Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ChiefRocka** · 11-28-2007, 09:13 PM

I came up with a few different "idears" for the Watts mounting at the pumpkin.

The first was to build a center mount off of the existing bolts....using 1/4" X 1" flat around the perimeter of the cover, welded together (or cut out a pattern out of a large plate), then build off of that. Kinda like this....
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The second was to use spacers and long studs off the cover and build off of that.
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So instead I decided to build an entire NEW rear-end cover out of 1/4" plate.....this would serve to hold extra gear oil, and a SUPER sturdy mounting point for the center pivot for the Watts.
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After making this up, Rick (the owner) linked me to "totally-Polished" site and saw the polished Watts set-up...REALLY NICE...If he wants to go with that, it's cool...he will just has to ship it overnight...cause I need it like yesterday.
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That being said, here are some mock up pictures...What you'all think ?? Strong enough ??
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White line is direct center of axle.....mix-match bolts will be replaced with new (only short 3/8 I had in stock).....
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I figure it would be perfect for the 'Rubicon trail'....

ClassicAutoResto · 11-28-2007, 09:32 PM

Looks great John. Don't think youv'e got to worry about breaking it. I'd powdercoat it to finish the look. Good place to advertise your LOGO Too!

Jerry

**ChiefRocka** · 11-28-2007, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassicAutoResto

Looks great John. Don't think youv'e got to worry about breaking it. I'd powdercoat it to finish the look. Good place to advertise your LOGO Too!

Jerry

I know...I need a logo first !!! (I have a logo idea, but that a different story)

The white line is where the lever will be mounted...not sure how it will be designed...I was thinking about using one of "Jesse's" stickers as a template, and making a cross in the center (I know, I know we are all sick of the WCC stickers)

Mabey a typical taper with holes....not sure. Lets see what Rich will want to do....

rcrahn · 11-28-2007, 10:07 PM

Looks good John! Thanks for the emails and explanations. I'm sold.
The TP kit is nice, it looks well engineered but its too fancy with all that polished billet. Plus I don't know if you read this but it would take at least 2 weeks to make. We can't be farting around here.
I like your approach, I think it will be functional and with powdercoat it will look fine.

Let's go for it!

**ChiefRocka** · 11-28-2007, 10:20 PM

Cool man.....I'm on it !!!

Any others ??

62 short step · 11-28-2007, 10:21 PM

That looks nice and stout!!!

rcrahn · 11-28-2007, 10:34 PM

About the lever, I trust your judgement John to come up with a shape of something unique. That is if you want to.

**ChiefRocka** · 11-28-2007, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcrahn

About the lever, I trust your judgement John to come up with a shape of something unique. That is if you want to.

L0WRIDE · 11-28-2007, 10:57 PM

great work as always chief

**slepysal** · 11-29-2007, 12:02 AM

sweeeeet!! Digging it !

PrerunnerRob · 11-29-2007, 08:56 PM

Doh! I guess this is a little late...http://www.diy4x.com/drivetrain.htm
Oh, and they have a disc brake kit too! http://www.diy4x.com/brakes.htm

**ChiefRocka** · 11-29-2007, 11:35 PM

We will definately need the rear disc kit for sure....

I just built this cover for a sturdy mounting place for the lever...

Dinos63 · 11-29-2007, 11:59 PM

nice work chief, you are a bad a--

Rokcrln · 11-30-2007, 12:32 AM

For the lever how about doing a swooping "S" with the links mounted on each end of the "S". The links could also have a slight curve to them so they meet at the same level on the frame! I will try a pic.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

**ChiefRocka** · 11-30-2007, 08:39 PM

I kinda like it.....

Kinda like the SUPERMAN S !!!

I like the idea about the bent links as well...but for adjustment I am going to have left and right hand threads on each link.

In all actuallity, I could just "set-it and forget it"

(I think I heard that one night on an info-mercial)

ClassicAutoResto · 11-30-2007, 09:10 PM

The "S" looks cool to me John. If the logistics work, it would definitely be an original design and look. (Better patent it before someone else does!) Jerry

Rokcrln · 11-30-2007, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

I kinda like it.....

