View Full Version : Mel's street fox
I thought I would start a new thread to chronicle my progress.
I have talked about the donor bike before. To recap,
Found the bike on crags list and bought it for $35.00.
Received the repair parts form the manufacturer and repaired it yesterday.
This morning I went to the steel yard and bought the 1.5 inch square tube for the frame. I looked all over the cheep stuff and found some with very thick walls. Not good. So I went to the new metal and got the 16 gage 1.5" square tube.
It cost the princely sum of $22.00 for 20 feet of it. The yard will do one cut with the purchase. That gave me two 10 foot pieces in the back of my truck.
Got home and unloaded it in to the garage.
Only to be informed by the wife it was time to go grocery shopping.
That Little chore out of the way I get back to making chips and getting dirty.:D
First thing is to remove the torch cut off the end of one tube.
That done I measure the mane boom.
The rest of the frame parts are cut out. All of the 90 degrees cuts are made. Now it is time to lay out the angled cuts.
Like most things like this the layout takes the most time.
well I got the frame parts cuo and even had time to take some pics.
Have a look if you like.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melw/
Thanks!
Mel W.
SirJoey
04-26-2008, 11:12 PM
Looks like you're up & running, Mel. You're lucky to have a bandsaw! Sure wish I had one.
Yes they are handy.
I have used it quite a lot.
I got it at harbor freight for well under $200.00. With a good blade it will cut nice.
Thanks
Mel W.
SirJoey
04-27-2008, 08:39 AM
Wow, that sounds like a steal, Mel.
They have a pretty decent one for about 3 Bens, at my local steel supplier. I drool over it every time I'm in there, but so far I can't raise the cash.
So far, I've been using a chop saw, & although it beats doin' it by hand, it's still kind of a "hard & dirty" way to do it. Besides, mine doesn't cut perfectly square either, so sometimes I have to square up my ends with the trusty ol' angle grinder.
I looked at Harbor freight and the price is $209.99.
It also looks like they ran out of the green paint.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93762
If you keep a eye out they will put it on sale from time to time. I would look to see if they have a store neer you. Lots of good stuff for the home shop.
They need to be tuned up and the cheep blade that comes with it will fail with any hard use. I have a friend that works at a machine shop and hee was able to get some good blades for me. That helps a lot. You can buy ready made blades form J&L.
http://www.jlindustrial.com
Mel W.
SirJoey
04-27-2008, 11:33 AM
Thanx for the link to J&L.
As for HF, I already know where they're located. Unfortunately, it's about 65 miles from here. At 13mpg & $3.38 per gallon current gas price here, the 130 mile round trip would cost $33.80 in my gas-hog van. I guess the 3 hour total drive time would be worth it though, cuz I'd still save a good bit. But then again, after adding in the cost of a decent blade, I'm not so sure. I guess it comes down to the quality of the blade in the saw they have here at my local steel supplier.
Thanx for the info.
Doc Hollywood
04-27-2008, 01:08 PM
You can wait until it goes on sale usually 179.99 but I bought mine when it was 149.99 and then I had a 15% coupon. Then it is really worth getting into your van and go.
SirJoey
04-27-2008, 01:19 PM
You can wait until it goes on sale usually 179.99 but I bought mine when it was 149.99 and then I had a 15% coupon. Then it is really worth getting into your van and go.
No kidding! Well, you got that right, Doc!
trikeman
04-27-2008, 03:59 PM
I am not sure we will see them for $149 again. I think the sale price of the red one was $159 when I was there last week. I have a 15% off coupon good till 5/12/08, but I really don't cut enough steel to make the bandsaw high on my list.
TheKid
04-27-2008, 07:57 PM
I just use a cutoff blade for metal made for standard 10" table saws and miter saws. I have a cheap Delta miter saw (Home Depot - $130) that makes perfect cuts.
I did not get any actuel assambley or cutting done on the trike today.
What I did do was brake out the MIG welder and try some practice welding.
The first try was bad. One smack on the ground and it started to pop lose.
