Making A Basket For The Front Of The Yamaha Big Bear - Part I

[@TheRealEricO]

Sorry for the two parter folks. Seem to be running my mouth a lot while I figure out some issues I was having with the tubing. Figured it was best to split it up instead of a REALLLLY long boring video. Feel free to leave your suggestions or input below. -Enjoy!

[@MRrwmac]

While watching you I noticed we think a lot the same. So they better hold TWO rooms and looong sleeve jackes for us at that “clinic”. My wife continues to tell me it’s where I belong. Now knowing I will have someone else makes it easier to go…haha I don't know what you’re planning on putting in (or on) that basket, but it’ll be strong enough to carry a couple anvils…haha

[@geesss8675]

Why didn't you use R round tubing? It would eliminate the twist in your square tubing

[@Boraxo]

No sorry's needed Eric, your just reading the blueprints out loud. BTDT.

[@paulschoonover2084]

The ATV judges will never know

[@vger66]

It wouldn't be as interesting without you talking. Love hearing the thought process. Two parts are fine . It gives us something to look forward to. Thanks for sharing this with us Eric.

[@glennjukes5581]

Isn't it great, Eric--when you 'find' old tools you just knew you had-but don't use often. Greatest feeling!

[@Guysm1l3y]

Remember: "A grinder and paint makes me the fabricator that I ain't"! It doesn't have to look perfect, it just has to work.

[@jeffreyweinzierl1509]

You've got more patience than I do. My first solution would have been a few bungee cords and a milk crate. If I was really ambitious I would have used angle iron, cut the corners at a 90 and welded them together. I'm cheap. I save bed rails for just such projects.

[@TheOtherBill]

The overlooked advantage of a milk crate is that it won't rust, and it's easily replaceable.

[@billupstateny9151]

@ bill/other Do you cut a slot in side of crate for chain bar to project through ❓EDIT, thought he said height is an issue, conflict w/ steering handles ❓🇺🇸🗽

[@jeffreyweinzierl1509]

@@billupstateny9151 Strap it down in the middle.

[@MookieMan1]

@@TheOtherBillnot to mention that you can carry all your crap in it right where you need it and place it back on the rack when done.

[@MikeRay1978]

Milk crates and zip ties brother

[@CigarsnWhiskey]

Fabrication like this only needs to make you happy and give the customer what they want. It's alot easier when the customer is you.

[@dhaggy1980]

As an electrician using 1" conduit we have to take up 8" of that pipe for a 90 degree bend. I think you did a good job overall.

[@petersmart1999]

Most dies have shoulders that contain the bulging with the relief on the inside and keeps the tube from getting wonky. I have made a couple benders for aluminum square tube,and I learned alot of things! Then I bought a JD Squared bender,best thing ever,round ,square,up to 2 inch.

[@snafu720]

Auto mechanic, "master" welder and now, fabricator. The many faces of Mr. O. Thanks for sharing

[@johnnyhag675]

When you said, "It's just a little basket on a 4wheeler," I'm yelling absolutely!

[@Stevebroekstra]

Grinder and paint make me the welder I ain't. Eric, long time watcher first time comment'r. Enjoyed your creation and it is going to be straighter then one you buy. After you bump a few trees they will be exactly the same. Love -Steve

[@gsrhatch212]

All kinds of uploads this morning, main channel and this one. Thanks, Eric O!

[@briansmithe3429]

An old milk bottle crate and a couple of bungees. Yep. Works just fine. Spent the other 75 minutes fishing!

[@rssvss]

By 5he time you finished bending, i was liking 90° corners alot more! Great looking job! WOW

[@murphymmc]

Good 'ol Harbor Freight has a fairly rudimentary tubing bender that actually works. The dies a designed for round tubing, they'll work on square. As others have stated, filling the tube with sand reduces the deformation and krinkle effect. Maybe I missed something in your explanation on losing an inch with a 90 degree bend. If you lose an inch with a 90, wouldn't you add that inch to the cut length? You cut it an inch shorter to start, therefore being 2" shorter when finished. If you gained an inch by the metal stretching, then you'd be dialed in by cutting it shorter. I've not done metal bending enough to know. The metal on the inside is in need of being shrunk, the outside will stretch, therein lies the rub.

