The unorthodox budget Firebird (-74)

[Ripper]

I've been lurking around here for quite some time. I used write more posts a couple of years ago, but now a days I'm mostly reading...

Kind of a strange name on the thread, but I would like to show my car... or what's left of it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSC_1929-1.jpg

I bought the Firebird ten years ago, 1999, and it was my first car. I was 18 then and I quite alone with an american car - alone at my high school, alone in my neigborhood, alone among my friends but at least not alone in the city... After that, I've done quite a lot of work on the suspension but not much on the rest of it. Mostly because of lack of time, money, interest and a decent garage to work in.
The car was fast, behaved well but it was a six footer. No, probably a sixty footer - the paintjob was a 150dollar job that was made when I just bought the car. There was rust, bad interior panels, ugly trunk and overall a bad impression.

When I found a garage last year the fuel injection had the nice timing to break down (harware failure) which resulted in "well, if I should do some minor maintenance at the same time...."

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSCF62631590x332-1.jpg
So the car was stripped of all the parts...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSCF7197590x332-1.jpg
quite alot of cables in a car, eventhough it's old... It was heavier than I thought.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSCF6494590x442-1.jpg
front off...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSCF7192590x332-1.jpg

I made a rotisserie so I could weld and work on the floor more easily.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/vagga1590x334-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSCF7178590x332-1.jpg


And the suspension was removed (and sold!)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSCF7205450x600-1.jpg

It took me like five minutes to realise that the rotisserie was probably one of my best ideas during this rebuild... I'll never again find myself under a car welding rust...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSCF7241600x450-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSCF7238600x450-1.jpg

Why am I calling this a budget build then?
Well, I have app. 10000 USD to spend (plus the old parts that I can sell) on it which is going to cover new suspension, wheels, paint job, electric system, interior, roll cage etc.
Since I also live in Europe, and not the US - buying aftermarket parts for the project is out of the question. Everything I see, I can make cheaper myself after import taxes, shipping, toll, taxes on the shipping, toll fees, tax on the toll fees and tax on the taxes etc has been added.
That means this thread probably will contain a lot of manufacturing and not that much purchasing... That's why I'm calling it unorthodox - I want to eat the cookie (=have a fast car) and save it (=for less than a **** load of money) at the same time...
So, starting my budget project - what can be better than starting with shopping for "new" (used) wheels?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSCF7231600x450-1.jpg
A used set of centerbolt BBS E87 was purchased for "only" 2500 USD... So much for that budget... :bsjerk:
2500 USD was excluding polished lip and new paint on the center, which I did myself - atleast that was "free"...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/ADSCF7233600x800-1.jpg

What's my goal with the project then?
Well, focus for me is getting a car that is real fast. Not a 3500 lbs 1200 hp car, but a 2500 lbs 500 hp car or so. Good suspension is better than a 100% super duper mega show paint job.
If the money can cover a cage, suspension and some aerodynamic improvements and I'm satisfied...

That's all for now. Hope you guys like it... :smoke:

[jy211]

yeah for some reasons budget's NEVER seem to work when building cars..LOL

[srh3trinity]

I have always wanted to see pics of this car. I remember the blocked out front grill. The new wheels look perfect.

[fbody_mike]

Those centerbolt BBS E87 look great.

[Bad Bird]

The "unorthodox" build threads are the best to read. Bolt-ons, whilst good, are not interesting to read about in comparison to fabrication.

[formula]

Heck yeah man! I'm a longtime fan of your car, and it looks like it's going to come back badder than ever. Keep us updated!

[CruizinKev]

cool to see another europe project! good luck with it :twothumbs

[bonecrrusher]

That rotisserie looks awesome!!

[GM_muscle]

good looking car keep up the good work.

[Ripper]

Thanks for all the comments guys!
Things like this helps keep up the motivation for the project...

Yeah, the front mod came out pretty good...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/grill1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSCF4352-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSCF4397-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSCF4866-1.jpg

Hmmm, why did I tear it down... I actually miss it when I look at the pictures. :rolleyes:

some more pictures;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSCF4334-1.jpg
Pontiac 400 with Kauffman heads, fuel injection, dry sump lubrication and some other nice stuff.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSCF4867-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSCF4310-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSCF4332-1.jpg

[Ripper]

A friend helped me with the wheel nuts since he had a NC-lathe. Since aluminum in small pieces are hard to find (at least good quality), I ended up buying aluminum from e-bay USA. A friend then took it with him home to Sweden. Funny, it's easier to find aluminum pieces on internet on the other side of the world, than it is in my own city...


I designed the nuts (the blue thing) with five edges (or is refered to as surfaces?) instead of six. Since the car will be parked on the streets occasionally. That way I'll hopefully will stop the temptation to steal the wheels on a simple way...

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

They came out preeeeeetty nice, right? :bananna2:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/DSCF8177-1.jpg

(I actually made the washers myself... They wasn't that advanced.)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/04/AIMG_3700-1.jpg

Now I just have to make a five edged socket too... Or maybe two if I lose one of them. :rotfl:

[LSXfan]

great work ! very cool ideas !

[WS6]

bad impression or not, I've always liked you car. I've known about it for years now. Glad to see you still making updates. Keep up the good work.

[bonecrrusher]

Damn - looking good.

I'd take the stickers off the side though.

[Ripper]

Does anyone know where I can find polybushings for my Ford 8.8 rear end? (rear suspension is from a Lincoln Mark VIII).

It's mostly the front bushings that are interesting. I'm going to build a new rear mount and will use either stock rear bushing (if I can find out what it looks like - I didn't get any with the used section) model or same as the front bushings.

I've looked at summit, energy suspension, google etc but can't find anything.

any help would be very appreciated!

[78 Type-LT]

wicked bird..tha center lug wheel idea is sweet

[roadrage79]

It was a cool ride before you started, I can't wait to see the result.

I wish I had fabrication skills, my car would have a chance to actually get done sometime this century.

[NOT A TA]

I always liked your car. It'll be cool to see how it progresses!

[jetwrench34]

great work keep it up

[Ripper]

Thanks for the support guys.

Progress is slow right now. Waiting for bushings for the carrier, SAE drillbits, sheet metal and some other things before I can finish my fixture and start making the mounts for the rear suspension in the body.
The dedione is finished in CAD and the necessary sheet metal for it is ordered (pics are coming).

I've added some room for the mufflers since I'm not going to keep the back seat.
With the modification made, I realized that it would be easier to just cut out all of the floor and start building a new. The problem though, is that I have to pass a certain kind of governemental inspection with th car and to be able to do that I can not do things like cutting out all of the sheet metal and replace it with a tube frame etc... That's why my body mods sometimes may look more time consuming and perhaps slightly more stupid than others...

Anyway,
Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/446__600x500_adscf7608-1.jpg

After:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/442__600x500_adscf8352-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/443__600x500_adscf8354-1.jpg

The lowest parts of the floor has been raised to allow for really low ground clearance:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/ADSCF7520600x337-1.jpg


I'm currently seam welding most of the body. Hard to see on the picture, but look in the lower parts of the door hole
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/DSCF8192600x450-1.jpg

That's all for now.

[MrQuick]

looks good Rip, wait, I thought you just finished that car....LOL j/k

Vince

[Bad Bird]

Wow, this car is amazing.

I see that you've got similar problems to me (I live in Australia) in that we don't have quite the same freedoms to modify our cars like our American friends do.

[Ripper]

looks good Rip, wait, I thought you just finished that car....LOL j/k

Vince

There is no such thing as a finished car! ;)




Wow, this car is amazing.

I see that you've got similar problems to me (I live in Australia) in that we don't have quite the same freedoms to modify our cars like our American friends do.
Yeah, this was actually the reason that I tore it down again. The car had been too modified to pass the inspection, but still too little modified to get a partly new ID. It'll be registered as a "modified vehicle" when I'm finished which means that I won't have to build it back to stock everytime I have to go through inspection...

BTW, anyone know where I can find a M20x1.5 left threaded die?

[COPO-RAT]

Awesome! Just bought my wife a '74 Firebird, I will definitely be subscribing to this thread! Good stuff Ripper!

[Bryce]

There is no such thing as a finished car! ;)




Yeah, this was actually the reason that I tore it down again. The car had been too modified to pass the inspection, but still too little modified to get a partly new ID. It'll be registered as a "modified vehicle" when I'm finished which means that I won't have to build it back to stock everytime I have to go through inspection...

BTW, anyone know where I can find a M20x1.5 left threaded die?


http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=12344470&PMT4NO=0

[Motown 454]

Nice progress and a great project.

[srh3trinity]

Are you running stock tubs? What is the biggest tire you can fit in a '74?

[Ripper]

Yes, the tubs are stock.

It's a little hard to say yet, since I don't have any suspension in it...
A 18x10,5" wheel with 295 30 18 tire is no problem to fit though.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/05/ADSCF7225600x450-1.jpg

There is more space than the camera shows - about an inch or so between tub and wheel.

[CRead01]

very cool project. I love that you are fabricating alot of your own parts. That's one of my favorite parts of the hobby.

[topher455]

I will have to build a second gen someday. My favorite next to the g-body. Awesome ride!

[Ripper]

In order to get the mounting points in the correct position, I built a simple fixture that was mounted on the car. As the only mount point used in the new rear suspension will be the front leaf spring mountings, I started from them.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8465600x450-1.jpg
Above: The fixture was built in standard steel profiles. Although thery're aren't ultra stiff, it will be enough for what it will be used to for.

