ATC/TRX450R conversion - Ride report inside page 4

[BigGreenMachine]

Pretty cool. The 06-up swingers are longer by an inch or more I think.

[atctim]

Holding true with Honda tradition - the previous owner never removed the swingarm bolt to grease it - therefore it had to be cut out. Then I looked at the price of a new one. This project keeps getting better and better - $22 for a new one - LOL what a joke - quad parts are so cheap!!!!

Anyway - frame is stripped and off to Snake's for final welding - gussets. Pics soon to follow - early next week - reassembly (final) begins!!! WOOHOO!!!

[SYKO]

man I cant wait to see the pink frame....thats what you told me in that email right?

[atctim]

uhhhhhhhhh - yeah - to match your thong!

[cr480r]

Did you retain the R geometry? did you use some some of an alignment jig or just eyeball it?

[atctim]

I retained the ATC R geometry - very very close. No jigs involved - but plenty more than "eyeballing". Used cardboard templates, patterns, levels, plumb-bobs, and an angle tool - not sure what it is called.

UPDATE - Snake called and he is done welding the frame already - WOOHOO!! Pics to come tomorrow.

[atctim]

UPDATE----
New trike is tore down to just the frame- Snake has welded it up. the frame is done. Paint and reassembly work will start next week. Here is a TRX/ATC frame:








I love the simplicity and strength of this frame. It is rather heavy - but probably not much heavier than an ATC250r frame. The removable aluminum sub frame helps - as does the aluminum swinger.

[Yamada]

The first time I saw your project I though that the neck wouldn't be strong enough. But now with the finished frame, it look very strong. And Snake look to be a good welder.

[Dirtcrasher]

I like it.... allot! Great mig welding and supports as far as I'm concerned. That perimeter type frame works very well in terms of reducing flexing.....

My only thought is the lower rail. Was a smaller piece of pipe inserted in the rail before the butt welding took place? Thats the only concern I would have and I'm willing to bet you guys did just that!!

An outside larger tube coulkd also be used, but then that lower mount would have to be altered a bit. I guess the only other strength down in that area could be achieved by a welded skid plate that tied it all in.

Very nice stuff Tim, another quad bites the dust!!

Gives me lots of ideas for my future build :

I guess thats the 450R tank mount welded to the top of the upper frame rails??

[atctim]

Thanks DC - just so you know - at all joints - a 3/4" piece of round stock 3 inches long was inserted and welded in for strength (as well as alignment).

The top piece if for the CRF450 gas tank - it fits down inside - and then the shrouds go out around it.

Thanks for the compliments! (and yes - Snake is one heck of a welder - he does it all day long as it is his profession )

[atctim]

OK guys - she is coming along and coming back together. Just waiting on a swinger bolt - and some linkage bearings. Engine should be back in tomorrow night - and she may even be fully mobile by the weekend's end.

[SYKO]

looks good! what kind of paint did you end up using... hopefully edog wasnt around when it was painted.

[atctim]

UH well - it is a secret for now - E-dog did poke his head in while painting

This is the first run though - need to have everything fit it and some welding still needs done - so we are not sweating the final frame paint yet.
Thanks for the compliments Syko!

[atctim]

After a little more work tonight - she is coming together well. You can really see how the plastic is flowing together. The seat will need a little more work to fit perfectly!

[keister]

What a difference from 2 weeks ago. It is coming along nicely..... and quickly.
Even the little stool sitting on the floor beside it looks fast!