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Poopy
01-16-2005, 06:53 PM
My project is in its infantile stage, basically a lot of planning and reading message boards and learning what people are doing. My vehicle background is in building rock crawling trucks, my current vehicle is a 90 4runner with Dana 60's that I chopped the back cargo area off and fused on the back 6" of a regular cab truck. The muscle car departure is all new but i'm not new to racing, I raced 125cc Rotax Karts for a couple years, so I'm well in tune with what a "true" g-machine should feel like.

At this point, I'm going with a Hot Rods To Hell style truck arm setup for the rear, and a heidts MII weld in clip with adjustable UCA's and coilovers all around. I'm going to get a rotisserie built in the next week or so and then the fun will begin!

Enough about me, heres the car:

Current Power plant: :hand:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Basic condition of the car:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

What I'm working on...searching for bondo!:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

What was underneath the floorpans the previous owner installed: :ripped:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

My engine and rear axle donor:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

My piss poor photshopped vision...Satin black upper and grille, with a silver or pearl white lower.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

68BNUT
01-16-2005, 07:06 PM
Hey dont be so hard on yourself that photoshop pic and half bad looks good cant wait to see updates. Oh yeah nice floor pans

Piet
01-17-2005, 08:13 AM
I think it looks great. Can't wait to follow your progress. (Pictures too!)
You are way ahead of me.

F70t/a
01-17-2005, 08:58 AM
That car will be badass!!! We all know what your going threw. Some of us have started with worse :kewlpics:

Little Bob
01-17-2005, 10:10 AM
Thats a great car to start with. Those are so light, you can do anything with them. I like color combo too.

Gonzostyle
01-17-2005, 10:46 AM
I like the paint scheme, but am curious why you put a 65 Nova front end on it? want to get rid of your 62 grille? Also I am curious once you put the HTH truck arm in what your overall impressin of it is. keep us up to date

-Jeremie (only has 3 novas now....)

Poopy
01-17-2005, 10:58 AM
Thanks guys! I'm looking forward to getting this thing started....As for the grille gonzo, i didnt change the grille, the photo i photochopped was the only clean 2dr Post i could find a pic of to alter....its not my car. ;)

My 62 grille is toast, not even repairable, I am looking at some different grille options, I'd love to do something with black swiss cheese mesh or the various other ricer meshes, or maybe just get a billet grille and paint it black.

As for the HTH truck arm, I'm going to build my own, for the price they want...around $1800 I could spend it in better areas as I am on a tight budget with this project, and I already picked up the truck arms and mounts for a measily $100. Now all i need is steel, a pan hard and coilovers. For probably about $5-600 I could do the whole thing.

69boo307
01-19-2005, 05:18 AM
I hope you keep the straight-6 in there, and boost it :D. THere's a company that makes performance parts for them, and they have cars runnin 12's on the old things.

BigCat
01-19-2005, 07:15 AM
Nice project! Not to be off the Pro-Touring subject, but how 'bout some pics of the 4runner.............

Lucas

Piet
01-19-2005, 07:39 AM
I have to agree with 69boo.... the straight-6 looks pretty nice

Poopy
01-19-2005, 10:56 AM
Hmmm, not so sure about the 6....I'll trade it for your V8 if you have one!

Heres my other child:

What I started with:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Started cutting!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Pickup truck cab splicing:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Had it all finished, then smashed the sh*t out of it, and cut more off:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

And finally what it is today:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

And a lil video!

Moab vid (http://www3.telus.net/public/sugab/5.avi )

DLinson
01-19-2005, 11:03 AM
You picked a good car to work with, but I'm a little biased. The floors aren't a big deal, the rear tail light panel and bumper filler were completely gone on mine. Building that from scratch wasn't any fun, at least they sell floor boards. I believe I've replaced every panel on mine except the roof and trunk lid.

Do you have an extra rear window? I'm having trouble finding a good one.

Good luck,
Dennis Linson

Poopy
01-19-2005, 11:21 AM
I just have the one rear window that came with it, and luckily its in good shape, the guy I bought it from had brand new floor pans overtop of that rusty crap, so i have them, but just need to install them properly.

I searched for a long time before i settled on this one, its really solid other than the lower rear quarter on the drivers side, the rest is mint. I found it on ebay in california...only $1925 too.

Poopy
01-21-2005, 06:32 PM
I learned some tricks on photoshop, and now have a better rendering!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

RobM
01-21-2005, 10:09 PM
i love that truck! trucks are my second love to cars. i always say the day i have a nice truck and a nice car then life will be pretty much compleet right now i have about half of both of those.

