[Complete] Mightyraze's Kal-El [2018 Build-Off Entry]

Got a little done tonight. Got the topside part complete for the steering arm, and wrapping up for the tie rod side as well, I did end up getting it about 1.5 inches short. That should be a fairly easy fix. Ended up mounting my barrel for my pivot to the front brace behind the axle.

I am hoping to have Kal on 4 wheels by the end of this up coming weekend I hope. Then my build should start kicking into gear, depending on weather and temperature. Looks like we are starting that upward climb into spring here in OK.

no pictures?

Not really much to show at this point but a bunch of booger welding. Also a dangling arm. 

Hey! Someone's welds look like mine ! Now I do t feel so bad lol

Booger of welds. Good thing I'm not the only one. I blame the mastercraft machine though. The whip is so bad it doesn't feed wire under 3 wire speed. What do you use?

I use a 230 amp AC Arc.  Sometimes I am decent, then other times I just suck.  I am finding that each rod seems to be a little different, but probably should not.  I also had an epiphany last night with the welder.  I'm hoping future welds are better.

I use a dc stick welder, and i can lay some great beads! As long as they are horizontal welds , not vertical or under the machine............

I hear ya.

Well I too figure out some welding issues today, my mask lens was way to pitted and once I cleaned it up I realized i could watch my bead and see what I was tying in, and since I could see more of my material being laid down I realized i needed to lower my amps . Now I am making some way better welds.

I saw those weld on 3 point hitches at tsc yesterday, really a cheap alternative too hiem joints and much stronger.

And this is the not so booger from today. Thinking a little hot still with the splatter.

Looking good buddy.

Are you using 6011 or 6013 rod? That will generally produce a lot of splatter. That weld looks pretty good.

6013 is what I have on hand.

Here's an excerpt from millerwelds.com

"3. What are the differences between 6010, 6011, 6012 and 6013 electrodes? When should they be used?

6010 electrodes can only be used with direct current (DC) power sources. They deliver deep penetration and have the ability to "dig" through rust, oil, paint and dirt. Many experienced pipe welders use these all-position electrodes for root welding passes that are located within a pipe. However, 6010 electrodes feature an extremely tight arc, which can make them difficult for amateur welders to use.

6011 electrodes can also be used for all-position welding using an alternating current (AC) welding power source. Like 6010 electrodes, 6011 electrodes produce a deep, penetrating arc that cuts through corroded or unclean metals. Many welders choose 6011 electrodes for maintenance and repair work when a DC power source is unavailable.

6012 electrodes work well in applications that require gap bridging between two joints. Many professional welders also choose 6012 electrodes for high-speed, high current fillet welds in the horizontal position, but these electrodes tend to produce a shallower penetration profile and dense slag that will require additional post-welding cleaning.

6013 electrodes produce a soft arc with minimal spatter, offer moderate penetration and have an easily-removable slag. These electrodes should only be used to weld clean, new sheet metal."

Usually for the kind of welding we do, 6011 is the go-to choice.  My dad has been using it for years on a variety of farm projects.  He welds right through paint, corrosion, and even galvanized coatings with it.  It's easy to weld with in all positions.  It does produce splatter, but it makes for good penetrating strong welds. I'm pretty sure I have 6011 rod at home that is meant to be used with a DC welder.

My welder can't handle 3/32 6010, I might try 1/16 6010 and see if i can burn deeper.

Guys, I'm putting my build ON HOLD for now.  I am struggling to keep my head in my build.  I don't plan on quitting this build as I do want this machine to be my Primary when complete.  Stay tuned, I will pick it back up.  There is still plenty of time till the end of the build-off.

Ok, I just got my head around my build , took quite awhile to get excited about it. Hope you get er figured out!

Scratched the steering I had going on.  I am back online with this build.  I hope to have the engine mounted this next week and start working on the front grill and working on some front end stuff other than suspension and steering.

Wow that was on hold for....3 days?

hahaha my thoughts exactly. I don't even consider that on hold.

You can thank AllisKidD21.  I was pretty out of the build-off the other day.  I was ready to walk away for a while and maybe come back later.  Did some chatting with AK and it helped get out of most of the funk.  Then he shared some pictures of his mods to MTD and it helped solve some problems I was having.

I have Kal down on 4's again, I checked the front grill out with my suspension mount for the shocks. (sorry no pictures at this time.) Looks like I need to trim only about a half inch from the sides of the grill. Hardly enough to even know it was trimmed. Now I just need to drop the motor down and see how it fits in this puzzle.

oooo I'm excited for the next round of pictures.

I've had my share of steering troubles in the past too.  I was building a go-kart from scratch one time and I was welding in a couple of steel bushings to support my steering shaft.  After they were finish welded, the bushings were way out of alignment to the point to where the steering shaft was all scored up from turning and seized in the bushings.  I cut out the steering shaft and mothballed the chassis for about 3 years.  My cousin motivated me to get the chassis back out and finish it for his kids.  I enlarged the steel bushings so my new steering shaft went in great, but I set up the whole front end with the pitman arm upside down so when you turned the wheel to the left the wheels turned to the right!  I re-worked the front axle and spindles and got it right, but it was a long and frustrating process.  This was back in the day before I had on-line friends like you folks that could help me.

Here's a song in honor of your savior @AllisKidD21

I don't know what to chuckle at more Flash Gordon or Queen.

Good to have ya back in the build!

I have a few updates for after dinner! Stay tuned.