Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisfl
Thank you all for the insights. Our team has been looking into trying a west coast drive this fall and this really helps. What other tips or tricks do you guys have in regards to west coast drive?
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Whether 4901's design really is or isn't WCD is a fair question (we supported both ends of the shaft out of concern for the game), but we were running chain-in-tube as many WCDs do.
1) When dead-spacing chain, the term "designing an even number of links" means "2, 4, 6, 8" not "integer". Use a calculator;
we like this one.
2) If you
must run half-links because you ignored #1 or had a very good reason, make it the kind that don't have the little retaining pin you bend. That pin will be busted off by the other chain, and you will throw it, and you will be fishing new chain into your tube. (McMaster-Carr sells the good stuff.)
3)
Dark Soul tool is so much better for making complete chain loops than any master link. Even the normal master link will, invariably, be busted off and you will throw a chain.
4) Design your drivetrain so you can get the main rail off without too much fuss. Riveting your belly pan every inch or so is too much fuss. (This was our greatest issue once we sorted out the chain; haven't designed a better plan yet.)
5) Drive your drivetrain early and often, to make sure your teething problems happen at home and not at your event. (You should be doing this anyway, but especially when you're doing a new-to-you drive system.)