Showing posts with label make. Show all posts
Showing posts with label make. Show all posts

Sunday, April 27, 2014

How to Make a Motorcycle Exhaust

Building your own motorcycle exhaust is a project that takes some specialized tools, like a pipe bender, steel bender or welder and if you want chrome, you have to do the plating yourself, or take your pipes to a metal shop where they will plate your pipes for a fee. We will look at how to build the basic exhaust, but how you paint it is up to you.

Instructions

    1

    Measure your bike from the head pipe connection on the engine down to the foot pegs and then to the rear. Now sketch out a basic shape for your exhaust, using these measurements as a guide.

    2

    Build a full size template for your exhaust system on poster board, cardboard or plywood. Use a heavy marker, and be very precise with your measurements. Have a friend hold the template steady, and match it up several times. Be sure it works on both sides, if you are building exhaust on both sides, since each side of the bike is different.

    3

    Figure out how many welds you will need to make, if any, then purchase the tubes for your exhaust. Buy them to the full length of the system, which you should have measured using a flexible tape measure, or tailors measure. Measure the outside edge of each side for the most accurate measurement and take the larger one and add a foot or so.

    4

    Mark the location of each bend with a magic marker at the start of the bend. Allow for an extra half foot at the head pipe section so you can fit the tube in the bender.

    5

    Heat and bend the pipe at each mark. Make your bends fast but be accurate and do not over bend the pipe. You dont want to have to bend the pipe backwards again.

    6

    Finish your bending, then attach the muffler. It should slide right on to your pipes.

    7

    Attach the hardware for the exhaust to your bike. This might have to be custom made as well. Then be sure the exhaust fits all the attachments, including the head pipes and rear braces.

    8

    Attach your new exhaust and pat yourself on the back. You made your own motorcycle exhaust.

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

How to Make Harley Baffles Louder

Most riders call it "that Harley sound": the loud, rumbling exhaust that lets you know there is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle around. The stock pipes that come on a Harley are designed to meet federal EPA standards and dont deliver the sound most riders want. Replacing the stock exhaust can be expensive. You can create the sound if you make the Harley baffles louder. Baffles are the packing inside the rear of a motorcycle exhaust pipe that filters and dampens the noise.

Instructions

    1

    Park your Harley on a level surface. If you have ridden it recently, let it sit until the exhaust pipes are cool to the touch.

    2

    Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the end caps out of the exhaust pipes. The end caps are metal caps with a hole in the center that have been machine-pressed in to the ends. Insert your screwdriver into the center hole, and pry against the edge of the pipe until it pops free. You will then see the metal screed that covers the baffle.

    3

    Drill a hole through the center of the baffle. Use a drill with a metal bit that is 1 inch in diameter. Press the tip against the screen of the baffle, and press the drill into it while running it at a slow and steady speed. Push the drill into the baffle the entire length of the bit. This will place a direct hole through the screens and packing of the baffle and open it.

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Friday, November 29, 2013

How to Make an Accel Spark

Spark plugs are essential for your engine to run properly. If you are having problems with your spark plugs, you dont necessarily have to replace them; you can replace the Accel spark plug wires. This costs less than replacing your spark plugs, but you have to size them properly to your spark plug. You dont have to be a mechanic to replace the wires. You can do it yourself.

Instructions

    1

    Use your spark plug boot to remove the spark plug from the engine. The spark plug is labeled and located on the side of the engine.

    2

    Pull your wire through the looms until you have access to the distributor cap.

    3

    Put a mark on the wire about 3 inches from the distributor cap with your permanent marker. Use your wire cutters to cut the wire.

    4

    Use the wire cutters to strip the wires about five-eighths of an inch from the spark plug wire and your replacement wire. Use wire nuts to connect the replacement wire with the existing wire.

    5

    Crimp the wire nut to make sure the wire nut stays secure. Push the new wire into the distributor cap to complete the installation.

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Saturday, November 9, 2013

How to Make Replacement Keys for a 2002 Saturn

How to Make Replacement Keys for a 2002 Saturn

Youve lost or misplaced the keys to your 2002 Saturn and are understandably frustrated. Replacing them doesnt have to be a great hassle. Since Saturn uses transponder or "coded" keys that emit a frequency specially attuned to your cars ignition, youll have to order a set that will be not only cut but programmed. A new set is as near as your Saturn dealership or a reputable automotive locksmith. If you are unable to travel to a dealership, an automotive locksmith can meet you on site with your new keys.

Instructions

    1

    Call the dealership and see how much it will charge you for a new set of keys. The keys will have to be found in inventory, cut and then coded for your particular car. Once you get a price, do a little comparison shopping.

    2

    Call a reputable automotive locksmith, preferably one recommended by your auto mechanic or through a listing with the Better Business Bureau. A reputable locksmith will more than likely give you a lower price quote than the dealership.

    3

    Place your order for your keys with a vendor. Expect it to take four hours to get a set of keys from a dealership and less than that from an automotive locksmith. If you are unable to travel to the dealership, a locksmith is by far the best choice as he will bring the key to you and test it in your ignition.

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