Cutting/trimming aluminum

[xtremegriz]

Whats the best tool for cutting/trimming aluminum? I'm installing a drop and roll kit on my 04 and I'm sure there will be some trimming involved. I have a grinder with zip cuts for the easier areas but what works best in tight spots.

 

[snotterite]

Air Body Saw with lots of wax on blade. Milwakee general purpose metal blade, go slow and use wax every 6 inches. Other blades cut faster but this combo gives you best control and clean edges.......Bolt Supply House has every thing you need
Or a plasma cutter if you can get the torch head in there.......If useing a plasma un hook batteries and electronic modules to be safe.
Be sure to use wheels made for alluminum.....ordinary ones will glaze ..... be hard to control...and increase heat...and cause destortion.

 

[xtremegriz]

Thanks snotrocket, went out and found one for $50, works great. Now I just need the kit from specialty to get here.

 

[snotterite]

Thanks snotrocket, went out and found one for $50, works great. Now I just need the kit from specialty to get here.

Just remember to use the wax...like night and day.

 

[Uturn]

Whats the best tool for cutting/trimming aluminum? I'm installing a drop and roll kit on my 04 and I'm sure there will be some trimming involved. I have a grinder with zip cuts for the easier areas but what works best in tight spots.

If you use a zip cut disk(or any steel disk) on aluminum, throw it out when you are done. If you use them on steel afterwards, the aluminum melts on the disk and can cause it to disintegrate.

 

[Modman]

Air Body Saw with lots of wax on blade....

What he ^^^ said X2.

Princess Auto has the air body saws on sale right now - right around $30.

 

[xtremegriz]

Thanks for the tips guys, Got her done last night, just waiting on a new axle for the Big wheel kit. The Drop and Roll kit from Specialty is pretty straight forward and now I can't wait to try it out. Heres some pics of the process.

 

[xtremegriz]

One more pic

 

[Ancient Sledder]

Looks good.I also use an air powered hacksaw with good results.

 

[imdoo'n]

Just remember to use the wax...like night and day.

Please don't tell us you use left over wax on your legs!!!!!!

(couldn't resist)

 

[snotterite]

Please don't tell us you use left over wax on your legs!!!!!!

(couldn't resist)

I use the left over wax for my BUG EYES

 

[Modman]

How far back is the D&R?

Looks like about 2" down and 1/2" back? Bigger track?

 

[xtremegriz]

Not sure on the specs, its a kit from specialty sleds so glengine could supply the exact measurements. Went to a 154x16x2.5 track off an XP. Got my big wheel axle and I'm trying to find some 8" billet wheels. Alot to choose from.

 

[snotterite]

Not sure on the specs, its a kit from specialty sleds so glengine could supply the exact measurements. Went to a 154x16x2.5 track off an XP. Got my big wheel axle and I'm trying to find some 8" billet wheels. Alot to choose from.

Take a look at CR Racing's billet wheels, they have the rubber edge. I believe Chad told me He bought out Clear Performance.
1 250 491 1836....or check his Web-Site

 

[Modman]

Not sure on the specs, its a kit from specialty sleds so glengine could supply the exact measurements. Went to a 154x16x2.5 track off an XP. Got my big wheel axle and I'm trying to find some 8" billet wheels. Alot to choose from.

Got mine from this guy. Really nice workmanship, good guy to deal with. Canadian company out of Ontario, no shipping across the border and canadian prices. Snow does not seem to stick to my wheels either, some others have had this problem with aluminum wheels (guess I'm lucky?).
TRICKED-TOYS

He can make other designs if you wants something unique too.

 

[xtremegriz]

Got mine from this guy. Really nice workmanship, good guy to deal with. Canadian company out of Ontario, no shipping across the border and canadian prices. Snow does not seem to stick to my wheels either, some others have had this problem with aluminum wheels (guess I'm lucky?).
TRICKED-TOYS

He can make other designs if you wants something unique too.

I've noticed on some other idlers that snow sticks, thats why I was leaning towards billet with replacable rubber. I'll give this guy a call. Says he puts together packages. Thanks for the link

 

[Modman]

I've noticed on some other idlers that snow sticks, thats why I was leaning towards billet with replacable rubber. I'll give this guy a call. Says he puts together packages. Thanks for the link

I think he was making some teflon or urethane coatings, like I said, mine don't seem to stick. I polish my wheels once a year with good wax. You could have them clear powder coated too, which would keep the snow from sticking too.

 

[Summitric]

THAT'S A VERY NICE JOB YOU'VE DONE THERE.... DID YOU DOO THE WELDING UNDER THE CHAINCASE YOURSELF?? ALSO, I HOPE YOU BLEW OUT THE CLUTCH OR DISASSEMBLED IT, JUST BECAUSE OF ALL THE FILINGS ALL OVER THE PLACE........ :d

 

[xtremegriz]

The chain case cup comes pre-welded. Yeah I should clean the clutches, I still have work to do on it. I found out the 154 won't work with my drivers so I'll just put the 159 and extend the rails and tunnel.