SuperChris Posted February 17, 2005 Report Posted February 17, 2005 I was thinking of trying to score a set from a buddy, if I can find any, to make a jig out of. The jig would be simple. A tubing bender would be less than a set of arms. I think I could make a comparable arm at a fraction of the cost. Is there a reason somebody hasn't done this yet? Quote
trialsallday Posted February 17, 2005 Report Posted February 17, 2005 I think theres more too it than that. you gotta come up with measurments that are spot on like making ones that are exactly +2+1 etc. but as far as cost of materials and man hours your definatly right. theres gotta be a HUGE mark up on them. I know steel cost has gone way up but not 500-1200 up. I guess its mosty R&D, but what do I know, i could be wrong, just my thoughts. but I definatly think your on the right track cuz i often thought the same thing. good luck Quote
Holyman Posted February 17, 2005 Report Posted February 17, 2005 Because it is much easier said than done. There are alot of angles and dimensions that need to be very precise. Quote
Lepew Posted February 17, 2005 Report Posted February 17, 2005 I am working on a set right now for myself. Unless your going to make 100 sets there is not much money in making them. I am doing it because nobody makes a set perfect for me. I will post pictures when I am done, but it will be a while. Chrome moly $3 a foot x12 balljoints $25 ea. x4 heims for adjustables $10 ea x4 Tubing bender $156 x1 Your time ? x40+hrs. Quote
Cotton eyed Joe Posted February 17, 2005 Report Posted February 17, 2005 I am working on a set right now for myself. Unless your going to make 100 sets there is not much money in making them. I am doing it because nobody makes a set perfect for me. I will post pictures when I am done, but it will be a while. Chrome moly $3 a foot x12 balljoints $25 ea. x4 heims for adjustables $10 ea x4 Tubing bender $156 x1 Your time ? x40+hrs. 324957[/snapback] Exactly!! Im in the design phase of a arms right now, and it reallly isn't as easy as I thought, but I know I can do it....And yes, even cheap rod ends aren't cheap. Tooling and experience also have a price..... The jig for my swing arms would total well over $1000 if I would have been billed for the machine time. The plate alone was nearly $200.00 Quote
Lepew Posted February 18, 2005 Report Posted February 18, 2005 I left the machine work for the a-arms.The ball joints are Yamaha from the YFZ 450. Cotton eyed, we will have to trade jig photos when I finish mine. I made my jig big enough for YFZ 450 arms. The Yfz 450 uses similar parts just laid out different. Quote
Rattlehead Posted February 20, 2005 Report Posted February 20, 2005 I would think that if you are making a set, at least model the dimensions off of another name brand set. If you don't have the geometry right you'll be losing alot of performance from the suspension. Shock mounts have to be spot on as well or you'll have problems. Posible bent shock shaft.it's a bit more complex than just welding some metal together. Good luck ! Quote
SuperChris Posted February 21, 2005 Author Report Posted February 21, 2005 Sounds like that may be a someday project. Quote
MotulMonsta Posted February 21, 2005 Report Posted February 21, 2005 There is such a thing as copyright infringement. Don't sell your homemade copycat arms. Support the aftermarket. They made ATV's into what they are today. Factories pulled out support years ago and are slowly rolling back up on the ball. But the small AMERICAN aftermarket companies made it possible for a 1989 trx 250r to dominate and still kick ass today. Quote
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