New screwed up v bands clamps.
01-12-2014, 07:37 PM
#1
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New screwed up v bands clamps. I bought 2.5 inch v band clamps from JM Turbo Technology. They're obviously cheap China garbage. The tensioner nuts gaulded and stripped out on the first attempt to tighten them down for mock up.
This is with moly lube on the threads and a hand ratchet.
I also had to face the mating surface so they'd fit flush.
I hope like hell that I can find a better quality band clamp that will fit what I already have.
Anybody have any suggestions?
This is with moly lube on the threads and a hand ratchet.
I also had to face the mating surface so they'd fit flush.
I hope like hell that I can find a better quality band clamp that will fit what I already have.
Anybody have any suggestions?
01-12-2014, 07:57 PM
#2
Teching In
I have used mainly the OBX v band clamps without any issues. I do make sure to put the clamp together and torque it so it does not warp in welding. I did not clamp the first one I welded and had to do some file work to get it to fit.
01-12-2014, 08:13 PM
#4
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I used valve lapping compound to get a good finish seat.
Might have been overkill but its my first time for vband clamp fitment.
I was quite impressed with the way the truck manifolds took a weld bead.
01-12-2014, 08:41 PM
#5
The best thing to do is throw those stainless steel nuts in the trash and replace then with
zinc plated steel nuts from you local hardware store. SS on SS will gauld easily.
Made the the USA clamps from Clampco and 5 Star Industries use SS nuts and the clamp stud is SS. But if you look at the nut real close you can see it has a flat goldish look to it.
That is silver plating to prevent gaulding.
You don't get those little details with China parts.
zinc plated steel nuts from you local hardware store. SS on SS will gauld easily.
Made the the USA clamps from Clampco and 5 Star Industries use SS nuts and the clamp stud is SS. But if you look at the nut real close you can see it has a flat goldish look to it.
That is silver plating to prevent gaulding.
You don't get those little details with China parts.
01-12-2014, 08:53 PM
#6
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The best thing to do is throw those stainless steel nuts in the trash and replace then with
zinc plated steel nuts from you local hardware store. SS on SS will gauld easily.
Made the the USA clamps from Clampco and 5 Star Industries use SS nuts and the clamp stud is SS. But if you look at the nut real close you can see it has a flat goldish look to it.
That is silver plating to prevent gaulding.
You don't get those little details with China parts.
zinc plated steel nuts from you local hardware store. SS on SS will gauld easily.
Made the the USA clamps from Clampco and 5 Star Industries use SS nuts and the clamp stud is SS. But if you look at the nut real close you can see it has a flat goldish look to it.
That is silver plating to prevent gaulding.
You don't get those little details with China parts.
I cringe putting China parts on my 69 chevy
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01-12-2014, 10:25 PM
#8
I also dont mind the RPS ones to save a little bit. OBX flanges are ok but I wish they would make the threaded rod about 1/2" longer. Honestly I LOVE the vibrant ones but they are expensive. I need to try some of the american made ones next. I do not mind paying more for nicer fab materials at all. Didnt like the ones I got from columbia river. I would avoid most of the cheap ones.
01-13-2014, 04:20 PM
#10
I just bought the cheapest cast iron vband adapter to do the welding on. They are strong and act as a great heat-sink.
Agreed on changing the bolts. Overall i have not seen too much difference in vbands quality, mostly the clamp. Here is a couple pics
Agreed on changing the bolts. Overall i have not seen too much difference in vbands quality, mostly the clamp. Here is a couple pics
Last edited by abnaasefmb; 01-13-2014 at 04:53 PM.
01-13-2014, 07:16 PM
#11
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01-14-2014, 06:56 PM
#13
Great idea with the wing nuts. I use a extra nut to just take up space and anti-seize on the bolt when i do snug them down for welding.
Someone asked for pics of my backpurge block. So here you go. Hope it helps.
As said before; it's a cheap vband adapter i got from ebay. It bolts to a slug of aluminum.
Someone asked for pics of my backpurge block. So here you go. Hope it helps.
As said before; it's a cheap vband adapter i got from ebay. It bolts to a slug of aluminum.
01-14-2014, 07:02 PM
#15
Great idea with the wing nuts. I use a extra nut to just take up space and anti-seize on the bolt when i do snug them down for welding.
Someone asked for pics of my backpurge block. So here you go. Hope it helps.
As said before; it's a cheap vband adapter i got from ebay. It bolts to a slug of aluminum.
Someone asked for pics of my backpurge block. So here you go. Hope it helps.
As said before; it's a cheap vband adapter i got from ebay. It bolts to a slug of aluminum.
I'm going to make me one of those!
01-15-2014, 01:57 AM
#16
http://www.fivestarclamps.com/vclamps.html
Also whats up with so many of the el cheapo vbands claiming they are stainless but only the clamp and not flanges are. BS!
01-15-2014, 02:16 AM
#17
I know how you feel OP, the SAME EXACT thing happen to me the night before my exhaust appointment was setup for. Alot of people aren't as lucky as we are in michigan but we have a air craft tubing wholesaler here that goes by WOOLF Aircraft tubing in romulus. They sale ANY mandrel bend/ V - band you can think of lol they saved my *** bigtime. I bought a high quality stainless vband from them and it was night and day difference from that China junk. This place would be a turbo enthusiast's dream!
01-15-2014, 11:53 AM
#19
I used Vbands from Columbia river. Mild steel. I didn't hve any issues, but haven't run the car yet either. Fit after welding seems excellent. I didn't clamp them together when welding, the band would be too close to the weld while doing so.
They are a non centering design, so I made centering rings for them.
The nuts are a gold plated color, not nylocks.
Ron
They are a non centering design, so I made centering rings for them.
The nuts are a gold plated color, not nylocks.
Ron
09-14-2023, 06:35 PM
#20
TECH Addict
I bought mine off amazon..
Another option, buy COPPER nuts for the clamps. The copper wont gaul to the bolt. YOu can buy ones that have a locking ring on one side that grips the seating area where the nut rests.
FWIW, I just had a Vibrant clam gall and lock up on me, JUST before it got fully tight.
Another option, buy COPPER nuts for the clamps. The copper wont gaul to the bolt. YOu can buy ones that have a locking ring on one side that grips the seating area where the nut rests.
FWIW, I just had a Vibrant clam gall and lock up on me, JUST before it got fully tight.