Custom/Hybrid pole bushings for custom pole

[zachls]

Im in the middle of making an aluminum pole. The last part of the puzzle is the pole bushings.

I have gathered that they are not all the same, but what ones are better than others and why? I need to decide what rout to go. I would like them to be replaceable and readily available.

Opinions on what bushing to go with? AC racing? RRP? oem?

And here are some pics if your curious. its -1.5 from my sn pole and set up to fit a RN style bracket. I have one more complete ready to be welded. going to see how i like the length and go from there.

 

[550headache]

looks great! I used oem and turned them in a lathe to work with my AAA pole

 

[KyFritz]

Thats a good looking pole! I actually used PVC fittings but shaved them down to fit in the holes snug. I was leary about them breaking but so far they are solid as a rock and hold the pole with little to no movement. Sometimes you just have to get a little crafty and walk through the hardware store with your eyes open.

 

[makejetskiinggreatagain]

looking good. i cant chime in on the bushing but im curious are these going to be for sale to the masses or are you just making one for yourself?

 

[zachls]

i may consider selling one. as of right now i have another pole that is ready to have the tubes welded. i am going to ride this one and see if i want to go shorter or longer on the tubes and sell what ever one i dont use.

i am definitely not going to produce these to sell though. they are a lot of work to make. I made it on my spare time at work. didnt cost me anything so i figured i would give it a shot.

 

[makejetskiinggreatagain]

well it looks great! gonna anodize it?

 

[zachls]

thanks! not sure yet. probably either powder coat or just leave it. i like the idea of just not having to worry about it. not a big fan of things being too pretty to scratch lol

 

[Sasquachcrap]

I made a pole similar to that and the stock plastic bushings lasted one season. It has bronze bushings I got from a local bearing shop and it looks better and feels tighter we will see how long they last. They cost like 5 bucks altogether. I think I used 1" od and 3/4 Id. But I had to drill out the I'd to get the pole bolt through.

 

[Jhucke]

this pole looks great!

 

[zachls]

I made a pole similar to that and the stock plastic bushings lasted one season. It has bronze bushings I got from a local bearing shop and it looks better and feels tighter we will see how long they last. They cost like 5 bucks altogether. I think I used 1" od and 3/4 Id. But I had to drill out the I'd to get the pole bolt through.

what is the exact size of the pole bolt? it is metric correct? I might just have to go that rout. the stock bushing do seem to be pretty week.

and thanks for the compliments. I cant wait to see what it looks like on the ski.

 

[JetManiac]

I would use oem so they are always easily available for replacement.

 

[Sasquachcrap]

Sorry I told you wrong. The bushings were 1/2 I'd 3/4 od. The pole bolt is 14 mm or .550.

 

[mgcordato]

+1 on bronze. Size the bushings to OEM but use some of those self lubricated bronze bushings from the good fellas over at McMaster Carr http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-sleeve-bearings/=ramjqh

 

[zachls]

finally finished my pole in case you guys were curios. i went with the oil infused bronze bushings.

 

[2006sigouin]

I know it is alot of work but would you share me your plans so i can make my own pole ?

Sigouin6@hotmail.com


Thank you

 

[Bradley Cooper]

I'd totally buy a pole like this. If you want to make another you got a buyer right here


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[550headache]

looks sick!