Custom radiator stay

[Kurlon]

My FZR needs a lower radiator stay to keep it off the exhaust. I've got an idea in my head, and can bend up an ugly option using Home Despot slag from the hardware isle, but I'd prefer something lighter, less mad max and more OEM looking if I can achieve it. Any good resources on the forum for something like this?

[rice_rocket]

Wirelessly posted

You can't find an oem part for it? Then is imagine the only other thing than home depot is custom fab...

[Kurlon]

The bike was never imported to the US officially, and the motor may or may not resemble OEM specs now and hence has a different radiator than what shipped with the bike...

Custom is my only option. A 'T' made out of aluminum tube to the right dimensions, with a tab on the radiator end to accept an isolation bushing where it bolts to the rad would be perfect. I suppose if I was being extra cute I could further isolate it by using press in well nuts instead of threading the aluminum.

Damnit, I need to learn to weld and assemble a proper machine shop.

[rice_rocket]

Wirelessly posted

Ooh, that would make sense...sorry, I don't really know anyone that could make custom parts....I dream of it, and have been to places that have die casting and other fancy things, but they would never do little parts since it really wouldn't be allowed.

[CBR929RE]

I could use a similar service since the cheapo Ace hardware exhaust strap brackets I made to hold my exhaust to the subframe didn't last the whole race weekend.

[Chippertheripper]

You are kurlon. Anything is possible.

[tls25rs]

Tricky Mike?????

[Kitt]

aluminum "L-channel", cut and bend at will, tack it - then have a good tig guy finish it up.

lightweight, strength. I have some lengths of this aluminum but am nowhere near you... Got them at fastenal on the cheap.

[Kurlon]

Good suggestion Kitt, I think I pull that off in the Lab easily enough, then find a friend to finish weld it.

[jasnmar]

http://www.123dapp.com/

Model what you need.

Have it printed in a material you like.

[Kurlon]

I... think I'll stick with trying to fab something local, last time I modeled something up for fun the resulting cost for a one off job was stupid crazy. I think I was at $800 for a single fork tree for my mini with no cosmetics.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/hobart-...k-of-8-3851303

Anyone played with aluminum braising? I have a torch... I could in theory do this myself with this stuff.

[Kitt]

I... think I'll stick with trying to fab something local, last time I modeled something up for fun the resulting cost for a one off job was stupid crazy. I think I was at $800 for a single fork tree for my mini with no cosmetics.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/hobart-...k-of-8-3851303

Anyone played with aluminum braising? I have a torch... I could in theory do this myself with this stuff.

tack and tig

[Trouble]

Anyone played with aluminum braising? I have a torch... I could in theory do this myself with this stuff.

It can be finicky but I've had decent luck. Made my belly pan using light gauge aluminum and braised it. I've found that heavier gauge aluminum is easier to work with. Lighter material seems to melt before the braising rod unless you time it just right. If you do it just right you can weld aluminum cans together but it takes a lot of patience. This was a boring winter evening:

[rg500]

Pop rivets would also work if you don't have a welder to tack it.