[doug80638]

One of my first rides after buying hte Z  took us down a seemingly impassable rocky trail when the lead rider took a wrong turn and got us all lost.

The good news is that we made it out after a long, bumpy, trying effort.

The bad news is that I bent one of the front support cross members (see pic).

I've since ordered and received a set of rock sliders, but the brackets for them need this cross member to be straight.

Any suggestions on what process to use in order to restore this cross member to its original form?


 

[NMKawierider]

There are a number of ways but most involve some equipment most of us don't have laying around but body shops do. Things that pull and push like porta-powers and chain come-a-longs with attachments that can hook into or through holes and brace off other members or frame tables. However most of CFMs metals are soft and won't require a lot of force to bend so maybe with some BFHs and some solid rods you might be able to get it close enough.

[Coloradocrawler]

A BFH always seems to work for me......LOL

[doug80638]

Ya, I've straighten out the crushed baskets and some thinner plates underneath that way, but this cross member is tough. The BFH didn't move it at all.

I'm reluctant to hit it any harder than I already have. I considered heating it up but then thought perhaps it is best to ask the more experienced for advice before treading down that path.

Sheer fear of breaking something might push me to bring it to a body/frame shop.

BTW: The plastic bottom piece has also suffered, but all the pieces are still there. Any suggestions on what to use to mend the breaks/cracks? At least its removal afforded me the opportunity to get all the swamp mud/leaves/sticks out of all the nooks and crannies under there.

[Diver]

where did you ride, Berlin??

[doug80638]

I've ridden Berlin, Sullivan County, Mt. Moosilauke and Warren, Boundtree, Contoocook,  and Hopkinton Everett to date.

The gates are too tight for the Z8 Trail at Sugar River, and I haven't tried the Rockingham
Recreational Rail Trail yet.

It was a trail around BoundTree where I did the damage
The Berlin trails are tame by comparison.

[Diver]

I mean were was it that you hit the rock..  Just curious that's all

[doug80638]

After getting over my trepidation, I attacked the bent bracket with a BFH, a couple of pry bars, and some slow paced patience.

It took some time, but I think it is a success. The bracket for the rock sliders fit and are located properly.  Now all that is needed is a little bit of rustoleum.

Before and after pics:

[Diver]

looks like you won that battle

[REDRIDER]

BFH usually is the best tool in these situations! Looks good

[Sockman]

Nice work.  That's in a rough spot. 

Rock sliders are on my x-mas wish list to myself this year. 

[glenlivet]

Not sure but aren't those braces just going to get beat on again? I haven't seen rock sliders installed except a side view showing them guarding the gas tank and one low tube along the bottom outside.

What I'm wondering is, do rock sliders protect the underside in some way, like a skid plate set?

[NMKawierider]

Not sure but aren't those braces just going to get beat on again? I haven't seen rock sliders installed except a side view showing them guarding the gas tank and one low tube along the bottom outside.

What I'm wondering is, do rock sliders protect the underside in some way, like a skid plate set?

Nope..not as far as I know. That's why I made mine out of 1/8" steel plate so I have a skid under to the main plate then up the side. Heavy..but sure glad I have them sometimes.

[doug80638]

Not sure but aren't those braces just going to get beat on again?

I bought the rock sliders from Ricochette. They are aluminum and very light weight.

They bolt to these braces (which is why I had to straighten them) and cover up that area between the wheels that, for me, seem to be the low point and take the biggest pounding. So I don't expect these braces to get hit any longer.

I'll post pics when I finish the install to show you what I mean. I have to let the rust treatment and
paint dry first.

I've been thinking about adding something underneath the center as well since  the plastic has taken some abuse, but that's a project for another time.

[glenlivet]

That plastic tray at least on mine, was going fast. Some of the attachment points were split and broken and a large piece toward the back was torn right off. The Ricochet skidplate I bought wraps around and up the sides by an inch or so, which ought to take care of nasty things a guy rubs over from time to time. The gas cap area is still as was, though not all that vulnerable I hope.
That's some good fab work by NMKawie. Made that side plate lie right flush on the gas tank plastic. Well executed.

The whole Ricochet plate system kisses 70 pounds, heavy yes but very worthwhile weight. Helps my stability, says I. I look forward to seeing the installed rock sliders.