After braking the scrap apart I cleened them up with the grinder and reched over to ajust the wire feed and found the feed control knob broken off flush with the panel!:mad:
Guess I will have to call the service dept tommarow. Not to be daunted I changed the power settings and tryed again. this time I used a higher power setting and moved slower. This looks like it worked better. I whacked it good a few times and it held. Still to ulgy to show so no pics. I need more practice. I also found a short class at the Techshop I want to take.
http://techshop.ws/
Thats all for now.
Thanks for looking.
Mel W.
Got pricing for the parts to fix my welder this afternoon.
The feed control is sold as a complete circuit board. HF wants $78.00 for the board.:eek: Then they want $10.00 for the knob.:eek:
The complete MIG welder went for $199.00 new.
So I puled the board out today and go down to the local electronics store and get just the pot and a knob. $3.00 in parts I will have it fixed tomorrow.:D
Then it will be back to welding on scrap until I can do a good job.
Mel W.
SirJoey
04-28-2008, 10:52 PM
Well, we wanna see pics of THAT, too! ;)
I must be physic.:) The welder is back together. It did not take any time at all.
Now back to welding practice.
Wish me luck.
Mel W.
locolarry
04-29-2008, 10:59 PM
Keep the pictures coming....I'm right behind you! I am picking up my tubing in the morning...got back too late today. I have been gathering pieces and parts for weeks!. I , too, must self-teach mig welding as I go forward on this project. This is not a race...I'm just letting you lead me thru it....I'm not stupid, just crazy!:D
Keep the pictures coming....I'm right behind you! I am picking up my tubing in the morning...got back too late today. I have been gathering pieces and parts for weeks!. I , too, must self-teach mig welding as I go forward on this project. This is not a race...I'm just letting you lead me thru it....I'm not stupid, just crazy!:D
I am waiting on some parts. I still need to find the head tubes and forks to use. My 20" wheels are on order and should be here soon. I hope!
Then I will have to get the tires and tubes.:)
I wont start welding the frame until I have the wheels and tires, Oh and can trust my welding skills to not drop me on my butt!;)
Don't wory I will keep taking pics.
Mel W.
locolarry
04-30-2008, 10:26 PM
Mel, Thanks for the response! I got a rare day off during the week today so I picked up all of my metal, mounted my front tires, cut out my tabs and started drilling the tabs 'till I ran out of the larger size drill bits. It was too late to head to the store for drill bits, so I called it a day. I overlooked those during my planning stage. I can see already that I am going to have to learn patience and to take my time. I worked a long time getting the tabs "just right"...This isn't going to be an overnight build..for me anyway!
The longer it takes...the more FUN I'm having, right? I want to do a good job on this project. It's a stepping stone to the next one ..The StreetFighter Quad. I downloaded those plans last night for comparison. WOW !. I've got some skills to improve upon before I tackle that one:eek:. I'm 60 years old..reckon I'll live long enough to build these two projects? Maybe I will...I'm too busy to get old...:D
Larry
Larry
When you get the new drill bits you might have a look at a drill Dr.
It will sharpen dull bits in a very short time.
You might also get some cutting oil for use while drilling. You did not say what was happening to your bits but if your drilling by hand it is easy to over heat them and dull a bit in nothing flat. I have also used the drill Dr. to fix a broken bit I just ground the broken stub by hand with a bench grinder until it kind of looked like a drill and sharpened it in the drill Dr.:o
Good luck and start a thread here to keep us appraised of your progress.
Mel W.
locolarry
05-01-2008, 07:30 AM
Good Morning
All that I've ever had were cheap Black/Decker sets that I got as gifts. They do not last long. I do have a drill press (benchtop) and use 3in1 machine oil...maybe I should buy cutting oil. I really would like to invest in some quality bits that I could resharpen with a drill Dr. Anyone have any suggestions as to best bits to work with?
Thanks,
Larry
Keep your eyes open for U.S. made ones. If you want you can go to a suppler like Rutland. They sell to machine shops. The other big suppler is J&L industrial supplies.
