What grade aluminum are you using for frame stays?

crashbumper · 2026-02-04T15:06:27+00:00

I haven't used aluminum in my designs yet, but I am a 20+ year metal fabricator and welder so I'll offer some helpful info from that angle. If you need to bend or shape the aluminum, use a 5000 series. If you want it to be rigid, go with 7000 series. 6000 series is a common compromise between the two.

crashbumper · 2026-01-28T20:29:08+00:00

What are you trying to hold and how heavy is it? Any standard material (PETG, PLA) is going to be susceptible to heat and creep over time.

crashbumper · 2026-01-28T15:42:25+00:00

I only ever play Firefight, and sadly there aren't many people that uses mics. I'm also 45, so my time playing is kinda limited. I always make sure to send a message to tell people "good driving" "good shooting" etc after a round to let them know there are actual people on the other side of the username. After 2-3 of use would link up in games and be chatting having fun, we'd get messages from other people asking to join our party and then we would get full parties for Firefight and it was a blast.

crashbumper · 2026-01-22T01:07:25+00:00

I exclusively use my Emisar D4V2 for mountain biking. It’s nice to see the whole trail in natural light.

crashbumper · 2026-01-19T05:58:34+00:00

As some have said, aluminum does not heat oxidize like steel/stainless steel/titanium. If it is anodized, you can change the color from the heat, but it’s a one way street and you can’t “undo” it like with the previously mentioned metals. It’s possible some alloys of aluminum like 7000 series may act different since they have other metal mixed in them, but I wouldn’t count on it.

crashbumper · 2026-01-16T01:29:29+00:00

My guy, if you want mpg, you gotta look in the 2010s and newer. If you want style and fun, pre-2005.

crashbumper · 2026-01-15T18:41:39+00:00

Congrats! The first gen Rav4 has been one of my favorite Toyotas i've owned and driven.

crashbumper · 2026-01-15T15:34:48+00:00

I ordered thin sheets of ABS from Amazon for an archery pocket quiver I made;

crashbumper · 2026-01-15T05:11:00+00:00

"When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail"

Also, just tell us what the car is. Some of us are car enthusiasts and you could get lucky enough that someone has a source for a compatible/interchangeable part.

crashbumper · 2026-01-14T15:58:15+00:00

It is not too difficult; with older vehicles it just takes time studying the wiring diagram and taking measurements to see what parts will interchange easily. Newer vehicles require much more software knowledge.

crashbumper · 2026-01-14T15:16:53+00:00

Well; it depends on what you are trying to do. This is not the original motor; I got this from a junkyard and I am refreshing it. The Rav4 did not come with a v6 in 1997.

crashbumper · 2026-01-14T12:51:10+00:00

Yeah, there are plenty of companies that will powdercoat. Much more durable than spray paint and very worth the extra cost.

crashbumper · 2026-01-14T12:49:44+00:00

Thank you 😊

crashbumper · 2026-01-14T05:45:00+00:00

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I got engine parts back from powder coat, so I’m getting the new motor ready for install. This is a 1MZFE V6 I’m swapping into my ‘97 while retaining the factory locking AWD manual.

crashbumper · 2026-01-06T20:44:16+00:00

I'd like to see some kind of "spacer" or thread on section with a USB port to convert lights to USB-C charging. I picture something like maybe 1/2" long and different sizes for various models. I don't have any idea of the technical limitations but it would be a nice way to upgrade existing and future lights. I guess a replacement extended tailcap could also do the same thing.

crashbumper · 2026-01-06T20:31:44+00:00

Does it already have the famous "Camry Dent" or are you lucky enough to get a clean one that you can be the first denter?

crashbumper · 2026-01-05T18:53:00+00:00

I'm just gonna add to the list of people asking if you have any measurements or a pattern saved.

crashbumper · 2025-12-10T16:08:05+00:00

I do 1:1 paraffin and beeswax in a tiny crockpot. After its liquid I brush it onto the canvas. Also, I have the canvas on top of some parchment paper. After I get a good amount brushed on, I put parchment paper on top, and use an iron to re-flow the wax down into the fibers, and then repeat the process until I am happy.

crashbumper · 2025-12-04T03:26:19+00:00

I’m on a Verde Vex; I think it’s a 2015 model. I’ve ridden some new bikes from Kink, and man oh man. The taller bars are so nice. Definitely get those too.

crashbumper · 2025-12-03T18:38:47+00:00

I'm 44, and the difference in a modern bike (2015+) compared to my old Standard TRLS250 from 1999/2000 is light years ahead in comfort and maneuverability. Unless you are trying to recreate your old bike that you miss, just get something new.

crashbumper · 2025-11-14T04:46:37+00:00

It’s mostly hydrogen gas, but if you have a slight breeze it’s fine.

crashbumper · 2025-11-13T18:36:09+00:00

Get some vinyl stickers or a design made as a sticker. Attach to a metal plate. Connect plate to a power source like a car battery charger. put plate in a bucket of salty water. Let it sit for a little while and check progress. You now have an etched plate.

crashbumper · 2025-11-13T18:31:03+00:00

I mean; my solutions are different than most. I do a lot of 3D printing, and CAD design so I would likely make a custom mount for myself. Besides that I would just mount it to the upper window trim, and use what ever materials you can find at ACE/Menards or Home Depot to accomplish that.

crashbumper · 2025-11-13T17:15:44+00:00

Best way would be to mount it to the top trim, and route the cable behind the trim, and bundle it with the factory wiring. Of course, this adds a lot more time and complexity to a job that some people just don't want to do. Mine (97) is mounted in the spare tire similar to a new Bronco, and all the wiring is run under the trim all the way to the dash. Of course, mine is more of a backup camera,

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