Major Al S/Arm mods

[Simon]

Still testing my carbon frame with the Al S/arm and the sealed bearing conversion,every things going great and reliable,but one thing has bugged me,the lack of clearance between the area just above the front dropouts and the frame,didn't think this would cause a problem until I rode in our recent lovely weather (not),mud dirt and grit gets caught in between and as the gap is so small acts like a grinding paste,had 3 choices,refit the carbon arm,make up a fender to hopefully prevent the dirt ingress,or modify the S/Arm to give the same or more clearance than the carbon arm,took the latter,cut out the offending area,measured the plate thickness to be 2mm,made up an inverted plate out of 1.6mm plate(this was easier to shape)doubled up the plates each side so the replacement overall thickness is 3.2mm,this should ensure that the strength has not been compromised,jigged up the front dropouts and Tig welded (got a mate to weld them in) the replacement plates in,new coat of paint and lacquer,the clearance is now greater than the carbon arm,just got to build it back up,should be done for the weekend,couple of pics of the modified S/arm in my gallery.Simon [smiley=nod.gif]  P.s got some other mods and designs I'd like to try,getting carried away now someone's got to stop me. [smiley=laughing.gif]

[Sprucey]

Simon,

your a mad, bad boy!

You have seen me - if you want testing to destruction - give me a call!

Sprucey

[Carbon_Angus]

Simon, thanks for theses updates, triumphs and difficulties.  the swingarm clearance is an interesting issue, for sure.
[smiley=beer.gif]

ps post pics if you have time, resize then to 640x480 or 800x600, though  [smiley=laughing.gif]

[smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beer.gif]

[Simon]

Simon,

your a mad, bad boy!

You have seen me - if you want testing to destruction - give me a call!

Sprucey

Yikes!!!!!!! ummmmmmmm  errrrrrrrr  [smiley=worry.gif] okay I think,
seriously you'll be getting a call soon,look forward to meeting up again,just wish the weather would improve,Simon  [smiley=nod.gif]  [smiley=beer.gif]