The 3in1 oil is a lube not good for cutting. Do get some cutting oil. You might try tap magic. It will work in a pinch.
Good luck!
Mel W.
Richie Rich
05-01-2008, 11:12 PM
I'm 60 years old..reckon I'll live long enough to build these two projects? Maybe I will...I'm too busy to get old...:D
LarryYou're just a youngster, Larry. Back in 2006, I asked how many of us were members of the "Over the Hill Gang". I think you'll be surprised at how many of us 'senior builders' there are here in the AZ Krew.
Read here....
http://www.lucidscience.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1020
Nice you have you with us, Larry....
......Richie Rich >>
PS..I'll be eligible for Medicare next month..!!
Bill Cahill
05-02-2008, 01:40 PM
Richie Rich, Hi olyumabill here. All this talk about age made me stop and realize that I've been to busy building to remember that I am now 82 years old and have been married almost 7 months. Lets all keep going.
SirJoey
05-02-2008, 02:51 PM
Man, I feel like the youngster in this crowd. I'm coming up on the double 5 next month, so I'll be a senior, "officially". :rolleyes:
locolarry
05-02-2008, 10:27 PM
Mel, thanks for the info. I'll pick up some cutting oil right away AND invest in some decent bits, too. How's the welding coming? I'm not ready to talk too much about mine, yet.
Richie, Your "Over-the-Hill" pages were a HOOT!. Thank You. Seems to be a bunch of us "Older folks" around.
Mr. Bill, Congrats on reaching 82 ! May the next 82 not go by so fast! It seems like only a few days ago that I rode my first bicycle with gears and hand brakes...a Peugot, in Fucerolles (sp?) France..1959. What a deal..
Oh, I'll have been married 39 years the 24th of this month! She's talking favorably about booking me for at least one more year..:)
Larry Orr
locolarry
05-02-2008, 10:33 PM
SirJoey, I didn't leave you out in the first reply...then "looked BACK" at something, then went forward again to finish my post /reply and it was gone! I re-typed almost everything...!
55 and ALIVE ! that's what counts..As long as you keep moving...old age can't catch you! so, when in doubt, SirJoey,...ZOOOOMMMMM!!!!
Locolarry
Well I received my front wheels today. They are very nice. The hub is threaded on both sides. This makes sense as they are intended as rear wheels. I guess they where set up for disk brakes on the rear.
That makes me wonder if I had got the front wheels would they be set up for disk brakes?
Can you say duel disks on the front wheels of my Street Fox!:eek:LOL
I don't think I will need that.
Mel W.
TheKid
05-08-2008, 12:38 AM
The threads on one are probably for track cogs. Check to see if they are the same size as the ones on the other side, and if they are left hand threads. Track cog threads are smaller than freewheel threads, and are left handed.
Good thing I got the wheels when I did. The price has gone up.:eek:
They are now $38.73 each.
Mel W.
TheKid
05-08-2008, 11:55 PM
They still have some for $30.
Well yesterday was payday. So I go down to the second hand store(IE good Will). I am going to grab some bikes to use for donors. I get their and all the crappy bikes I have been watching have shiny new price tags!
All the bikes have doubled in price.:eek: What was $9.95 is now $19.95!:mad:
They have a Friday midnight sale but I don't think it will be for 50%.
I am frustrated!
Mel W.
Well just got back from the Friday sale. It was 50% off. I have two matching head tubes to remove from bikes tomorrow.
Mel W.
SirJoey
05-10-2008, 07:44 AM
Well just got back from the Friday sale. It was 50% off. I have two matching head tubes to remove from bikes tomorrow.
Mel W.
You lucked out. Wal-Mart is notorious for pulling a similar stunt. Notice how they'll gradually increase the price of an item, then after awhile, suddenly reduce it to it's former price, so they can brag about it being another "price reduced" item.
They try to make it appear that they're constantly reducing prices. If that WAS the case, everything would eventually be FREE! :rolleyes:
Thanx for the link to J&L.