Below: Once again it is wonderful that I decided to build the rotisserie! It's nice to easily turn up the base and start working. Actually it was a must to build it; welding upside down is hard to get a good result with.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8477600x450-1.jpg

Below: Fixtures for the third link mounting (left), and the diff (right). The details was made for easy removal until it's time for welding them in the bigger fixture.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8530600x450-1.jpg

Below: Add lightness to your build... Do not despise the details! :fingersx: Front diff mounts are M12, and needs to be fairly stable. Instead of making them in one solid piece, I started from 38 × 1.5 mm tube and a couple of inserts which were pressed into the tube and then welded.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8549600x337-1.jpg

Below: Front diff mounting points
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8791600x300-1.jpg

Below: If you don't have a 5/8 "drill bit (were in the metric system) may be trying to get to the holes in another way. I ordered a 5 / 8 "drill from e-bay, but it disappeared somewhere on its way to Sweden. Since I had time to wait, the holes were drilled to 15.5 mm and then the brotched (?) to 15.86 mm (which is appr. 5/8").
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8553600x337-1.jpg

Below: Finished Welding the third link tower.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8556600x800-1.jpg

Below: And the tunnel for the link. Some of the metal will be cut off after it is installed in the body.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8561600x300-1.jpg

[Josh69]

Excellent work! I'm anxious to watch your progress!

[Takid455]

Your car and ideas inspire many ideas of others. I love you creativity and engineering through the original build and the current build. keep up the great work.

do you have your own CNC machine or do you machine your parts by hand?

[Ripper]

do you have your own CNC machine or do you machine your parts by hand?

I machine all my parts by hand, except for the wheel nuts that a friend with a NC-lathe did for me. I would love to do more CNC-parts (brake bells, uprights, suspension mounts etc) but it doesn't fit the budget.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8792600x450-1.jpg
Front differential mount is welded in. When it was bolted to the fixture, I realised that I would have to make a new trans tunnel. The body will be low (lowest point will be 3,5") and the rear suspension is sitting high up in the body. This means that the diff actually sits higher than the gearbox so the new trans tunnel will actually lean forward (higher at the diff, than the gearbox) a couple of inches... I thought it would be possible to build the trans tunnel with the body in the rotisserie, but realised that it's necessary to test fit the engine and trans before welding a new tunnel...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8794600x450-1.jpg
Things in the body. Not welded though...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8955600x450-1.jpg
Yes, I know that the floor is looking like a patchwork... The easiest thing would probably be to cut the entire floor and start with new sheet metal. I can't do this though since I have to keep certain parts of the body stock to pass the governemental inspection and keep the title of the car.

The neon yellow paint in the pictures is used for marking things that isn't finished (i.e. grinding down welds, welding small holes). It's alot easier to find unfinished things when you are standing there with the grinder if they're highlighted in some way.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8964600x592-1.jpg
Picture from below.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8913600x450-1.jpg
What do you call this part in english? Translating it from swedish would be "hat shelf"...
Anyway, it's in the way and it's almost impossible to weld the suspension parts behind it. I also want the space between the luggage compartment and the interior to be separated (not like swiss-cheese-separated)...


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8954600x450-1.jpg
...So it was cut out. (and will be replaced later)...


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8968600x337-1.jpg
...And since it weights almost 11 lbs, I'll probably replace it with aluminum instead.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8958600x337-1.jpg
The body is also seam welded between the suspension points to add a little stiffness.


And here's the current status!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8963600x268-1.jpg
Mods so far are; raised back seat floor, raised floor where the mufflers are placed, front mounts for three link suspension and the diff, partly seam welded and a lot of rust fixing...
Still have to do suspension mounting points and panhard mount.

[Bryce]

looking good!

[fbody_mike]

Still cant wait to see it sitting on those BBS wheels. Great progress!

[Kenova]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/08/ADSCF8913600x450-1.jpg
What do you call this part in english? Translating it from swedish would be "hat shelf"...


Your translation is close. Here in North America we generally refer to it as a parcel shelf.

Ken

[Ripper]

Long time since I updated here. I wish I could say that made great progress, but it takes alot of time...

During the fall and early winter, I worked with modifying the trans tunnel and some other steel;

I made a stand for the drive train so it had correct height in relation to the body.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9431300x205-1.jpg

Then, the body was taken down from the rotisserie so I could mock the trans up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9427600x342-1.jpg

The drive train is offseted appr. 2" to the right and moved back about 10" (or was it 8"... don't remember right now). Mostly because I wanted to leave the space around the gas pedal untouched, but it also helps weight distribution... which is good of course! :D
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9443600x308-1.jpg

Another picture of the same thing.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9441600x450-1.jpg

A new reinforcement plate was made...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9533600x400-1.jpg

...Since the old one was too small to fit the trans
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9539600x450-1.jpg

The new position of the shifter will fit me quite good. Always felt t sat a little bitt to far away.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9540600x450-1.jpg

Almost done here... (I'm reusing as much of the stock metal as possible due to regulations... I know, it looks like a puzzle...)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF95651600x355-1.jpg

Firewall and new space for the dry sump tank.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9509600x450-1.jpg

And before the firewall was welded in. Actually, I didnt realise how little was left of the front of the body until I looked at the picture.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9496600x450-1.jpg


Rear suspension:
To make a (very) long story (extremely) short; I started this project thinking I wanted a IRS, but since the car will be low there just isn't room for one. Since I wanted something lighter than the stock axle, I went for a dedion instead.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/dedionsmst2600x324-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/dedionsmst1600x324-1.jpg

Playing around with different ways to mount the coil overs.. I'll have to wait until the dedion is mounted to the car though since I'm not exactly sure of the exakt positions of the body.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/pushrodsuspended600x324-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/traditionalsuspended600x324-1.jpg

[Ripper]

Starting with the dedion. Laser cut parts are niiiiice. Saves alot of time when somebody else makes them for you. :smoke:
(Ends are almost done in the pictures below)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9585600x450-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9584600x450-1.jpg

I couldn't afford that fancy billet alu jig, so I chose organic material instead... ;)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9610600x304-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/dedionfixtur1600x282-1.jpg

Drilling all the holes was made in the mill.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9589600x706-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9621600x226-1.jpg

That's about all for now. I've gotten a little bit further than this, but those pics aint on the internet yet.

I do have a problem though and would really really appreciate if anyone could help me with it. I need to split the lincoln mark VIII half shafts, but have no clue how to split the outer joint.
https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?78360-spare-parts-for-half-shafts&p=785462#post785462

[srh3trinity]

Good to see this build is still alive and you are bringing the fabrication to a new level. It is going to be even better than before.

[WS6]

x2 Keep up the good work. This has always been a cool build to me

[cobragt]

very cool build.

[tcronkright]

Incredible engineering. Great build!

[Doug1]

Very cool build. Mad skills!

[frojoe]

Great SolidWorks modeling... subscribing to this and EAGERLY awaiting updates/progress :D :D

[Dragonsnake]

I have been following you on your blog,and probably since you started building this car..you where one of the first to report from scandinavia about pro touring cars.

[RS_Customs]

Wow! I like the way you are building the parts. Keep up the nice work!

Robert

[andrewb70]

Nicely done. Looking forward to more updates!

Andrew

[sixgunsblazing]

As a 74 Firebird project owner, you're blowing my mind, man!

[LeighP]

I can't say I've seen a De Dion axle under a pro-touring car.....what a novel idea.
Have you considered a Watts link rather than the panhard rod to locate the tube?
Great fabrication, way out of my league....very interesting project!

[monteboy84]

Good Lord, this car is insane. Beautiful work so far.

-matt

[Ripper]

Wow! What a feedback I got here! :lol:
Thanks for all the comments, that really boosts my motivation!


I can't say I've seen a De Dion axle under a pro-touring car.....what a novel idea.
Have you considered a Watts link rather than the panhard rod to locate the tube?
Great fabrication, way out of my league....very interesting project!
Yes, I've considered a watts link. However, the car will be quite stiff (our roads are much better compared to what I've seen in the states and I'm more into performance than comfort) and won't have much more than +-1,5" travel. I won't gain very much with a watts at that short travel. It's also much easier to get a low roll center with the panhard.


I have been following you on your blog,and probably since you started building this car..you where one of the first to report from scandinavia about pro touring cars.
Thanks for the cred! I was quite early with it but it also took much longer than I expected for others to pay attention to the "trend" and the serious builds are still easily counted on two hands (at least Firebirds...).


Great SolidWorks modeling... subscribing to this and EAGERLY awaiting updates/progress :D :D
I might be able to offer some real CAD-p0rn later....:smoke:

[Ripper]

Latest pics! Uploaded them yesterday so I could show them here :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9657600x270-1.jpg
The dedion is finished for test fit in the car (it's just spot welded - welding it after I know it fits).

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9659600x387-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9658600x415-1.jpg


There are alot of funny cut angles to the tubes. Instead of milling them in the correct angle (some tubes meet up to three others, so that means three different cuts/mills), I'm printing the circumference from Solid Works and cut it with a angle grinder instead. Tadaaah - 1 minute instead of 20 mins in the mill...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9656600x450-1.jpg


The ends of the dedion are also done. By put shims between these and the dedion I'll be able to adjust toe.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Yeah, I know. My TIG-welds aren't showstoppers. They do the work, but I'm very new to tigwelding...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9661600x450-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/ADSCF9660600x450-1.jpg

The ends are seen here. Haven't had time to mount them IRL yet.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/03/dedionkomplett600x295-1.jpg

[rfalker1]

Well this is an insane build. Alot of stuff which i can't understand making it all the color. Good luck with it, and what part of Europe are you in? I am located on this part of the earth at the moment too

[Ripper]

I live in Sweden :)

[Ripper]

Latest thing is that the lincoln hubs has been modified for the porsche bolt pattern.

