Making axle U-bolts

[cardiffrob]

I ballsed up.

I converted a 1930s Morris to take an MG axle but the U-bolts are too short and the old MG ones are the wrong diameter.
Has anyone made their own and if so, how safe are they???

I need them to fit round a 2 inch diameter, have 6 inches from the inner face at the top of the loop to the bottom of the thread and be 5/16 (8mm in funny money) diameter.

Any suggestions as to how to make or buy some?

Located in Wales.

Ta!

 

[brightspark]

I ballsed up.

I converted a 1930s Morris to take an MG axle but the U-bolts are too short and the old MG ones are the wrong diameter.
Has anyone made their own and if so, how safe are they???

I need them to fit round a 2 inch diameter, have 6 inches from the inner face at the top of the loop to the bottom of the thread and be 5/16 (8mm in funny money) diameter.

Any suggestions as to how to make or buy some?

Located in Wales.

Ta!

just buy some high tensile rod thread either end and bend it round to shape; heres just one place i googled http://www.westyorkssteel.com/carbon_and_alloy_steel.html

 

[pedrobedro]

Bend some M8 threaded bar.

 

[brightspark]

Bend some M8 threaded bar.

its not a good idea using threaded bar and bending it .the threads weaken the metal on the bend .just take some bar and cut it slightly stick it in a vice and hit it and it will snap at that point even cut threads weaken the metal thats why rolled threads are best

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

I'm pretty sure threaded rod is not high tensile? Could you not find someone with a brake press or hyd press and get them to bend the bar then use a good quality die to cut the threads?

 

[Luke]

Your average threaded bar is pretty much made of cheese. I definitely wouldn't use it for anything like this.

 

[shenion]

U-bolts are available in most auto parts stores here. Also any place that sells trailer supplies will have them.

I replaced the axle on one of my trailers and had no problems getting u-bolts for a 2" axle.

They are high-tensile steel; on my cars they had an massive torque spec that would strip anything that was not made for it. I would not trust just making them unless i had the capabilities of heat treating them for bending then hardening.

 

[TAITSIE]

Try www.gmesprings.co.uk they do u bolts etc

 

[shed or dead]

Hi there,

If the Morris U bolts are the correct diameter but just too short, perhaps you could use them with Studding Connectors, and bolts from the mounting plate?

Could work in theory, but, for safety's sake I would try to buy some ready made, certified U's.

Stay safe.

 

[shed or dead]

Having given it a bit more thought, don't use Studding Connectors as there is not a lock nut version that I know of, and the various forces will surely shake loose the assembly or shift the stress points.

It's a good feeling to put a classic car back on the road, but that good feeling would be gone if anyone was injured when the axle comes loose, not to mention the vehicle damage. Buy new and drive with confidence.

 

[langy]

Bend some M8 threaded bar.

Sorry but there is no place on a car for studding, it's far to weak

 

[langy]

I ballsed up.

I converted a 1930s Morris to take an MG axle but the U-bolts are too short and the old MG ones are the wrong diameter.
Has anyone made their own and if so, how safe are they???

I need them to fit round a 2 inch diameter, have 6 inches from the inner face at the top of the loop to the bottom of the thread and be 5/16 (8mm in funny money) diameter.

Any suggestions as to how to make or buy some?

Located in Wales.

Ta!

Any springsmith will custom make them for you, they are not expensive at all

 

[cardiffrob]

Thanks guys.

The pre-threaded rod idea and the cut-your-own sound a little bit hazardous. Being just 5/16 or 8mm dia there aren't many other cars using such small sizes so I may need to get them custom made.

The way this axle is bolted to the springs gives little option for going oversize.

Looks like a phonecall to GME on Monday.

 

[pedrobedro]

I'd use the studding to make some to hold it in place while I sorted the genuine ones out, use them as a pattern as well.

 

[welshpug]

make a plate to go over the top and use straight Bolts

 

[dannymac]

Dont use threaded rod,at all.Get so round bar at you steel stockholders,cut a generous length to size (to compensate the curve)and thread the ends to suit with nyloc nuts,.heat them red and bend then over the axle/tube of same size and let them cool down,It might take a little tweak to get them to fit exactly in the spring seat,but youll manage..Wirebrush ,coat of paint ,job done.Done these often when fitting lowering blocks on mk2 escorts and Capris.

 

[cardiffrob]

Don't ya just hate it when someone points out the blindingly obvious answer that you missed?

"Daddy, why don't you just take one of the flat bits out of the spring and make it thinner?"

Problem solved, perhaps.

 

[stuvy]

Don't ya just hate it when someone points out the blindingly obvious answer that you missed?

"Daddy, why don't you just take one of the flat bits out of the spring and make it thinner?"

Problem solved, perhaps.

when are you putting them through there apprenticeship rob

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

What take one of the leaves out?!

 

[brightspark]

the flat plate will surely need to be in place for a reason ? spread the load maybee otherwise if it wasnt needed it wouldnt be there in the 1st place