I was going with the chromolly route, but the guy who was going to do it don't have the equipment at his house to do it. So what would be a good metal to use next besides the chromolly, aluminum??? And what would be a good size. This frame is a modified 250r geometry based frame that's going to have a Polaris 400 stuck in it. Just thought I would get some opinions. By the way, does chromolly needed to be TIG'ed, or is there another process that you must go thru? I really want a chromolly frame, but will improvise!

 

Chromoly is the only way to go. With the right wire and shielding gas, you can mig it. 1" is what area guys use for TT racing. Alum will take too much gusseting to hold the weight and stress an atv frame goes through.

It should be a wild ride!

 

What gas do you use, argon? And what wire? If it's possible, I'll order some cromolly and do some practicing. I'm good at stick welding, but thats just what I was taught on. Everyone says MIG is easier, and I can MIG weld, but not as good as I can with a stick. I heard the cromolly to get was 4130. They say it's strong and can weld easy. And how thick should I get it?

 

Man, I am really not the guy to talk to about all of this. I suggest you call Billy Clayton at C&C Racing in Sikeston, MO. His number is 573-472-4002. He has a self-built 250r chassis with KX250 engine. He could answer your questions or even build you a frame. He built a set of A-arms and a swingarm for me. The A-arms were plus 2, plus 1 and he charged me something like $400 and custom made the shock mounts. They were 4130 chromoloy and fully adjustable.

I haven't talked to him in about 2 months, but I am sure he is still building atv's.

 

4130 is the only chromolly, first off, mig welding is not the best way to go. tig it if possible. your going to want to vary the thickness, and size of the 4130 you will be using, and frames are ALOT MORE WORK then they seem. you will spend AT LEAST 50 hours making your first frame, and it probably wont be right, till the 4th try, good luck, build jigs off of an existing frame, and just copy that... use 4130 rod, or wire feed if you go the mig route, co2 is fine for mig, use pure argon for tig, or a mix of Co2/argon for mig if you want to spend a couple of extra dollars for gas that doesnt last as long., set your flow to about 15psi, and afterflow to20-30 seconds. make sure ALL metals are clean (sandblasted, no burrs) before welding, and triangulate gusset every corner where you see a potential problem.

 

Thanks surfer, I know it's a lot of work, and done set aside 2 whole weeks in December for the project. I have access to a TIG welder, just doubt I could do any good with it. Luckily me and a friend already have done one 250r frame with regular steel tubing. Took about a week, but he decided that he wanted to redesign to fit an RM500 engine, so the back part of the frame didn't get finished, so we scraped it. And having access to hydralic tube benders is a great plus, couldn't see bending tube any other way. Also is there any online suppliers for supply metals like chormolly, and other steels? Thanks

 

I know there is other types of chromoly. One of them is 8740. Just like different types of stainless steel.

 

I just wanted to put my 2 cents in.
After you get everything together and get to the finishing touches like powercoating. Please keep in mind that Chrome HOLDS heat. ie: your motor. please don't chrome (not saying that you are) just a word of advice. a friend of mine did his. BAD BAD idea.

 

Now my .02....

buy a DS....

haha

 

Have you checked out the newest ATV sport? They have a polanda hybrid in there.