Stock hub;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9602600x450-1.jpg

Of course, the hub was too small, so I had to add some extra material. There for a ring was made;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9603600x450-1.jpg


The ring was heated and the hub was freezed to simplify the pressing...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9614600x450-1.jpg

Take a deep breath, get the ring and put it in the press. After that, run and get the hub from the freezer and throw it on top of the ring and start pressing as fast as you can... I actually had to make three rings - the first one went wrong so I had to cut it of with the angle grinder...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9615600x450-1.jpg

Tadaaah!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9617600x450-1.jpg

Hub after a while in the mill... Now there's BMW/GM and Porsche-pattern. There's also the possibility of running center bolt with both BMW/GM and Porsche. A Volvo/Lincoln pattern could also easily be added in the future if I want to...
So, finding new wheels in the future won't be a problem, haha...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF96661600x337-1.jpg

Finished with a little paint on it;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF01041600x337-1.jpg

Of curse, I just HAD to try it on the wheel!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0108600x450-1.jpg
(It's a front wheel. The rear wheels has 3,5" lips)

Inside;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0107600x450-1.jpg


I glass blasted the uprights and coated them with one layer of clearcoat to have the new-look lasting a little longer.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9632600x361-1.jpg

I made a couple of bushings for the lower holes in the uprights;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9634600x450-1.jpg

Brake cooling also had to be done before mounting the hub in the upright...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0105600x450-1.jpg

Mounted;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0106600x450-1.jpg

[Ripper]

BTW. Is there anyone who is willing to do me a BIG favor by receiving some smaller parcels (probably 6-10 parcels with fuel pumps, filters, fittings and other smaller parts) from ebay and them repacking them into a new, bigger box and then ship them to me in Sweden. That way I just have to pay one shipment and not ten...

You must have paypal so I can transfer money for shipping and handling...

If you willing to help, send me a PM.

[monteboy84]

PM Inbound.

-matt

[Ripper]

New update...

The center bolt hubs are done.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0109600x450-1.jpg


Detail view of the center bolt axle. Pretty much fabrication in this piece. All handmade, no CNC (wish I had one though...)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0111600x450-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


Exploded view. The left thing is supposed to be the half shaft. Then there's washer, center bolt axle, fixing ring between axle and hub, center ring for the wheel (since porsche has bigger holes than Lincoln) and a locking ring to prevent things from falling off.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0110600x157-1.jpg

Finished! Next thing is to test fit the axle in the body. I can't wait! :) I feel like a child on christmas eve, haha.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0112600x450-1.jpg

[absintheisfun]

looking good!

[Bryce]

That looks great! nice fab work!

[rohrt]

very cool!

[LeighP]

I see what you mean about the Watts link.....with that small suspension travel and the panhard mounted in the right plane, you'll have almost no sideways movement to speak off. Much simpler, as well.

[Ripper]

Much simpler, as well.
Indeed. :)
Perhaps a mumford would fit the dedion - both are quite rare in the protouring culture. ;)

Latest pics;
The "kit" together with the mock up trailing(?) arms
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0119600x450-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0120600x243-1.jpg
34 turned or/and milled details, 95" weld (when it's done), alot of cutting, some high tensile sheet metal and a couple of hundred hours in CAD... Quite a lot of work before it was done.

The dedion is assembled and prepared for the body. It would be nice with a transparent body so it would be possible to see the suspension.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0126600x334-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0127600x383-1.jpg

I'll mount it next time I'm in the garage!
Keep your fingers crossed that everything fits as it should.

[srh3trinity]

That looks so sick! I hope that translates.

[monteboy84]

Looking great!! As a draftsman myself, seeing the CAD-porn come to reality is my favorite part, I can't wait to see it back sitting on the new wheels.

-matt

[rfalker1]

I live in Sweden



cool i am in France, the stuff you are doing is awesome!!!!!!!!!! One off custom ;)

[monteboy84]

Ripper, I tried returning your message but your PM Inbox is full. :smoke:

-matt

[Ripper]

Yeah, I got an e-mail that said my inbox was full. It should work now... a limit of 50 PM ain't much, though. Is there an auto-delete-function that's possible to activate?


BTW guys;
Rear suspension is in;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0140600x337-1.jpg
Don't have time to write anything now, but I'll update with more pics within a couple of days...

[dusterbd13]

so, its been at least a couple of days.....

i really dig this thread. love the car. and the out of the box thinking. great to see.

michael

[Martin71RS]

Hey Anders, I somehow completely missed this thread.....wow!!! Since you "finished"" your car a lot has happened :smoke:

I am now subscribed.....excellent fabrication work, I am very impressed!

Martin

[Ripper]

Martin and Michael, thanks for the comments!


Well, it's been a while since the last update. I've been working rather intense on the Pontiac but much visible progress hasn't been made. I have mostly been working on replacing sheet metal in the rear parts of the body...
Anyway, before I started with that, some more technical updates were made;

The rear links for the dedion were finished. Oh well, they need to be welded but I call them finished anyway - otherwise NOTHING would be finished on this project right now. Everything is either waiting for welding, milling, surface treatment or something else...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0143600x240-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0145600x565-1.jpg
Everything, except for the bushings is homemade, of course...

It's hard to take a good photo of these things installed, but here's an attempt:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0149600x337-1.jpg

I started replacing some sheet metal panels in late July and that's about where I am right now. Been working on the car 11-15hrs/week and I'm still not finished. I guess I could be if I've been a little bit faster but I like to be thorough. And it's first time working with sheet metal panels, so I want to get it good at the first try.
Anyway, the rear panel needed to be replaced, so did the rear fenders, large parts of the floor, the sheet metal behind the rear fenders and some other spots that I don't remember right now.
I'm about to puke at welding rust, but I'll be finished within the next couple of weeks. Atleast that's what I'm telling myself, haha.

So, away with this;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0378600x337-1.jpg

Then there's this left;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0380600x337-1.jpg

taking a closer look....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0392600x450-1.jpg

Covering the rusty parts with new metal!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0437600x337-1.jpg
(Just kidding, all the rusty parts were replaced)
The rear section hasn't been welded yet, i'ts been on and off a couple of times for work on the sheet metal behind. I think it's about psychology as well, I simply don't have the guts to permanently weld it to the body in case I missed anything...

Then there was the quarter panels...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0512600x450-1.jpg
And the lack of metal behind to weld them to...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0513600x450-1.jpg

But the bumper never fit so good to the body that it does now!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0511600x450-1.jpg
One of the QPs were replaced before. A quite bad job and that was probably why the bumper never really had a good fit against the body.


Then I found a 26 gallons ATL-cell for sale about a mile from my garage so I just couldn't resist to buy it. Just a year old and in very good shape.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ADSCF0557600x450-1.jpg

I was (of course) on my way to build my own 30 gal fuel cell in aluminum, but this was just better since I saved some time (which I already spent on welding rusty panels...) and the ATL-cell is probably a more safe way to go since it both has foam and a bladder inside.

It'll be mounted in a steel compartment to protect it from stones and other things flying around under the car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/ATLcellcutaway600x337-1.jpg

Here's a picture of the tank I was going to build myself. I'm actually glad I didn't started that project even though it would have offered less compromises than with the ATL-cell.
Careful readers notes that the bottom is tilted 9° to make room for the coming venturi tunnel. I'll have to mount the ATL-cell higher up in the body since the bottom is flat. That will raise the CGH. Oh, well. You never find the optimum solution for anything, all these car projects are always about compromising...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/Tankrostfrimedkorg600x337-1.jpg

[Ripper]

I've also got a Solid Works license with some extra add-ins at work, so now I'll be able to present higher quality images instead of those standard CAD screen dumps.

Standard CAD
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/BrakeCADview600x343-1.jpg

From now on;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/10/BrakePhotoview600x337-1.jpg

Those are my front calipers BTW, Wilwood P6R which has been refurbed with new O-rings and some new pistons. I'm aiming at 2500 lbs (w/o gas and driver), so those calipers will probably be more than enough... :smoke:

[solarguy09]

Wow.
Very nice work. Quite humbling actually.
I realize I am a guy with a nice car, doing some high tech mods.
A newbie.
No worries. Still OK.
You my friend are a Craftsman and Artist.
Well Done......

[Takid455]

Digging the wheels and rear end setup. Follewed this back when you were installing the Electromotive/TEC 2 system.

Great that you have access to the machines. machine work especially one -offs can get very pricey.

[irregal83]

Awesome work on an awesome car!

[kadettcqp]

Impressive work! Nice to see another great project from Scandinavia! Will difinitely be following your build, so keep up the good work.

[monteboy84]

Looking great! Loving the progress!

-matt

[andrewb70]

Good progress. I may have missed this, so I apologize in advance, but how is the axle located laterally? Is there a panhard rod or a watts?

Andrew

[RS_Customs]

Good progress. I may have missed this, so I apologize in advance, but how is the axle located laterally? Is there a panhard rod or a watts?

Andrew

Had to go back an look myself once you mentioned it, check out the CAD drawings in post 38. You can see some of the axle side mounts in the more recent pictures too.

Robert

[andrewb70]

Had to go back an look myself once you mentioned it, check out the CAD drawings in post 38. You can see some of the axle side mounts in the more recent pictures too.

Robert

Thanks Robert. I don't know how I missed that!

So it looks like there will be a panhard rod.

Andrew

[joeko23]

Amazing fabrication skills

[Ripper]

Sorry for late reply, but I didn't see that my thread had new posts...