As for HF, I already know where they're located. Unfortunately, it's about 65 miles from here. At 13mpg & $3.38 per gallon current gas price here, the 130 mile round trip would cost $33.80 in my gas-hog van. I guess the 3 hour total drive time would be worth it though, cuz I'd still save a good bit. But then again, after adding in the cost of a decent blade, I'm not so sure. I guess it comes down to the quality of the blade in the saw they have here at my local steel supplier.
Thanx for the info.
Sir Joey
I was at my local HF store and the band saw is on sale for $159.00.
Might be worth a trip.
Mel W.
SirJoey
05-10-2008, 10:21 PM
Thanx for the tip, Mel. You're right, it prolly would, but now I'm thinkin' I'm gonna go the chop saw route (again). If so, at least it'll be a new one this time...
Made some progress today. The two bikes I got at good will have been disassembled and the parts I want to use have been cut off.
I also ruff cut the axle tabs. The fork tubes have had the raiments ground off and one of the head tubes has had frame stubs ground down.
You can see photos at my flicker page.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melw/
Thanks for looking.
Mel W.
locolarry
05-14-2008, 05:51 PM
MelW, what bikes did you finally get for your parts that you're showing?
Larry:confused:
Larry
I found two kids bikes. One a Huffy and I don't remember the brand of the other. My main concern was that the head tubes matched. They are both 4" long.
They both are very plane Jayne as far as shifters(none) 16" wheels and one Peace cranks. I got both bikes for $20.00 at the goodwill store.
Mel W
locolarry
05-14-2008, 09:55 PM
Mel,
I'm coming along slowly. Tabs cut, one drilled. Fork stems cleaned and ready..one will have to be cut down maybe 1/8th of an inch. to match perfectly. Head tubes not finished, but cut out. All my tubing is ready to weld. Tires, tubes, wheels assembled and waiting. I am trying to decide what seat to use. Still have steering parts to locate/fabricate.
I bought a "Walmart Special" tonite that's different from the one "AZ" used. I can't find one like that. I'll just have to get creative and make this one work. Stay tuned...for NEWS! Pics will come when I have something to show. My welding is much better. I'm ready to weld on the real thang!:p
LocoLarry
Mel,
I'm coming along slowly. Tabs cut, one drilled. Fork stems cleaned and ready..one will have to be cut down maybe 1/8th of an inch. to match perfectly. Head tubes not finished, but cut out. All my tubing is ready to weld. Tires, tubes, wheels assembled and waiting. I am trying to decide what seat to use. Still have steering parts to locate/fabricate.
I bought a "Walmart Special" tonite that's different from the one "AZ" used. I can't find one like that. I'll just have to get creative and make this one work. Stay tuned...for NEWS! Pics will come when I have something to show. My welding is much better. I'm ready to weld on the real thang!:p
LocoLarry
Cool!:)
I have a different bike for the rear as well. Mine has brackets to hold the rear to the frame. I will have to fab new brackets to fit the 1.5" tubing.
I am waiting on the front tires to arrive. I hope this week.
Good luck on your build.
Mel W.
trikeman
05-15-2008, 12:28 PM
Larry
I found two kids bikes. One a Huffy and I don't remember the brand of the other. My main concern was that the head tubes matched. They are both 4" long.
They both are very plane Jayne as far as shifters(none) 16" wheels and one Peace cranks. I got both bikes for $20.00 at the goodwill store.
Mel W
For those of you who don't want to go to the trouble of find two head tubes that match, or can be cut to match, there is an inexpensive solution using two brass bushings ($1.09-$2.00 at McMasterCarr) and 2"-4" of steel tube and a hardware store bolt. 25Hz describes it on his web site. It is probably not as smooth running (no ball bearings) but should be adaptable to the StreetFox if you can't find head tubes easily.
AtomicZombie
05-15-2008, 01:16 PM
Have you used the bushing method? I tried it once but found that it rattles like crazy unless you have the bolt so tight things become stiff. I wonder if he has found a way to fix that?
