How to build a narrowed adjustable Bus beam (tutorial)

[Long-roofs]

Smaller slide hammer with 2 or 3 prong ends. Just be careful, don't be a meat-head....
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I have been on a treadmill drinking vodka, maybe more than once.

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[jeremyrockjock]

I heavy peice of pipe, a length of threaded rod and some "Washers" made to fit the beam ID with the side shaved off so that they will slide to the inside of the bearing. Then slide the pipe just like a slide hammer and wala.

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Why buy what you can build.
Step away from the fiberglass and no one gets hurt!!

[kei]

Hi, this is a very nice thread. I'm planning to narrow the front beam on my 1960 bus, but I have a couple questions.

At what point do you need a narrowed beam? Anytime the bus is lowered? Or is this more for custom wheels?

And what types of wheels is everyone using on their bus? Looks like most custom wheels like empi and such are 15 x 5.5.

And for the new side flanges, do you use the old ones for a pattern?

[jeremyrockjock]

I do things different from how I used to. I free up the center torsion retainer by total removing it and hammering the dimples back out. That way I don't have to remove the steering knuckle. I just cut the tube half way through and the retainer falls out. I leave enough metal to tuck back under the adjuster when I weld them on.

I cut the outer material off and weld 3/8" plate as the new side flange plates. Doing it this way the geometry of the beam is not changed.

Also I use the 1/2-20tpi set screw that comes with the adjusters. I drill the center torsion retainer 180 degrees from the original 14mm hole and thread it for 1/2-20.

I also use the original roller bearings instead of bushings. I have the machine the bearing fit though which is not easy. I have used a rotary file to cut the bearing fits. It take a while to get them to fit.

Other than that, I build beams the same way.
_________________
Why buy what you can build.
Step away from the fiberglass and no one gets hurt!!

[jerupke]

almost got mine finished.... great tutorial Jeremy!!!!
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If it Jams, Force it.... if it breaks... it needed replacement anyway

[Culito]

So how much would you charge just to build me a beam if I send the old one to ya?

[jerupke]

Send it.... to me.......???? I live in Europe?!?!
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If it Jams, Force it.... if it breaks... it needed replacement anyway

[Dave24]

[Culito]

For the teacher, yes.

But I think since my truck is kind of a rare model, I'm going to buy new stuff and save the old in case someone (maybe me) wants to restore it at a later time.

[jerupke]

[kevinh94]

Hey guys why couldn't you leave your control arm on the torsions bars and slid it back through your newly narrowed adjustable beam and cut just the one side 4 inches in?

it would save any guess work all the bars are together you measure in 5 inches and wrap them together. Then make one clean cut of 4 inches make your indention for the grub screw and call it a day?

I never understood the reason of measuring both sides, though I haven't tried lowering any beam myself.

Thanks

I really like this thread heck all the lowering threads for that matter.

Kevin
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[Geoslavetoo]

[kevinh94]

[Goshen]

What happens to the dimples in the middle of the beam ?

[jeremyrockjock]

You have to hammer them outward to allow the leave retainer to rotate.
_________________
Why buy what you can build.
Step away from the fiberglass and no one gets hurt!!

[Goshen]

[tanhis]

Drill them out.
To hammer them out needs so much force or heat that you have a good chance to bend the beam in the process.
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[jeffreyned]

Has anyone calculated how much drop you get for a specified amount of turn of the adjusters? I ask because I'm considering a cut and turn of my beam instead of using the adjusters. As its a one shot deal I'd like to find some actual data from those who have done it before. I realize its probably not a constant figure as the amount of drop must be affected by wear on the leaves, but a ball park figure would be nice. I'm hoping to drop 3-4 inches by cutting and turning and then re-index the rear to match.

Thanks!
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[Busbodger]

...now I don't know you are anything but for the sake of the next owner - put adjusters in. They might not want it 3-4" lowered all the time. Should help your resale value too in case you ever want to sell it.

[slow36hp]