Anyway, thanks for all comments! That really keeps the motivation on top!

I'm working as fast as I can, but I'm still not finished with the body work around the rear wheels. There's not really much to take photos at right now. I doubt I'm finished before the snow comes, but atleast that's my goal...


Good progress. I may have missed this, so I apologize in advance, but how is the axle located laterally? Is there a panhard rod or a watts?

Andrew

Had to go back an look myself once you mentioned it, check out the CAD drawings in post 38. You can see some of the axle side mounts in the more recent pictures too.

Robert

Why I went for a panhard is because it's a simple construction and it's easy to make quick adjustments once the car is running.
I won't have more than appr. +-1" suspension movement (allthough the stroke will be longer) so the lateral movement will be so little that we're talking about margins of error.
I first planned for a mumford-link actually. I think I would be the only one in the world with that setup in a pro-touring car, haha. The mumford would also be better since it would be possible to tuck it up above the venturi that I'll build later. The panhard will be located right into the air stream unfortunately, but atleast I went for a aeroshaped profile.

Hmmm, I need to look one more time at the mumford. Perhaps it's possible after all...


Amazing fabrication skills
Thanks!
I'm not sure about my fab skills - there are lots of other project threads where the welds look much better than mine. I would say my CAD skills is better than average, but after all I'm just a happy guy who happens to be friend with a guy with a laser...
Or I'm just a little shy to admit my skills... :poke:

[Ripper]

Some updates!

The body was tacked together a couple of days before christmas. There's still some welding to do, but all the panels are there now. Welding will be finished when the body is back on the rotisserie during summer 2012 (wish I could say spring, but I'm trying to be realistic...)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/ADSCF0542600x450-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0574600x656-1.jpg
Actually had this as background on my phone, but I had to replace it with something else... it was too depressing to see.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0570600x450-1.jpg
I made some of the panels myself since I wanted lower the floor slightly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0408600x450-1.jpg
And parts that were too hard to fab...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0529600x450-1.jpg
...was repaired instead.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0418600x337-1.jpg
The rear shock mount was also fabbed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/bakvagn2300x400-1.jpg
It's supposed to look like this when finished. That way it's easy to change bump/droop, try other damper-lengths and different ride heights without having to cut up the body again.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0434600x450-1.jpg
From the inside. The lowest horizontal tube isn't welded yet. It's supposed to be horizontal, not angled.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0431600x450-1.jpg
From the rear window.
Thinking of keeping the paint theme, just add a couple of layers of clear coat, haha.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0597600x337-1.jpg
This was a great moment for me! First area of the body that was covered in primer! The body will be sand blasted when everything is finished, but I'm priming all areas that I guess the sand guy won't reach.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0627600x284-1.jpg
the quarter panel was tacked to the body. Just have to make a new wheel housing and then it's finished.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0590600x450-1.jpg
I found four unused Penske 8100 dampers on the brittish e-bay. They were so cheap that I couldn't resist them. My original plan was to go for Öhlins coil overs (because I'm Swedish... and they're good...), but the penskes was just too cheap. They're are shimmed for a Lister Storm (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lister_Storm) so I think they're OK out of the box. But I'm still gonna reshim them after the car has been finished and seen some track time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/Penske81001600x295-1.jpg
I like CAD... :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/Penske81003600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/Penske81002600x337-1.jpg

[Ripper]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Here's my brake setup that I'm working on too. I need power brakes since the car will be to heavy for manual street braking (calculation 2400-2500 lbs or so when finished). It's not finished yet. I need to get a balance bar before I can make the final adjustments on it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF01561600x450-1.jpg
2012 is about the front suspension though... I have to use the stock frame due to street regulations over here. 70% of the stock frame has to be left... That still leave 30% to play with!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF01611600x450-1.jpg
Since the car will be low, I'm chasing every millimeter in ground clearance. Since the stock bushings leaves appr. 1" clearance between frame and body. Lower bushings saved 1/2" or so, but I wanted to save that last inch too!
After a little trial and error I found where the interference was. It was cut away, and it will be welded in again. Just have to get the frame sand blasted first.
Mental note: Frame is still not modified... I'm putting back the stock metal on the frame. Still have 30% to play with, haha!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0162600x450-1.jpg
Really tight fit!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/subframe11600x337-1.jpg
So this is what I plan to keep of the stock subframe... The round tube in the middle is a reference to where the engine crank is located.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
After I decided what to keep from the subframe, I started to find the constraints for designing the front geometry. On the picture, the caliper is being pushed out as far as possible towards the rim. My calipers are mega wide (wilwood prolite/P6R) so this is really important to minimize the scrub.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
10" wide front wheel, with 1" outer rim and 9" inner still gave a little more than 1 1/8" in scrub. I hoped for 1/2" but 1 1/8" is better than stock at least... The black lines are control arm movement during max suspension

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/framvagnsgeometri1600x337-1.png
quick base measurements of a front upright. My project isn't really made for US viewers - everything is in millimeters...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/framvagnsgeometri2600x367-1.png
Starting with the suspension design...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/Subframe21600x196-1.jpg
Just a picture... the subframe is quite high and it'll be hard to locate the control arms without interference during suspension movement.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Before starting with the suspension design, I had to estimate the upper mount of the upright due to the large subframe profile...

With lower arm height decided, I could throw in the rack in the assembly too. I placed it on the same height as the lower control arm. That way it's easy to control bump steer.


Phew... long update, hope you like it. Now I'm going back to my CAD computer to finalize the geometry.:smoke:

[srh3trinity]

Love this build and I love that it is a 74 like mine. So much inspiration and it is the best looking year Firebird built in my eyes. I wonder how much it would cost to get mine sent to Sweden so you could replicate your mods on my car.

[pedro gonzalez]

upon completion this car should be taken to sema show and hopefully entered in the optima batteries ultimate street car invitational it would be quite the contender!

[sokoloka]

Just subscribed - this thread is awesome!
Very impressive work.

[Ripper]

Guys, thanks for the comments! It keeps up my motivation

Realised I forgot the last picture in the post;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/subframe3600x337-1.jpg
"With lower arm height decided, I could throw in the rack in the assembly too. I placed it on the same height as the lower control arm. That way it's easy to control bump steer. "

And I just gotta post some more picts of the coil overs too! I have one of them on my desktop at work, together with one of the wilwood calipers.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0592600x410-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0589600x450-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0588600x450-1.jpg


upon completion this car should be taken to sema show and hopefully entered in the optima batteries ultimate street car invitational it would be quite the contender!
Sema is mentioned in my thread? Cool!
The Pontiac will probably not fit there - I won't be able to afford a proper paint job. And the competition has probably stepped up a bit year 2043 (when it's finished...) LOL

[Ripper]

​
Love this build and I love that it is a 74 like mine. So much inspiration and it is the best looking year Firebird built in my eyes. I wonder how much it would cost to get mine sent to Sweden so you could replicate your mods on my car.

Thanks!
No, no NO!!!!! Don't ship it to Sweden. I have a hard time to find time to finish one build, haha.

But if you're really nice, I can supply you with a DIY-Swedish-Pontiac-kit :headbang:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/BHs4q-1.jpg
(welding experience is required) :)

[BulldawgMusclecars]

I don't know how I missed this thread, but...WOW!!!! Great work!

[andrewb70]

Anders,

I am not sure why you say that your car will be too heavy for manual brakes. My GTO is about 4000 pounds with me driving and I have manual brakes. I have C6Z06 brakes in the front, C4 in the rear and a 15/16" bore MC. Keep up the good work.

Andrew

[Bryce]

very nice.

One issue with mounting the rack at the same level as the LCA is the physical interference to get good ackermann. Obviously that depends on wheel base and steering arms. But it is something to consider. And you would see all this in CAD.

[Ripper]

Andrew; I have actually had your GTO in mind when I planned my project. But I have also tried several manual master cylinders on my Firebird without success (15/16", 1", 1 1/16"). They all have either been too long travel or too much effort for me. I think it's more personal opinion rather than what theoretical works. I prefer brake pedals with very short stroke (ridiculously short actually) and light effort to press it down. Same thing as I prefer power steering over manual steering. I think it's hard to stay focused during track days if you have to struggle with heavy brakes and steering...
I used to have a hydroboost but now I'm switching to electric power steering so the hydraulic pump has to go. Therefore I'm going with a standard vacuum booster together with a small electric pump.

Bryce; Yeah, I know. Ackermann is not high priority since it's not that important during track driving. You usually have most of the weight on the outer wheel anyway.
However, I'm going to mount the rack so it's easy to move forward/backward to achieve some ackermann if I need. It's hard to get the exact right ackermann without real world tests, so it's better ju make it adjustable and do some trial and error when the car is done. I won't start with zero ackermann, just haven't really come that far yet. :)

[andrewb70]

Andrew; I have actually had your GTO in mind when I planned my project. But I have also tried several manual master cylinders on my Firebird without success (15/16", 1", 1 1/16"). They all have either been too long travel or too much effort for me. I think it's more personal opinion rather than what theoretical works. I prefer brake pedals with very short stroke (ridiculously short actually) and light effort to press it down. Same thing as I prefer power steering over manual steering. I think it's hard to stay focused during track days if you have to struggle with heavy brakes and steering...
I used to have a hydroboost but now I'm switching to electric power steering so the hydraulic pump has to go. Therefore I'm going with a standard vacuum booster together with a small electric pump.
......

