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OK to blend and grind on a pitman arm?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Wildfire, Apr 29, 2008.

  1. Wildfire
    Joined: Apr 23, 2006
    Posts: 831

    Wildfire
    Member

    Guys, I just got the pitman arm for my vega box - the pete & jakes, cut one. Obviously a decent piece, but it looks like ***, new-*** that is. Everything is perfect 90 degrees, hard corners, etc.

    Is it a big deal to blend some on this with a flap disc? Just to take some of the "Hey, I'm a brand new part!" look away... No major carving, just a gentle blend.
     
  2. chaddilac
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,071

    chaddilac
    Member

    I cut my factory 57 for p arm, and bent it and rewelded it, I guess it's ok as long as it's not cast!

    you should be fine!
     
  3. TagMan
    Joined: Dec 12, 2002
    Posts: 6,355

    TagMan
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    "Gentle blend'...???? Wasn't that a bear in a movie a while ago????

    Anyways, smoothing off the edges won't hurt it at all.
     
  4. pitman
    Joined: May 14, 2006
    Posts: 5,148

    pitman

    Unless you reduce the cross-section area, and weaken the part, it's more likely that you may reduce stress-risers (sharp edges, tight corners, abrupt changes)...always a good thing.
     
  5. Adriatic Machine
    Joined: Jan 26, 2008
    Posts: 922

    Adriatic Machine
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Like Pitman said, cracks generally start at sharp edges so smoothing them will actually make the part stronger.
     
  6. pecker head
    Joined: Nov 8, 2006
    Posts: 4,450

    pecker head
    Member

    On my coupe vega arm I heated , pressed flat , smoothed , and drilled 3 lightning holes ! no problem yet !
     
  7. turdytoo
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 1,568

    turdytoo
    Member

    People been doin it for years. Like anything else, some people could make anything dangerous.
     
  8. fab32
    Joined: May 14, 2002
    Posts: 13,985

    fab32
    Member Emeritus

    Smoothing and polishing any metal will reduce stress risers and make the part more reliable. Just don't go crazy trying for a sculptured piece of artwork and you'll be OIK.

    Frank
     
  9. Hell, you do that here in Australia and you need an engineers report on it before they will let it on the street!
     
  10. pitman
    Joined: May 14, 2006
    Posts: 5,148

    pitman

    Just trying ta make a livin' ya know! :rolleyes:
     
  11. But do YOU have an engineers certificate??
     
  12. Wildfire
    Joined: Apr 23, 2006
    Posts: 831

    Wildfire
    Member

    Metallurgical Engineer, myself - far from technically certified though...

    Thanks guys!
     

  13. Dont blame us for your problems!
     
  14. 972toolmaker
    Joined: Feb 28, 2008
    Posts: 216

    972toolmaker
    Member
    from Garland Tx

    Blend away, to labor intensive for Pete reliveing sharp edges usually results in a stronger part.
     
  15. 7"Chop
    Joined: May 8, 2008
    Posts: 493

    7"Chop
    Member
    from Denver

    Steel yes - Cast NO
     
  16. Lobucrod
    Joined: Mar 22, 2006
    Posts: 4,121

    Lobucrod
    Alliance Vendor
    from Texas

    Looks like they would at least let you drive on the Right side of the road!:D
     
  17. PumpGasRatVette
    Joined: Apr 5, 2008
    Posts: 114

    PumpGasRatVette
    Member

    Light smoothing is fine...just don't get "into" the weld.
     
  18. jusjunk
    Joined: Dec 3, 2004
    Posts: 3,138

    jusjunk
    BANNED
    from Michigan

    my paycheck says engineering on it every week but I really havent figured out why yet? Thats no bull **** either :)... At least i know im prolly certified to **** stuff up now :)
    Dave
     

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