Sign In »
Register Now!
Help
On a recent run (my first snow trip) I noticed an issue with the frame on the front of the Beeest. For those that don't know, the front axle of an old bug is held on by four bolts through braces welded to the axle tubes and into threaded holes in the frame. I noticed the right side threaded holes had ALLOT of cracks around them and the axle was loose on that side. I was able to strap it to the frame for the run (thanks John, the straps will be it the mail this week).
Now, I don't weld. Frank (tfpets) offered to help (thanks Frank) and I was going to take him up on the offer when my father-in-law who is a decent welder offered and his place is only 1 mile away. (Franks is a little farther
)So here we go.....
After getting the frond axle off, and a little preliminary welding, I decided to grab the camera...
As I thought...the left side holes were OK...
The right side was NOT. It was worse than I thought...
This is the part where I was busy holding things to be welded and getting showered with pretty red sparks
so the camera took a break...sorry.I decided to use Frank's idea and weld 1/4" thick plates to the back side of the holes and get longer bolts with lock nuts. So we found some plate in dad-in-laws scrap pile, cut and trimmed it to fit and welded the pieces into place. I ran to Lowe's while he was welding and got 6" grade 8 bolts and nuts to match ($32.00 for 4 bolts, washers, and nuts
) and got back just in time to drill new holes and bolt the nose back on!! 
When I got back home I got some after picks. This will look much better after paint.
Left side...
Right (broken) side...
Front end on with new bolts....
You might notice I decided to put the bolts through from the back with the nuts out front. This is because I have a 1/4' plate being made that will have 2" receiver hole in the middle and bent back at the top to provide a place to mount a winch!!
All I need now is a place for tools, a gas can, and a cooler and I will be ready for the "con" in June....