Brad
trikeman
05-15-2008, 01:39 PM
Have you used the bushing method? I tried it once but found that it rattles like crazy unless you have the bolt so tight things become stiff. I wonder if he has found a way to fix that?
Brad
No I haven't tried, but 25 claims it works well enough that he uses it on all his bikes now. If I ever get around to building my tadpole I will try it out and let you know what I think. I suspect you have to find some pipe with close enough tolerances on the inside to make a good one. That in itself might be a challenge.
TheKid
05-15-2008, 01:47 PM
I had the same problem with bushings. I tried plastic bushings to stop the rattle, but they were also tight. I ended up using 1 1/4" EMT which when reamed a little bit, will hold flanged bearings for cart wheels. They come in 1/2", 15mm, 5/8" and 3/4" ID. I bent 1/2" bolts, so if I ever go this route again, I'm using 3/4" bearings and bolts just to be on the safe side. You'll be wise to use a compression tube between the bearings. The ID of the compression tube should be just enough for the bolt to fit, and the OD must be no larger than the OD of the inner bearing ring. I used 1/2" pipe for the axle tubes with 14mm axles. Minimum length for the EMT is 2 1/4".
trikeman
05-15-2008, 01:59 PM
Thanks guys. It would be good to find a method that freed us from having to find head tubes on old bikes. Of course with the trend towards buying Wallymart bikes for parts, perhaps its not a problem. I heard on the radio the other day that sales at bike shops were way up, due to gasoline prices. I have also noticed it seems to be getting harder to find good bikes at my local thrift store.
AtomicZombie
05-15-2008, 03:06 PM
Here is one way I tired the bushings...
http://www.lucidscience.com/temp/tandpole.jpg
This was the Kyotocruiser original design! I found that the bolt and bushing system rattled too much, or had too much friction, so I decided not to use it anymore. Another thing to note is that those little brass bushing are not as inexpensive as you might think.
Brad
TheKid
05-15-2008, 03:44 PM
It was a tadpole. Nice. I used the method 25HZ has on Fleettrikes. The bushings were noisy, or too tight. I tried a spring for a simple suspension system, hoping the spring would tighten things up without being restrictive. Even using heavy rubber washers, that was even noisier. It wasn't worth the very slight improvement in the ride. Maybe I did something wrong, but after trying the plastic bushings, with and without the springs, I went to the bearing method. That worked fine until I bent the 1/2" bolts. So I went to another method, which was similar to yours. I had that on what is now the Streetfox. Even with the 1/2" bolts supported on both ends, they bent. perhaps it was because I had too much weight on the front wheels. These were #5 hardened steel bolts. I thought if I went to #8 hardness, they may snap. So I had the choice of going to the heavier bearings and bolts, or your method used on the Streetfox. I chose your method, which worked out great. I had the hauler in a test stage, and I prefer the delta over the tadpole. So the Streetfox will be used for short errands when I don't have to carry anything, because it's shorter and easier to maneuver in tight spots. Even with just having front suspension, the hauler has a smoother ride, much like the Meridian did. I attribute that to the much longer wheelbase, and possibly having 26" wheels all around helps.
trikeman
05-15-2008, 03:54 PM
Another thing to note is that those little brass bushing are not as inexpensive as you might think.
Brad[/quote]
The ones I looked up on McMasterCarr were going for $1.09 in 863 bronze, and a little bit more ($1.85) for the 841 bronze. I looked up 3/4" OD, 1/2" ID, 1" length. You would of course need 2 for each tube. Your design is a bit different from 25Hz's. I am building a welding cart that I want to put steerable wheels on. I may build a of couple of them for the cart just to see how they work. It's not clear to me from 25's design whether bolt turns in the bushing, or the bushing turns in the steel tube. I assume the latter, in which case I would think you also need some steel tubes with good tolerances on the inside diameter to make it work right. I am not sure hardware store variety steel tube would do as well. If the bolt turns in the bushings, a good tolerance on the outside of the bolt would be required.
