78 Liquifire rebuild!

[Cdnturboz]

I echo your guy's comments - Facebook groups seem to have so much drama or the fact that the information just gets lost.

[400brian]

A number of years ago I bought a box of 6205 bearings off ebay for a good price. I have been rebuilding my aluminum center idlers for getting close to 20 years now. However, the sleds I had put those particular bearings in had not gotten much use. A friend peer pressured / bullied me into doing a set for his Dator, then after a seasons use complained that the bearings were already crunchy.

That was all the data I needed to throw the box under the bench. Since then, I have been using NTN bearings sourced from Wahl Racing, with good results so far. If you price these bearings, you will find a huge range in prices, and you really can't tell what you are getting by looking at them.

Two of the wheels sitting on the axle of the CC clone suspension I am building were originally for the 78 suspension that went into the Wife's Cyclone a few years ago. I had put the ebay bearings in those, so I rebuilt a different pair to go under the Cyclone. Tonight I finally bit the bullet and disassembled the first wheel with the trash bearing. They come apart with much less effort, but I hate having to do things twice.

[High Top]

I purposely deleted my Facebook account years ago, as I just didn’t have the energy or passion to view it every day and see what folks are saying…. I guess if it’s not my family or inner circle of friends I just don’t care all that much.

So I agree, I prefer this site much more, as I like to review past threads to find new information or review what I once knew. I love the content and like to see what guys are doing and maybe even help with an issue I’ve already experienced. Restoration topics are probably my favorite. Next would be RWTC discussions, and the Tech Help threads. Always learning something.

JP

I’m of the same mindset. I had FB at one time and then deleted it. I may at some point get one again but seem to be surviving without it just fine. I’ve never really been a forum contributor either but this one I’ve jumped into and added my thoughts. I like the JD sleds layout and there is a TON of GREAT information on here. Very well organized and regulated.

[400brian]

Finished up the first of two rear idlers I needed to do for the 78 CC clone. Swapping out bearings that I have since learned were not up to the task. When I started re-assembly a week ago, I found the rivets I had on hand were not to my liking.

I received my order from Wicks Aircraft Supply on Monday after ordering them the previous Wed night. The rivets I use are aircraft grade, dome head, and dead soft. 3/16 dia x 1/2 long.

New rivets make a huge difference! Dead soft rivets harden over time, and the ones I had were 10+ years old. The fresh ones set much easier, you could hear the difference in the hammer blow. Three or four strikes and they are set.
A quick polish brought the previously polished centers back around, good to go.

[nick80lf]

Nice work. For me, bearing quality is directly related to difficulty of replacement. I will admit to using the Shenzhen specials in the plastic wheels with snap rings. But a wheel like this which is not so easy to replace would get the good stuff.

[400brian]

I guess this is what I am going to go with on my rear arm. It places the idlers a bit higher than the 80 LF idlers, but considerably lower than the placement of the original CC shaft that was mounted separately in the tunnel.

Just needs a few beads of weld to lock it in place.