I've been thinking about this task for a long time. In the manual Eric uses an aluminum block to form the front fittings. I don't have access to a milling machine but I do have an aluminum block. So I can either hirer a shop to mill the block or I have to figure out something else. One thought I had was to make a forming jig out of 3/4" steel square tubing. I made the jig welding the tubing on a piece of steel sheet.
Next I need a press. I've been keeping an eye on the Harbor Freight 12 ton shop press and it just so happens to be on sale for $130. I called to make sure they had it in stock and they do. I was heading out the door to pick it up when it dawned on me that I have a 22 ton hydraulic press in the back yard posing as a log splitter! Why wouldn't that work? Well I ended up spending the rest of the afternoon getting it to run. Seems I forgot to drain the gas after last season. Took the carb off and cleaned it up now it runs fine.
