How to make one-piece 4130 Chromoly bars!
By Alex Iorio
One piece bars: 4130 chromoly from
www.onlinemetals.com
Crossbar:
.875" Outer Diameter, 0.065" wall
Steer column:
1.12" Inner Diameter, 0.065" wall
1. Use a 7/8 metal drill bit to drill a hole in the top of the steer column (through both sides), then cut that hole in half. This makes a nice notch for the crossbar to go in.
Now most people probably don't have a 7/8" drill bit for metal, so there is a different way to do it. Use a 1/2" drill bit and rotate it back and forth to make the 7/8" holes in both sides of the steer column.
2. Use a grinder saw thing and smooth out the holes, and make sure that the crossbar is level when you let it rest in the notch. A drill press helps for this part too.
3. Once the crossbar is completely level when you press it into the notch, you should grab a rubber mallet and go out into your driveway. You want to put your crossbar into the notch, and bang down the tabs so they are touching the crossbar and holding it in place. They have to be really tight and hold the bar completely still!
4. Center the crossbar in the notch and T-weld them in a handlebar jig/take them to a professional welder.
5. Drill an 11/64 hole in the bottom of the steer tube, about an inch and a half from the bottom. Use a jigsaw or hacksaw to cut a slit from the bottom of the tube to the hole. The slit should be in ONE SIDE ONLY!
6. Put on grips/barends and go ride