Everything Attachments Wicked Grapple Build

[IvanS]

Man, that is sweet. After designing mine on my own and fabricating all the parts I have a decent amount of respect for this kit. There is a lot of welding, but not beyond the capabilities of the average joe welder in their home shop. I have about 30 hours in mine just in fit-up and welding. I probably have another 12 - 15 hours in design and 10 - 12 hours in securing all the parts and pieces. I'd say the kit if reasonably priced would be a bargain for most of us.

 

[yelbike]

I like the flame idea. If you like the raw look, just clear it and see if it stands up. If it won't stand up to heavy use, sand blast next summer than paint it. Looking great so far!

 

[murphy1244]

FLAME JOB!

 

[94BULLITT]

Its time to learn, you never built a grapple before either.

He's got you there Roger. I second it, let's see some flames on that bad boy.

FLAME JOB!

What kind of flames hot rod flames, ghost flames, realistic flames? I am thinking paint flames then about 5 coats of clear, wet sand to 3000, then buff and polish? :laughing:

Man, that is sweet. After designing mine on my own and fabricating all the parts I have a decent amount of respect for this kit. There is a lot of welding, but not beyond the capabilities of the average joe welder in their home shop. I have about 30 hours in mine just in fit-up and welding. I probably have another 12 - 15 hours in design and 10 - 12 hours in securing all the parts and pieces. I'd say the kit if reasonably priced would be a bargain for most of us.

I think I am right around 35 hours into this one. I guess we have about the same time in them, mine is slightly wider and I have 2 lids. There is a lot of of work that goes into one.

I like the flame idea. If you like the raw look, just clear it and see if it stands up. If it won't stand up to heavy use, sand blast next summer than paint it. Looking great so far!

Thanks. I found some stuff made be eastwood called diamond clear, made for bare metal. It would look cool but I would not really be able to see the scratches to touch it up and it could rust and make a mess. I guess I better stick with orange. I'll keep the clear in mind for something smaller.

 

[wolftree]

Certainly the outside teeth should be "Flying Tigers Shark Teeth"

 

[94BULLITT]

Here are the hose with the 90* fittings on them. It looks a lot better.

 

[k0ua]

That looks pretty darn good! you get that bad boy painted, and you will really be styling!

 

[94BULLITT]

That looks pretty darn good! you get that bad boy painted, and you will really be styling!

Thanks, I will be glad when it is painted because I can put it to use then.

 

[k0ua]

Thanks, I will be glad when it is painted because I can put it to use then.

Also you have done a really good job documenting and photographing your assembly. You should be very proud.:thumbsup:

James K0UA

 

[94BULLITT]

Also you have done a really good job documenting and photographing your assembly. You should be very proud.:thumbsup:

James K0UA

Thanks. There were a few more things I wish i would have taken pictures of but it is hard to do when you are working. Right now I have 95 pictures of it:laughing:

 

[LD1]

VERY nice Build.:thumbsup: And excellent job with the documentation.

 

[Zebrafive]

Well done

You said you used 7018 rod. What diameter? How many?

 

[94BULLITT]

I mixed up some paint to test. I will see what it looks like in the morning.

Well done

You said you used 7018 rod. What diameter? How many?

Thanks, they were 1/8" and I used over 15lbs

VERY nice Build.:thumbsup: And excellent job with the documentation.

Thanks.

 

[forgeblast]

Well done!!! very nice write up also!!!

 

[94BULLITT]

Well done!!! very nice write up also!!!

Thank you.

 

[Chain Bender]

There is too much green on the tractor now.

Just look at it! See how warped it is already and the paint aint even scratched yet. That thing don't fit right.

C. Bender

 

[crazyal]

Has Ted or anyone else from EA commented on how well they think the first build went? It seams like there was a few questions but overall it seamed to go smoothly. It seams like Roger took it a little cautiously, being the first time EA has put together a kit, to avoid making a mistake requiring welds to be cut.

 

[94BULLITT]

Just look at it! See how warped it is already and the paint aint even scratched yet. That thing don't fit right.

C. Bender

I guess that is what I get for mix miatching stuff:confused3::laughing:

Has Ted or anyone else from EA commented on how well they think the first build went? It seams like there was a few questions but overall it seamed to go smoothly. It seams like Roger took it a little cautiously, being the first time EA has put together a kit, to avoid making a mistake requiring welds to be cut.

I talked to Travis Tuesday. He said it looked good.

 

[94BULLITT]

I got a piece of expanded metal to add to the back. Also my test batch of paint did fine.

Just look at it! See how warped it is already and the paint aint even scratched yet. That thing don't fit right.

C. Bender

I guess that is what I get for mix miatching stuff:confused3::laughing:

Has Ted or anyone else from EA commented on how well they think the first build went? It seams like there was a few questions but overall it seamed to go smoothly. It seams like Roger took it a little cautiously, being the first time EA has put together a kit, to avoid making a mistake requiring welds to be cut.

I talked to Travis Tuesday. He said it looked good.

 

[SPIKER]

On the PAINT did ya do a scratch test just to see how well it worked? I'm sure it will be better than un-hardened paint no matter. Drying correctly was biggest concern without wrinkling or burning the paint (drying too fast or causing chemical makeup problems.)

Mark