Poopy
01-29-2005, 11:12 PM
Thanks Rob..I love my truck too! Gonna go wheeling next weekend!

I've decided to try out building a truck arm rear suspension. I've read reviews on it and it seems to be the best bang for the buck handling package. I just started on this last week, so its a work in progress....here goes!

My floors were rusty, so I cut them out to get this project underway:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Here is my rear suspension donor, i got this whole piece and a 12bolt truck rear end for $100 CDN.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Here is the truck arm crossmember getting cut in half so it fit:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

The crossmember with cut down mounts now welded on instead of riveted:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Mock up of the crossmember and subframe connectors, I've decided to go with 2x3 tube(its 2x2 in the pic) for the crossmember tube so I can drop it an inch lower and still have the 2x2 subframe connectors line up. Still to do is build a tub bridge over the driveshaft to tie the two sides together:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Poopy
01-29-2005, 11:13 PM
I got the cross member finished, its pretty beefy, I dont think it will break or bend :D

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Hopefully tomorrow I'll get it installed, and the subframe connectors built and installed....

MrQuick
01-29-2005, 11:23 PM
nice work poopy, gonna be nice when done. Love the rock crawler by the way!

Poopy
01-31-2005, 06:33 PM
Thanks! The rock crawler is fun, but needs a new yoke on its driveshaft...axle wrap sucks!

Made some good headway today, all the major frame parts are installed, most are fully welded and some still tacked, I had the rear end in and everything looks like its gonna work. Well... other than my pinion angle lol, I really goofed the measurement on that, this is why we only tack weld first!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

FSTFBDY
01-31-2005, 06:50 PM
verry nice work.

Love the 4x4 stuff also.

skeevay
01-31-2005, 10:08 PM
Nice project. I like the bang for the buck idea...I am thinking about using a truck-arm suspension also. I'll have to do some junk yard searching and check out that set-up.

Poopy
09-03-2005, 06:43 PM
I guess its time for an update, my project stalled for a bit, but its active again:


My new rearend arrived, ford explorer 8.8:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00214JPG-1.jpg

I needed this to fix the lower rear 1/4 and the wheel well:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00217JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00219JPG-1.jpg

Yum:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00222JPG-1.jpg

Then I decided to take it all off, glad I did, it was gross and rusty back there:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00223JPG-1.jpg

Time to start fitting the new panel:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00224JPG-1.jpg

Poopy
09-03-2005, 06:43 PM
Got the 1/4 panel done , it turned out pretty decent, I found a bit more rust and had to make a little patch. And of course I got it a little too hot and warped it a bit at the top. :sarcastic:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00226JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00228JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00230JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00232JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/DSC00234JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/quarter21JPG-1.jpg

Poopy
09-03-2005, 06:45 PM
I sourced dimensions of a few of the popular brands of MII nova clips, and have based mine on those dimensions. Here is a quick start to it last night, ignore the backwards spindle though. I'm going to run 2x3 tube frame rails with 1.75" round support tubes up to the fire wall for strength.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS1JPG-1.jpg

Blurry pic, but the inside of the frame is sleeved with some 3/8 wall tube.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS2JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS3JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS4JPG-1.jpg

Today I got most of it cut and tacked, just need to get some steel for some gussets, a bit of DOM for the upper control arm bolt to rotate in, and some little bits to mount the steering rack. But its coming together nicely!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS7JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS8JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS9JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS10JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS11JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS12JPG-1.jpg

Todds69
09-03-2005, 08:34 PM
Very impressive work, I am very jealous. Love the external cage on the rack crawler.....SWEET!!

Poopy
09-03-2005, 10:48 PM
Thanks Todd, the rock crawlers for sale! :hammer:

Todays updates:

Crossmember welded up and blended.....just need to get the car off the rotisserie to finish it up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS_welded1JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS_welded3JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/IFS_welded4JPG-1.jpg

And I've been wanting to do this for a while, and I figured tonight was as good as any... The plan was to have the exhaust exit before the rear tires, but I didnt want it hanging down, I wanted it to kinda blend in but obviously there isnt a ton of room with the way the factory "frame" is built, so I did some notching and blending and building and blending...... :D

This is the rocker upside down on the rotisserie

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/RockerexhaustJPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/Rockerexhaust2JPG-1.jpg

This is my PVC exhaust tip, its 3" diameter.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/Rockerexhaust3JPG-1.jpg

zbugger
09-03-2005, 11:04 PM
Damn. You're doing a lot of fab work on that thing. Looking real good too. Any idea when it'll be a roller?