AtomicZombie
05-15-2008, 04:39 PM
I paid $20 per bushing at the bearing store! They are usually less than McMaster for almost everything. These were oil impregnated flange type bushings with a 1/2 inch ID
Brad
trikeman
05-15-2008, 05:06 PM
I paid $20 per bushing at the bearing store! They are usually less than McMaster for almost everything. These were oil impregnated flange type bushings with a 1/2 inch ID
Brad
Wow. What can I say? Both the 841 and 843 are oil impregnated (oilite). But I agree McM and Grainger are usually higher on everything I buy than everywhere else, except for the big box stores. On the other hand, I recently bought some of those 1" square plastic things you plug into the ends of square steel tubes. They were for some dog cages for my wifes van. They wanted more for a package of 4 at Home Depot than I got a nice big bag of 20 at Grainger for. I guess it pays to shop around.
TheKid
05-15-2008, 07:25 PM
The bolt turns in the bushings. The tolerances must be close, or they'll wear out in no time. I bought some plastic material for bushings and drilled them out myself when I found the bronze bushings were unacceptable. The plastic ones were just too tight for my taste. I ended up using the flange bearings, which proved to be the best way to go, other than Brad's universal tadpole/quad steering tube design. I had bearings in my PVC quad, but that's a totally different story. You don't want to know what I went through to make the American Speedster plans for steering last longer than a few weeks.
trikeman
05-16-2008, 09:55 AM
Doing a bit more research on the king pin bushings vs head tubes, I found that at least the old Greenspeeds had bushings, but may have now moved to head tubes. Several high end recumbents still use the bushings, but it makes sense that a ball bearing headstock is going to be smoother. It looks like the wizwheel teratrike uses Brads original method with bushings.
http://www.terratrike.com/sport.php#
One interesting variant I found uses a rod end bearing (ball joint). If I recall correctly, the cost of the rod ends for my DW would make that a bit more expensive. Interesting though.
http://www.redmount-hpv.co.uk/photo%20page%20130.htm
Then, of course, there is the Model T Ford, but I am sure they coudl spec out whatever tolerances they wanted
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Ford_model_t_suspension.triddle.jpg
TheKid
05-16-2008, 10:26 AM
Ricky Horwitz' Thunderbolt also uses rod ends, as well as the tricruiser. The beauty of using these, at least on the T'bolt, is that you can adjust the camber.
http://www.americruiser.com/DISK%20BRAKE%201.JPG
I was out today and went by the local OSH. They have dropped most of the good bearings and pulleys. I have been frustrated in looking for drive parts for other projects there. I was looking for some metal to make the mounting tabs from and various steering parts. I found out that they carry the rod ends. They have them in both left hand and right hand threads. The price was $7.49 ea. Not to bad.
So I guess I owe OSH a small apology for some of the bad things I have been thinking.:rolleyes:
Still waiting on parts from Nigeria they are on the way if you believe UPS tracking.
Mel W.
The tires and tubes arrived today. I spent a good hour trying to get the 20" tires on to the wheels.:mad:
No luck. I did not have any problem changing the 26" wheel on the MTB when I repaired it. I guess I will go by the local bike shop tomorrow to See if they can help. I will have to pay them to mount the tires. I would like to know what I am doing wrong.
Mel W.
locolarry
05-21-2008, 09:10 AM
mel,
mix up coffee-cup full of dishwashing soap and water...lube the bead areas liberally with it...don't "force" the bead over the edge of the rim..."work" it slowly a little from one side..then a little from the other side. Also, when tire gets tight at the point where it doesn't want to stretch over the rim...reach down and squeeze the sidewalls of the tire "in" where it's already mounted...this will make the bead of the tire drop into the well of the rim..thus giving u some more stretch.
L
Larry
Thanks for the info. I will give that a try after work today.
