|
Post by billieblue on Aug 26, 2015 17:40:35 GMT
I'm going to open a book.....will Tom make it to France? This year....
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 27, 2015 10:10:58 GMT
If they are not much use with the mechanics, don't discount small bridesmaids, as stood on their hands and knees they can be used as impromptu axle stands. (Letterbocks, Top Tips ) Hey great idea that Vern. Bridesmaids for axle stands, not only that when you need a break they could be handy for other things too. I will have a word with them later today and see if they want to help out with my situation. . .... Tom ....
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 27, 2015 10:27:39 GMT
Nigel, they look just the job. I never knew they even made them for steel its that long since I used my angle grinder. But the price is stunningly low. The last steel wheel I bought was years ago and it was cutting concrete. I was not sure if it would damage it, if it hit a steel reinforcing bar or not because it cost £27 over 25 years ago. I remember the price because it stunned me has it was more than I paid for the angle grinder. At £5.99 those Eroauer wheels look a bargain. Also got to get some welding rods has the flux will be damp after 25 years stood doing nothing. More to the point will the welder be OK after being stowed for that long. I will have to find it first under all sorts of junk, well it will do it good to come out for an airing.Thanks Nige. .... Tom ....
|
|
|
Post by Firefox on Aug 27, 2015 10:52:56 GMT
They will probably be complaining about the weight and messing up their outfits and will need a constant supply of lemonade and/or gin. but lots of other advantages too
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 27, 2015 11:06:06 GMT
Update, when the rain stopped yesterday I took the dog a walk round the local park and decided to do the job where it is stood now. I thought I keep waiting for everybody else to get the job going but its like being on a treadmill, trying all sorts then waiting and then nothing happening. I got back home and jacked the van up and rested it on the six ton axle stands in front of the wheels. This put quiet a strain on the old girl has the jacking points are behind the wheels and the chassis was taking a lot of weight. When she had finished creaking, I then started to lift the back end up and put pillars of bricks under each side ( poor supports I know) these are just to stop the back end sagging when I undo the the bolts that make the chassis up when the axle is removed. I have also put blocks and 2 ton axle stands each side at the very rear of the van. I will know if this is adequate when I get round to removing the large bolts that hold it all up. If they stay tight I know something is moving and will have to try something else later at the time. I have started stripping it down and got all the brake drums and shoes off. One hydrophilic pipe is turning out to be a bitch and won't move for love or money. Got all the horrible hand brake bits disconnected and out of the way. I have had no luck whatsoever with the large damper bolts that hold the shock absorber on, so left them soaking in penetrating oil. Still got to get to the middle of the van to remove the large tension bar that stops the axle flexing when moving, not sure how that will go but should be OK has I coat the chassis in old engine oil most years so should be free of rust. Now I am sat here because its a big wedding at Statham Lodge in Lymm . I am not going in the day so when Jose goes off soon I will get under it for a while. I was going to go get Nigel's cutting wheels and some welding rods in my car ready for the future, but one of my daughters wants to borrow my car because it has seven seats to run people in. Would you believe the little tow car is trapped in the garden by the van and now can't move it so can't use that. There is always something to stop me moving on. At least it is under way at last. .... Tom ....
|
|
|
Post by edina on Aug 27, 2015 12:59:50 GMT
Update, when the rain stopped yesterday I took the dog a walk round the local park and decided to do the job where it is stood now. I thought I keep waiting for everybody else to get the job going but its like being on a treadmill, trying all sorts then waiting and then nothing happening. I got back home and jacked the van up and rested it on the six ton axle stands in front of the wheels. This put quiet a strain on the old girl has the jacking points are behind the wheels and the chassis was taking a lot of weight. When she had finished creaking, I then started to lift the back end up and put pillars of bricks under each side ( poor supports I know) these are just to stop the back end sagging when I undo the the bolts that make the chassis up when the axle is removed. I have also put blocks and 2 ton axle stands each side at the very rear of the van. I will know if this is adequate when I get round to removing the large bolts that hold it all up. If they stay tight I know something is moving and will have to try something else later at the time. I have started stripping it down and got all the brake drums and shoes off. One hydrophilic pipe is turning out to be a bitch and won't move for love or money. Got all the horrible hand brake bits disconnected and out of the way. I have had no luck whatsoever with the large damper bolts that hold the shock absorber on, so left them soaking in penetrating oil. Still got to get to the middle of the van to remove the large tension bar that stops the axle flexing when moving, not sure how that will go but should be OK has I coat the chassis in old engine oil most years so should be free of rust. Now I am sat here because its a big wedding at Statham Lodge in Lymm . I am not going in the day so when Jose goes off soon I will get under it for a while. I was going to go get Nigel's cutting wheels and some welding rods in my car ready for the future, but one of my daughters wants to borrow my car because it has seven seats to run people in. Would you believe the little tow car is trapped in the garden by the van and now can't move it so can't use that. There is always something to stop me moving on. At least it is under way at last. .... Tom .... Keep it coming Tom, this is better than 'stenders!!!
