Frog upright's Broken ball connector. Is there a solution?

[mongoose1983]

Hi guys. The more I think of it the less I find a solution.

Is there any chance to remove the bit of a broken ball connector from a vintage Frog upright?

[markbt73]

I've done that before. They're press-fit. You can tap it out with a punch, and then if you're not too concerned with originality, you can tap the hole for a 3mm threaded ball stud. If you want to use the same size rod end, maybe you could fill the hole, re-drill it, and tap it for a 2mm ball stud from a Grasshopper/Hornet?

[Frog Jumper]

Just drill it out and add stud ball ends...

In my case, my Dad did the mod years ago... He just drill them out and inserted a 2mm socket screw...

http://jpegbay.com/gallery/004801934-.html#1

Terry

[mongoose1983]

Thanks for the responses AND ideas. I'll see what I can do with it and will let you guys know.

[mongoose1983]

On 17/11/2015 at 8:29 PM, markbt73 said:

I've done that before. They're press-fit. You can tap it out with a punch, and then if you're not too concerned with originality, you can tap the hole for a 3mm threaded ball stud. If you want to use the same size rod end, maybe you could fill the hole, re-drill it, and tap it for a 2mm ball stud from a Grasshopper/Hornet?

 

Well, only now I got to drill the uprights, as I happened to break another ball-connector while removing it earlier on today. It worked alright, I used the thinnest drill tip I have around. It worked alright. Now while I could not attach Tamiya ball ends to it anymore the holes worked perfectly for the ball connectors included with the vintage Parma heavy-duty tie rod set.

 

Now I'll be able to match the good one so I could finish the vintage Frog buggy project.

And here's one painful upright break. This third upright was a bit bent. I already solved the broken ball-connector issue with the drill, and was bending it alright over my vise. But you see, while forcing it the very last bit needed (a lil over 1mm to make it 100% perfect) the upright broke and it is now useless. Not happy about it. Now I think I need a pair of uprights for what is going to be a Frog #2 buggy project.

Still, I'm happy for now I'll be ready to work the car as I wanted

You all have a fantastic Sunday!

 

[Frog Jumper]

Ouch!  Glad the first (2) worked out for you!

Terry

[Emperor]

heat it up next time,bend it (with gloves,pliers,etc) and let it cool down on AIR. No more broken Alloy knuckles

do not cool it down with water.....this will harden the part and make it more brittle

[Frog Jumper]

I've read here and there that the Re-Re knuckles pop their axles shafts...  Be careful!

Terry

 

[mongoose1983]

10 minutes ago, Frog Jumper said:

I've read here and there that the Re-Re knuckles pop their axles shafts...  Be careful!

Terry

That is 100% true, and that is also why I do prefer used uprights than re-res.

[Frog Jumper]

Get a good servo saver and don't go too thick on your steering rods, IMO...  Let them take the shock and break before the knuckles...

I had some thin HPI turnbuckle rods on my car before and I hit a curb going half-speed...  Snapped the steering rod, no damage to the knuckle...  I did upgrade slightly on the turnbuckle to DuBros tho...  

I don't have vintage back-ups, so I'll probably switch to BF J's and knuckles if I break one...  *knock on wood*

Terry