[@markroper9269]

Safety blocks are the best!!! Throw in some safety shims and a safety burnout....you are golden!!

[@sidden100]

enjoyed your video , years ago I worked for a company in Statesville NC that made the racks and bumpers for the Yamaha BIG BEAR

[@adlibrium]

you could probably benefit from using winding sticks to identify twist, but I think you did a good job working it out. Really liked this video, reminded me of working with my dad back in the day building stuff on the weekends.

[@stevebowman2063]

I have a 2003 Big Bear. I'm going to try this with conduit. I had to straighten out all my racks, they were bent to heck. Before I put them back on I hit them with some spray can bed liner and also the front brush guard. FANCY! Really enjoying this series!

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Go get'em Mr. O.

[@Ray_Sellner]

In the 80's I used to straighten C130 cargo bay door hinges after heat treat. Loads of fun.

[@markmawson1]

What i used to do to get the thing level before anything is tack a scrap piece of box section in the web of the 90° bend and then stick the whole thing in the press between 2 plates of steel and get rid of the bulges then i would remove the scrap piece of box section then get the twist out then do that with all 4 that you are making then make the frames up the side you want and cut the excess box off your frames then weld them up.

[@Insayshabull]

Perfection is the enemy of good enough. Function is more important than cosmetics. Learn to ignore negative comments of trolls. Cheers good man.

[@jbrhel]

Mr. O, you're nothing if not meticulous and steadfast. Hats off!

[@markjoppa-id5kk]

The basket will be great! But alas, no “ATV show” in your future. Thanks for taking us along!

[@Micko350]

Eric I'm amazed that you were able to find that little contraption you made after 15 years, I've got an actual Pipe Bender that I haven't used in probably about that long & I doubt I'd be able to go & lay my hands on it(or at least the box of Dies) in my Shed(or Containers)!

[@fatplumber3887]

Have you tried sand bending Mr O? Pack the tube solid with sand, heat it with the torch and bend her around. The tube tends to stay in shape pretty good.

[@jamescaron6465]

Jeez Louise you are making something totally by hand with no template or precision measuring/ guiding tools you are doing a helluva job. It is going to turn out fine. In fact I doubt anyone but you will notice the imperfections. Well my late wife probably would, but then again she once noticed her car was 1/8" lower on one side at 75 feet.

[@jamescaron6465]

@@phillipbanes5484 She had eyes like an eagle. She was a commercial artist by trade and could tell if the smallest detail was out of alignment. and I mean by hundreths. She was also very brutal with a .22 LOL. The story of her car being 1/8 inch lower, I actually had to measure the wheel wells because she had a Monte Carlo with the very sloped roof. She was on the other end of the driveway.

[@jamescaron6465]

@@phillipbanes5484 She was one of a kind.

[@jamescaron6465]

@@phillipbanes5484 Thank you. It was seven years ago and I'm OK. Not over it, but I guess you never do. But I'm OK.

[@jamescaron6465]

@@phillipbanes5484 You too Good Sir, you too.

[@dennisharvey4499]

The term you need is "bend radius deductions". Everyone who creates mechcanical drawings must know how to include bend radius deductions. Showing your mistakes is great so we can all learn and hopefully not make the same mistakes. Good idea to split the video.

[@billthomas8635]

Hey Eric, I'm the same way when building something. Then my wife reminds me I'm not building a piano! LOL I really enjoy all your vids!!

[@scotttaylor966]

This is like an episode of watch wes work , keep it up 😊

[@chrisbartrum3201]

Give a man some inch box section and a project and you have why I''m not a perfectionist.. and why I bought the hoodie 😄 Cheers Eric.

[@RGSABloke]

Eric, you and your viewers should watch ‘Snowball Engineering’, the young guy is a totally inspirational. Wes over at ‘Watch Wes Work’ put me onto him. Enjoy, Joe.

[@novaka240]

But what if you take it to the ATV show.....better make sure she's perfect! haha love it.

[@MagicalAscension]

Wow, you better be careful. The four-wheeler basket inspection police are going to write you a citation... 😘🤣♥️

[@mikerobey5953]

Eric, I said no Eric… Don’t change you measurements making mating piece. You will be around a 1/2” short. Don’t matter though. It looks good! I’ve made racks, carry boxes, and dog boxes. All weren’t perfect but looked great with grinder and paint. Served the purpose. You are my go to KZbin page. Thanks for letting us look over you shoulder.

