Baja Bug Build (Ep. 27): Building Lower A-Arms (Part 1)

[@VWJawbreaker]

Love how you take the time to explain your thoughts and process. Lower arms look great. I like the 1x3 idea for the uppers.

[@thebinderbuilder]

Thanks Gary! I'll be honest, it felt like I got lost in the weeds talking too much.. I cut it down a TON (that's why it's a little choppy). I need work on that. #Babysteps

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@thebinderbuilder you’re doing great man.

[@dudez_antics6924]

Great video! Reminds me of how much skill and knowledge goes into fabrication. That’s why you are a master of your craft, sir.

[@thebinderbuilder]

Thanks Mike! I'm definitely working on re-mastering my craft...Its coming back!

[@binghooperii8942]

I'm no expert, but I like the extra thickness to make it stronger and last longer and I appreciate you expressing your thoughts, thank you.

[@thebinderbuilder]

Well I'm not an expert either...but it makes sense to me. In about 45 minutes the next video will drop on these arms...see what you think of the finished product!

[@mechticulous8202]

I'm not sure who or why one would need to make it out of plate, but this is Your Project the rest of us can go kick rocks. Keep Fabricobbling!

[@thebinderbuilder]

"Fabricobbling", what an awesome term! I don't know where I picked it up, but it seems that everyone uses plate and internal ribs (which is plate cut into lengths) and I obviously feel the pressure to follow the masses. What do they know that I don't? Will this work? Will folks hate on it? I donno where these thoughts come from, it they seem real...nevertheless...YOLO. 😆😅🤣 Thanks for the support and comment. glad to have you along!

[@mechticulous8202]

Using plate makes sense depending on the strength needed for twisting loads on the arms and to keep mud and water out of the inside because you're off-roading and will submerge your wheels on a regular basis. If you are just doing regular driving, drill 1/16" weep holes at the each end at the bottom of each section so they can air out any condensation and call it a day. Anyway, good design explains itself, KZbin viewers are only worth their viewership, and as I have demonstrated, anyone can talk, but you are the one taking the risks and you don't owe anyone an explanation. (If all else fails, say: "I want to, that's why.") Enjoy your build.

[@thebinderbuilder]

@@mechticulous8202I definitely appreciate the props and your feedback. Yeah, I'm not too concerned about what others think. It is works, it works. Besides, after I make a jig, I'll be able to remake them to the exact same measurements with different/lighter materials.

[@DIYWilly]

Those are some strong arms! Great job thanks for sharing!👍

[@thebinderbuilder]

Well thank you......Oh, you were talking about the A-arms... 😂🤣😅😆 J/K, Thanks Willy!

[@DIYWilly]

@@thebinderbuilder😂😂😂

[@DIYWilly]

Those are going to be strong arms. Looks good!👍

[@timswitzer792]

You're killing it!!! Keep it going!!

[@thebinderbuilder]

Thanks Tim! These things are SOLID.

[@timswitzer792]

@@thebinderbuilder Youre almost convincing me to build my own!!

[@thebinderbuilder]

@@timswitzer792 well, it'll you have more time than money, go for it. I have a pile of scrap that I'm utilizing, the 1.5x3 was new(ish) so it was $55 for the amount I needed to do this. The weld-in bung was like 30. And the plate (you'll see on the next video) is like $50. So, for about 80 per arm and your time, it's do-able.

[@timswitzer792]

Time?? Whats that?!?! Lol!

[@timswitzer792]

Im looking at a Nichols Fab front suspension and also considering doing just a wider beam set up for coilovers and with balljoints.( If I said that right...)

[@hotroddevils5031]

Looking good so far! Welds look really nice! All of the stress and problem solving and the lingering feeling "is this the right choice?" is why I went with the prefabricated unit on mine. I've made some really complicated suspensions in the past that gave me sleepless nights so I just wanted my baja to go as easy as possible😅 but its awesome you and others are building your own. keep up the good work! Looking forward to part 2.

[@thebinderbuilder]

HRD! Hey man, I hear ya. You and I are the same on this. Its about making it dun and a stress reliever. This is my way to decompress and get the energy out, and I enjoy the journey (not all the time, but still). LOL. Thanks for being apart of it!

[@69bajaoutdoors]

Fantastic brother!!!! Wish I had the confidence to do this to Mud Cricket! I’m following this build 100%! Oh! And congrats on the 1k subs!!!!!! I’m almost there myself. ;)

[@thebinderbuilder]

Yessir! The suspension is really coming together, it's really too bad the weather turned to crap though..I need to get my "Fab-Fix" but can't 'chill' in the below freezing garage long enough to build something! You'll be hitting your 1k soon enough, just keep the videos coming...people love your content

[@69bajaoutdoors]

@@thebinderbuilder Yes!!! My garage fireplace isn’t cutting it. I need a diesel heater! LOL

[@robertosantinni9656]

It’s all Greek to me, but they look great!

[@thebinderbuilder]

Lol... I hear that! Thanks though! The next video shows how they really came together

[@larrymcgarage2152]

I don’t know what power train you’re using, but that thing is going to be a tank. Got to remember power to weight ratio. But I am enjoying watching your build. ❤

[@thebinderbuilder]

Very good point. Yes, I'm working on my powerplant ideas. My initial plan was a 3.0 v6 Honda motor. They have 210-240 hp. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit to keeping my eyes open for a Medeola or Weddle transaxle. So I can go with a turbo 3.5 v6 Honda to get about 400hp. Let's just say Gary (@VWJAWBREAKER) may have given my wife an idea that she wants to put into practice with the bug. So overkill and overbuilt may be a good idea for the future!