Poopy
09-04-2005, 06:34 AM
Im just trying to get it off the rotisserie since my new wheels and tires are arriving next week....and I want to see it on wheels! So hopefully in the next 2 weeks it will be back on wheels!

Steve Chryssos
09-04-2005, 06:48 AM
Lookin good. I'm always impressed with how hard the Chevy II guys work to achieve their goals. My favorite pic is of your upside down doner Monte Carlo. There ARE Easier ways to drain the fluids, but your way looks like more fun.
/Steevo

Poopy
09-04-2005, 07:01 AM
LOL, I'd never want to be in one of those POS's in a rollover, I gently lifted it onto its side, then let it roll onto the roof, the front pillars collapsed and would have crushed the driver for sure...and that was a .5 MPH roll over.... Of course I then picked it up and dropped it a few times :lmao:

F70t/a
09-04-2005, 08:51 AM
Damn you can do some mean Fab work!!!!!!

kmcanally
09-04-2005, 10:30 AM
Very nice build...love the fabrication....I saw a vintage road racing mustang with a similar exhaust thru the rocker panel...they were using oval exhaust tubing for ground clearance....so they took a piece of the oval exhaust and and split it down the middle to widen it....then they halved it and welded it into the floor pan to create the clearance tunnel for the exhaust...very sweet keep the pics coming!

yody
09-04-2005, 11:14 AM
Very nice, I am always so envious of good fabrication! curious though, how did you do that frame without any jigs?

Poopy
09-04-2005, 11:22 AM
I was thinking of going with oval tube too, but I'll stick to round for cost and simplicity!

What frame do you mean Yody? The front subframe? I havent built the jig to get the new frame rails setup, thats next once the car is on the ground.

yody
09-04-2005, 11:25 AM
yeah the front subframe,

strangler
09-06-2005, 08:52 AM
Nice work man. I too am a rock crawler turned pro-touring nut. Actually I started the rock crawling because I was sick of working on the car, but now... 2 years later... the Jeep is up for sale and my chevelle is back in the garage. Hardest thing I have found about switching back to cars is that things have to be done right. In the 4wd game the rigs never see 30 mph, and are trailered everywhere. I dont think I build a single thing for the Jeep without a beer in my other hand. I need to overcome the urge.....


How times change, right?

Poopy
09-07-2005, 05:57 AM
So true! Trucks are a lot easier because its going to get bashed up anyways, so why make it perfect... I have redone a few things that were rock crawler quality, but not car quality and made them right.

I got sick of fixing the truck, I'm looking forward to driving this car, and not worry about smashing driveshafts, breaking t-cases, and limping it home with torn sidewalls. :hmm: Oh, and it will always be pretty clean too.

Poopy
09-23-2005, 08:27 PM
Finally these little fellas arrived today, one needs a bit of repair, but all in all a good ebay deal on wheels and tires!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/ADRSJPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/ADRS2JPG-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/09/ADRS3JPG-1.jpg

dropit69
09-23-2005, 09:05 PM
wow sweet wheels ..they look good on there!!

hechtrod
09-28-2005, 02:27 PM
Sweet ride! One of favorite cars. What size wheels and tires are those?

Poopy
09-28-2005, 08:22 PM
Thanks guys!


WHeels are 18x9.5 and 18x8.5, tires are 265/35 and 225/30. They were off of a new 350z, and amazingly they fit with a ford explorer axle!

deak350
09-28-2005, 08:46 PM
Thats sure a nice piece your building. Ill post some pics of mine when its painted to give you an idea of what yours will look like. Mine is almost ready for paint I just need to block it out and shoot the paint, which is titanium over silver.