[@TheOriginalDaveJ]

Aye, no excuses now Mr O. Good old Mrs O will be sending you for the weekly shop before you know it!😂

[@tedstantz1185]

Like the jig and demo but had to do a little fast forwarding on this on.

[@SimpleLife1971]

Hey Eric, I made something similar to your bender and discovered the piece walked as you described. I got a couple of split rings installing two on each shaft. This allowed me to capture the tubing nicely and kept it pretty straight as I bent it. 👌👌

[@Allegany2010]

An excellent teaching video.....learning to use what you have to get the job done without throwing things and giving up.

[@trh4246]

To Eric O.: "Don't let perfection get in the way of progress".

[@georgedurkee5859]

Love it ! Like watching paint dry

[@rustyschneider4117]

Love to watch your process

[@richardrtracy]

Great video. If you filled the pipe with sand and duct tape the ends, those bend pleets will be more towards the inside. Cheaper than buying or building a die set. Can always reuse the sand.

[@L8terdays]

Mr. O. Just a little help fur ya sir. Find your corners on tubing. Use cutoff 🛞 wheel. Cut 45° out of the inside of each bend. Then bend your tubing and weld corners. This will give you smooth outside corners and easy to repeat for both pieces. In any case I do enjoy your videos. Wish I could be there to help you make a stellar box for your ride.

[@CigarsnWhiskey]

Function over car show any day.

[@stephencooney9870]

I can watch your main channel for hours, but sorry your OCD is getting the better of me.

[@johnbrossack3791]

A buddy of mine, and I had Honda ATV's which we used on our hunting lease. We bought baskets for the front and back of the ATV's and the 1" tubing 'factory' baskets did not look any better that what you fabricated. Only real difference was the factory supplied "U" bolts to attach the baskets to the OEM rack. Well done, you saved yourself a ton of money.

[@wusitmee]

might try putting round tubing inside and then weild up cresent wrench can help with squaring ends then flaten to the horizontal

[@rwinstanley8668]

Looks good. It’s not like you’re going to take it to the “Car Show”!

[@John-cn8jv]

I've seldom done this type of work, watching your videos is interesting. Only thing I can suggest you do, is to involve pouring concrete in the video. lol

[@berthongo8531]

That bender needs some Fluid Film! 😁

[@richmuellersr18]

Best thing I ever made for my ATV, was a little trailer, 1st for a 185S, a 1985 Big Red, and still use it for my 2016 ,500 Rubicon I have now, yep partial to Honda,s . The 500 EFI Rubicon, you better be ready for things to happen as they happen fast , when you crack the whip in 4 whl lock and fuel injection!! Unbeliveable power out of a ATV in a small package. I made the trailer so it is just as wide as the rear wheels, and the tongue is long enough that the rear wheels will not hit the box, when you jackknife the rig turning around in tight areas. Wheels are old boat trailer 12" wheels ,and boat trailer hub axles you can buy with the stubs at farm and home stores, and old bedframes for the frame. I just happened to come into the concrete plant before retiring , and they where going to toss in the dumpster a couple rolls of conveyor belting, it came home with me and used it for the sides and floor, after 16 yrs of abuse still as strong as the day I made it. It will hold about 4 wheel barrels of split wood, and a elk if Missouri had elk season, hauled many a deer out of the woods with it. I used a 1,7/8 boat trailer coupling on trailer, and ball on the bike, you want to make it so it is just as wide as the rear wheels, so you can sneak through trees that the bike will go through, and lightweight , but as strong as you can. Also so the axle on trailer is a little more forward of center to put weight on the rear axle of bike. Also made a road drag with rail road spikes and a angle to smooth out after, I pretty much wore that out. A tip, tell Mrs O, dont ever put a BUCK deer on the back rack, to haul out of the woods, been there done that, on the Big Red coming up a hill and it reared up, just missed a antler sticking in my guts, in a non thinking beer moment.

