this

Evened up the frame and beveled the edges. Cut off the uprights and drilled them for bolts, so the unit can fold flat for storage. Slapped some paint on it. Need to get some wing nuts so no tools are required.

 

[rattle_snake]

Link to my recent welding table build

 

[Ohmthis]

Justin, loving your thread here. I like to see everyone’s projects and their problem solving too. I have had two 90’s Bajas, a 95 240 sport and a 96 25th anniversary 272. Both had 454 mags in them. I built the engine in the 95 from a 97 roller block and rectangular port heads. With the upgraded exhaust it would run 74 on the gps. I never modded the 272, much to classy to me. I love the older Bajas, I’d love to find a 25 or 27’ islander as I have a good size family now. Why do you call yours a money pit? Besides the engine build (bought it with a blown engine) both boats were pretty trouble free. I also had the same problem with the trailer on my 96, it sat so low I’d scrap it on rises coming on and off the road. Keep the good work going.

 

[rattle_snake]

Justin, loving your thread here. I like to see everyone’s projects and their problem solving too. I have had two 90’s Bajas, a 95 240 sport and a 96 25th anniversary 272. Both had 454 mags in them. I built the engine in the 95 from a 97 roller block and rectangular port heads. With the upgraded exhaust it would run 74 on the gps. I never modded the 272, much to classy to me. I love the older Bajas, I’d love to find a 25 or 27’ islander as I have a good size family now. Why do you call yours a money pit? Besides the engine build (bought it with a blown engine) both boats were pretty trouble free. I also had the same problem with the trailer on my 96, it sat so low I’d scrap it on rises coming on and off the road. Keep the good work going.

Thanks. I've had good luck with my Baja, I've owned it for about 9 years now. As with any boat they do need maintenance and TLC to look and perform well 20 yrs later. I try to repair something if needed every winter to spread out the cost and keep everything tip top.
I was originally looking for a 21' Islander but couldn't find anything and ended up with this 232 that was at the top of my budget. Glad I got the 232 as we usually have quite a crew on board with lots of gear and toys. The 454 MPI has enough torque, makes the right noises and sips fuel for what it weights. It turns a 24" prop and will do 59 on gps which is faster than anyone wants to go except me.

I usually mod/hotrod everything I own, but I have left the motor alone as it has been reliable and efficient. I'm at 666hrs with minimal repairs, doesn't leak a drop of any fluid. The drive has been solid and I have only done preventative maintenance.

 

[rattle_snake]

Not a lot of exciting shop projects lately to bore others with. Been working on the house interior including paint and adding can lighting. Also been modifying and organizing every storage space/closet, including building adjustable shelving and whatnot. But this is 'garage' journal so no girly house pics.

Finally committed to my '72 Ford 4WD conversion project and bough the major hardware;
'95 high pinion, ball joint Dana 60 and Sterling 10.25

460, C6, NP205

This will be a long and expensive project. I plan to enjoy it.
Will make a separate build thread for it on another site maybe here on GJ too.

 

[zmotorsports]

Looks like an awesome project Justin. Looking forward to following along with it.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Hit me up if you are interested in a set of brand new rear Deavers and some Cage radius arms. I started on a 1977 F100 and had to bail on it. I even have a C6 and NP205, but it looks like you have that covered.

 

[rattle_snake]

Looks like an awesome project Justin. Looking forward to following along with it.

Thanks now that my shop is 'done-ish' I can play with trucks again. It will take a long time compare to your son's jeep project...

Hit me up if you are interested in a set of brand new rear Deavers and some Cage radius arms. I started on a 1977 F100 and had to bail on it. I even have a C6 and NP205, but it looks like you have that covered.

Hmm. Might be interested in the Deavers. I'll send a PM at some point. Going to build tube radius arms instead of the 1/2 ton wedge style. I had a set of Duff (aka cage) long arms on my 77 bronco and they performed very well.

 

[rattle_snake]

Made some more shop wall art. Used the plasma to cut family brand into an old saw blade. $0.

FINALLY got a decent buck this year. Prepping skull for a mount. It was Halloween so I told my kinds we were having brain stew for dinner, then proceeded to show them the pot complete with brains. Got some strange looks but eventually my oldest convinced herself it was a joke.