Kinda like the SUPERMAN S !!!

I like the idea about the bent links as well...but for adjustment I am going to have left and right hand threads on each link.

In all actuallity, I could just "set-it and forget it"

(I think I heard that one night on an info-mercial)

Opp's sorry it will not work like I have it drawn. The links can not meet at the same point on the frame, it will bind as it starts to move. The two links will need to be level from their link mounting point out to the frame.
But the LFD's S design will work fine. Feel free to use it on your project with out having to pay a usage fee this time

Kevin
LFD Inc.

**ChiefRocka** · 12-01-2007, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rokcrln

Opp's sorry it will not work like I have it drawn. The links can not meet at the same point on the frame, it will bind as it starts to move. The two links will need to be level from their link mounting point out to the frame.
But the LFD's S design will work fine. Feel free to use it on your project with out having to pay a usage fee this time

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Thanks man.....

**ChiefRocka** · 12-08-2007, 09:01 AM

I went with a clean, simple lever design.....nothing fancy needed here...just burly looking.

Complete with a set of press-fit sealed bearings....

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Working on the d-side mount now...

PrerunnerRob · 12-08-2007, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefRocka

I went with a clean, simple lever design.....nothing fancy needed here...just burly looking.

Complete with a set of press-fit sealed bearings....

-

-

Working on the d-side mount now...

Super-duper sic! Any rules on link lengths vs moving bracket lengths?

**slepysal** · 12-08-2007, 06:26 PM

MAN !! Thats crazy !! Nice job chief

Rokcrln · 12-08-2007, 08:00 PM

looks great!! Were did you get the bearings with snap ring groves?

Kevin
LFD Inc.

**ChiefRocka** · 12-09-2007, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrerunnerRob

Super-duper sic! Any rules on link lengths vs moving bracket lengths?

Thanks.....It all depends on your suspention travel....your truck will probably have a lot more travel considering where you have your bags. The lever doesn't really move that much. I might even make it shorter, due to the fact that the driver-side mount might be a little low. Then again, this truck won't be a frame dragger either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slepysal

MAN !! Thats crazy !! Nice job chief

Thanks Sal...as you can see, we are almost at home base.

Once I give him the "its done!" call, I'll have him come in for the final, I'll hit some switches for him.....he'll let me know what other holes he wants welded up, then I will disassemble, and prep for powder, then it's outta here !!!

Course, it will be back to haunt me again for the reassemble !!

I'll keep you posted Sal

Later

WELD4DAYS · 12-09-2007, 10:57 AM

Thats cool.I like making things heavy duty.You could throw that cover on a rock crawler! Looks good.

Iron-Butt · 12-09-2007, 02:25 PM

looks great

11-28-2007, 09:13 PM	#1
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? I came up with a few different "idears" for the Watts mounting at the pumpkin. The first was to build a center mount off of the existing bolts....using 1/4" X 1" flat around the perimeter of the cover, welded together (or cut out a pattern out of a large plate), then build off of that. Kinda like this.... - - - - The second was to use spacers and long studs off the cover and build off of that. - - So instead I decided to build an entire NEW rear-end cover out of 1/4" plate.....this would serve to hold extra gear oil, and a SUPER sturdy mounting point for the center pivot for the Watts. - After making this up, Rick (the owner) linked me to "totally-Polished" site and saw the polished Watts set-up...REALLY NICE...If he wants to go with that, it's cool...he will just has to ship it overnight...cause I need it like yesterday. - - That being said, here are some mock up pictures...What you'all think ?? Strong enough ?? - - - - - - - - White line is direct center of axle.....mix-match bolts will be replaced with new (only short 3/8 I had in stock)..... - I figure it would be perfect for the 'Rubicon trail'.... __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

11-28-2007, 09:32 PM	#2
ClassicAutoResto Rust Buster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lebanon, Ky Posts: 558	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? Looks great John. Don't think youv'e got to worry about breaking it. I'd powdercoat it to finish the look. Good place to advertise your LOGO Too! Jerry

11-28-2007, 10:07 PM	#4
rcrahn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The West Posts: 767	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? Looks good John! Thanks for the emails and explanations. I'm sold. The TP kit is nice, it looks well engineered but its too fancy with all that polished billet. Plus I don't know if you read this but it would take at least 2 weeks to make. We can't be farting around here. I like your approach, I think it will be functional and with powdercoat it will look fine. Let's go for it!