[@johnmorykwas2343]

Use (2) hose clamps/bars to attach the baske, with a felt or rubber cushion for rubbing/friction control.. Drilling holes into the carrier in the rust belt makes it more prone to rusting.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

In my family we always seem to just use milk crates... Not sure why we always have those around but we do!

[@GoofieNewfie69]

I made a box to put my winch in. The problem with mounting the winch, is it may be in the wrong place if you get stuck. If it's in the front and there is only something to hook on behind you , it sucks. All the work for a basket, get some 1/8 and make a lockable box , much more useful and you can still tie a big beer cooler to the top

[@orlandomartinez4031]

Great video , I’ve been looking for a 4 wheeler like that … just something to play with and hunting with …

[@toddcathyfranklin4189]

It's not for the space station but it's always nice to make things the best you can

[@rickproulx6667]

Eric o the man of many hats!!

[@chosipian]

Great Series! I have one of these and they are handy on our ranch......

[@davidwright3326]

When you make a basket or box cut angles and make your box then install. Like your ambition.

[@bluegrallis]

I would have cut 4 pieces of keystock to fit inside the square tubing, to help line up any miss-match and then maybe drill a couple holes in the tubing to weld right to the key.

[@johnreid859]

It’s like you said, it doesn’t need to be perfect. A little grinding and paint. Nobody you run across in the woods is going to notice or care. Function is what you were after. 👍

[@davidsawyer1599]

Way,way after the fact. I have bent more tubing than I care to think about. A few things. Steel tubing can be slightly over bent. It will spring back. Al lew min e um. Not so much. No spring back. A level would have been useful. One can slide a larger diameter piece of tubing/pipe over the short end to get things back to square or plumb by pushing or pulling the short end in the desired direction. Great project. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBrookian]

I use a cargo net on my quad to hold stuff to the rack. It's made of bungie cord so it's flexible and self size correcting. Fits in a nice little pouch and is removable so I can put the old ball and chain (my wife) on the front when I'm not hauling the chainsaw.

[@ToddKing]

After screwing up the one end of the tubing, "it's just a basket on a 4-wheeler", followed by even more tweaking to make it look purdy.... Been there. I have a terrible problem with "good enough". I want to do everything to the best of my ability and it can cause problems.

[@THEDRAGONBOOSTER8]

IF I was you and I'm not and this will become collectible .I would take all the gards and tank off it and have them camo wrapped ,to save and hide the red .Then you could give it a good going over and use it for shooting and or vermin control.We all know you will keep it forever..A great project..

[@mikesworld60]

You could make it a 10 part video and I would still enjoy it. We think a lot the same.

[@TheSandman614]

Sometimes I catch my self perfecting something until I get it all out of whack. With enough Patience and persistance you can really mess things up, but then eventually get it back to some kind of acceptable shape.

[@sandrajones476]

Vise Grips too hold the metal strait clamp it on both sides

[@smplyizzy]

Very impressive, considering the jig you were using.

[@markturner2065]

If you hard a sharp enough edge on your press piece in the center of it, it would pierce the steel and allow less of the sides bulging

[@kjbunnyboiler]

Afternoon Eric👍👍

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

Personally, I would have pie cut the corners and welded them. But that’s me with no press.

[@tim1299]

And I don't have a welder so PVC and glue.

[@user-yi5nu4gw2s]

Get a kick out of 60000 lbs press right next to computer and printer. I miss the old days.😂

[@RobertL78]

If you download the operators manual for Swagelok tubing benders, they are a wealth of knowledge for the math behind bending allowances.

[@2nickles647]

I think Ugly handbook for bending conduit has the formulas too.

[@richiesmith2292]

I thought this said brisket and it was going to be a barrel smokin video! Still liked the video, just hungry now.

[@dukwdriver2909]

Way, way back in a dusty corner of a very old mind is a recollection of filling the pipe with sand before pressing to minimise the distortion. Full width shaper, I believe. What you are doing looks more than sufficient to do the job, to me.

[@mikes1097]

Did you think about heating up the metal with a torch first before you bend it?

[@johnnyhawk329]

I'm cheap. I use 2 milk crates on the front and 2 on the back. Works great for me. 2 dollars each on marketplace. 😀

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Nice job 👍

[@Tinker001]

Dang Eric... It's fun to watch you struggle... really... But I'd've got out the torch & warmed things up for the tweaking. Just sayin'...

