sharky47

I am ordering the material to make a prototype set for myself. I want to guage the interest in something like this, basically an affordable alternative to the "Charlie Arms" type stuff that is out there already. And they would be kept in-stock.....

So here's what I am thinking:

4130 square tubing, same type of steel airplanes are made of.

Modular ball joint system i.e. - you could bolt up off-the-shelf joints like the early 944's and save a ton of money chaning them. Or you could use specialty-built 19mm type joints for hardcore racing.

You could use stock bushings/caster blocks, or use aftermarket delrin/aluminum stuff.

And most importantly - they will be AFFORDABLE! - well under 1k!


Discuss.......

pole position

Why not CNC like the Charlies or even better, use the Mumzer (sp?) design, it is floating around here somewhere.

Darwantae951

Damn sharky! Before you know it you'll be self employed! Cook up some prototypes and share with us. I've wanted to go the CNC'd route...but they are EXPENSIVE!

-Darwin

anders44

yes, if there is sufficient data they they indeed are stronger.

1500 for new control arms hurt. I purchased a alu/delrin kit for the arms, and new racing 17mm ball joints from rennbay today since I couldn't afford new ones at 1500

pk951

I'am sure there would be a lot interest for 1k .

ehall

get a real engineer to design them with you, then yes.

mikeroz

Sounds good. I particularly like the idea of being able to use the early ball joints. I'd like to see some pictures of the finished prototype. Once you're able to give a definate price then I could well be interested. Let me know. Mike

sharky47

"Damn sharky! Before you know it you'll be self employed!"

That's the plan.



As far as CNC goes - it woul be nice - but we simply don't have a machine that big. Plus, that's part of the reason they are so expensive - ever buy a piece of alumium that big - holy hell that is a lot of money........

No, what I want to offer is something affordable and strong for people like me who simply cannot afford Charlie arms (and I do drool over them....), but what something better than stock. Mine will me tough as hell and not break the bank.

evil 944t

You got that right!! Good luck with the build.

Darwantae951

I didn't think aluminum was that expensive...what would it cost to buy a hunk of aluminum to CNC a set of charlie arms?

-Darwin

Ski

Someone owns the rights to the Mumzer arms.

sharky47

One of out family friends is an aerospace engineer that gives the final go-ahead on new aircraft parts for one of the small aircraft manufacturers - I am going to have him involved.......

Aluminum is very expensive, especially in big blocks like that. To set up a CNC mill to do a job like that (several steps) is also very time consuming = expensive. I will build a jig to locate/weld mine together.

Material has been ordered, I am going to make a set for myself no matter what - I am just trying to guage interest to see if it's worth making more......

mark944turbo

A somewhat relevant quote I got for 6061 aluminum today, $132 for a .375"x5"x6' sheet, it is very expensive.

I second having an engineer design them, control arm failures are scary. No insult to you sharky, just reinforcing the concept that this is peoples safety.

Bill

I have a set of the Mumser arms. Mumser told me that they started life as a 200lb billet of 2024 aluminum. Do the math.

ausgeflippt951

Sharky, do you own a CAD program such as Solidworks? FEA is a simple process and it does not take a degree in engineering to work with...I could help you out w/ it if you'd like.

I've used solidworks on everything I've ever designed (mainly motorcycle components). Then again, I'm sorry if I've offended you; I know you're a very competent fellow! I'd definitely be interested in a set of arms.