Steering conversion almost done

[TheKid]

The steering conversion on the tadpole is almost complete. I'll have to add one new steering arm to the right kingpin, and weld the disc caliper mount to it. The other arm can be used as is, I'll just have to cut it off the old steering knuckle and weld it to the left kingpin. Once they're welded up and painted, I could install the front wheels and the tie rods. Here's a pic of the conversion with the old right steering knuckle, and a pic of the old knuckle with the caliper removed. Upon further investigation, I found the flange bearings for the original spindles failed, despite having a compression tube between the bearings, and spacers between the bearings and the steering knuckle.


http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z66/edpol_photos/Tadpole%20steering/000_0208WinCE.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z66/edpol_photos/Tadpole%20steering/000_0210WinCE.jpg

[TheKid]

Finished the steering conversion, and epoxied the mirror mounts into the steering tubes. I mounted the wheels, and one has a severe positive camber. When I tack welded the axle mounts to the tubes, they were perfectly straight, and both were mounted at the exact same angle. Somehow, I moved one of them when I finished welding, without double checking. So now I'll have to cut it and bend it into position, as well as remount the caliper mount. It's always something. Meanwhile, I have to repair the stairs going to the basement and make a new kitchen countertop, so the bike building will be on hold for a while.

[AtomicZombie]

Ah yes, once you are tagged as a do-it-all handyman, the work will never end!

Welder? Um.... nope, ain't got one of those, sorry. Guess you will have to buy a new lawn chair, Larry.

Brad

[TheKid]

Another break.The materials to do the work around the house wasn't delivered. So I had time to work on the trike. Not quite done yet, but the stuff won't be here until after 3 PM today, so I'll be able to finish. I may end up making a new crossmember in the future, because the wheels still seem too close to the seat. I'll put the paint touch-ups and the nexus rear end on hold until I can finish the DW or the quad so I'll have something to ride.

[Richie Rich]

Ah yes, once you are tagged as a do-it-all handyman, the work will never end!That's why I'll never own a pickup truck.

"Hey, Richie....can you bring your truck and help me (Choose one)
- Move to my new house.
- Bring home my new refrigerator.
- " " washer.
- " " dryer.
- " " big screen TV.
- " " some concrete blocks.
- Help me take some stuff to the dump.
etc. etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum. :mad:

I've seen it happen to others.

.....Richie "No Truck" Rich >>

[TheKid]

I never had that problem. Maybe because I was a contractor, people figured I'd charge them for the use of the truck and my time, which I would have. I didn't need the truck when I decided to take a civil service job, so I got rid of it for a gas miser I used for the daily commute.
It rained today, and the materials came early, so I built and installed the basement stairs. There's only five steps, and before I injured my neck and shoulder, it would take 2 or 3 hours to complete a job like this. I could only work a half hour at a time now, and it took almost 12 hours to get this far. I still have to install the tread runners, but I think I could do that in less than a half hour. I feel like I accomplished a lot under the circumstances. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, so I'll see how much of the countertops I can get done. With any luck, I'll be able to get back to the trike with only a day lost to the other work.

[SirJoey]

Hey Richie, maybe you should try MY approach. I've kept pickups for years (along with a van). The only reason I don't have one right now, is cuz I wrecked mine last Summer & totalled it. Can't wait to get another one. Anyway...

When people want me to move stuff for them, I'm more than happy to help, cuz I've been there myself. I don't even ask for gas money. There's just one stipulation,though. I drive. That's all. I don't lift a finger to actually move anything.

I figure as long as I'm supplying the truck, the gas, & the driver, they can't complain. (and usually don't) :D

[n9viw]

Joey, fantastic idea! I'll have to remember that.

My sister's truck used to have a bumper sticker that said, "Yes, this is my truck. No, I won't help you move. ANYTHING." :D

I had a Nissan pickup for a while, and people would ask if I could move this or that here or there. I usually told them, "Yeah, I'm picking up a load of manure that day. Mind if it's in there with the poop?" They'd usually beg off and find some other way of moving it. ;)