Building a Watts link from scratch - Episode 1.

[@overdrive39]

Out of a dozen channels I watch of guys building hot rods you are one of them that really shows us how to build one. Thank you for that. I love how you work with what you got instead of buying everything. Keep it up.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, and pleasure man. Just buying stuff and bolting it together is boring! Zero creativity and not really custom🙂

[@ishsiriram8286]

Coming along nicely Div. Well done. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheOldaz1]

Nice result and a great recovery. Thanks Div.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@andrewmantle7627]

Most enjoyable and worth every moment, Thanks to you Div.

[@timhanson2080]

Looks great. I'm sure it will do what you want. Thanks for the video.👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks and pleasure

[@alanpaulick7815]

Hi Diff thank you for the Monday morning class. Lesson learned. Now I'm ready to take on the new week. Have a lekka day and thanks for sharing your content. Take care boet.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Mr Neighbor, if you ever come this way, you better visit.😄

[@Hungry_Hunter]

My latest favourite you tube channel. Very nicely explained and a great project.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Wow, thank you! Quite a compliment!

[@Hungry_Hunter]

@@ratrodsafrica I'm in Australia Bundaberg Qld to be precise and your what we call a fairdinkum tappet head. No BS just work it out and build it using what you have and using skills you've acquired from the school of hard knocks. I really enjoy you explanation and models of your suspension. Nice work.

[@rogerturley]

I really love your videos. You have an unassuming manner and some very sound "forest engineering". I'm sure these videos are a big distraction and represent a huge time commitment. Please keep it up. I find inspiration to get out into the shop when I watch you!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Roger. If my videos can serve to inspire, I'm happy!

[@littlepaddy7444]

That's great, you've not only achieved a practical solution but one that is visually interesting.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Yes, I enjoy engineering stuff with some visual interest as well

[@psnaith1]

Not only a builder, but a teacher as tell. You are top notch in my book!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@tienierabie7127]

Wat nou goed sou wees as jy die be planing die vorige and sou doen en dit soos n seeping elke dag kon aanbied. Iets soos Bad Chad op you tube doen. Hou van die engineering selfs die musiek is fantasies. Geniet elke episode van jou

[@ratrodsafrica]

Nee jong, Bad Chad het 'n blonde wat sy goed beplan en afneem. Hierdie ou toppie neuk maar net aan op sy manier!😂

[@tienierabie7127]

Dit is ook waar..doen jy net so voort. Sal maar in spanning wag vir die volgende episode. Kan my verkyk aan al die idees waarmee jy opkom.

[@tonyosmer8459]

Wow Diff , Thank You for all the trouble you go through to make this video ! The model , everything is a lot of work ! You are a genius !! 🙂

[@ratrodsafrica]

Einstein was a genius, I'm just an old geezer hiding in a forest🙂. It's a pleasure to share the little I know

[@jacquesvanrooyen706]

Hi Div, awsome video and neat work as always. Full score to you. This is a awsome build, I love the style and detail you put into this Hudson.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Jacques! Never got full score in school...😆

[@stashwaxroller1740]

Another good solution on another good video ! The more we watch the more we learn.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@darkgreen68]

I learned something today! 59 years I never seen the clamping of 2 squares. Thank you.

[@ratrodsafrica]

It creates a king size vernier caliper. Sort of...🙂

[@The.Real.Reaper]

We really enjoy your build projects. You do a good job of explaining the mechanics of the suspension travel and axel movement, both desired and undesired. As well as the options available. I like your custom build style, wherein you also make the extra effort to make functional look cool as well as function as intended. I am glad we found your channel sometime ago and look forward to more. Thank you.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoy my stuff man! Thanks for the support

[@DoonerF]

I want to thank you for the way you explain all this stuff. I feel like I’m learning a lot of answers to questions that I had in my mind from seeing these things on other builds. It’s really giving me better clarity. Maybe you should rename the channel to “Rat Rods For Dummies”. 😂😂😂 Very cool build. I’m enjoying every minute. 👍🏻👍🏻‼️

[@ratrodsafrica]

Real happy to hear that I can pass on a little knowledge! Makes me feel good brother. Glad you are enjoying my stuff.

[@darellsunderlin4670]

I think your re-design of the bracket is spot on . I know you can do it , but if you ever have rear gear trouble , you'll be at it longer now lol 😊 great job !!!!!!

[@stucook8622]

Thanks for another Sunday matinee Div! I look forward to it all week...peace🍺

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure man!

[@LaughingTerry]

I actually spotted the issue you were going to have. The solution you came up with was great. I can't wait to see it finished.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks.

