About a hitch?

[MeowMix]

I know I've been almost non-existent around this place lately (2 back to back 4-week accelerated summer courses will do that), but I surface every now and again with something to say...

...and I say I like this hitch. Sign me up for one as well, but in a little while -- I have the funds for either a hitch OR a roof rack at this point in time, but not both. If work ever gives me more hours, I'll pick up both...until then, I need to hold onto the extra play money I have, in case I find someone who is actually willing to sell me their rack.

[tom4bren]

...and I say I like this hitch. Sign me up for one as well, but in a little while --

No problemo.

The intent is to get the product designed & produceable right now. Welder Guy will fabricate as needed (neither of us have deep enough pockets to keep a large stock on hand). Summer is his busy time anyway. As the weather gets more worser, he'll have more time to fab stuff for us.

BTW, still looking for someone who is willing to loan me their brush guard mounting brackets for Welder Guy to copy.

About finding someone willing to sell you their awsome rack ... I have no response to that.

[tom4bren]

Talked to Welder Guy last night. He hasn't started fabricating the final hitch yet. He hopes to get to it later today. Will keep you posted.

[tom4bren]

OK, spent another 2 hours with Welder Guy last night. He's going to have to start over from scratch. We got the hitch tucked in as far as humanly possible (snug against fuel tank shield & frame crossmember). Still couldn't get the cladding to align properly.

Our fall back position is to change from 2" stock tubing with 1/4" wall thickness to 1 1/2" stock tubing with 1/4" wall thickness. This should NOT significantly decrease the strength since we are WAY overdesigning anyway. The main reason that we were trying not to go away from the 2" tubing is that is what he had on hand. He'll be picking up the new tubing and tack a new copy together ASAP. Poor guy had such confidence in the last design that he actually cut enough tubing for 3 hitches. His plasma cutter is FUBAR & his welder is acting up so that's slowing him down too.

Wierd: I've sheered off two of the 10mm bolts on the rear of the cladding. Not sure what that's all about. I've learnt to get the cladding off in 10 min flat. WooHoo!!!

[vt_maverick]

So when do you guys visit Natural Bridge?

[a745035]

Been a little while... any update worth mentioning on this project? I know many on the east and gulf coasts have been preoccupied with the weather lately.

[tom4bren]

I talked to Welder Guy earlier this week. He was Hoggin with freinds last week & I'm headed to Misssisssipppi next week. It'll probably be sometime close to the 23rd before we get to fit check the next (hopefully final) iteration.

[tom4bren]

Well, I stopped by Welder Guy's shop yesterday for a fit check with the 1.5 inch tube design & here's what happened:

Arrived at 1430 & shut off VX.

Went in shop to move stuff around so we could pull in the VX.

Tried to start the VX at about 1440 ... no juice from the Optima Yellow Top.

Hooked up a battery charger & left it for about 30 minutes.

Still no juice (even with the charger set to jump setting).

Made run to AutoZone for new battery - Optima was only putting out 2 Amps.

Got the new battery in at about 1615 (added Lucas to power steering res since it was below min).

VX started right up but too late to start removing rear cladding. Brought the hitch pieces home with me to fit check & mark up for final assembly.

I'll keep you posted.

[VXorado]

Hey Tom, is welder guy interested selling the scrapped hitch? I know someone who might be interested

My frame is now under the rear bumper slightly so i would be interested in buying the old hitch (for a right price) if it fits okay without the cladding. Just a thought. I really like the design you guys have used because it will protect my gas tank in case of collision.

[tom4bren]

I'm not sure if he kept the scrap pieces or not (still hafta make the end plates though). I'll ask.

[VXorado]

Sounds good, either way i'll be interested in one.

[tom4bren]

I fit checked the latest parts from Welder Guy on the hitch. It looks like it'll work. Now I just hafta get the parts back to him for finall assembly. He wants to add a gussett for strength since we went to 1/5" thick wall tubing. I'll keep you posted.

Tom

[waymore35]

Any news on the hich? I'm finally doing some work on my VX and would like to have a hitch to install while it's apart.

[VXorado]

for updates!

[tom4bren]

Hitch is at house ... waiting for me to get home from AZ for fit check. Hope to have update for you soon.