You are right about brake feel being a matter of preference. I actually prefer the longer pedal travel because I feel that it gives me greater control and feel. Minor movements of my foot allow for slight changes in the pressure at the caliper, which for me translates into greater control, especially at the limit. There have been several instances where I my brakes have locked up and with a little modulation of my foot I was able to maintain traction. With a booster and a large bore MC, the brake pedal to me feels more like an on/off switch. I am not saying one way is better than the other, like you said, personal preference.

I actually prefer my clutch pedal to have the same feel, longer pedal travel and easier effort, whereas many other prefer short travel and more of a binary feel.

Carry on, I love this build!

Andrew

[Ripper]

You are right about brake feel being a matter of preference....
Exactly. And it's always easier to include the vacuum booster in the project from start, than adding it later. It's easy to remove it later if I want manual brakes.


Carry on, I love this build!

Thanks! :)

[Ripper]

Help me decide what gas cap I should go with... I really can't make up my mind.
https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?88226-Help-me-choose-gas-cap!&p=892532#post892532

[ryeguy2006a]

I would be more interested in knowing a little more about the EFI system that you had for the your Pontiac engine. Is that MegaSquirt?

[LeighP]

If you don't mind cutting on a trunk lid, I've always thought a deck lid style filler would be nice - centred towards the front of the trunk.
you have to construct the mount and drip tray for the filler in the trunk, cut a circle out of the trunk lid and slightly dimple the skin in towards the fillercap/drip tray underneath. Mount a closed cell foam seal o nthe edge of the drip tray to seal to the bottom of the trunk lid.

I'd probably use this style filler with the flip cap.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[dug]

beautiful machine work. I like this build, keep up the quality work.

oh and your tire pressure looked a little low on one of those last pics :smoke:

[Ripper]

I would be more interested in knowing a little more about the EFI system that you had for the your Pontiac engine. Is that MegaSquirt?

It was an electromotive TECII. I wouldn't recommend it today though. There was nothing wrong with it, but the software was kind of aged.


beautiful machine work. I like this build, keep up the quality work.

oh and your tire pressure looked a little low on one of those last pics :smoke:
Thanks!
I know about the tire pressure... I'm missing the Tire-pressure-analysis-add-in for my solid works, so I only get flat tires ;)

[Ripper]

Leigh; That's not a bad idea. I was out in the garage yesterday and tried it out. However, I think it'll be a little bit too much 60's era over it and that's not what I'm looking for.
But it would look really really good on a first gen though!

[LeighP]

Yeah, I'm a tragic for that 60-70's race car/GT look....lol.

[Ripper]

The project is paused for the moment. I'm getting married next saturday and preparations has taken quite some time...
I'll start with the car again within 3-4weeks or so. The plan is to finish the body as fast as possible so it can be sand blastered and primed. That'll probably boost the motivation some.

To show that it's not completely dead, here's some pics:

I'm working with the front suspension. Had to mock up some engine parts to see where it was possible to place A-arms etc.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/Iqm65-1.jpg

Rear bells are (almost) done. Hand made so it felt like it took forever. But they came out quite nice I think!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/VWlzU-1.jpg

Looking for a rack that's short enough. Of course I couldn't find anyone so I'll shorten one instead. So far I've spent 25 USD on it so it's quite a cheap rack if it works... :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/cFxBz-1.jpg

[WS6]

Congrats on tying the knot!

[LeighP]

Congratulations. :)

[ent72olds]

Anders, just amazing work! Congrats on the marriage! It's incredible how far CAD has come in the last 25 yrs! I went to school to be an architect, and at the time, CAD was in DOS...this is much prettier to look at! Subscribed! By the way, we love Swedish cars in my family...have 2 240's and an S60......:drive1:

[acegto]

Latest thing is that the lincoln hubs has been modified for the porsche bolt pattern.

Stock hub;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9602600x450-1.jpg

Of course, the hub was too small, so I had to add some extra material. There for a ring was made;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9603600x450-1.jpg


The ring was heated and the hub was freezed to simplify the pressing...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9614600x450-1.jpg

Take a deep breath, get the ring and put it in the press. After that, run and get the hub from the freezer and throw it on top of the ring and start pressing as fast as you can... I actually had to make three rings - the first one went wrong so I had to cut it of with the angle grinder...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9615600x450-1.jpg

Tadaaah!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9617600x450-1.jpg

Hub after a while in the mill... Now there's BMW/GM and Porsche-pattern. There's also the possibility of running center bolt with both BMW/GM and Porsche. A Volvo/Lincoln pattern could also easily be added in the future if I want to...
So, finding new wheels in the future won't be a problem, haha...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF96661600x337-1.jpg

Finished with a little paint on it;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF01041600x337-1.jpg

Of curse, I just HAD to try it on the wheel!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0108600x450-1.jpg
(It's a front wheel. The rear wheels has 3,5" lips)

Inside;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0107600x450-1.jpg


I glass blasted the uprights and coated them with one layer of clearcoat to have the new-look lasting a little longer.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9632600x361-1.jpg

I made a couple of bushings for the lower holes in the uprights;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF9634600x450-1.jpg

Brake cooling also had to be done before mounting the hub in the upright...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0105600x450-1.jpg

Mounted;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/04/ADSCF0106600x450-1.jpg

This s@#* is insane!!!

[Martin71RS]

great work again Anders! Congratulations on the marriage....
Martin

[Ripper]

Thanks for all the congratulations! It was definitely the best day in my life! (Although the day I bought the Firebird wasn't too bad either... But she doesn't know that) :2nd:
I made a couple of subframeconnectors last week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/ADSC01238600x197-1.jpg
A nice DIY-kit :smoke:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/ADSC01241600x337-1.jpg
The profile was attached against the floor (still too long to fit between the subframe and the rear frame profile) and the cut line was marked on the floor with a sharpened piece of sheet metal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/ADSC01242600x337-1.jpg
After the floor was cut, the length of the profile was trimmed.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/ADSC01257600x337-1.jpg
However, I was planning to have the seats bolted directly to the floor (two persons + weight of the seats - about 350-400 lbs... 2" higher up DOES make difference). Since the SFCs are there to prevent the body from crack and not give maximum stiffness (the roll cage will take care of that) I chose to cut them down slightly.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/ADSC01260600x337-1.jpg
The rear part of the subframe was boxed to get enough material for drilling holes for the bolts

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/ADSC01263600x337-1.jpg
Picture of the reinforcement around the subframe

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/ADSC01251600x337-1.jpg
Just before the SFCs were tacked to the body. The lowest point on the body is the SFCs together with the rocker panels

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/06/ADSC01254600x337-1.jpg
Two subframeconnectors went actually quite fast to make. I would say about 10-12hrs including two trips to work for having some adjustments TIG-welded.
I'm gonna weld them entirely when the body is in the rotisserie (which hopefully will be within two months)


And now it's also possible to like my project on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/propontiaccom/206076929493396). If I get enough likes from people outside Sweden I'll start updating in english instead. :)

[85coupe50]

Very cool project... Awesome fab work.

[Mock2]

Any updates? This Car Is awesome man!!

[Ripper]

Thanks!

There has been some updates, but I'm on vacation right now (and the last weeks) so it hasn't been that much...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSC02272600x309-1.jpg
Anyway, with all panels attached to the body, it went back in the rotisserie for final welding. I'm currently trying to find an alternative method to sand blasting of getting rid of all the paint and rust. Soda is popular in the states as I understand it, but it's not that easy to find the same method here in Sweden.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSC02274600x304-1.jpg
Forget to trying to have some order on parts when you tear down a car in 260 square foot - Chaos is the only way to go...



https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSC02176600x337-1.jpg
The frame for the fuel cell is layed out.

I also bought a fuel cell for the trunk; The alu box was probably one of my worst deals ever... I cut and taped the box together to make it simple for the welder. He gave me a price of appr. 125 usd and two weeks time. After three months, I got it back and had to pay 450 usd since "it was harder than he thought"...
After some discussion, I managed to negotiate welding for another couple of parts into that price though.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSC02003600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSC02007600x337-1.jpg
At leat the welds looks good. Next time I need something welded, I'm thinking about getting my own TIG instead.

The cell will be mounted like this;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
I had to tilt it 4º to not compromise the future diffuser too much. I'll loose about 1 gallon of volume, but that's ok.

I've started to work with the front end, and for the moment I'm trying to get as many reference points into the CAD as possible. To be able to design engine mounts, I needed positions for the attachement holes in the CAD, so I started measuring...
However, it's fun to build things in the CAD and I probably was a little overenthusiastic so it ended up with a complete engine block.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/6XI8x-1.jpg

And with a complete block, why not copy the heads too? It'll be useful when it's time to CAD the headers! :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Motor1600x293-1.jpg

The camber adjustment on the dedione was finished too before the rear end was taken of the body
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSC02252600x271-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSC02253300x168-1.jpghttps://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSC02254300x168-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/dedion_camberlosning600x254-1.jpg
excentric, homemade bushing which offers 0-3º camber adjustment. :smoke:


I have alot of small things that I need to remove the rust from. Sand blasting these is one method, but sand blasting 300 nuts and bolts takes some time. Instead, I tried electrolysis (?) on some parts with a fascinatin result!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSCF0883600x450-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSCF0885600x337-1.jpg

Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSCF0881600x337-1.jpg

After 6 hrs: (30 seconds cleaning with a steel brush)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/ADSCF0893600x337-1.jpg

Now I just need to get a small basket to drop the bolts in... I'm doing it on my balcony, so it's easy to start a run after you get home from work and stop it a couple of hours later.

[Ripper]

Anders, just amazing work! Congrats on the marriage! It's incredible how far CAD has come in the last 25 yrs! I went to school to be an architect, and at the time, CAD was in DOS...this is much prettier to look at! Subscribed! By the way, we love Swedish cars in my family...have 2 240's and an S60......:drive1:

Thanks!

