missing weld on swingarm:purpose,cost effective???help

[OB_c_rod2000]

i know this is a wierd question but here goes. I know most of you have seen this on your swingarm. where the bracing meets the arm at the back above the axle their is a gap. Is that there for a reason other than it doesnt "have to be", cutting back on costs ect. The only thing i could think of it is for is compensating for flex when the power is down. anyway i wanted to tig it in. do you think that would be a problem??

 

[OB_maui]

biggest problem might be the TIG looking so much nicer than the MIG

 

[OB_daddy long stroke]

hhmmmmm....interesting idea. did you come up with this yourself, or is this fairly common? did you have to weld a 1/8 npt tab onto your swingarm, or did you just tap straight into the arm? im also kind of surprised that 120 psi doesnt blow that epoxy right off...any problems?

 

[DaveO]

Daddy,

I tapped it (hole)where the rubber flap is attached, front top, use a 90 fitting. You also have to seal where the adjusters are welded to the extrusion, insides and bottom. Also there is a hole where the chain guard tab inserts.

You could have them welded up, mine was already chromed so I used epoxy. The hardest parts to seal are the "rivnuts" which the chainguard bolts too. They are pressed in and will leak a little. The arm holds a LOT of air, at least 5 times a normal air tank. I used JB weld for epoxy, I will weld up the next one before it is chromed. Put a compressor under the hump and your done.

The epoxy held fine, just scuff up the surface to allow it to adhere.

NOTE## Don't drill the frame for the upper piston mount...Tap the rear upper motor mount bolt to 8mm and use that, it's already hollow.

Dave



[This message has been edited by DaveO (edited 03 August 2000).]

 

[OB_NumbNuts]

Read the sticker on the frame..

 

[OB_RobBase]

I have never examined the swingarm closely where all the pivot points are but if there is any way for water, moisture, or condensation to enter the swingarm brace, then the reason for the missing weld is to allow the moisture to escape.

 

[OB_c_rod2000]

guys, i am probably tig them in then. Mainly it is just for looks and to be "differant". I am also going to sand the original welds on the frame and swing arm to make them look smooth. I seen it in a mag pretty cool. thanks for the info.

 

[Guest]

c-rod DONT SAND THE WELDS DOWN YOU WILL CRACK YOUR FRAME FOR SURE

 

[Guest]

yeah, i saw that on a 2000 gsxr750..it has it but the busa doesnt!!

 

[OB_maui]

ditto that! grinding or sanding of the welds is a VERY bad idea! Do it on a roll cage and NHRA will boot your a$$ right out of a race!

Don't do it! No question.

NO NO NO

 

[OB_c_rod2000]

i dont think you guys know what im talking about by your responses.

 

[DaveO]

Crod,

You could weld it, but it will not strengthen anything. The shape of the brace uses the "box" for rigidity. The "box" is closed by the top of the arm.

FYI...I filled mine in with epoxy, so I can use the arm as an airtank. Had to fill a couple other spots also.

Dave

 

[OB_daddy long stroke]

airtank for a airshifter?

 

[DaveO]

Daddy,

Correct


Dave

 

[OB_c_rod2000]

i wasnt going to sand them down flat. just take the "ripples" out of them. so it will be one smooth hump. ive seen it in a mag before.