Building a Plow for my 1986 Big Red. PIC HEAVY. PLOW IS DONE!!! PICS PAGE 2 01-14-15

[andersonee4]

So I sold the SX I rebuilt about 2 years ago. Since then, I have been actively looking for a 1986 Big Red in good shape and also in my price range of broke. Last spring, my old man called me to tell me Mr. Sanders down the road had passed away, and his widow was liquidating his stuff. He had a three wheeler, What it was, I didn't know, but I remember seeing him ride it 2 or three times when I was a kdi. I told him to jump on it and get me some info. I told him the model I was looking for and told him the problem areas to look at, and told him I could afford to spend $1200 on it, if it was right.

He called me a couple days later and asked me how much I would pay again. I said $1200. He said, "Well, it's a big red, 86, and in pretty good shape, and everything you told me to look at was okay". I said "okay, go buy it". He said "It's on the back of the truck. Gave $300 for it". I was shocked to say the least. I felt a little guilty too, since she probably had no idea what it was worth. Dad said he tried to give her more, but she wouldn't take it. Well you can't sell it for them too. SOOOOO... I finally got it here (2000 miles away) this past fall and as near as I can tell, I'm the second owner. I've been in the market for a plow, and either have been unlucky or too poor for one.

The trike has a skid plate, that appears to be the hondaline one. Mr. Sanders cut off the heel guards though. It has the side cover too, which is not in the photos. I want to keep the skid plate and the plow mounts on it at all times. The problem i realized pretty quickly is the skid plate mounts to the outside of the foot peg, and the plow mounts to the inside. The skid plate is also about 3/8" wider than the frame, which causes a pretty poor fit of the pegs. These problems cause more problems for what I want to do. Nonetheless, I found away around it and the following pictures show my work this evening.

The ATC
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_171426.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_171426.jpg.html)

The Idea
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_171539.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_171539.jpg.html)

The Guard
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_171550.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_171550.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_172642.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_172642.jpg.html)

Some Steel from old bed frame
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_184924.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_184924.jpg.html)

Then some stuff happened and I forgot to take photos
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_203740.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_203740.jpg.html)

Had these left over from a trailer hitch install
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_203819.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_203819.jpg.html)

Used a washer for a spacer, so after its welded and pins are used, it will have about an 8th inch of play
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_203910.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_203910.jpg.html)

Had to go on the outside of the peg, So that's the reason for the ridiculous shape.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_205543.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_205543.jpg.html)

Test fit
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_211717.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_211717.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_211726.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_211726.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_213401.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_213401.jpg.html)

You can see in this photo that the skid plate is too wide as the brackets are tipped in. I will correct this tip with Spacers. Since this was a test fit, I don't care
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_213411.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_213411.jpg.html)

More Test fitting
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_213416.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_213416.jpg.html)

After trimming some corners and grinding for a while, Paint.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_225734.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_225734.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141214_225738.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141214_225738.jpg.html)

More to come. I know I don't lay the prettiest welds, But we all gotta learn somehow. PS. The machine is older than I am.

My humble shop I built last fall. Just put gas lines in to it and installed my natural gas heater today, has insulation, concrete floor, roll up door, electric, 110 and 220v, 4 circuits, cold storage, steel topped bench, and an AC.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/90.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/90.jpg.html)

[Legns]

looks good so far and the trike looks good too keep us updated I have been kicking around the idea of a plow for mine as well so I would like to see how this turns out

[andersonee4]

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/plowframe.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/plowframe.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141215_085219.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141215_085219.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141215_085226.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141215_085226.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141215_190606.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141215_190606.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141215_215402.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141215_215402.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141215_215416.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141215_215416.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141215_215433.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141215_215433.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141215_215834.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141215_215834.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141215_215859.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141215_215859.jpg.html)

Just a little tighter than i was hoping for, but It will work.

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141215_215933-1.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141215_215933-1.jpg.html)

[CRAZY70MAN]

That last pic just the angle of picture or is your front that close to rubbing? Looks nice...

[andersonee4]

That last pic just the angle of picture or is your front that close to rubbing? Looks nice...

The tire actually only has about a 1/2 inch of clearance. However, the frame will never lift that high.

