Scratch-built trailing arms

[Jon Cole]

I need to fab a rear suspension on a street rod. I am using a Revell '32 Ford for certain parts such as rear axle, but I would rather see aluminum parts back there such as trailing arms. How do I make a typical trailing arm? I see it as three pieces; the center bar, and a short tube at each end at a right angle to the middle bar.

OK, three pieces... aluminum K&S tube, ...how to assemble? Solder it? Glue it? I have 1/16" aluminum.

Oh, while you're reading this, I wouldn't mind knowing how to do rod ends and Heim joints too.

Please advise. Thanks!

[Jon Cole]

Thanks Dave. After doing some research, it looks like soldering aluminum is difficult to do well. My only options are RB Motion, or go with truck arms, or leaf springs. I am working on a tricked out '37 Ford pickup.

Sometimes it feels like I make things too complicated! Now I have to choose.

Edited February 23, 2010 by Spyder

[2002p51]

I would do it all out of Evergreen rod.

Easy peezy, no special soldering techniques required, no special nothing. Just cut it out, paint it with Metalizer and glue it in place. Bada-bing-bada-boom.

Like you said, no need to make things more complicated than necessary.

[shucky]

Hi Jon, this may help ....

http://protechmodelparts.com/images/protechlogo.jpg

Also, an even simpler version is : Using thin styrene rods cut to any length you'd like. Take flat jewelers pliers and pinch the ends flat. You can then use a file and shape the ends any way you'd like. The flat spot that you pinched can now be drilled in the center for a bolt/nut. Sorry dont have pics here at the office to show you.

[Mooneyzs]

this is some great stuff I think I may have to do some of this on a future Drag kit build

[astroracer]

Building trailing arms from aluminum tubing is pretty simple. To build a strong joint simply drill a hole the same size as your "arm" tubing into the side of the bushing tube.

Slip the arm tube into the hole and epoxy.

after everything is set up drill out the bushing to clean it up for asm.

I have done this in brass also as soldering is alot stronger but I have never had a problem with the aluminum either.

Mark

[Mooneyzs]

Building trailing arms from aluminum tubing is pretty simple. To build a strong joint simply drill a hole the same size as your "arm" tubing into the side of the bushing tube.

Slip the arm tube into the hole and epoxy.

after everything is set up drill out the bushing to clean it up for asm.

I have done this in brass also as soldering is alot stronger but I have never had a problem with the aluminum either.

Mark

What CAD program are you using there?? I do quite a bit in Solidworks and prior to that it was Pro-E.

[Pro Tech]

Here's a tutorial I did on how to fab these.

http://protechmodelparts.com/heimjoints.htm

Charlie

Pro Tech

[Jon Cole]

Chris-

Now that will produce a stronger joint! That is what I need to do. What may happen is I will put this project aside until I am healed enough to go into my basement... no way can I do that fine detailed drilling without the use of my magnifying lamp.

[Jon Cole]

Here's a tutorial I did on how to fab these.

http://protechmodelparts.com/heimjoints.htm

Charlie

Pro Tech

Charlie-

I just checked out your products list...looks like something to consider. Besides, I notice you also have "T" fittings. That is something I have needed in the past, and most likely will again. What forms of payment do you take?

[Pro Tech]

Charlie-

I just checked out your products list...looks like something to consider. Besides, I notice you also have "T" fittings. That is something I have needed in the past, and most likely will again. What forms of payment do you take?

Jon, for orders I only accept checks or money orders, checks will need to clear before parts shippment. Thanks for your interest!

Charlie

Pro Tech