Poopy
09-28-2005, 09:13 PM
Nice! Do you have any pics of your buildup? Nice specs!

yody
09-28-2005, 10:00 PM
woops

Poopy
10-19-2005, 07:14 AM
Got some work done, I need to build the upper control arm mount and the coilover mount, weld it all up and its rolling!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/MII_assemledJPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/MII_assemled2JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/MII_assemled3JPG-1.jpg

rickk
10-24-2005, 08:12 PM
poppy . that is a hell of a job keep up the good work .

rickk:wrc:

Poopy
10-25-2005, 06:01 PM
poppy . that is a hell of a job keep up the good work .

rickk:wrc:


Thanks rickk! Heres a bit more from last weekends work:

It's rolling......phew what a load off! Things to finish:

Tabs for steering rack

Down tubes from firewall

Buy coilovers

Make engine mounts

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/IFSweldedJPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/IFSwelded2JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/IFScoiloverJPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/IFSinstalled2JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/IFSinstalled3JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/IFSinstalled4JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/IFSinstalled7JPG-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2005/10/IFSinstalled6JPG-1.jpg

sskustomz
11-24-2005, 06:50 PM
Any updates,how did you figure out the angles for the uppers,what grade are the bolts running thru the arms to be strong enuff to hold the weight

Poopy
11-24-2005, 07:02 PM
I had a friend send me some dimensions of one of the popular brands of front clips, and used that with a lot of research to set it all up. The bolts on it are Grade 5, they came with the A-Arms so I would assume they are strong enough for lightweight car. No updates for a while, i've been building a link suspension for the front of my rock crawler, so the Nova has to wait!

syborg tt
11-24-2005, 07:17 PM
nice work - i've alway's loved old nova's

Chad-1stGen
07-15-2006, 06:07 PM
stumbled onto this post. Did this project get carried over into another post or stall or what?

Poopy
07-16-2006, 02:20 PM
Kinda stalled, I moved, and am just about to set up some forms to pour concrete for my new shop. Then it will begin again!

Thanks for looking!

Poopy
07-16-2006, 03:57 PM
This is how it sits now in my gravel shop.
:barf:

The stance has changed since the previous pictures, lowered the front by a couple inches and same with the rear.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/07/DSC00153JPG-1.jpg

And I ditched my clip that i built since it was kinda boring, and had a friend build this:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif[/URL]
[URL="http://www.blackflag4x4.com/upload/DSC00153.JPG"] (http://trdv.ca/offroad/assorted/tubeclip/11.jpg)

wiedemab
07-16-2006, 04:17 PM
That front clip looks cool. The new stance looks better too. Good luck with your shop. I'm looking forward to seeing progress on the car too!

Later,

Brandon

Poopy
07-16-2006, 04:22 PM
Thanks Brandon! :camaro:

Chad-1stGen
07-16-2006, 06:19 PM
I was really diggin the car! I'm bummed to hear the project stalled but excited that you are still posting and will be continuing the work soon.

Good luck with the shop.

MrQuick
07-16-2006, 09:02 PM
ahhh I see the crawler! sweet. Hey poop, what front do you have now?

Poopy
07-16-2006, 10:10 PM
In the car? Custom made, MII geometry and spindles.

In the Crawler? Dana60...welded diff.

The crawler is undergoing extensive renovations too...if you noticed, it has no roof or windshield anymore. Going full buggy!



:rotfl:

bigkaboose
07-18-2006, 05:52 AM
Poopy I am very impressed with what you have done. I have a 63 Nova that is in better shape but I feel it may be worse because I am finding a hard time ripping it down seeing it needs nothing at the moment but driving. What happened to the clip that you originally made for it? If you still have it are you interested in selling it? It looked like it was pretty much done before you ditched it. Send me a message or an email. [email protected] I really like the custom front end you had made when you are all done we will probably be seeing the car in mag or two.

Mr.VENGEANCE
07-18-2006, 06:17 AM
good lookin stuff going on there..

torval
07-18-2006, 03:18 PM
Excellent work man!

slow4dr
07-18-2006, 04:41 PM
Finally these little fellas arrived today, one needs a bit of repair, but all in all a good ebay deal on wheels and tires!


I was just looking at the ADR "M style" the other day. I think you just made the decision for me. :bananna2: The car looks awesome, keep up the good work.

Poopy
07-18-2006, 09:21 PM
Glad you like the M-sports, I think they are a great wheel for the price. Although I got mine on ebay with rubber for $900. :cool:

Hey kaboose, the other clip was cut apart during the construction of the new one, then scrapped.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone!

Forming for concrete this week i hope.....!

Poopy
07-18-2006, 09:26 PM
Hey slow4dr, any updates on the toyota nova? Thats a frickin killer setup...

slow4dr
07-19-2006, 06:25 AM
Hey slow4dr, any updates on the toyota nova? Thats a frickin killer setup...

Here is the most recent update. https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20842

I backed myself into a corner with that cross member though. The firewall is going to need a lot of work with the new cross member positioning/engine set back.