MG Metalworks Build

[BajaSportsmobile]

We just rebuilt a NP205 Transfer Case and supplied an axle from a 08 Ford F350 for a 1957? Dodge M37 project. It is going to maintain the stock radius arms with coilover shocks.

With all the availability of these axles and their great strength and reliability, they are the perfect option for many heavy duty applications, including vans.

Keep us posted on that project - we are all interested in the cool stuff that comes out of your shop.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile

- we are all interested in the cool stuff that comes out of your shop.

....like a finished picture of that wicked ARB bumper you're modifying.

Can't wait to see it finished!

[mgmetalworks]

I'm waiting on parts to show up so I can finish my fabrication and then send off to the powder coater. Not much left to do. The bumper fits great and everything I had planned will work out better than expected.

[ctb]

Megametal-awesome!!! The talent some of our SMB members (like yourself) have is truly amazing! That bumper is so stealthy looking! And having to re-weld and trim etc...makes me feel inept, but impressed at the talent! As somebody else said, "should take care of that unemployment thing." Or even start booking some SMB member re-do's, upgrades, and the like...can't wait to see whats next and the finished product! Ps. sent you a message of thx for a message grin you I JUST discovered a few years later...oh technology and me...

[TeleSteve]

Do I see shiny new brake parts on that axle in the background?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[mgmetalworks]

Originally Posted by TeleSteve

Do I see shiny new brake parts on that axle in the background?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Actually, the only thing shiny and new on that axle is the trac-bar I have attached to it. I don't need any brakes on it yet... right now I'm just using it to test the fit of the radius arm mounts and trac-bar mount I've designed.

[jydog]

Originally Posted by mgmetalworks

Because they are designed for vehicles with GCWR of 30,000 lbs... 90's F-series trucks with TTBs were what... a third of that capability. Newer axles are heavier because of their design intent. I don't see it as a disadvantage. I'll build my interior to a fraction of the weight of a SMB for real weight savings.

What kind of weight saving tips do you have for us on the interior? I'm about to do mine and want to keep it light. Are you planning on using lighter materials or different construction techniques? or just build it more sparsely?

[mgmetalworks]

Originally Posted by jydog

What kind of weight saving tips do you have for us on the interior? I'm about to do mine and want to keep it light. Are you planning on using lighter materials or different construction techniques? or just build it more sparsely?

I plan to use aluminum and composite materials in my build. I also envision using various lightweight fabrics within my design and I will try to work in some formed features into the aluminum panels for added strength (various shapes of dimple dies, bead rolled features, formed sheetmetal, etc...). I may use aluminum extrusions again if the design calls for it. I haven't decided on the layout and features yet. I have my eye on some surplus aluminum honeycomb panels too. That stuff is the bomb!

I really like the Dibond material that I used in the SEMA build. Very rigid, easy to work with and super light. If I were to do it again, I'd use 80/20 over the Bosch extrusions.

Lots of ways to avoid wood in the build.

[Pntyrmvr]

I like the weight savings of an aluminum build, but have concerns about the harmonics that such a design might create. Any thoughts? Sound deadener on the inside of larger panels?


"Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money."

[mgmetalworks]

Originally Posted by Pntyrmvr

I like the weight savings of an aluminum build, but have concerns about the harmonics that such a design might create. Any thoughts? Sound deadener on the inside of larger panels?


"Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money."

The composite panels don't have the 'tin can' sound of a piece of sheetmetal. If I were doing large-ish spans of aluminum though, I wouldn't hesitate to put some dynamat or something on the back side.