I actually learned to drive in a 245 DL. My parents car. I do miss it sometimes, but it's probably just the memories I miss after all, haha.

[vikingramair]

"Thanks for all the congratulations! It was definitely the best day in my life!" = Good answer incase wife find this thread. Now i can follow your progress at two communities. // Ramair #299(hint)

[Ripper]

Well, Darius... You seem to know how it works... ;)

[WS6]

I'm going to have to try electrolysis one of these days. Those parts came out looking good.

[Ripper]

Some new CAD-pics of the rear suspension... :smoke:


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Cbakvagn1600x336-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Cbakvagn6600x463-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Cbakvagn5600x383-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Cbakvagn3600x348-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Cbakvagn2600x281-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Cbakvagn7600x254-1.jpg

EDIT: High res could be found here http://www.propontiac.com/bakvagnsp0rn/ and even more high res could be e-mailed are available on request. :)

[Chadman27]

Love this car, nice CAD work too!

[srh3trinity]

Other than your build, I have never seen a rear setup like that. What was the inspiration? The CAD is awesome and I love the detail.

I know there is still a lot to be done before paint, but what color are you thinking? I think going back with red would look great with the gold wheels.

[Ripper]

The inspiration to the rear suspension?
Dedion was a quite common solution before the entry of the IRS. I was first about to go with a IRS, but since I wanted the car low (probably lower than whats usual) it was impossible to fit a IRS with decent geometry without cutting out the frame rails. I didn't wanna go with the live axle since it was A. heavy and B. not much of a engineering challenge. The dedion weights in at 37lbs and my 10b axle weights 121lbs. The dedion needs the center section and half shafts too to be comparable, and that adds another 55lbs appr. 92lbs compared to 121lbs might not be that much of a difference, but remember that the unsprung weight has been reduced with almost 90lbs. Besides that, it's possible to adjust toe and camber.

The dedion performs much like a live axle, but it's lighter. It features more adjustment possibilities than the live axle however an IRS has of course even more benefits and can be made even lighter/stiffer than the dedion. From my point of view, an IRS isn't much faster in this kind of vehicle though. It offers a more comfortable ride on the street though, but that's not very important for me...


As for color, I haven't decided yet. Don't think I wrote it here, but I'm going to make a -77 of it instead of the -74. I'm spending all of my budget on the suspension so I won't afford a expensive paint job. If money was no problem, I would go with the BMW Le Mans Blue;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
But money is a problem, so I'll probably end up with a solid color which is easier to do by myself. Probably solid white.
I found this pic on the web alot of years ago and I really love it. Great body work and with a little imagination (squint your eyes...) that looks like my wheels too.
If I paint it white, I'm gonna stripe it up like the -77 and probably add the bird on the hood in gold or silver. Or maybe I go the martini-route instead... We'll see, it's at least two years before that and I'll probably change my mind 100 times before it's time.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/Render1-1.jpg

[ace_xp2]

The dedion performs much like a live axle, but it's lighter. It features more adjustment possibilities than the live axle however an IRS has of course even more benefits and can be made even lighter/stiffer than the dedion. From my point of view, an IRS isn't much faster in this kind of vehicle though. It offers a more comfortable ride on the street though, but that's not very important for me...


I wouldn't be so quick to hand it all over to the IRS. Not that the IRS won't offer a little more, but I'd bet ride quality will take a pretty big jump with nearly 90lbs of unsprung weight gone. And that will also lead to less air time when the axle does encounter a mid corner bump, which would I think help a lot with the jumpiness a solid axle can exhibit. What size are those big rear tubes you're using there?

[Ripper]

I'm working hard with finishing the last details on the body before it's time for sand blasting. I'm so tired at fixing rusty panels right now and it'll be really nice to get it in primer soon.

The fenders(?) was supposed to be made in glass fibre and glued to the body, but I was afraid of it cracking in the future so I ended up with making them in steel even though it was quite much job.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSCF06261600x337-1.jpg
Modern wheels are slightly smaller diameter and since the body was lowered so much, I needed to raise the lip a little. The sides were moved appr. 1,5" closer to the wheel and the upper part was raised about the same.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/AIMG_2789600x337-1.jpg
Since I don't have any fancy sheet metal tools other than the angle grinder and some hammers, I had to be a little creative. I made two pieces and TIG-welded them together. TIG weld is much softer than the MIG, so it was easy to align them after welding was finished.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/AIMG_2791600x337-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSCF0905600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSCF1041600x337-1.jpg
The new lip was tacked to the body. I had to use a profile to line it up along the body.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSCF1043600x337-1.jpg
After that, duct tape was used to create a template. The template was placed over a rolled plate. The big boys uses a english wheel and makes the piece double curved. I can't do that, but in fact - the stock pieces were actually single curved which was a great reason for why I actually did this in metal instead of composites.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSCF1044600x337-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSCF1059600x337-1.jpg
Theres always a mental barrier with cutting 100% after the template. Much easier to leave 1/4" around, test fit and THEN cut the rest... It actually fit really well, so it was just to go and cut it clean. After that it was tacked and left sitting there for a couple of months...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSC03872600x337-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSC03873600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSC03916600x337-1.jpg
Fully welded and the weld isn't visible after grinding. I still have some practice to do when it comes to concave welds. They're hard to grind.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSC03917600x337-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSCF11071600x450-1.jpg
It's hard to see here due to all different colors, but use your imagination. I think it came out pretty nice.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSC03919600x337-1.jpg
Much work with finishing the last things before sand blasting. Quarter panel took forever but this also came out really nice in the end. This weld doesn't need much filler to be invicible.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSC02986600x337-1.jpg
The trunk is also finished. It'll mostly consist of the fuel cell when car is done...

[Kenova]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/ADSC03872600x337-1.jpg

Excellent work. You make it look and sound easy.
I couldn't help but notice the line drawn from the rear window. Are you playing with the idea of using a 1975 and newer rear window?

Ken

[LeighP]

lol...you'd have to be the first guy in the history of 2nd gens to put a late rear window into an early body....I've seen plenty of guys going the other way, though....

[Ripper]

Leigh; Great! I'll send a photo of me for the history books! lol...

Ken and Leigh; I'm going the -77-route mostly because I think it's one of the better looking models, much thanks to Year One's BRE-models.
A 70-73 would be nice, but when I started the project I didn't know there were so many panels that needed replacement on the body. If I knew that, I would at least considered a 70-73 model before I started buying parts...
Now it's a little bit too late haha.

Not really sure how to do the mod, but it can't be harder than what I just posted pictures on.

[formula]

a white and gold firebird? psh, that'll never work.

So glad to see your continued updates, your car was one of the inspirations that led to me building a second gen. The flares look great!

[LeighP]

I agree, great job on the flairs!

[Trans]

what front end are you going with?hopefully the 77

[Ripper]

a white and gold firebird? psh, that'll never work.

So glad to see your continued updates, your car was one of the inspirations that led to me building a second gen. The flares look great!
I guess you're right - white and gold will never work. ;)
I'm flattered that you had my project as an inspiration, that really makes me happy to hear since I've been drooling over your car a couple of times too.


what front end are you going with?hopefully the 77
Yes, I bought a -77 or a -78 front end and the rear bumper.

[72blackbird]

Anders,
Fantastic work on your 74/77 Bird. I know what you mean about converting the bumper caps to the 77-78 style- I have a 76 T/A and swapped on a 77 nose (luckily the 76 rear bumper matches the 77-78 models). I also appreciate that you kept the car Pontiac Powered- despite being 50+ years old it has proven to be an excellent design and capable of being upgraded to deliver serious power.

Geno

[Trans]

Anders,
Fantastic work on your 74/77 Bird. I know what you mean about converting the bumper caps to the 77-78 style- I have a 76 T/A and swapped on a 77 nose (luckily the 76 rear bumper matches the 77-78 models). I also appreciate that you kept the car Pontiac Powered- despite being 50+ years old it has proven to be an excellent design and capable of being upgraded to deliver serious power.

Geno

kiss ass,every gm owner knows the 77-78 front end wast the best design

[olason]

Hey, I like the build that you have going on. I hope that my cad work looks like that some day considering I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering right now. Could I possibly get a copy of your 8.8" irs rear end? I am going to use one in my oldsmobile build that is in the planning phase right now.

[WS6]

The rear flare work looks great! That's something I have often thought about with my car. I want my TA to be low but the rear fenders don't allow for it. I think I might play with it and see what I can come up with though. Both my rear quarters need replacement or rust repair so basically, I can't screw them up any worse than they already are. I might play with fiberglass though instead. That's something I think would be fun to adapt to the car.

One thing I do wonder about though is how do the front fender flares look now? Are they below the rears, level or higher?

Keep up the good work.

[Ripper]

Hey, I like the build that you have going on. I hope that my cad work looks like that some day considering I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering right now. Could I possibly get a copy of your 8.8" irs rear end? I am going to use one in my oldsmobile build that is in the planning phase right now.
That should be possible. I don't have the A-arms or correct drive shaft length, so I can't give you any total width. I just have uprights, wheel bearings, carrier/housing. I'll see what I can do. Just realized that I owe someone in here a Vette wheel bearing too, which I totally forgot about...


The rear flare work looks great! That's something I have often thought about with my car. I want my TA to be low but the rear fenders don't allow for it. I think I might play with it and see what I can come up with though. Both my rear quarters need replacement or rust repair so basically, I can't screw them up any worse than they already are. I might play with fiberglass though instead. That's something I think would be fun to adapt to the car.

