Out With the Old - In With the New

Yesterday I'd just as soon forget.

I can't believe how frustrating it can sometimes be trying to do what I think should be simple. (Maybe retirement turns you into a "grumpy old man" !) I need some "U-bolts" to fasten down the "torsion free mounts" (TFMs). Simple! Advertised everywhere! Everyone makes them!

First stop at "Trailer Parts" - they are generally pretty good with all sorts of parts for trailers and good prices too.

"What size do you want them?"
"16mm Grade 4.6 rod, 75mm between the legs, 275mm inside leg length, min. 60mm of M16 x 1.5mm pitch rolled thread if possible."
"Do they have to be 16mm rod? How about 12mm? Can they be narrower/wider/longer? etc. etc.?"
"Umm... I would really like them as I described."
"Don't have any like that mate. But we can make them. Take about three days."
"OK. I'll just do a bit more checking around and if I can't buy them I'll be back."

Maybe I'll try WA Suspension Specialists . .
"What size do you want them?"
"16mm Grade 4.6 rod, 75mm between the legs, 275mm inside leg length, min. 60mm of M16 x 1.5mm pitch rolled thread if possible."
"Nah! Mate! If you want rolled thread will have to be 5/8in UNF and the minimum thread length is 200mm. We either use 70mm clearance or 3in between the legs."
"OK. I'll just do a bit more checking around and if I can't buy them I'll be back."

Repeat as many times as you like it's the same wherever you go!

Back to Trailer Parts - at least they can make them.
"Hi Again! Back for the U-bolts we discussed"
"Yeah! G'day. I'll tell you what mate - why don't you go over to WA Suspension Specialists direct. We'd only order them from there anyway."

F@$%!!! F@$%!!! F@$%!!! F@$%!!! F@$%!!!

OK I'll make them myself!!

Repeat the same story for Trailer Landing Legs!! (and just about anything else you want to name!)

Better ring the customer who wanted the "blower mounts". They are all done so he can come and get them. (We only do ex-factory : arrange your own pickup. There is a a whole saga in itself related to deliveries!)
"Great. We need those - I'll be right over." (They are only about 5km away.)
So here they are two days later - still waiting for pickup! Urgent! Right!



















OK. Calm Down. Deep Breathing. Do something you enjoy. Get out the grinder and attack the truck chassis!! Out with the old rear cross member/ tow bar etc. Trim the new chassis reinforcement rails to fit.














Fitted in place ready to weld.













Trial fit of the new rear cross-member. (I've been thinking of dropping it in the mill and engraving "Expedition Adventure" through it instead of just boring round holes like the others. But then I've got better things to do - like make U-bolts and landing legs!)