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Lefty's 4th Gen belly skid prototype completed - DIAL UP BEWARE

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Old 06-17-2004, 06:18 PM
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Lefty's 4th Gen belly skid prototype completed - DIAL UP BEWARE

Well, I started this project some time ago for Lefty and it has finally come to fruition. It is a full belly skid, one piece, no fasteners exposed. It will provide some vital protection for the trans fluid pan and transfer case. The 4th Gen. is woefully inadequate in that area... The design and drawing received copyright protection two weeks ago and I finished the welding this afternoon, so I thought I'd show you all what's new around my place. Here's the pics:


One view.


Another view.


My booger welds. Not the prettiest, but they're full penetration and they are structurally sound.


Some of the bracing.


Side profile.


Full bracing scheme.

Mucho kudos to Lefty for being sooooooooooo patient with my slow ass fab and my anal retentive ways. Now to install it!

Mike
Old 06-17-2004, 06:32 PM
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Can't wait to see pictures of it installed!!!

Get cracking!!!

Gadget
Old 06-17-2004, 06:34 PM
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Mike that looks sweet as all the work you've done Two thumbs up!!!
Old 06-17-2004, 06:55 PM
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gadget took the words out of my mouth...

looks cool
Old 06-17-2004, 08:04 PM
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Very nice! That's what I need for mine. Are you going to make more to sell? If so, what's your price?

Curious - How does it mount up? I see three bolt holes on the front, but what secures the rest of it?
Old 06-17-2004, 08:22 PM
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How heavy is it? Are you gonna paint it? Being one piece it will be difficult to ship.
Old 06-17-2004, 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 4run4fun
Very nice! That's what I need for mine. Are you going to make more to sell? If so, what's your price?

Curious - How does it mount up? I see three bolt holes on the front, but what secures the rest of it?
Well, on price, dunno yet. Not even sure this will be a production part. If it does become one, it will be posted in the appropriate place on this BBS.

Mounting is a secret until it's done. Can't give it all away now, could I?

I guess I should call Lefty 'eh?

Mike
Old 06-17-2004, 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by timber725
How heavy is it? Are you gonna paint it? Being one piece it will be difficult to ship.
It's about 35 lbs. and awkward.

It will be coated in whatever way Lefty wants.

It's a prototype, testing is the proof.

Mike
Old 06-17-2004, 08:40 PM
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hey! you stole my design! i will sue you and sue you until you ship one of those to me for FREE!
Old 06-17-2004, 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by ahriman
hey! you stole my design! i will sue you and sue you until you ship one of those to me for FREE!
Pffffffffffffft, I don't even get out of bed for free...

Mike
Old 06-17-2004, 08:53 PM
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that's OK, just weld one up in bed and send it along...
Old 06-18-2004, 05:57 AM
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Uh-oh... Looks like I need to free some time up to get that puppy fitted ! Lookin' good, Mike ! I'll drop ya a line and we'll schedule some time.

By the way, 35 Lbs is a conservative number, I swear it's closer to 50... We're talking 10 guage steel here !

Steve
Old 06-18-2004, 08:30 AM
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Those welds look pretty nice to me.
Old 06-18-2004, 08:51 AM
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dude, anything new with the other "project" you mentioned to me while I was at your place? ya know, the one for our 3rd gens?
Old 06-18-2004, 09:01 AM
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azrain, when you figure out pricing, let us know.
Old 06-18-2004, 04:31 PM
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<----- Wants one!!

Let us know if you are going to make more!
Old 06-18-2004, 04:50 PM
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Well, it looks like next Saturday is the big day for the install. With my mad metal fab skillz it should go quite swimmingly

Steve (Robinhood), thanks, I actually used the opportunity to use the skid to renew my GTAW cert. for technique. I also did a test coupon for metallurgy and passed... My wife is a much better welder than I am, but she just had her nails done, so that wasn't going to happen.

Rob, I'm still thinking about it. My last attempt at production was a pretty sour experience, of which admittedly I played a part in. However, a guy does need to earn beer money.

Anyhow, if this does pass the testing stage and it's financially sound, it may just happen. We'll see (convince me...)

OK time for .

Mike
Old 06-18-2004, 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by azrain
Rob, I'm still thinking about it.
OK time for .

Mike
Ok. Curiousity is killing me. I have yours/Steve's beefy belly pan.
I know this is going to be a good one. Come on tell us....tell us....

Mike
Old 06-18-2004, 07:14 PM
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Um, something made out of steel...



Mike
Old 06-18-2004, 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by azrain
I'm still thinking about it. My last attempt at production was a pretty sour experience, of which admittedly I played a part in. However, a guy does need to earn beer money.

Anyhow, if this does pass the testing stage and it's financially sound, it may just happen. We'll see (convince me...)

Mike
convince, convince, convince


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