One thing I do wonder about though is how do the front fender flares look now? Are they below the rears, level or higher?

Keep up the good work.
Fiberglass would be real nice - then it would be easy to do them double curved. Perhaps you can integrate it with the Trans Am flare/bodykit. Then it would look natural to mount them to the body and not trying to hide the joint. Could be nice perhaps...

I will have to do the same mod on the front flares, but I need the car in ride height on four wheels before I start and that's probably a little more than a year or so. Plan is to construct the front end during the next couple of months, then build a cage in the body, build the front end, mount the drive train so I can start the damn thing and after that get it rolling (brakes, seats etc). Then when it starts, turns, accelerates and brakes I'll start with the body panels...
Hmmm, probably way more than one year when I think about it...

[Ripper]

Some progress has been done. Even though it doesn't look to be that much, finishing the metal work took a lot more time than pictures can show. I spent weeks with grinding welds, fix some small rust holes, grind more welds, weld new welds, grind the new welds... well, you get the point.
But in late october, I felt that the body was finished so we took it to the sand blaster.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04339600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04367600x272-1.jpg


And after the sandstorm had subsided, the result looked like this;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04523600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04528600x337-1.jpg

Same day all bare metal was covered with etch-primer
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04532600x337-1.jpg

A couple of weeks later in the garage;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/DSC04586600x337-1.jpg
high res; http://www.propontiac.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC04586.jpg
Quite a few mods was done to the under carriage... Raised trans tunnel, partly raised floor, Subframeconnectors, enlarged space for mufflers, seam welded, some unnecessary panels removed (to save weight), room for ATL-cell, new rear suspension and alot of other stuff... No wonder it took so long time to finish it!

I just had to try to recreate a picture that I took when I started the project. This was the same day the body was mounted to the rotisserie, so it's kind of before/after
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/bild600x450-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/DSC04585600x449-1.jpg

All welds on the visible parts of the body was lead filled before priming.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/DSC04583600x337-1.jpg

It was a great success to get the body in primer. Having the same paint of the entire body makes it look finished (eventhough the color is awfull) and really boosts motivation. There are still some welding to be done to it - larger rear window and some other stuff, so I'll keep it in primer for some time.

What happens next?
This, of course! :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/Bur9600x463-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/Bur10600x463-1.jpg
120 lbs of tubes... :cool:

Starting with a wood mock up since I don't have a tube bender in the garage...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04560600x337-1.jpg

[Ripper]

I wanted the cage around the seats to run really tight to the body, so some time has been spent at routing the tubes.

The main loop...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04620449x800-1.jpg https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04617449x800-1.jpg
There are FIA-rules of how to design the cage if you plan to competing with the car. I don't have any plans right now but you never know, and a properly built cage increases the value of the car while a wrong cage probably will lower the value of the car.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04642600x227-1.jpg
Mocking up the front tubes was harder since they are bended in two planes and not one. I used exhaust tube with same dimension since it was cheap and easy to get.
Don't know if it's possible to replicate a tube with the mock ups yet since I haven't had time to get them done, but we'll see what happens during this week....
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04643600x337-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04636449x800-1.jpg https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04638449x800-1.jpg


And yesterday, it looked like this;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04794449x800-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04796600x337-1.jpg

I'm getting good at notching tubes...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04798600x337-1.jpg

That's all for now...

[dusterbd13]

oh my. oh yes. so right.

except for the later model treatment. one of my bucket list is a 76 formula 400. in yellow.

[ent72olds]

:twothumbsLooking awesome!

[rustomatic]

Engineer: Education + Practice + Psychology. Is the psychology covered in the educational practicum? Is it questioned before you begin? I thought I could do this when I was about 13; I became an English major...

Keep up the awesome work!

[Ripper]

Rustomatic; lol! Thanks!
I guess I must be a little crazy, trying to manage a project like this in my spare time. But right now it feels quite good and fully possible to finish (eventhough it'll take another couple of years before it's finished) since most of the boring work is done.

[gordonr1973]

Amazing work, looks fantastic!!

[ChargerNorway]

Hei fra Norge!

What a super project. Looking forward to see where it ends up ;-)

[Ripper]

Hei Norge!
Tack så mycket!

Some progress since last update :)

Some more tubes were bent for the cage
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC04839600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC04841600x337-1.jpg

And in the middle of everything, I changed my mind and decided to go for the 70-73 looks instead of the 77. The green one is from a Swedish designer, Bo Zolland, and I really like the looks of it. I'll Think it'll be possible to go for that look since my valances has been raised which will allow the car to be really, really low.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/bild14600x173-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Zolland_render1-1.jpg

Then the cage was welded. Atleast the first part of it. I need to fit the seats to be able to mount the last tubes. Becuse I'm so vain, it had to be TIG-welded. 32 hours of welding (made in two days... I was pretty tired a couple of days afterwards...)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC07970600x229-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC07947600x220-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC07964600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC07967600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC07954600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC07946600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC07968600x337-1.jpg
This is the tubes the cage will be completed with after seats has been installed (need to check clearance for belts etc)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Bur11600x463-1.jpg

I also made a new parcel shelf out of 1mm aluminium (appr. 18guage) since the trunk needed to be sealed from coupé because of the fuel tank installation. The aluminum was glued and riveted. It will be primed and painted so it looks as stock as possible.
Cleckos by the way... I love them! Great invention!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC08018600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC08022600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC08025600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC08026600x337-1.jpg

My new Electric Power assisted steering column. Will help cleaning up the front of the Engine. Another great thing is that Power steering suddenly is adjustable.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC08008600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC08032600x337-1.jpg

And my new rack. Started from a Ford Sierra rack and shortened it to fit my geometri. It's not very big (compare to the phone)... Hope it will work! lol
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC02303600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/AIMG_6964600x337-1.jpg

[Ripper]

Bells for the rear brakes has been finished too. The were hand made, so the took some time to make! They look good though. Will be anodized black... or maybe gold. We'll see...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Auprightrear3600x600-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Auprightrear2600x600-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/AIMG_6954600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/AIMG_6956600x337-1.jpg

That's all for now. I'm gonna have to take a break from the Pontiac Project during the summer since we bought a house which will need some attention. New kitchen, a couple of new walls and some other internal mods... During the house work, I'll start to plan the electric system for the Pontiac.
Fall will be about finishing the Cage and welding up the last on the body. Then paint inside and the undercarriage. Then down from the rottisserie, assembly the rear suspension, build the front suspension...
Start up this winter? No... don't think so. :bicycle:

[Ron Sutton]

Cleckos by the way... I love them! Great invention!


Clecos are awesome. In addition to simply using them to hold aluminum & steel panels in before riveting or welding, I buy or make various tab shapes with 1/8" or 3/16" holes in them .. to use with Clecos ... to line up body panels together. The body panels end up perfectly flush & easy to move around & work with.

One of the tab versions at this link allows the panel to be spot welded through the tab. :-)
http://www.rosevillerodandcustom.com/Products.html

[syborg tt]

First Off - I love this build and what your doing. Incredible cool car.

Please build it this way - if you don't I am going to add this to my bucket list of cars to build.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Zolland_render1-1.jpg

[syborg tt]

Can you tell me a little more about this trailer. Or show me a couple more pictures

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ADSC04339600x337-1.jpg

[Martin71RS]

Hi Anders, looking like a piece of art again! can you tell a bit more about which power steering you are using? I was also looking into that myself. but there are many to chose from.

Martin

[Ravenworks]

Hi Anders, looking like a piece of art again! can you tell a bit more about which power steering you are using? I was also looking into that myself. but there are many to chose from.

Martin

I'll jump in and ask about it as well! I was planning on using a Remy 600 box, will one of those work with the electric steering system?

[srh3trinity]

If you ever decide you want to take a 6 month vacation to the states to work on another 74 Firebird, I will make my upstairs bedroom available and you can just lock yourself in the garage for days with my 74 Firebird and I am sure I will be happy with what you come up with. In all seriousness, the car is looking great. Your car is one reason I sought out a 74 to build in the first place.

[Ripper]

First Off - I love this build and what your doing. Incredible cool car.

Please build it this way - if you don't I am going to add this to my bucket list of cars to build.


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Zolland_render1-1.jpg
Thanks! :)
I will build it that way! However, the render probably has bigger wheels than my 18", but the style is about the same though. I'll go for 18" instead. Not sure about the intake either. It must be practical too, so I guess that's one place where I will change the design slightly..

[Ripper]

Can you tell me a little more about this trailer. Or show me a couple more pictures
Unfortunately I cant since it's not mine. The trailer is made by Loove, but they closed their business in 2012 unfortunately.
Some random pics from google;
http://www.rejsa.com/im/user/7564/2013-03-20-20-22-13_iphone_bilder_742.jpg
http://cdn.blocket.com/static/0/images_full/95/9576540497.jpg
http://www.motorhuset.com/core/images/66/looveslap.jpg


Hi Anders, looking like a piece of art again! can you tell a bit more about which power steering you are using? I was also looking into that myself. but there are many to chose from.

Martin
It's a unit from a Opel Corsa C (called Vauxhall Corsa C in UK). Costs appr. 250£ on ebay.uk and is basically the same model that is possible to buy as "aftermarket" in UK for four or five times that price. Since it's Opel, it's developed by GM.
It's CAN-controlled so you'll need a control unit for it (appr 30£ on ebay too) so you can control the signal
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC08031600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/ADSC08033600x337-1.jpg
The Corsa is a light car though. Appr 800-1000kg, so I'm not sure how it will perform in a heavier car. I'm aiming for 1200 kg and more weight towards the rear end than the Corsa. So I guess front axle load will be about the same.

