Arachnid Build in NOLA

[Austin_40]

Alright... here it is! I'm posting up my Arachnid build. Many thanks to Bill CNC, Silvergrizz, and Wobbly for the wisdom they have shared from their builds. Hopefully I can avoid some of the problems they encountered by learning from them!

The lower main frame is built. I stretched it 10" from the dimensions in the plans, hopefully that will keep my knees away from my chin when it's complete. I plan to build the upper portion this weekend.

Swingarm frame is complete, will need to make a few adjustments when then engine and mounting plate arrive.

Next step is the front suspension, which will be a challenge from what I've read. More to follow...

 

[redsox985]

Nice work. Reading their threads is the best prep work. I'm not a fan of your weather down there in NOLA. I spent a week down there a few summers ago and compared to Pittsburgh I found it miserably humid. I was there for the national lutheran youth gathering it your remember the chaos that caused. Just a random thing I've wondered since I was there, is there a reason why the Superdome is filled with verizon banners and verizon gets perfect service but can't call or send messages? Sorry, I've just wanted to know. Back to the frame, ensure that your c-brackets line up perfectly so that the swing is parallel.

 

[Austin_40]

Agreed... the weather is not the main attraction of New Orleans. But at least it doesn't snow! I couldn't explain the phone service in the 'dome. I have AT&T, and my service is pretty good.

I plan to align the c-brackets with a 5/8" steel rod. I wanted to get both sections fabricated before I welded up the brackets so I can make sure the two parts of the frame are aligned with each other.

 

[Wobbly]

The very best of luck with the build, it's hard work. Looking good so far and good choice on stretching the frame, it's a bit late now but I would also suggest making the front wider, it's very tight for your feet once the top rails go in. I don't think it will affect you too much because of the long stretch.

My project is on the back burner at the minute, I lost a little bit of interest when I started on the wishbones, but I will see it through to the end. Although I think you'll finish before I do

EDIT - It's the Ah-crap-nid btw

 

[cpt.skier]

You don't like snow? I have nothing against snow, its the cold that gets to me.

Is this cart as much of a challenge as the spider cart site states it is? I'm interested in the design.

 

[Austin_40]

Snow is fun to play in, but I couldn't live in it. It's hard enough to get out of bed to go to work in the morning when it's cold, but if I had to shovel snow just to get out of my driveway, I just don't think I'd make it!

I would say it's a pretty challenging build. Obviously I'm just getting started, but read up on the build-up threads by the guys I mentioned in my first post... I think you'll get a feel for what this thing is about.

 

[r97]

i wish it snowed more! lol my opinion. spider carts lists the arachnid as "shop master" or something, i think bill, grizz, or wobbly are the people to tell you for sure how tough it is, mostly it depends on your skill level, and how good the plans are.

 

[cpt.skier]

Cool thanks.

Shovelling the driveway (I do it for my dad) really isn't that bad. Up here it gets down to -22 fahrenheit. Without wind chill. That is miserable.

 

[redsox985]

Where is "up here"?

 

[Wobbly]

I just remembered something important about the front suspension block, Bill identified a mistake in the plans with the width of it. Have a read through his thread and double check. If you build it to the plans measurements, then the steering rack will throw the geometry out.

 

[Austin_40]

Yes, from what I understand the front suspension block should be fabricated to 6" wide instead of the 5" shown on the plans.

 

[Austin_40]

Small progress tonight. Rear c-brackets welded to main frame.

 

[gokart14]

nice weld

 

[redsox985]

Migs are great machines.

 

[Lynx_Genisys]

I used to be an okay welder, and then forgot. then this summer i built a derby car for the lil bro in law.. I learnt all over.. plus had a sever majour bad burn on my arm.. scar for life.. lol

but yeah, those are far nicer welds than i make thats for certain..

I think over the winter mnths im gona work on gettin me a mig, and maybe build a mandrel pipe bender as well.. seen plans and parts list and where to get to build em for cheap someplace...

never realized just how big it the frame realy was tho till i noted that bike in the background

 

[Austin_40]

Thanks! I'm not a professional welder by any stretch of the imagination, but I was pretty proud of these particular welds.

This frame is pretty large, although the perspective in that shot with my bike makes it look a bit larger than it really is. Anyway, I expect an overall length of 95", but we'll see where it ends up when it's all assembled.

 

[cpt.skier]

Where is "up here"?

Calgary Alberta Canada

 

[Lynx_Genisys]

heck, im up in Bonnyville, AB, 40km from cold lake

winter has a whole different meaning here than it does in some places in the states..lol

gives us a few mnths to hibernate and build.. lol

 

[cpt.skier]

Yeah up here with our 2 months of summer.

 

[road_thing]

Looking good!