shock tower steel

i have mentioned somewhere on the forum that the po had cut holes in the shock towers to access the grease certs, so after going around with the idea of having someone w/a portable plasma cutter come by- i have decided to cut the holes myself. ill be useing a hole saw, so im trying to figure out how thick is the metal in the shock tower, and what blade i should purchase.the holes are just under two inches, so i know i need a 2 in. blade. but what kind?do you do this on a high power drill? can this even be done with a hole saw? thanks for the help!----Rick

 

You need a "Bi-metal" saw blade for cutting metal. You will also need to weld a piece of metal to act as a center. There is no way to keep the saw centered to cut the hole without it.

 

oh man- im fubar, i dont have any way to weld

 

You might get away with bolting it on to the backside but that will put two more holes in your shock towers.. they will be small holes but they will remain after you make your hole.

 

thats exactly what im saying, however do you think a die grinder will give a even look with some kind of uniformity?

 

A die grinder, properly used, will give you excellent results.
Start by drawing a circle then cut almost to the line with a carbide burr. Use a course sanding roll to finish the edges.
Take your time and work carefully.

 

awsome ill give it a try! carbide burr? are they exspensive? do you have a picture?

 

http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=52814&page=3

check post #24.that may help you out.

 

well thats cool but im going with the burr idea. the holes i have a jagged from a torch.

 

the burr idea did not work. the drimmel will not stay in the direction i want. it will burr however, it just want to keep going in straight line. need some help!

 

I just cut some nice looking stainless steel cover plates to go over the holes and screwed it on, looks good and you can get at the zerts to grease it later

 

HEY! That's a good idea. i have a few extra sheets of diamond plate in my shop. maybe i can set it up so when i want access, they rotate up and the rest of the time just hang there. what do you think?

 

I think that might work. I wud give it a try.

 

Hello Rick:
You can find a hole saw bit at Lowes or Home Depot or any good hardware store that allows you to install a drill bit in the center in order to position your larger hole where you want it. Used them many times and they work great . Just take your time and don't force it . Keep your cut going "square" with the surface you're drilling. Piece of cake. Chip

 

Access to grease fittings for front suspension

Hi NoGo:
If you haven't cut the holes yet , there is another way to accomplish the lubrication. I'll get the part number and send it to you if you wish for a two piece grease fitting , and a TOOL which allows you to install the fittings in two parts and then grease them like all the other fittings. I have installed these on a 72 Maverick and they work great . Interested ? Let me know Cometized