Bulkhead Saver?

[biffdotorg]

I did some searching, and maybe this is a non issue.

There are Bulkhead savers for the Apex chassis as it's obviously much harder to swap if damaged. Has anyone been able to save a bulkhead of the viper from an upper A-arm getting ripped out?

Or is the better option to just order a new one, and replace that front bulkhead piece? It looks like something that could be welded back into place since it's open on the inside for backing material. I see the bulkhead is roughly $300 otherwise.

Just exploring options while the A-arm comes in. I may look at welding once torn apart. Or break down and just order a new front bulkhead piece.

Thanks guys!

 

[cannondale27]

Personally I would replace the Bulkhead. Its not that bad of a job unless you know a real good tig welder to weld. There are reinforcement parts available right from Cat. Ties the two for mount in with another you need to drill a hole for. Cat #1607-913. Looking for pic but cant find.

 

[cannondale27]

Here

 

[biffdotorg]

Thanks for the replies. I put in an order for the new bulkhead and multitudes of rivets. I was looking for the simple route, but this shouldn't be too bad of a job. I hope I don't find any surprises once I get it tore down. Everything else looks to be in alignment.

 

[cannondale27]

Thanks for the replies. I put in an order for the new bulkhead and multitudes of rivets. I was looking for the simple route, but this shouldn't be too bad of a job. I hope I don't find any surprises once I get it tore down. Everything else looks to be in alignment.

You need any help call. I think I have a post of when I did mine both times. Oh and Buy, borrow or steal a air riveter. You do a better job and so much easier with one. Harbor Frieght ones are only like $40. Work fine.

 

[biffdotorg]

Great tip, I bought an Air Stapler from harbor Freight when doing my seat and it was worth every penny! I better go through the HB Coupon database. HA!

 

[RobX-1]

X2 on getting a Harbor Freight air riveter as not only does it makes riveting easier, but IMO the end result is a much stronger grip using an air gun as opposed to a hand tool. My only recommendation would be to spend the extra $$ and opt for the 1/4" riveter vs the 3/16". Although you will only need the 3/16", you may find yourself like me needing to rivet some 1/4" rivets and having an air riveter that can do both was worth the price difference. Plus, it also helps with justifying your tool purchase. My motto has always been that if I need to borrow a tool twice, then I need to own one. Have had my HB 1/4" for a couple of years and have had no issues with mime.

 

[biffdotorg]

I see the base Air rivet tool at HB ($49) is out of stock everywhere. But found an Arrow branded one on Amazon for the same $49. They look like they were both built in the same Chinese factory, but just got red paint instead of blue. I may order one. The reviews are all over the place, but for the price, I can test it out with a good return policy. And know that I can use my manual rivet tool in the worst case.

 

[RobX-1]

That’s odd. Both the 3/16” and 1/4” air riveters show in stock at HB at my local store:

 

[biffdotorg]

Must be high demand in Fargo. I was surprised I didn't have the option to just order it.

Here is the $49 Arrow on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0796JZF7X/?coliid=I3CI5WZXVLNXBL&colid=1WIVXE69GEU45&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[maim]

Must be high demand in Fargo. I was surprised I didn't have the option to just order it.

Here is the $49 Arrow on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0796JZF7X/?coliid=I3CI5WZXVLNXBL&colid=1WIVXE69GEU45&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

View attachment 165233

looks like my current mac tools one. used the cheap one until it wore out. got about 15 years on the 1st one before it failed.

 

[biffdotorg]

I tried this thing out last night. I had no idea how violent an Air Rivet tool was to operate.

In fact, almost flinched when I pulled the trigger the first time. Hell, it ran so nice and smooth, and popped the perfect rivet. What a sweet tool. This is gonna be so much nicer than a manual pop rivet tool. As long as it lasts through this bulkhead project it will be worht it.

 

[cannondale27]

I tried this thing out last night. I had no idea how violent an Air Rivet tool was to operate.

In fact, almost flinched when I pulled the trigger the first time. Hell, it ran so nice and smooth, and popped the perfect rivet. What a sweet tool. This is gonna be so much nicer than a manual pop rivet tool. As long as it lasts through this bulkhead project it will be worht it.

Awesome! Next advice is buy a new 3/16 two angle drill bit and keep it sharp for drill out the old rivets. The Huck rivets grind head off.

 

[biffdotorg]

Parts are coming in today. Of course most things were back ordered. That and my shop furnace decided to start working again. -23f today, I had no intentions of ripping into this with a cold shop. I will get it up to a nice 60 degrees and have at it.

I know I should have pulled this Viper apart prior to ordering parts, as you know I will find something else out of whack. But the lower A-arm looks fine, and the new upper is here. I am also buying a new welder with a spool gun for aluminum for future projects. I won't be doing any welding on this project. But this old bulkhead is going to be some nice test material as I see this potentially happening again as light as these front ends are.

I live in the heart of Lakes Country, so there is always someone that needs a dock/lift/aluminum trailer welded. So it will be a good skill to learn. Let alone building SXS accessories as a hobby.

 

[cannondale27]

If I were welder shopping and wanting to learn a new skill I would buy a TIG welder.