I know this has been done several times, but this time I have eventually made my propshaft, but with a difference.

I had been mulling this over for a few months, but decided to make the prop this morning, I already had a complete Capri prop bought for £35 including 4 RS alloys with good tyres.

I measured the new prop length on the car, and got some 1 7/8 OD seamless tube. I cut the prop to 2 equal length pieces, sweated the 1 7/8 inside the existing prop pieces leaving a 2mm gap for welding. I welded it up, filed it smooth and I am very pleased with it. I am, however, going to spot drill and plug weld along the full length for good measure.

My only question is the existing balance weights on the prop. Should I remove these or leave them on. I think they balance the castings which house the UV's looking at the turning quality on the inside, and I cannot imagine a length of 2" seamless tube would need balancing.
Rescued attachment Propshaft.JPG

ive done loads of props like that and never had a prob with ballance

Yep...agree with Conrod, I must have done 20 or so like that...no problems at all.

I think being shorter aleviates the balance requirment somewhat...also while they ARE a critical component, they aren't exactly churned out in a quality controlled lab environment either like some NASA parts....careful fabrication, accurate phasing, and nice welding should give no problems at all...IMO

could try ring around a few places to get it balenced or at least checked if its cheap

balance and safety are the normal issues.

As you are a time served welder (and I wont be in the car!) I think thats not an issue.

If you need it balanced you will find out!


You could always fit it to the car with the wheels off and chokked up, or your diff drive shafts disconnected (if non live axle) and 'take it for a spin' static to 6,000 in top once you have the engine and transmission working.

Make sure it dont fall off jacks and do 0-60 in 1.2 secs........


atb

steve

[Edited on 15/2/04 by stephen_gusterson]

We've all seen people who've put up pictures of some shocking standards of welding- the thought of some making their own props is a little worrying to say the least!

James

If you ARE a *good* welder WITH a good welder, you'll be doing no different to the professional guy who charges you to do the job. Might as well DIY, carefully.

If and only if you are a good welder though (i hope i do not offend anyone here: don't mean to)...


Ed.

If you ARE a *good* welder WITH a good welder, you'll be doing no different to the professional guy who charges you to do the job. Might as well DIY, carefully.

If and only if you are a good welder though (i hope i do not offend anyone here: don't mean to)...


Ed.