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Help w Bombi

W

walt stradlater

New member
Gang - any tips on who might help me do some Bombi mechanical and cosmetic / functional restoration in New England?

I am in Southern Vermont - happy to have it trailered around!

Thanks for any thoughts!
 
There is quite a few of us that have done ground up restorations on the Bombi (lots of wonderful information in here). If you need help….this is the right place!
 
I’d seek out a professional restorer if going that route. An auto restorer would likely be your best bet.
 
Hey Bobcatbob!
I have an SW48FA and was wondering.... Has anyone has ever replaced a tandem beam cross shaft? (Number 1 in the atrached parts illustration)
Thank you in advance for your input.
Joe
 

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Hi Lilhook

I don’t. But, if you can pull it out….a machine shop should be able to clean it up for you. I assume the spindle is worn out?

Bob
 
Ah, yes indeed. That's actually the easy part and I'll make a new shaft. I'm a machinist with a lathe and a mill. I made a connector so I can attach a 3/4" threaded rod to the end of the shaft. Tomorrow I will hook it up to a hydraulic ram and see if it will pull out. If I have to, I can put another ram on the other side to push at the same time. Something going to give. I just hope it's not the wrong thing LOL.
 
Let us know how it works/comes out (I was lucky with that part of the rebuild, spindles we’re good).

Machinist…..I literally was just buying 1-2–3 blocks and 1/8” carbide end mills (I have an old Fadal, hobbyist).

Bob
 
Bobcatbob said:
Let us know how it works/comes out (I was lucky with that part of the rebuild, spindles we’re good).

Machinist…..I literally was just buying 1-2–3 blocks and 1/8” carbide end mills (I have an old Fadal, hobbyist).

Bob
Click to expand...
LOL... First casualty. I need some grade 8 threaded rod.
 

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I wish I could. The motor is still in it. It's a Ford 6 so there isn't much room on the sides. Having to pull the motor would be the worst case scenario. This is why I am trying to find someone who's replaced this shaft. It's in the parts lists but it is not mentioned in the repair manual.
I will take another shot at it next week with stronger threaded rod.
 
I found a couple pictures I had when refurbishing the SW48. Being that the beam rides on tapered bearings……if the cross shaft spindle is close to the I.D. of the two tapered bearings….maybe use some shim to build the spindle up if needed? The beam only rocks on that spindle…and if you can build up the spindle a bit with shim….might save you ALOT of head aches. My worry is that shaft is welded in. Maybe clean the spindle up and see how much of the O.D. has been lost to wear and tear…..might be ok.

I checked the shop manual……there is nothing on how that shaft is held in.
 

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Unfortunately, they are pretty bad. This machine has only 1230 hrs on it. They replaced the tires and sprockets about 10 years ago and put on CamoPlast rubber tracks.... and then, didn't use it. So I figure it's worth the effort to do it right.
I will make another adapter to use 1" threaded rod with the ram. I will try it again on Tuesday.
 
T
Bob, the adventure is almost over.
I made a 1" threaded rod adapter. I used a piece of 1" - 8 rod 18" long. It's now 18-7/16" long. Stretched that too. Bought a piece of 1" B7. Then I ripped the 1-1/8" 12 threads out of my adapter. I'm putting about 20 tons on it and hitting with a sledge on the opposite side. NADA! 😑 In a forum on FB Nathalie Gervais said he ended up sliting the bottom of the tube through the frame. I did the same. As I was close to making all the way through, I heard a loud "crack" or "pop". Hit it with a small sledge and we have liftoff! Put the ram back on it and pulled it out with little effort. No welds or bolts, just rust. I will weld the slit after the new shaft is installed.
 

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Congrats! This needs to be documented for all future SW48 owners….WOW! Any idea on the steel…cold rolled, 4140 , case hardened?

Bob

P.s. would be interested in cost to manufacturer new shaft.
 
Lilhook96 said:
T
Bob, the adventure is almost over.
I made a 1" threaded rod adapter. I used a piece of 1" - 8 rod 18" long. It's now 18-7/16" long. Stretched that too. Bought a piece of 1" B7. Then I ripped the 1-1/8" 12 threads out of my adapter. I'm putting about 20 tons on it and hitting with a sledge on the opposite side. NADA! 😑 In a forum on FB Nathalie Gervais said he ended up sliting the bottom of the tube through the frame. I did the same. As I was close to making all the way through, I heard a loud "crack" or "pop". Hit it with a small sledge and we have liftoff! Put the ram back on it and pulled it out with little effort. No welds or bolts, just rust. I will weld the slit after the new shaft is installed.
Click to expand...
Yes mr gervais is a wizard. he is here on the forum and puts up some great content.
 
It's likely 1045. It's definitely not 4140 as it would not be as worn. I am looking for a piece of Cold Rolled 1045 now. A piece of CR 1045 1-3/4" x 3' long will be about $85. If I would make one to sell I would probably charge $300. I am just glad to get the old one out. I have another project that I'm working on so it will be a month or so before I can get back to the SW48, but I'll be back 😉
 
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