Tuesday, May 6, 2014
How to Cut Down a Dana 44 Axle for a Scout II
A Dana 44 is a type of automotive axle manufactured by Dana Corporation and used by many automobile manufacturers. The Dana 44 Axle for a Scout II is made specific for a Jeep. These axles can be installed on the Jeep, but often they need to be cut down to fit properly. If you are planning on installing a Dana axle for a Scout II, you may need to cut it down so it will fit.
Instructions
- 1
Run a tape measure along the length of the Scout II Dana 44 axle. It should measure 58 inches in length. This signifies it is the proper axle.
2Lay down on the ground near the front of the Jeep and measure the distance across the front axle. This is where the new Dana 44 axle will be installed. Record the measurement.
3Run a tape measure along the new Dana 44 axle and draw a small line along the axle with a black marker at the desired cut location so it will fit onto the Jeep.
4Press the blade of an angle grinder up to the mark on the axle where you will be cutting. Put on gloves and safety goggles for added protection. Hold the arm coming out of the side of the angle grinder with your dominant hand and the back with your non-dominant hand.
5Flip the switch to turn on the angle grinder and press it firmly into the metal. Cut caully along the black mark. Press down on the grinder so it does not move right or left when you are cutting and continue until the piece has been cut in two.
Monday, February 3, 2014
How to Get a Ford Car Key Cut
Having a key cut for your Ford car can be tricky if you dont have another key to use as a template. When you need to have a key cut and dont have another key to work from, you still have practical options. Ford codes the car keys to the ignition tumbler. That coding is available to Ford Parts managers and service managers. If you need to have a new key cut for your Ford, and you have access to a Ford dealership, getting a key is a snap.
Instructions
- 1
Locate your nearest Ford dealership. If youre not sure where it is, navigate your web browser to ford.com and click the "Locate A Dealer" link at the top of the web page. Input your zip code in the search field and click "search" to see a display of nearby Ford dealerships.
2Go to the Ford Dealers Parts Department with your Ford Cars VIN number, a state-issued ID and proof of vehicle ownership.
3Request to have a key cut for your Ford car. The Parts or Service manager will need to see the VIN number in order to pull up the key code. Ford requires all dealership personal to verify your identity and confirm that you own the car before cutting a key; this policy is to prevent theft.
4Your next step? Pick up your new key.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
How to Cut the Tops of a Truck Bed Liner
Bed liners come in plastic, rubber, and painted-on varieties but all serve the same purpose: they protect your truck or vehicle from damage. Liners act as a cushion when loading and unloading objects, and protect the trucks bed from rain, dirt and debris. At times, damage requires that the liner be replaced or cut. At other times, custom additions to your bed require custom modification of the bed liner. Cutting a liner requires very few tools and takes only minutes.
Instructions
- 1
Measure the area to be cut. If you will be cutting the lip off of the liner, measurements are not needed. If you will be cutting holes into the liner, measure the location of each hole in reference to the front of the liner including width and depth. With the liner still installed, you can readily trace the measurements from the truck to the liner without measuring, but be precise when doing so.
2Lift the liner from the vehicle. Most liners lift straight out of the vehicle or slide out of the vehicle. If yours is secured to the body, unbolt any retaining bolts before lifting or sliding out the liner.
3Stabilize the area to be cut using clamps and wood blocks as needed. Make sure nothing is in the path of the cutting tools.
4Mark the area to be cut. Use masking tape to cover the line that you will cut, to protect the surface of the liner from damage. Use a pencil to outline your cut on top of the tape.
5Cut out the section of the liner using an oscillating tool. Hold the oscillating tool carefully and trace the line on the tape until the cut is complete.
6Remove the tape and lightly sand the cut edge. Cut plastic is sharp. Sand the area with 80- to 100-grit sandpaper to remove burrs and smooth out the cut. Replace the bed liner.