[@EarlyIronAddict427]

Good recovery brother 👍🏻 and thx for having us all alone with you in your work shop ✌🏻we love it 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Happy to hear that you liked the visit!🙂

[@aceadman]

If i ever ran a class in ANY kind of fabrication, your channel would be required watching. Another great episode my friend! Thanks, as always, for sharing all the hard work with us. 😊👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Wow, thanks for the contribution! Again!😄

[@aceadman]

@@ratrodsafrica it’s my pleasure. A coffee, a beer, or a handful of nuts and bolts. The least i could do now and then. 😊👍👍

[@DaSoulmann]

Again a fabulous demo Diff... The old models you have around to instruct people with, makes me wonder if you were an educational instructor, at some point... you certainly have that knack for teaching... your engineering looks to also have a fair bit of an education behind it... some stuff you can learn through trial and terror, but the Maths you use... that takes an education. Love the extra detail on the Bell Crank arms... rounding off the ends wasn't enough, you had to taper them... very cool.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man. No, never an educational instructor. I made those models to teach my buddies and myself. I studied a bit of mechanical engineering more than 4o years ago... I guess that helps a bit🙂

[@DaSoulmann]

@@ratrodsafrica You're an impressive Man, for just one Man, Diff.🤠 Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@aceadman]

@@DaSoulmann i think he’s impressive for at least TWO men. 😁👍

[@mikebeidelman6051]

Brother, it is a joy to see basic hand tools used by a true craftsman. An imagination plus precision x craftsmanship = Dif's Rat Rods ! Mike.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Mike! Glad to hear I have given a little joy🙂

[@lencsalovszki9194]

You are always very educational and the man Diff (LAYBACK LENNY ) from Florida keep pushin on

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yeah man, only left handed people are in their right minds😂

[@joecioe8566]

Another good explanation and nicely built.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tommyg7381]

Love the wood aided designs. Saves alot of metal mistakes.

[@ratrodsafrica]

it does! Helps a lot to figure out things.

[@peterkelly250]

Love ya work Diff. your attention for detail is so particular and making up models to explain your methods is fantastic. The models are built to a great standard as well. You're a bloody machine Man. Enjoy the rest of day off.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!

[@terrencebuller7676]

Hello Div, you are a true artist and engineer. This link set up is really cool. Keep up the excellent work. Take care my friend and stay safe. 👍👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! All the best

[@WILDDRAGON1942]

YOUR AIR RIDE SYSTER IS KILLER LOVE IT

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@charleschidester6767]

Friend, I have learned more about automotive suspension from you than in 4 years of shop class in high school. Kids today should be watching, because they don't teach shop anymore.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Far as I'm concerned, they teach little of value in schools these days...

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Very good work around for the project in the end and kept most of the material and more importantly the time it takes to make all those pieces! Good stuff!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@rangefreewords]

8:00-8:20 Triangulated 4 link. (It's great for offroad mainly) 8:21 Lateral 4 link 'Watt's Link. (Street use, burn outs, cornering) Totally agree the BEST USE in the bagged Rat rod! 26:00 You might want to add a lower mounting brace from the differential to the Z link bell crank bracket. This could prevent your two upper mounting points from breaking. I love all the explanation in your videos.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the feedback Mike!

[@kumaran7529]

Diff die "Onderwyser" De Villiers. Thanks for the another great tutorial ou Boet.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Nee fok, die onderwysers wat ek geken het, was 'n heel ander spesie!😄

[@g2b233]

Duff, I'm not a welder or a builder but like others say; your explanations (and techniques) make it easy for me to follow your ideas. You show that even if you don't have sophisticated equipment building can still be done with ingenuity and creativity. TY for a great build.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. Yes, only thing really required is common sense and persistence. No need for fancy equipment, thats just show off!🙂

[@g2b233]

@@ratrodsafrica Duff, you forget to mention what might be the most important part: the creativity you have to think up the solutions to the problems that arise but I guess that's why you and Bob both have your chairs. 😁

[@ODGColornChrome]

Hell yeah! right on time! Getting ready to do this myself. Awesome vid Duff! Stay safe!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man. Go for it!

[@77Rickenbacker4001]

You have skills my friend!I love how you explain in layman's terms what you're building as you are building it and how it will work.Cheers!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@deankay4434]

Div, I enjoyed the build in this video. I made a mistake on a porch that was built in 1980 by someone, became spongy. Being the man of the house, it is my job to bleed & after cutting thru 6 boards leaving the last on attached, I move tools, stepped on it and fell 1/2 a meter. Two large nails were not afraid of me and tore 5cm X 8cm patch of skin off my shin. My pride was torn, just like my shin meat. I looked long and hard for a non-existent drawing board in the employee rest room and everywhere in the Forest Engineering Room and settled down to just settle & sit. It worked! The sitting part only. This will slow down the loss of brain cells, but the "Watts" link is an interesting engineering design for those with large straight axle designs. So if driving serious off road or "Bagged" suspension like your Hudson, Isuzu and Ford W/C4 build model (HIFC4) Great progress coming along well, bit by bit. I am confident that ideas will come out of the forest engineering room. Well, pretty sure! Have a good one! DK

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks DK. Enjoyed your story! 😂

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Thank you for the class in building the suspension system on that truck. Looking really good.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like it! Thanks!

[@kerrypierre9494]

Damn Div, even your brackets are works of art. You are a helluva fabricator brother. 😎👍🤘🔥🔥🔥

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man

[@chrismedaris4873]

Your videos are getting way better camera work and music wise the rest is just great I love it keep them rolling

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Chris!

[@jimmccorison]

Your demonstration models are great. I've seen diagrams of Watts linkages before, but never fully understood them. Now I at least know how they work. Thank you.

[@ratrodsafrica]

3D models just work so much better than diagrams!

[@geoffreymills9932]

I think you worked out a great solution for it, looks great Div and I can't wait to see the bars in place

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. With a bit of luck it will be done in the next video.

[@geoffreymills9932]

@@ratrodsafrica I'll watch whatever you decide to do, I dig it

[@eddiealford3579]

Yep sometimes u need to take a break n gather your self but I can't wait to see how this turns out keep up the good work Mr Duff I think she will b cool 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Eddie👍

[@SouthernEngineering]

Great job. Greetings from the USA

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Greetings back🙂

[@brentbrown8393]

I'm so glad I found your channel man, you really are a great teacher. thanks you

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! Welcome to my shop🙂

[@davidlester6092]

Looking good my friend!! Keep it up!!!!👍👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, will do!

[@micartecca]

Necessity is the mother of invention. Good job amigo! I knew you would figure it out.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@jimcarlisle2309]

You are totally amazing, thanks for the Great Video, very enjoyable and entertaining!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Div it is coming along very well there so far. Very nice job explaining and breaking down everything. Thanks so much. Can't wait to see more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. God Bless.

[@robertstevison1448]

Awesome morning brother great to see you again another awesome adventure with my brother from another country great engineering brother !! Have a lekka one and say hi to everyone for me

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks, you too!

[@mikediamond257]

I really enjoy watching the process and how your brain works. Fascinating !!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoy it, thank you!

[@micartecca]

Thank you for today's valuable lesson.

[@nickhendrikse1608]

Hey Diff, thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise! Great to see that others also have to go back and re-design as sometimes organic design doesn't quite work out. ;) Keep up the great content and know that there are a few of us in NZ who look forward to your updates. Cheers fella!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks mate! The man who makes no mistake has not made anything😀

[@brycechessum4684]

Minor design adjustments happen all the time with fabricated parts, good solution for that one, this set up should work just fine a little overengineering is always good I remember when Ford Falcons went to a Watts linkage and broken links were a common sight, Yes that Salisbury diff went into Holden sedans with trailing link suspension, Nice job Div.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother. Hopefully it will be strong enough🙂

[@yolocah]

one hell of a good teacher!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@mynameis63]

Damn I love the way you do lay up. Streamlined.

[@mynameis63]

Not that your design, proof of theory and fabrication isn't great too...cause it is...The dimensional scribeing just tickles my fancy I spose.

[@erivon2234]

Mates in the States! Merch! Muy Lekka mate!

[@TheInfamousHotRodFarm]

Hell yeah my brother thank you for taking the time to explain in detail..

[@ratrodsafrica]

No problem 👍 Thanks man

[@gizmodietsch3922]

I gotta say again... Great Channel. I enjoy your work and how you get it done! Aloha!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

I appreciate that, thanks!

