i have a piece of spring steel that is only 1/16 inch thick but is tough as nails. it is pretty much the same stuff that is used to make putty knives and the sort with. it is also stainless steel. can i use this piece of metal for my kdp tab without any problems with dis-similar metals and corrosion. and also i was wondering why every kdp instructions that i have read tell me to get a 1/4 inch longer bolt instead of the original one. i would think that only adding1/16 more inch under the bolt head would be ok with the original bolt.. just getting everthing together to do mine and my buddys kdp next weekend..thanks to all for the great info.

 

did i mention hard as a rock to cut through,,, i just went out and cut about 1 1/2 inches with a brand new jigsaw blade and the blade is smooth as silk now, no teeth at all lol

 

I cant see any reason why that wouldnt work - as long as you can drill a hole for the bolt you should be good to go.

 

Also stake the hole with a punch to insure the tab doesn't come out, if the material is the thickness you state, I would use the same bolt and just be sure to clean it and locktite it. Goodluck,,Rick

 

I know a guy who used part of a sawzall blade for his tab, it didn't work, snapped off. The material doesn't need to be that hard, would make it easier to work with

 

gottahavediesel

If you want to cut that type of material you'll need to use a cutoff saw. To drill the hole you'll need to use a carbide drill or just grind a hole with a dremel.

 

kandgo

what do u mean by staking the hole so that the tab wont come out i am a little confused at this. i am gonna start on it tomorrow i think after i get a new seal and gasket.

 

ahhhhhhh i think that i got it now, do u mean to stake the hole in the gear case after you tap the dowel pin back home to keep the dowel pin from moving out past the staked part? doing this as an extra safeguard?

 

You got it!! Just added insurance in case the tab doesn't do the job. A couple of things to remember, reverse thread on fan, and seal goes on a dry and clean shaft with the inclosed plastic sleave. Might add that it is a good time to have radiator cleaned up and new fluid. Goodluck,,Rick