 

[rattle_snake]

I finished the 'last' of my planned horse stall welding upgrade projects (not to be confused with 'repairs'). 2 of the stalls had the rear half cut off rendering them useless so I extended what was a division gate into a rear wall. The swing posts are only 1.5" sch40 and not up to supporting a heavy 12' gate so I welded a rest and used a chain to secure. The horse lean and kick the @#% out of them so they would get jammed and not allow the adjacent gates to open. PITA.

So 4 years later I finally built a set of bolt latches for them top and bottom.
The bottom bolt is 1.5 tube with a captive nut welded in. I used the lathe to make a nut round and then TIG'd it in.

Cut a slot into the existing pipe and used a bolt as a handle. Also added another (no shown) horizontal notch to hold the bolt in the up position, so the gate can be operated with one hand. The offending horse who shall remain nameless is seen in the background inspecting my work looking for weaknesses to exploit in the future.

The lower bolt receiver also supports the weight of the gate, allowing the upper bolt to not be bound up in it's hole. The system works great and is wife approved.

 

[rattle_snake]

Built a axle stand to make it easier to move and work on the axles. I would have built an adapter for my engine stand but it is in use for the foreseeable future...
I used leftover material I had on hand so it was 'free'. I made the uprights removable for compact storage or I can re-purpose the base for something else later like a table.

Luckily the casters are just tall enough to clear the engine hoist legs.

 

[zmotorsports]

Built a axle stand to make it easier to move and work on the axles. I would have built an adapter for my engine stand but it is in use for the foreseeable future...
I used leftover material I had on hand so it was 'free'. I made the uprights removable for compact storage or I can re-purpose the base for something else later like a table.

Luckily the casters are just tall enough to clear the engine hoist legs.

Nice axle stand Justin. That should make it much nicer to work on.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I used leftover material I had on hand so it was 'free'.

Dude, that's about $100 of steel at Industrial Metal Supply right now!

Stand looks good. I've been tripping over a rebuilt 10.25 on HF dollies for about 6yrs now; it'd be nice to have it up in the air for a change.

 

[rattle_snake]

Nice axle stand Justin. That should make it much nicer to work on.

Dude, that's about $100 of steel at Industrial Metal Supply right now!

Stand looks good. I've been tripping over a rebuilt 10.25 on HF dollies for about 6yrs now; it'd be nice to have it up in the air for a change.

I figured the axles are heavy enough to make moving and working on them worth the effort. I was able to easily wheel the rear outside for it's 1st round cleaning. Since it's going to be a long term project they will get shuffled around too. Plan is to rebuild one at a time and have them all ready to go before blowing apart the truck itself. Going to make some more dollies for the cab and maybe the bed.

 

[rattle_snake]

Need some more batteries to go dead and tires to go flat so I picked up another safety cycle, a 2005 CRF 450X. Had to sell essentially the same bike 5 years ago and make a deal with the devil (wife) to get my Raider. Been shopping for a replacement for some time now. I was very happy with the X for my riding style so bought another. This bike has the original tires from 2005, so super low hours. That said the carb was gummed up and ran like a turd, among other problems. I bought it anyhow hoping it was an easy fix and nothing major....

So step 1 was to pull carb and airbox for mods. Good time to clean and inspect everything. Bike is a survivor and hasn't been touched much at all.

Chopped up the airbox to increase flow. Also cut out the little side vents. Makes a big difference for $0 with proper jetting.

Carb got a cleaning, new pilot jet and jet kit (main jet and needle). Also updated the accelerator pump to the 2008+ design.

Removed exhaust baffle and made provisions for a license plate. Also swapped out the tail light for a tail/brake light combo and added a brake switch to make it street legal.

Added hand guards (a must in the desert!), a mirror and an electric horn. Gave her a bath and looking shiny and new(er) again. Idles and runs properly now (phew!) and pulls hard at WOT. Still have some more items to address but it's ready to ride wheelies.

 

[WoodsTruck]

Nice bike.

Is the Suzuki quad in the back the 250cc or the King Quad? I have one that I did some mods to that really make it better.

 

[rattle_snake]

Nice bike.

Is the Suzuki quad in the back the 250cc or the King Quad? I have one that I did some mods to that really make it better.

Thanks. The Zuk is a 96' 250cc 4x4 my buddy picked up for $1000. For the money it does everything it needs to do. Please share the mods and I will pass them along to him.