Rusted floor pan!

[Paquette]

bjmilo: After seeing what's in store for you I don't feel so bad about mine.

I can calculate the flex (twist) for a given torque knowing the dimensions and alloy of his original floor pan, assuming continuous weld points. A comparison of that result to that of .125" mild steel of the same dimension under the same torque would give us the exact percentage difference.Planter Bob

Planter Bob: You seem to know your stuff however those exact figures and tolerences might play a part in the restoration of a helicopter but certainly not a 1980's vintage argo. After dismantling mine completely I realize just how poorly engineered they really are. Not sure what the new ones are like.

[bjmilo]

Frame is almost complete!

I sand blasted the frame and the rails looked good. I did replace the front tube. That was not fun at all! The floor pan was easy but still needs the braces under the seat and under engine welded. I can not believe that a 96 could be that rusted out! it had to be outside for a long time and have plugs in. Has anyone tried the rhino lined frame idea. Friday is my last chance to change my mind.

[jerseybigfoot]

I think Rhino lining the frame is an excellent Idea as debris always gets between floorpan and body. you did a first class job repairing the frame and I'm sure it will have a long service life.

[bjmilo]

Finished the frame and axles!

This has been real fun doing, but Im so glad that part is over! It would have been so much faster with some help but Im glad I did it because Ive learned so much! I have been thinking of changing my motor with a honda or kohler but wanted one that would bolt right in. Its not going to be worth doing unless I can get a 24 or bigger! The shaft sizes get bigger after 20 hp. What do you guys think?IMG00004-20100823-2239.jpg

[Mike]

That looks really good. Great job. If you decide to go with a bigger motor now is the perfect time to do it. Making a custom motor mount isn't that much more work. *nudge-nudge*

[bjmilo]

That looks really good. Great job. If you decide to go with a bigger motor now is the perfect time to do it. Making a custom motor mount isn't that much more work. *nudge-nudge*

Dont nudge to much because Im about to fall off the fence on the new motor side. I was checking richards relics and they offer credit on your motor! thats one more nudge! What about shaft size?

[bjmilo]

It runs great

IMG00007-20100829-1317.jpgIMG00008-20100829-1317.jpgIMG00009-20100829-1319.jpgIMG00013-20100829-1322.jpgI wanted to thank you guys for your help and post a few pics of the completed project! I just got back from its trial run and it did great I have the back cargo rack to build next but its running great and as far as I know, all thats left is grease on the chains. The idler chains made a mess in the tub from factory grease. I added some pics of my brush gaurd that I welded up and had rhino lined. It was tested good on its first run by running it into a tree trying to climb out of a creek. It took the blow and didnt even get scratched. I LOVE THESE MACHINES!

[Mike]

That's one mean looking Argo. You did a great job on it. Thanks for sharing the pictures.