Mel W.
trikeman
05-21-2008, 10:30 AM
Some tires are easier than others. I once had a flat on my wedgie about 15 miles out on my bike trail and I could not for the life of me get the tire back over the rim after replacing the tube. It was getting dark and the mosquitos were eating me alive. I finally tucked my tail between my legs and called my wife on the cell phone. She picked me up at the nearest trailhead but she didn't let me live that one down quickly.
locolarry
05-21-2008, 12:02 PM
Sometimes it's just better to quit and wait 'till another time....then it just falls on! When it happens that way you just shake your head and keep on truckin'...Somedays you just aren't holding your mouth just right....:D:(:confused:
Larry:)
AtomicZombie
05-21-2008, 01:16 PM
Takes me almost 30 minutes to put on a Haro 20 inch tire. Takes only 15 minutes to put the car tire on the Gladiator wheel by hand!
Brad
Patrike
05-21-2008, 08:11 PM
I have never had a problem with putting on a tire -- my last ones for the kyoto were a little tighter -- I always just pee on them and they slide on easy -- kidding, I get the dogs to pee on them! :>) I know - i'm a little warped!
I usually have more of a problem getting off -- tires that is!!
Cheers.
Patrick
TheKid
05-21-2008, 08:59 PM
Cat pee works too. Oh. And wet bird droppings.
AtomicZombie
05-21-2008, 10:22 PM
Sometimes I soak the rim in liquid nitrogen to shrink it a bit.
Ok, now this is getting silly.
Brad
Richie Rich
05-21-2008, 10:42 PM
The Acme Tire Stretcher works for me....
======RR=====
TheKid
05-22-2008, 01:18 AM
Is that the one used by Wile E. Coyote?
Richie Rich
05-22-2008, 02:25 PM
Yep.....and you may recall how well those ACME tools worked for him...!!! :eek:
----->RR
locolarry
05-22-2008, 09:16 PM
MelW...
What's the verdict? everyone's waiting to find out if you got the 20's mounted and if so, who pee'd on them....
I have not had a chance to try the soap yet. As for the pee well I leave that up to you a much braver man then me! LOL:o
I go to try now.
Mel W.
OK I am back!
The soap worked!:D Still a struggle. I now have sore fingers but both tires are on.
If I ever have to do that on the road I will be in trouble.
That means that I can proceed this weekend!
Mel W.
TheKid
05-23-2008, 03:25 AM
Just out of curiosity, do you have plastic tire levers? They're cheap, and on the road may prove to be invaluable.
Kid
Yes I do. In removing the tires they will help. I had no luck in getting the tires on with them.
Mel W.
locolarry
05-23-2008, 10:57 AM
Great! I'm glad the soap worked!
Now, find a very small plastic bottle, say the size of a Bayer Asprin bottle, fill it with 1/2 liquid dish soap- 1/2 water. tighten top and put it in your "Road kit" along with your patch kit. You can always rub soap around the bead with your fingertips and wipe hands on grass or your pants..it will wash out. once mounted, a few miles, then dismounted, the beads should have stretched enough that you'll not have any problem with the now "used" tires...
Larry
The $3.00 repair on my welder works. I can now adjust the wire feed.
Well I promised to post photos of my welding practice.
I think it looks Ruff. The flux core wire splatters allot more then I like.
I also seem to get nervous when I use the welder. Just not used to it.
The photos are in my Flicker account have a look.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melw/
Let me know how bad I am doing.
Thanks!
Mel W.
After posting here and taking a brake I went back to it.
I made five more welds like the one in the photos and made some adjustments to the power and feed before I got a weld that looks nice. I also found that the polarity was set wrong. Changing that around cut the splatter down some. I just need to remember to use the anti splatter spray. I also relaxed and stopped rushing the weld.
I will take a pic tomorrow of the OK weld.
Mel W.
Doc Hollywood
05-25-2008, 09:35 AM
You could use more heat and slow down and watch the puddle. Walk the torch from side to side like the letter C. More practice.
Doc
That is what I started doing and it worked!:D
Who would have guessed.:rolleyes:
Thanks!
Mel W.
