Ballast Question

[Matt Rowe]

I ran into the same problem with a set of weights I bought. Large drill press, slow speeds, different size bits, etc. after 25 minutes I managed to get a 3/8" hole .25" deep. It appears the damn things are case hardened so it may just be a matter a different set of weights.

[lateapex911]

Any one ever done the lead melting deal? My friend John Weisberg used to do it, but I held reservation on that technique. Might be okie dokie, might be an industrial accident waiting to happen! Opinions?

[JimLill]

Any one ever done the lead melting deal? My friend John Weisberg used to do it, but I held reservation on that technique. Might be okie dokie, might be an industrial accident waiting to happen! Opinions?

I now rub elbows with John here in Rochester........ I'd avoid melting lead but I'd be OK using it performed. There are a number of places you can get 1/4" sheet. That weighs 16# per sq ft. So 6X12" pieces might be a nice size to stack up. over a pair of 5/8" bolts.

http://www.marsmetal.com/newpages/aakleadsheetpage.html

[JamesB]

if you melt it yourself make sure you wear a resparator and do it in a well ventalated area. I have done it in the past to weight down shifter carts.

[dickita15]

I used to melt lead a lot when I was apprenticing as a plumber years ago. I think I still have a lead pot ladle and burner around here somewhere.
Of course that could explain a lot.

[Grumpy]

SCCA Rule for IT ballast

l. Ballast may be used. All ballast shall be located in the front passenger footwell/seating area, aft of the firewall and any footwell angle, and forward of the aft-edge of the forward-most passenger door opening, unless otherwsie specified on the vehicle’s spec line. OEM front passenger seat location.

1. It shall be in segments no heavier than fifty (50) pounds, and shall be capable of being removed to be weighed apart from the car.
2. Each segment shall be fastened with a minimum of two (2) one-half (1/2) inch bolts and positive lock nuts of SAE Grade 5 or better, and shall utilize large-diameter, load-distributing washers.
3. Holes may be drilled in the front passenger footwell/seating area floorpan for purposes of mounting the ballast (only), and said floorpan may be reinforced as required for the same purpose.
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If you treat each piece of shot as 1 piece of ballast you might be in violation of and shall be capable of being removed to be weighed apart from the car. and Each segment shall be fastened with a minimum of two (2) one-half (1/2) inch bolts and positive lock nuts of SAE Grade 5 or better, and shall utilize large-diameter, load-distributing washers.
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If you treat the container and shot to be one ballast you might have trouble with and shall be capable of being removed to be weighed apart from the car. if you weld the container to the floor.

If bolted to the floor underneath the shot 1. how do you get to the bolts and 2. when you lift it out won't the shot leak out thru the bolt holes.

Somewhere I read that ballast cannot be shot but I don't know where its written or what sanction has that rule.

[shwah]

speedwaymotors.com sells lead ballast and attaching hardware - never used it, but remember seeing it there.

[GKR_17]

Any one ever done the lead melting deal? My friend John Weisberg used to do it, but I held reservation on that technique. Might be okie dokie, might be an industrial accident waiting to happen! Opinions?

Tried lead shot, on the kitchen stove in mom's cast iron skillet... Bad idea!

Later molded a small charcoal furnace out of plaster, used an air nozzle to get the coal plenty hot and melted the lead in small iron crucible. This worked pretty well.

Now we just buy plumber's lead in 25lbs increments, drill and bolt.