Spent the day cutting the aluminium sheets to size. Had some cut but not all by the supplier. Then shortened the frame by 20mm to match the change in size of the aluminium.
Doesn't look like much achieved today but the welds are good, frame is accurate and square and aluminium matches perfectly. Front hitch is half welded in place and is centered. The 6mm plate is actually recessed into the frame so that I can weld either side and to ensure it doesn't move. I should hopefully finish off the rest of the frame tomorrow so that next weekend I can grab some springs and wheels and get an axle measured up.
The flex in the frame has reduced to an acceptable limit and will reduce even further when the final cross braces are welded on. Will also need to work on the bracing at the front of the box on both sides. Really happy with the bends and welds on them so far.
The front of the box will sit about 18mm in front of the bend. The checker plate has just been slid back.
I should have also noted what things are weighing in at. The frame as it sits in the top pic with two cross sections, as well as the aluminium checkerplate front and sides weighs in at a whoping 73kg. I expect with all further bracing and the rest of the hitch that it will weigh in at 100kg. That will leave the springs, wheels, axle, rear door and top checker plate opening and mudflaps. All the rest will probably bring it up to 200kg as expected.
XJ Sport - finally some mods - still long wish list
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I wish. I did however pick up some pinch weld rubber edgeing to go around the recesses cut for the tail lights. Lights will fit like a glove. Can't believe the range of products at Clarke rubber holly smoke - I love the place.
