Guy goes into a garage to grease bearings.....

[mfenmor]

This is a really neat build. The finished product will be impressive.

I'm just hoping it doesn't turn out to be a great big flop, or I'll have to tear it all off and do a springer.

[mfenmor]

it's a beautiful thing !! .. i have those same 4'' bearing flanges and good bearings . i have not had to change a bearing in 3 yrs , even after all the mud at busco . because they are so easy to get to , i think being able to wash them off after rides and easy greasing procedure has helped . same with my chains. i'm still excited to see the upcoming portal box chains and tensioning system your creating . good thing i don't live next door you'd have to lock me out , lol j.b.

JB, you are welcome to come take a look any time.
The only thing I don't like about the 4" bearings is they are quite heavy. I found some bearings mounted in UHMW, but they a quite expensive.
I'd like to see these mounted in aluminum.

[john swenson]

mike ...i don't think it will be a flop at all , especially with your metal working machines and creativity . if there are any problems i see no reason you can't address them. it has taken me some time and a few modifications after my highboy frame design to get it finally working great . now it's just basic maintenance and for me i love the the results , j.b.

[mfenmor]

So, remember when I said I had an idea? no the other time.

I decided to do the boxes a little differently, and I think it's a change for the better.

IMG_0596.jpgIMG_0597.jpg

Chopped up some metal and melted some metal.

IMG_0599.jpgIMG_0600.jpg

YES! More better.

IMG_0601.jpg

I'll melt metal over the holes I poked for the original bearing mount.
This should be very sturdy. Built in bearing extenders.
Tomorrow I'll get it all glued together.

[ARGOJIM]

Nice supports, awaiting final outcome.

[mfenmor]

Got em all hot glued up today and in my favorite color.
I'm glad I did this, but next time I'll make these of aluminum. Gettin heavy.

IMG_0602.jpgIMG_0603.jpgIMG_0604.jpgIMG_0605.jpgIMG_0606.jpg

Jeez I hate weld spatter. I had bought some new wire (Blue Demon) which I always use, but this time I got it on Ebay. Made in China! not India where it usually is. So I thought the wire was bad, then I realized my torch cup was way too loose and pulling in air from the back. Tightened it up and Voila! no more spatter.
Need new cups.

[mfenmor]

Nice supports, awaiting final outcome.

Thanks Jim, Me too.
Workin as fast as I can.
All the fab work is pretty much done now, just a few brackets.
Assembly time.

[john swenson]

beautifull work mike..so the exstensions are to get a wider stance ? better axle support ? explain for me , thanks j.b.

[john swenson]

do the exstensions bolt to the tub , or are they the tire side. must be the tub , to get your tire spacing huh ? j.b.

[mfenmor]

beautifull work mike..so the exstensions are to get a wider stance ? better axle support ? explain for me , thanks j.b.

Hey JB,
The extensions are built in bearing extensions for the axle/tire.
Just like these,

max4_tech_167.jpg

Only extra support.
Not any wider stance, though it is already 6" wider than stock with the portals.