So I picked up a Bolens plow for a mower today for el cheapo, dickering skills definitely mastered. Turns out that I couldn't have found a more perfect setup. Has trip springs, and has five angle settings. Very simple design, and was only 20 miles away. Good score to say the least

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_195004.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_195004.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_195010.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_195010.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_195256.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_195256.jpg.html)

My frame was made from 1-1/4" Square 10ga steel
The spacing fromt the top swivel plate to the bottom was 1-1/2"
These pictures are of the bolens mower frame removed from the swivel plates
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_203554.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_203554.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_203547.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_203547.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_203602.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_203602.jpg.html)

MOck up and Test fitting, its almost as if i built this frame specifically for this plow. Not the case, but I was happy. My goal was to keep the setup as small and as tight to the trike as possible.I dont have a pipe bender, So I am happy with the way this is turning out.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_203819.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_203819.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_203824.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_203824.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_203924.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_203924.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_203942.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_203942.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_204057.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_204057.jpg.html)

Clamping, Measuring, tacking, measuring, re tacking, and welding.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_205444.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_205444.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_210545.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_210545.jpg.html)

You can see the spacer on this photo, I just laid some 1/4" flat bar on the frame and welded it, then welded the swivel plate to that, Then stiched everything together.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_213545.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_213545.jpg.html)

Fitting after welding
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_213819.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_213819.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_213827.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_213827.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_213938.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_213938.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141216_214514.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141216_214514.jpg.html)

Next will be the lift mechanism, and spring retainer for the pivot. The skid plate is going to be a problem for this part. Thanks for looking. Comments appreciated.

[andersonee4]

Got some "shorts" from the local welding shop for 3 bucks, so i started on lift handle tonight.

Welded round steel 15/16" rod between frame rails making sure to space the mounts properly. Slid 1" pipe over it before welding. Also welded a bunch of gussets on.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141217_194234.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141217_194234.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141217_194939.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141217_194939.jpg.html)

Welded lift point to bottom of skid plate, as much as I didn't want to, this was, as far as I could tell, my only option. Looking back, I should have just made the brakets part of the skid plate, but until this point I wasn't going to weld at all on the skid plate. Since the heel hoops had been cut off, I figured the value hasn't decreased any. I may try to re create the heel hoops, but at a later date.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141217_224250.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141217_224250.jpg.html)

To say this idea is original would be a lie. Stolen the idea from you tube videos of the Cycle Country plow.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141217_232605.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141217_232605.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141217_232619.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141217_232619.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141217_232524.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141217_232524.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141217_232530.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141217_232530.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20141217_232542.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20141217_232542.jpg.html)

Next will be building locking mechanisms for the blade angle and the lift handle. After that, paint and done.

[andersonee4]

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20141218_234247.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141218_234247.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20141218_234238.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141218_234238.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20141218_234231.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141218_234231.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20141218_234211.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141218_234211.jpg.html)

[bkm]

Nice job. That should work nicely.

[jeswinehart]

Super nice work. I'm very impressed with your work shop lay out as well.

Looking forward to seeing in action !

john

[andersonee4]

I found some information on a website that cycle country used to make wheel weights for three and four wheelers back in 1986. Is there any chance anyone on here has a set for sale or knows where there are some that I can get. There doesn't appear to be any manufacturers in the market today that sell wheel weights for ATV's.

[Legns]

Very nice good job I like it definitely have to do something like this for my trike

[ironchop]

WOW! nice plow build

Nice shop too. Looks much bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside.

[andersonee4]

WOW! nice plow build

Nice shop too. Looks much bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside.

Thanks for the compliments. I will be painting it after the new year to appear as a factory option, with big red decals and all. The Shed is 10x16 with a five foot cold storage area. It is a tight fit to work in, but it's what i have and I'm happy to have it.

[andersonee4]

Had the plow sandblasted and sprayed with primer.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20141230_191144.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141230_191144.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20141230_194657.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20141230_194657.jpg.html)

Also had new cutting edge made, holes punched.
And also had 30" decal made for plow face http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20150102_173000.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150102_173000.jpg.html)

[andersonee4]

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_214139.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_214139.jpg.html)
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_214121.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150112_214121.jpg.html)

[jeffatc250r]

Looks good!
Got my wheels turning now, theres an old jacobson out back with a plow begging to be repurposed

[Keepah Rolln]

Nice job!!

[jeswinehart]

Looking forward to some action shots of it moving snow ! Are you going to put chains on the rear tires, any thoughts there ?

[andersonee4]

Looking forward to some action shots of it moving snow ! Are you going to put chains on the rear tires, any thoughts there ?

When my father picked this up, he said he got a set of old chains too. If he can't find them, I can get a new set for under 60 bucks. So yes, I will be putting chains on it. I'll get video, the next time we get snow.

