Custom Weights and Chains for a D

[tommyg 152]

After some inspiration from a few members for wheel weights and chains, I decided to put my thinking cap on and design some tire chain tensioners and wheel weights for my D180.

I found some spring type tensioners from a few vendors on ebay, but decided that none of them had enough springs to do an adequate job. After some hunting, I ended up finding some springs at Home Depot, but they ended up being too long. So I cut each of them in half, then heated the end and formed a new loop in which to pass a 1/8" vinyl cable through. Purchased 4 springs for each wheel, which gave me 8 springs per wheel when I was through. Ended up with just the right amount of tension to tighten the springs equally all the way around.

More to follow... Seems I can never add more than 4 pics at a time.

[tommyg 152]

Once that part of the project was complete, I moved on to adding weights to the wheels. Working at the Y in town, I was able to nab a set of 125 York dumbbells that were put away in storage never to be used again. Went to the local surplus store and picked up some square a 1 1/4" square stock and set out to make a fixture that would support the weights. I used the 1" bar from the barbbell set as the center stock piece and welded it all together.

Drilled holes in the fixture and got it mounted to the wheel.

Then all painted up.

[tommyg 152]

Next, I went about painting up the weights and got everything mounted.

The end of the barbbell shaft was drilled and tapped for a collar that held the weights on. So I took advantage of this and used it to secure the weights on.

That's all! Just thought I'd share it. Turned out pretty good and added 125 pounds to the rear end of my D.

["D"- Man 827]

Looks really good, just goes to show where there's a will there's a weight!!! Mark.

[KC9KAS 4,741]

Very nice job with the springs and the weights.

[Kelly 1,029]

Looks very good.

[rexman72 210]

very well done

[Tankman 3,516]

Looks really good, just goes to show where there's a will there's a weight!!! Mark.

Adding this to my famous quotes. Thank you Mark. You will be quoted often.

Nice neat job on the D chains 'n weights too!

[varosd 1,185]

using the barbell weights is great and if are plowing and get a notion to do a little......

[tommyg 152]

Pretty funny varosd! There's a Planet Fitness right at the end of my street.

[1maidenfan 202]

Great job on the weight bracket, looks awesome!!!

I also added weights on my 'D' the same way, works great and much cheaper than buying factory weights.

[wheeledhorseman 574]

Neat solutions on both counts - thanks for posting them. :thumbs: