Front Beam Jig

dukebradbury · Joined: 13 Oct 2009 Posts: 185 Location: Spokane 5-mile

Stole this idea from Eric, I hope you don't mind Very Happy

Had some scrap metal and some free time. Not necessary but
it will make narrowing my beam easier!

Long-roofs · Joined: 23 Aug 2007 Posts: 715 Location: valley

Nice, that will work! When welding, take out the outer bushings/bearings.

dukebradbury · Joined: 13 Oct 2009 Posts: 185 Location: Spokane 5-mile

Thanks.

Thanks for that tip. Probably would have forgot and had to buy some new ones!

I still need to put in some center torsion "locaters" like yours has.

Been busy building a deck so it was nice to get a little time.

klokwerk · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 14

This looks awesome!

Just got my 67 and I've been looking into a narrowed beam.
How difficult is it to do it yourself?

dukebradbury · Joined: 13 Oct 2009 Posts: 185 Location: Spokane 5-mile

Thanks klokwerk,

The idea is real straight forward.

This is my 1st beam and has been relatively easy. I ran into a couple issues but got through them.

Couple guys on the site have done beams (Eric for one) and are more than willing to give some advice.

Any questions or concerns, feel free to post them!

Troy Hobbs · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 766

Duke's jig is for a bus beam, beetle is a whole different animal

klokwerk · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 14

Thanks Troy. I realized that after. But wouldn't a similar jig for a bug look the same?

Troy Hobbs · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 766

not really, the bus bolts on with the end plates, a beetle bolts to the frame head in the middle off the tubes

dssbk · Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 110 Location: Spokane Valley

Hey klokwerk,
Are you replacing the end plates or are you just welding in some adjusters?
If you replace the end plates, just punch out the bearings, cut your beam to whatever length you want it, weld your plates on, and install some urethane bushings in place of the bearings.
If you are just welding in adjusters , make sure you cut one tube at a time or you will have trouble lining it back up. (I use angle iron and c-clamps to line up the tube and adjuster prior to welding) Good Luck!!!

klokwerk · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 14

I'm still learning how the front end works.
To be honest, I don't know what I'm doing just yet.

Thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to keep it in mind.

dukebradbury · Joined: 13 Oct 2009 Posts: 185 Location: Spokane 5-mile

Had some time today to do a little work on the beam.

Built a "locator" for the adjuster bolts. This will ensure that I get the correct angle on the adjusters. Luckily it will work with the adjusters installed. Didn't think about it until after I welded the adjusters in.

Decided to go with new steel for the tubes. Got some 2" SCH 40 pipe.

Drilled some holes for placement of the adjusters

Cut out the steel, ready for adjusters

Adjusters welded in.

motofly196 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 442 Location: Medical Lake

Those are upside down!!!

just kidding!
Scott

dukebradbury · Joined: 13 Oct 2009 Posts: 185 Location: Spokane 5-mile

Great. Upside down!! Now I gotta start all over! Sad

dukebradbury · Joined: 13 Oct 2009 Posts: 185 Location: Spokane 5-mile

Put it together Very Happy

Was able to put it in the bus to make sure it fit. It fit great!!

motofly196 · Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 442 Location: Medical Lake

Damn Duke...that beam looks STOUT! Where did you get the ends done, same place as Eric? You know, eventually, you're gonna have to stop fabricating, and start driving that sucka!!! Looks GREAT!

Scott