School me on narrowing a straight axle

[TagMan]

A pal of mine (non-HAMBer) is building a gasser and has obtained an Econoline straight axle for it. The problem is, the axle needs to be narrowed about 6" and neither of us have ever gotten into this area before. Who's done it before and what tips can you give us? Any suggestions on cutting & rewelding it up, including alignment, fixturing, strength re-enforcement, etc. would be really appreciated. We want to make damn sure this thing is SAFE and as accurate as need be. Any western New Yawkers know of a shop that can do a quality job on this?
Thanks in advance for your tips,
-Bob

[Tony]

Bob, Bernie stopped in the shop today and asked me if i knew of anyone that could help.
I'm going to call Lee's cousin up this weekend. He's a damn good welder, and an expierienced chassis man so maybe he could get you guy's in the right dirrection..

I'll let Bernie know, or just give him the number..

[TagMan]

Thanks, Tony. I just wanted to find out what experience other guys have had doing this. I must be getting old, but I'm really concerned with the safety aspect of rewelding I-beam axles. I love old iron, but have no desire to die, or have my friends die, in one. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[cougardan]

I'd sell or trade the Econoline axle and buy what you need from Speedway or MAS. They aren't expensive.
Dan

[Tony]

I tottaly understand how you feel about cutting and welding the axle.
I started thinking about it after he left me..
I'm starting to think maybe saving the axle for something else and going with a tube straight axle instead.

I would think a straight axle could be made to fit the width desired.
Or, if he found an old tube axle, you could cut that to narrow it and just sleeve it..at least that would have some structure to it rather than just "butt" welding a beam..
He mentioned that a few companies make 'kit's' with the parts.

That might not be such a bad idea either..
I'm with you..safety's first..

[mr57]

PM Worm, or El Polacko. I think both make axles....