11-28-2007, 10:20 PM	#5
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? Cool man.....I'm on it !!! Any others ?? __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

11-28-2007, 10:21 PM	#6
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? That looks nice and stout!!!

11-28-2007, 10:34 PM	#7
rcrahn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The West Posts: 767	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? About the lever, I trust your judgement John to come up with a shape of something unique. That is if you want to.

11-28-2007, 10:57 PM	#9
L0WRIDE Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,166	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? great work as always chief __________________ 49 CHEVROLET 1/2 TON, 52 CHEVROLET SEDAN 62 HARDTOP NOVA 65 CHEVROLET BB LWB FLEETSIDE 90 CHEVROLET EXTRA CAB CHEVY ONLY - NZ Chapter http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=137984

11-29-2007, 12:02 AM	#10
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? sweeeeet!! Digging it ! __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

11-29-2007, 08:56 PM	#11
PrerunnerRob Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Jose Posts: 847	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? Doh! I guess this is a little late...http://www.diy4x.com/drivetrain.htm Oh, and they have a disc brake kit too! http://www.diy4x.com/brakes.htm Last edited by PrerunnerRob; 11-29-2007 at 08:59 PM.

11-29-2007, 11:35 PM	#12
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? We will definately need the rear disc kit for sure.... I just built this cover for a sturdy mounting place for the lever... __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

11-29-2007, 11:59 PM	#13
Dinos63 chevy only Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 6,619	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? nice work chief, you are a bad a--

11-30-2007, 12:32 AM	#14
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? For the lever how about doing a swooping "S" with the links mounted on each end of the "S". The links could also have a slight curve to them so they meet at the same level on the frame! I will try a pic. Kevin LFD Inc. Attached Images

11-30-2007, 08:39 PM	#15
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? I kinda like it..... Kinda like the SUPERMAN S !!! I like the idea about the bent links as well...but for adjustment I am going to have left and right hand threads on each link. In all actuallity, I could just "set-it and forget it" (I think I heard that one night on an info-mercial) __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

11-30-2007, 09:10 PM	#16
ClassicAutoResto Rust Buster Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lebanon, Ky Posts: 558	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? The "S" looks cool to me John. If the logistics work, it would definitely be an original design and look. (Better patent it before someone else does!) Jerry

12-08-2007, 09:01 AM	#19
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? I went with a clean, simple lever design.....nothing fancy needed here...just burly looking. Complete with a set of press-fit sealed bearings.... - - - Working on the d-side mount now... __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!" Last edited by ChiefRocka; 12-08-2007 at 09:02 AM.



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12-08-2007, 06:26 PM	#21
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? MAN !! Thats crazy !! Nice job chief __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

12-08-2007, 08:00 PM	#22
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? looks great!! Were did you get the bearings with snap ring groves? Kevin LFD Inc.

12-09-2007, 10:57 AM	#24
WELD4DAYS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 107	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? Thats cool.I like making things heavy duty.You could throw that cover on a rock crawler! Looks good.

12-09-2007, 02:25 PM	#25
Iron-Butt 454 club Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,348	Re: Building a stout 14Bolt Watts Link...what ya think ?? looks great __________________ David 1965 Chevrolet c-10 454 automatic Custom bbw swb. 1965 Chevrolet C-10 swb (Sold) 1963 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl automatic with dual exhaust, pb, ps and 17's. R.I.P "I will miss you. 1967 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl Custom lwb 1939 Chevrolet Coupe, 350 v8 automatic. 1935 Chevrolet 2 Dr Standard in the works. 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide. 2023 Chevrolet Stingray Z51 Convertible. I never want to grow up.

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