[@dougaranda6187]

Considering how often you use that tubing bender, it’s fine.

[@kevinrenn9123]

Thought for sure Eric O was going to break out the torch and 'soften' the pipe a bit. Missed a great excuse to put the torch in a video, it's not break parts cleaner but pretty close

[@MY-ml5rp]

Isnt it nice to get away for a bit and get to something different and get to do a Walter, and leave me alone, on vacation. Cut some lumber and mount between the two racks. the rack will conform better between the two an won't rattle on you. Might want to reconsider a quick securement system for a quick removal of the rack out in the field. Maybe a carry all for that buck ,or just a tote.Tie down straps That way you have extra haul strap. gettin like you ramble ramble ,maybe a small 12v winch from the harbor, Lights lots of lights and...

[@TheWibbo]

You dont have milk crates there in upper PRNY ?

[@Drundel]

I made something like that but using old 1/4 (maybe it was 1/2) tubing. Man that 1" is way overkill and heavy. I've since gone to cheap cement mixing tubs from home depot/lowes. They are much lighter in weight and I can cut with a utility knife.

[@richardramon2175]

Not related to this topic and wanted to use Eric's latest vids. Learning how to work on cars for the past 3yrs, thanks to South Main Auto and others, my biggest question about diagnosing DTCs is , Why does a single code have many potential causes? I mean, I wrote computer software for 20yrs and I was able to write software so that when troubleshooting, there was main reason for errors or failures. For instance, a P00B code could mean a cam or crank shaft sensor issue OR low oil OR 3-4 other issues. This could cause a novice diagnostic person such as myself in "going down the wrong rabbit hole" as they say. And, without the necessary sophisticated diagnostic tools, AND especially years of knowledge and know how and mechanic training. I would very likely throw the parts cannon at the problem. I know, I know, that's why there are real mechanics in the world. But, it would be great if the DTCs were more accurate and broken down to the real issue. This sort of thing makes me reluctant to even try to diagnose issues. For now, I can just stick to common repairs and maintenance. Without these youtube channels I would never be able to do the repairs I have for the past 3yrs. So I really appreciate their time and knowledge. They have saved me $1000s of dollars.

[@elainerussell924]

We got us a simple project and he turns it into building the Apollo 13!

[@kyferez1]

It's nice, though painful, to see things happen as they really do when fabricating stuff! I've done the same sort of screwups and just made them work.

[@DonZenOfficial]

Hey Eric, I got an 01 big bear 400 recently. Have you messed with the idle yet? Struggling to get it idling good, can’t find the pilot screw

[@Burkis91]

Make a cheat piece with marks every inch so you can measure the length correctly the first time so you can only cut it once and the dimensions will be correct and keep it with the tool for the next time you use it. Use a digital protractor to straighten the pipe. To improve the bending tool, you need to have sides on both parts so that the pipe does not collapse and fits correctly so that you do not have to adjust so much each time. And math would not have worked since you deform the tube so much that it is impossible or very difficult to calculate. And to get rid of the diamond shape, you can clamp it at 45° in a vice until it has the right shape.

[@carlbyington5185]

What'yer building Brother ?.... The space shuttle ? LOL

[@IBenZik]

Eric I understand that those what nots are made from unobtainium

[@robertgreer5229]

I’ve Been waiting for the next video! 😊

[@ferrumignis]

Rather than drilling the frame and using rivnuts you could use some small U bolts to hold the box to the frame.

[@BG-vq9fd]

OCD, but that's why we like you.

[@ctecrwp]

There lots of videos to bend square pipes easy way without loosing angles etc.... Well good as hobby....job of fabricator.

[@ralphwatten2426]

Something said that his time off isn't worth anything. As a retired guy, when I do auto mechanics my time is worth what somebody working on my car would charge. When I do plumbing my time is worth what a plumber would charge. If you can do it yourself you can make yourself a fair amount of change without actually making money. So I just found Eric O's after hours channel for more great ideas for doing it myself. Thanks Eric.

[@bbiskner]

That’s great

[@andrewmullen4003]

I'd have used the existing bars as the base, then the attachment is sorted, but I'm lazy lol