[jeswinehart]

You probably already may know this but I will say it any way. The best way I have found to keep chains in place on any of the trikes I have put chains on, is of course as tight as possible and then use bungee cords on the inside + outside to chinch then in place.
take it from my experience in saying you do not want them chains coming loose. Of course I was hauling butt across a frozen lake and they shredded a set of fenders,, can't recall what trike that was but don't matter I reckon.
I find this plow thread build really fascinating cause I am really bad with working metal like that. I can make plastic parts and such but to see what your doing,,,, fascinating.

[Darius1502]

Wow..can't wait to see this done!!

[Darius1502]

And also had 30" decal made for plow face http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/Mobile%20Uploads/20150102_173000.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150102_173000.jpg.html)

Don't get me wrong I love this idea...but won't the decal get ruined? Could you put it on the back of the plow?

[andersonee4]

Don't get me wrong I love this idea...but won't the decal get ruined? Could you put it on the back of the plow?

Yes the decal will get ruined. Thats why i got two! haha. In reality it was just a cool factor, and It wont last, but it sure looks nice.

[andersonee4]

Thanks for the tips. That is my biggest fear with chains. Since my rear original plastics have no breaks an no serious gouges. I might get a set of beat up ones just for winter. I appreciate the idea and story .

[andersonee4]

I got it done tonight! I am so excited. I smiled for an hour straight. Wife thinks I'm nuts. Plowed a friends driveway (she was stoked i did it for free) Couldn't get videos... yet. I also plowed a 1500 foot path too, with frozen down snow from people walking on it. City doesn't plow it, so i will for the students that go to the Vet School behind my house. It worked FLAWLESS. Cant steer sharp when its up due to low clearance, my fault. Lesson learned. But its amazing how much snow it will roll.

Well here it is. I hope this gives people motivation.

Cost analysis
Steel for frame - $60
Plow - $75
Sandblasting - $70
Misc Steel - ~$10
Paint and acetone - $40
Misc Harware - ~$15
Decals - $35
Total Cost - $305

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20150114_212533.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20150114_212533.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20150114_212556.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20150114_212556.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20150114_212616.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20150114_212616.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20150114_212742.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20150114_212742.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20150114_212748.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20150114_212748.jpg.html)

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20150114_215250.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/andersonee4/media/20150114_215250.jpg.html)


AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED TO MOVE SNOW IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!

Thanks for everyones comments and compliments. Questions welcome. ALso thanks for people who have posted photos of their plows, It helped alot, especially Mike Hunt on YouTube.

[jakep53]

Wow awesome work! it looks awesome! I agree with you on the decal it just tops it off. did you clear coat over it?

[andersonee4]

I didn't clear over it in fear of it yellowing. And if it gets damaged bad, I want to be able to remove it.

[Darius1502]

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20150114_212616.jpg (http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z372/andersonee4/20150114_212616.jpg)

AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED TO MOVE SNOW IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!

There is a feeling of ackomplishment that you just can't put a price on when doing a project!

Hey a cool idea on the decal.... take the extra one you have.... cut it right between the 'BIG' and the 'RED', straight down.

then put it on the other side of the plow. One half to the left and one half to the right. You''ll have enough room it looks like and they will stay there nice for a long time!

[andersonee4]

I intend on putting a white Honda decal on the center back. Good idea though. I am going to build a trailer to put the other on most likely.

[its_serg]

can i just say wow thats awesome many kudos plus that big red sticker makes it.

[tripledog]

Very nicely done; I like it a lot!

[ironchop]

I love the plow and especially the sticker

nice work

[aldochina]

great job on the plow build. It looks awsome. I am currently working on some brackets to mount one up that i have had lying around for a few yrs. Lent my grinder out, and have not had it returned. I need to do a bit of paint removal befor weld. How does she work? That plow blade looks heavy. how easy is it to lift and lower manually?

[andersonee4]

Well the sticker went bye bye, as we all saw coming, but it was good for a photo shoot. It lifts fairly easy and drops easier. It is heavy, but its also on the ground a lot. It pushes snow really well, surprisingly well. Once i get the chains on it, and we get some snow, I may just get a video up. The weak link i've found is the lift arm, I will be cutting it off and using solid steel t build another, it has bent a little already and the plow doesn't lift as high. Thanks for all the compliments.

[TrikeGarage]

what is the size of the plow height and width, also a rough weight estimate? thanks in advance!

[atc007]

Super classy ALL the way around here. Thanx for sharing.

[aldochina]

you use anything special for a plow edge? Like some hardox steel, or just some plain mild steel? I have to make one for mine. I would think that reg. steel would be fine for the amount of use it will get.

[andersonee4]

Just mild steel. Had local metal shop punch the holes. You can just drill them over to fit the square part of the carriage bolts. Designed to wear out.