PatW Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 I'm looking to build a Baja Bug/Beetle and need some long shocks, that's two on each corner! I have plenty of alloy and plastic tubing for the telescopic effect, but I can't find any springs, I used to use pen springs but don't see any anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveM Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 You can wrap wire around a piece of tubing, or a nail to make the springs. It won't support weight and work like a spring, but I always got my ride height set and glued things into place, so that the spring is just for show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobthehobbyguy Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 If you want springs try a good hardware store. My local ace hardware has a pretty good selection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTallDad Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 What scale? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacoballardtattoo Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 Depending on the scale and your method some shocks from a truck kit may work for you. I am doing a Baja right now myself and this is my current attack at this problem. I may change it soon though. I created a new spring plate and frame work for the rear out of solder. I am kicking around a standard has shock (in the picture painted) a coil which will be made by wrapping jewelry wire (cheap stuff from Walmart) around a screw to get the coil. Or possibly doing a coil over by combining the two systems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brent Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I have done my share of scratch build suspensions including all sorts of shocks. I have used springs from pens which do work. I currently am working on a stadium truck with functional suspension. I used pen springs for this one and IMO are a little flimsy looking. Another approach is go with the Nitrogen filled shock look. I did this on a Baja I built. I used pen springs for the front and Nitrogen filled duals on the back. I recently came across something while working. I was replacing a huge seal (I am a service technician) and inside the seal is a spring. I brought this seal home removed the spring, cut it in half and stretchered it. It looks fantastic! Wheel seals will have the same spring. Different sized wheel seals will have different sized springs inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTalmage Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 (edited) Holy freaking cow... amazing stadium truck chassis, and baja bug^^^ Edited May 18, 2015 by JTalmage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hjracing Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 I have done my share of scratch build suspensions including all sorts of shocks. I have used springs from pens which do work. I currently am working on a stadium truck with functional suspension. I used pen springs for this one and IMO are a little flimsy looking. Another approach is go with the Nitrogen filled shock look. I did this on a Baja I built. I used pen springs for the front and Nitrogen filled duals on the back. I recently came across something while working. I was replacing a huge seal (I am a service technician) and inside the seal is a spring. I brought this seal home removed the spring, cut it in half and stretchered it. It looks fantastic! Wheel seals will have the same spring. Different sized wheel seals will have different sized springs inside. Just amaizing! I want to see the Stadium truck build pleaseeeeee! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTallDad Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 (edited) Another alternative for springs is using aluminum rod and a machine screw. Go to Lowe's or Home Depot and look for a screw that looks to be the proper size. Find a rod (local hobby shop or a large Ace Hardware store) with a diameter that looks good, such as 1/64" or 1/32" (or metric sizes too). Place the machine screw in a vise, then wrap the aluminum rod around the screw keeping the rod in the screw grooves. When done, remove the screw by unscrewing it. RESULT: same-diameter coils that are evenly/identically spaced. Edited May 20, 2015 by BigTallDad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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