I posted a photo of the better weld in my flicker account.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melw/
Have A look.
Thanks!
Mel W.
locolarry
05-27-2008, 10:11 PM
Looking GOOD ! You can pick up some good tips and info on Hobart Welders message board, also.
Larry
Well this project has to drop down on the priority list.
I was on vacation last week.
On the second day the wife calls to tell me my dog is sick. She is having problems walking and is vomiting as well as not eating. I was half way across the country and very frustrated. I was in Tx. Sick dog in Ca.
I was there to see my mom who is bring treated for breast cancer. So the stress levels were through the roof.
Mom is doing fine, she hates the radiation treatments but it looks very good for her. The cancer was caught early.
While out there I was talking to the Vet and they did not know what was wrong with her. Words like Brain Tumor and Stroke were being used.
I was very upset at that point. As both of those conditions are not treatable in K9s. The very next day it was found that she has an inner ear inflammation that is giving her vertigo so bad she can not eat.
She has shown some improvement but today she stopped drinking and could not keep her meds down. So she is back in the hospital for more fluids.
To give this some prospective,
my wife and I have never had kids. So this dog is as close as we will get.
We care very much that she is healthy and happy.
To those that say don't you realize it is just a dog?
I say yes I do! I will not let her suffer so that I can keep her around.
But I will do all that I can to get her the care and support to beat this.
If she had a tumor or stroke I would do what is necessary. This problem will heal we just have to get her past the not eating and drinking.
Sorry for the long post.
I just had to get it out.
Thanks!
Mel W.
trikeman
06-15-2008, 09:38 PM
Sorry to hear about your troubles Mel. I have 5 dogs and one of them is definitely a senior citizen now. She really can't do much, and can't really run or walk on a hill without falling down, but as long as she isn't in pain we will do what we can to make her last days as pleasant as possible.
May things improve for you and yours very soon.
n9viw
06-16-2008, 01:28 PM
Many dogs and cats, if they have avoided food because they become ill, will have a little bit of a 'trust issue' to get back to eating. Sometimes all you have to do is hand-feed them for a bit, because they trust you. The vomiting is probably produced by the vertigo, she's getting motion sickness and can't hold it down.
Since the vertigo is caused by the infection, once the infection's cleared up, she'll be able to hold her head down to the bowl without getting dizzy. Incidentally, most dogs generally can't eat lying down, so that's not an option. To help her eat, it might be good to have her dish off the floor at about chest-level (to her). If she doesn't go for that, use a 60ml syringe (available at farm stores) with some wet food mixed with water (not the chunky stuff, the cheap prechewed stuff) to inject it into her mouth. It takes a bit of time and a lot of patience, and be prepared for her to cough once or twice if a bit gets into the windpipe, so have a towel ready.
Good luck; we just lost our 10yo AB Buster last October, and have 2yo AB Buddy now, they're as much a part of the family as real kids are, only we didn't talk baby talk to the kids and do to the dogs! :D
Thanks for the replies.
The wife called me to sat she is out of the overnight care vets.
The regaler vets office is watching her now. The reports say she had some food about midnight. That is good. My wife says she is walking better now. They have given her some antinausea meds and that helps a lot.
Mel W.
Stroland43
06-16-2008, 08:37 PM
I wish the best for both your mom and your dog. We lost a cat that was around 20 years old. Even though we have two children, you get very attached to your pets. I think love of pets is a terrific thing.
Her heart had just about worn out and I could not put her through another round of treatments that were only going to give her a few weeks more at best,
John
She is home with us for the night. I was very happy to see her walking around when we picked her up this afternoon. She had some food when we got home and is doing a lot better.
Thanks for the good wishes.
Mel W.
Update! Katie is allmost back 100%.:D I am getting back on track with the trike. Went to my buddies shop and he is teaching me to weld. We started with the torch. How to set the flame how to use the filler rod. Then we moved on to fusion welding. We worked on some cut up bed frame.
Not working on the bike deractly but headed that way.
Mel W.