|
|
|
Post by Firefox on Aug 27, 2015 13:39:37 GMT
Only another 1000 pages and "War and Peace" will be looking over its shoulder
|
|
|
Post by n brown on Aug 27, 2015 19:48:56 GMT
i like a northern saga ! use up those damp rods Tom. you'll get a nasty belt every time you change one, but think of the savings ! [and it's fun for the onlookers when you do that funny little dance]
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 28, 2015 22:39:35 GMT
Update, yesterday was a bit of a waste coz had to go to the wedding in the evening and had to get showered and changed because I was conveniently being picked up in my own car. Today was not much better coz I woke up with a head worst than Birkenhead after a good night at the reception. But I did crack on with it and got the very stubborn shock absorbers off, and the stubborn Hydraulic brake pipe. I had a very bad moment when I took the 5/8th steady bar that run from the exle to the cross member on the chassis off. I was slowly undoing the large nut when it got to near the end of it thread when there was a massive bang like a pistol shot and the nut flew off down the garden. I thought my end had come because the whole van shuddered and I was under it right in the middle. I thought this bar was just a steady to stop the axle flexing about when on the move. I have no idea why it was under so much tension and cant really think of any reason why it should be. Anyway after I changed me underpants I got to work on the 12 1/2" main bolts that hold it all on to the chassis, it needed a good three foot breaker bar to crack them all so now ready to do the final part of the removal. I have put the wheels back on to do this final bit. I learn't me lesson and I now know if anything does happen it can only drop onto the wheels which have also got blocks under them. With luck it then won't squash me. If Jose does not mither me to go shopping which I am sure she will I should have the dismantle done by tomorrow. If she does go shopping I will go get them cutting wheels for later on when I alter the axles. .... Tom ....
|
|
|
Post by n brown on Aug 29, 2015 8:40:26 GMT
if you have a 'Proper Job'shop near, the discs are even cheaper- 10 in a tin for a fiver,i've tried them ,they're fine
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 21:41:24 GMT
Was up this morning cracking on with it. Had to take the wheels back off coz the bolts started turning and could not get a socket on them coz the wheels was in the way. So back to being right under the van with the brake discs hanging over me. When I took the final bolts out I thought it would drop out easily, WRONG again. It took a big hammering, chisels, crow bars, and swearing. But success in the end. Now I can compare them side by side and I have a feeling this new axle is for a lighter van. It is supposed to be off a Swift Kontiki like Paul's, which is a very big van. It may be just a newer version, or even an older one but it should fit specially when I do the mods to it. I will be gutted when its all back together if the van is too heavy for the axle and it settles low on the wheels. There is no way of knowing until it is let down on the wheels when its all refitted. Well tomorrow is Sunday which is a day of rest so down the pub for the day. Monday up and out for Nigel's cutter wheels. For those interested I will put some photos on of the progress and you can also compare the axles. .... Tom ....
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 21:51:54 GMT
|
|
|
Post by X on Aug 29, 2015 21:53:31 GMT
I would be ringing Alko at this point TOM ? Alko make many different axles for the motorhome manufacturers and are built to their specific requirements.
Sent from my HUAWEI Y550-L01 using proboards
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 21:54:32 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 21:56:15 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 21:57:49 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 21:59:22 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:03:05 GMT
Dodgey to say the least but they was taking very little weight it just to stop back end flexing when the axle comes out. screenshot windows
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:04:27 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:06:01 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:07:05 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:08:52 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:10:19 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:13:11 GMT
Hello Jose on the prowl with the camera. Try to put a hammer in her hand she off to bed ill like a shot. .... Tom .... upload img
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:15:18 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:18:08 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:19:48 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:21:08 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:22:41 GMT
|
|
|
Post by stonedaddy on Aug 29, 2015 22:24:11 GMT
|
|