[@MrAw1950]

Another excellent video Diff . Very informative info once again !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@johndraper9065]

It's going to be really cool !!! Snazzy !!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks John

[@rossbeckley6729]

Awesome Diff, thank you man.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Fine piece of carrying on!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Bob! Was gonna say Uncle Bob, but I reckon we must be kinda close in age...😀

[@magicman_metal_fab]

Love how you think outside of the box my friend. Always a pleasure watching you work. 🫡🤙🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@shanewright6958]

It’s coming along nicely 👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks

[@1953dan]

Education and entertainment, plus we get to see a rat rod being built in the process. Too bad I can't give you two thumbs up.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@wallacejohnson316]

Very very nice man here from New Orleans la thanks 🙏👍😎

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@UnconventionalMetal]

Excellent explanation of the different systems.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you think so! Thanks

[@LuisPerez-gl6xp]

Came out really nice, awesome work my friend 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@BesseCustomFabrication]

Great video! Thanks. Totally agree about making use of your mistakes!

[@shotsrodder]

Nice recovery Div 😂 that was the plan from the beginning 😎

[@ratrodsafrica]

No, nothing fake here. I did screw up🙂

[@gmray7301]

Good to see you buddy

[@dragontattooee]

That forest engineering office is very handy to have, still understand what your doing by the way you explain. Have a lekka one Div, the rat is looking great

[@ratrodsafrica]

Real happy to hear that it makes sense!

[@robbollom7396]

good engineering Dif and great recovery after making a mistake

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Rob

[@NotJustSawdust]

I have never seen such a good explanation on how things actually work. I started following at the beginning of this build (and subscribed) and looked back all the other videos. Forget about most of the other "build" channels if you want to learn something (especially the ones who never finish projects). I'm a fan now and getting all the right ideas for the upcoming build of a cycle car replica. Thanks for the educational and fun content! All the best from the lonesome hill in central Portugal!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for all the kind words man! A lonesome hill is a good place to be in this crazy world😄

[@NotJustSawdust]

@@ratrodsafrica It sure is a good place to be but.. sorting out materials, parts and tools is a job at its own (like where you are), importing stuff is dew to the extraordinary import duties (and corruption, many shipments disappear) an impossibility. That's why I like to see all this from scratch manufacturing you do!

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

Another fine video my friend!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@p.e.8149]

Looking forward to the next video, it's an enjoyment for me in mental ping pong and I hope I don't lose the balls.

[@ratrodsafrica]

😀 I lose the balls occasionally...😆

[@fredjones1238]

you are correct anybody can screw up but not anybody can fix a screw up its looking great

[@ratrodsafrica]

Good one! Thanks.

[@jerrydodd6113]

Great Vid, Diff! I love the design!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Jerry!

[@davidwood1923]

You're New Name is... Johnny Fandangle. Keep Up the Great Work... Brother

[@ratrodsafrica]

😆 Thank you

[@Roger-hq1yt]

Being original is always more work than following the pack, its a v.neat contraption indeed!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man.

[@glennjanello2198]

Thank you.. you are gifted..

[@bart9859]

Looking Good Dif! It has given me a few ideas for a possible Watts link for my project. Bart

[@ratrodsafrica]

Cool, thanks!

[@dakotaman4621]

Thanks for the education. Cool

[@johnfederkeil9211]

Great video Dif!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@hermyherm365]

Awesome work DIFF you do impressive work pal

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Hermy 👍

[@bigalsvwratrod7346]

Looking so cool 😎

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@b.s.adventures9421]

Like your models. Visual aids are rad.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man. Yes, models just makes it easier to understand

[@janwiersma1449]

AHA! now I know what You meant previously with A Watts link. I did not had any imagination of that. learned something again today, thanks so much Diff. fior all the explanations and P.A.D. visualisation Mock-ups. You should be a skool onderwyser in die praktyk.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Jan, if I had to be a skool onderwyser, the kids will all be real naughty!😂

[@robertamor3203]

brillant fabriction work i love watching you diff building it from bits and bobs great maths and showing how to arrive at that measurement have a good ond og see you next time thank you

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@TheIIOM]

Absolutely Amazing! WOW

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@aussicouple]

Very nice 👍 very nice

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you

[@Macbetula-yl8wq]

Thinking is hard on the brain 🧠

[@ratrodsafrica]

Only when you dont have that many brain cells left!😂

[@bruceslattengren8587]

That looks so cool shit happens when designing you figured it out good luck with the rest of the build see ya on the next one 😊

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Bruce

[@chrisx2026]

Great explanation on the way it all works. Love the visual model

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like it! Thanks

[@DavidRoper-zf1ul]

nice one DIV, still looking lekka man, every problem as a solution, !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks David👍

[@davidclare955]

Your doing a great job

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you

[@maniestrijdom7271]

Mooi model en verduideliking Still💯with this build kustom rock hudson rat rod

[@ratrodsafrica]

Dankie ou Manie!

[@marshallcrank]

Great job

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you