Russ: No idea if it will work or not, but I can't see why it wouldn't work though.

[Ripper]

If you ever decide you want to take a 6 month vacation to the states to work on another 74 Firebird, I will make my upstairs bedroom available and you can just lock yourself in the garage for days with my 74 Firebird and I am sure I will be happy with what you come up with. In all seriousness, the car is looking great. Your car is one reason I sought out a 74 to build in the first place.
Haha! Lol!
If I ever loose my job here in Sweden, I'll consider it. ;) As long as it's no rust on it... I'm sick and tired of fixing rusty panels now.
I'm honored if you're telling me my car inspired you to get a 74! Almost feeling a little bit bad for leaving the 74 in favour for the 70-73 looks now...

[srh3trinity]

Haha! Lol!
If I ever loose my job here in Sweden, I'll consider it. ;) As long as it's no rust on it... I'm sick and tired of fixing rusty panels now.
I'm honored if you're telling me my car inspired you to get a 74! Almost feeling a little bit bad for leaving the 74 in favour for the 70-73 looks now...
I can understand the change to the 70-73 nose, it is a great look. I like the one year only feel of a 74. Maybe get the 74 nose painted at the same time and you can swap back down the road.

[linkstar69]

I have an electric rack out of a Suzuki that I'd like to one day repurpose for a protouring build.

Great engineering and workmanship.

[Martin71RS]

thanks for the info!

[linkstar69]

After you mentioned what your rear axle was I did some research and I've noticed some DeDion axles have a slip joint, do you know why that is?

[Ripper]

The ones with slip joints usually bolted or fixed trailing arms. The slip joint is there to enable roll.
I don't recommend the slip joint version though, they are usually loosing up over time...

[syborg tt]

Thank you very much. Looks like I am going to try to make something like this maybe in Canvas


Unfortunately I cant since it's not mine. The trailer is made by Loove, but they closed their business in 2012 unfortunately.
Some random pics from google;
http://www.rejsa.com/im/user/7564/2013-03-20-20-22-13_iphone_bilder_742.jpg
http://cdn.blocket.com/static/0/images_full/95/9576540497.jpg
http://www.motorhuset.com/core/images/66/looveslap.jpg

[Ripper]

Won't canvas flutter too much in higher speeds? The Loove models are made out of thin aluminum sheets and doesn't weight much at all. You can reinforce it the same way as they have done (with X in the panels).

_________________
Not very much progress since last time. I'm a house owner since two weeks back so most of my spare time has been spent renovating an remodeling that. Will hopefully start working on the car within 4-5 weeks again.

Since the engine is set back appr 8", the reinforcement in the body lined up nicely with the transmission member. I decided to make a smaller member and mount it to the body instead of the large version that attaches to the sub frame. Main argument was weight (of course), but I will also gain some space for the exhaust.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/ADSC08051600x337-1.jpg
As you can see on the picture, the car has it's own gravity field ;)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/ADSC08053300x168-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/ADSC08094300x168-1.jpg

Some inspiration..
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/Photo20130217195636600x400-1.jpg

Battery box has also been mocked up. Had to do some reinforcements on the other side of the floor to spread the forces in case of an accident (don't want to mount the box in the passengers back...)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/ADSC08058266x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/ADSC08059266x400-1.jpg

And I have bought a Vintage Air system which turned out to be a great surprise - better quality than I expected!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/ADSCF0141600x337-1.jpg

Some welding left, and then paint it inside and the under carriage. Gaaah, I can't hardly wait!

[syborg tt]

Won't canvas flutter too much in higher speeds? The Loove models are made out of thin aluminum sheets and doesn't weight much at all. You can reinforce it the same way as they have done (with X in the panels)

I've seen a bunch of BMW Car Haulers with Canvas sides so maybe I should consider doing more of a rigid type roof.

[Ripper]

Some progress...

I've started on the uprights for the front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/AIMG_9327600x450-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/AIMG_9333600x450-1.jpg

alot of different designs were made in the CAD, mostly aluminum versions based on a 1,5" water cut aluminum block to keep costs down. However, it turned out quite expensive, appr. 1000USD.
With that in mind, I decided to try to make them out of sheet metal instead, which actually turned out very good - they are light and cheap - costed me appr. 50USD to make... Steel also has some benefits against aluminum in critical suspension parts, atleast with home made parts that don't have the R&D budget of GM.

Here's just a quick picture of a aluminum version I did. Unfortunately, you cant see the holes through the upright since it's covered by a brake cooling duct. It looks more or less like a spider web. I tend to be a Little too focused when I work so I forget to save screen dumps of all the different versions...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Upright2600x398-1.jpg

But here's the final result (in steel). It actually came out lighter than the aluminum version. The steel part weights appr. 4 lbs which is l i g h t.
The upper rod (?) is mounted in an aluminum block so it can be shimmed if I wan't change SAI/Scrub in the future. Camber will be adjusted on the A-arm instead. The steering arm is also replacable for trying different geometries.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Aupright16600x362-1.jpg

As for Wheel bearing, a Corvette hub is used
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/HjullagerC61600x432-1.jpg

The caliper has also been lowered as much as possible to keep CGH down. Yes, I know it doesn't change much, but doing this on every part will help.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/spindel14300x220-1.jpg https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/spindel15300x220-1.jpg
It resulted in 3% lower CGH on the upright assembly.
I wish I could have mounted it below the lower A-arm, but it was impossible to get a decent suspension geometry due to that the A-arm needed to be raised too much.

The subframe has also been finished (in the computer). It was mostly finished about a year ago, but I didn't had time to build it then. Instead, I let it evovle slightly during the year and some minor changes has been done.
Due to scrutineering-problems, I will have to save most of the stock construction which equals to the part of the longitudal part of the, frame. The K-member was cut away and a new one was designed. I did some FEA to see what geometry was a good compromise between stiffnes and weight.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/ASubframeFEM4300x214-1.jpg https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/ASubframeFEM5300x213-1.jpg

And here's the final result. I'm gonna go with push rods in the front suspension, mostly because I managed to creat a almost 100% linear relation between wheel and coil over. And there's also endless possibilities in the future to experiment.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Subframe_12600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Subframe_8600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/Subframe_11600x337-1.jpg


That's all for now. Hoping for some real-World progress in next update. :cool:

[andrewb70]

Amazing work, as always...

Andrew

[btbob]

Some progress...

...

That's all for now. Hoping for some real-World progress in next update. :cool:

Wow. Just Wow.

[elcamino94]

Seriously, awesome job ! since I'm an engineering student and i do some cad (a lot) I must say that I won't be able even the quarter of what you did. You're crazy !!! Keep it up

[Ripper]

Thanks guys!

Elcamino94; Don't worry, you'll get there too. A couple of years after you started working you will be able to manage this type of project. I wasn't very confident during my student time either, but as time went by I gained experience.

[zouk52]

Do you have the specs for the rotisserie you made? I've also got a 74 and I'm looking for a good rotisserie design to build. Thanks!

[Ripper]

I'm gonna sell mine, but you seem to be a little bit far away.
I'll see if I can get you some measurements. :)

After primer, I spent 18 hours to fill all the seams with putty (?)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8845600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8835600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8854600x398-1.jpg

Then a thin layer of body for exposed areas
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8855600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8856600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8858600x398-1.jpg


And then... then... THEN!!! The epic layer of paint! No more welding on the body!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8870600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8877600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8890600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8891600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8892600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8874600x398-1.jpg

Aaaah... great feeling! I'll start assembling the rear suspension within a couple of weeks.

[Bryce]

looking awesome

[zouk52]

Haha! Yeah I'm a little far.You're doing a beautiful job by the way, love the cad work :headbang:

[Buryingthesun]

body prep on this car is fantastic and the right way to do it!

[Ripper]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8880600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8888600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/09/A_DSC8889600x398-1.jpg

[Ripper]

Haha! Yeah I'm a little far.You're doing a beautiful job by the way, love the cad work :headbang:
Thanks!
I'll get some measurements for you within a couple of weeks.


body prep on this car is fantastic and the right way to do it!
Thanks! It was a long journey getting to where it is now, but you tend to forget how much hard work it was. I haven't kept track of time invested in it, but a rough estimate would say probably more than 1000 hrs for the body shell including the cage. I spent more than 200hrs replacing the visible body panels (fenders and rear panel that lights and bumper sits on). Another 100 to raise the fenders 1,5", 150-200 for building and welding the cage... Hmmm, 1000 might not even be enough...

here's a before-picture from the tear down...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/bild600x450-1.jpg

[Ripper]

looking awesome
Thanks!

[Ripper]

Design work with the front suspension is finished. I've started building the frame, but it's a little too early to show any work from that yet.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/Framvagn11600x337-1.jpg
It's lighter, more rigid and alot more complex than the original (last thing isn't really anything good...)
1:1 motion ratio and almost 100% linear spring rate over the entire suspension travel. It took some serious time to find the right geometry, specially since I needed to keep some of the parts from the stock frame.
I wanted pull rod suspension from the start, but it was impossible to get a good packing of the components so I had to go for push rods instead. I chose push rods instead of traditional attachment because of lower arm is 21" long. Attaching the coil over close to the upright would create a quite angled position of it which would also increase during compression. Increased angle reduces spring rate, so a push or pull-rod linkage was necessary to get the characteristics I was looking for.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/Framvagn21600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/framvagn3600x337-1.jpg
I'm not really satisfied with the added complexity, but it's impossible to avoid when involving linkage systems for the suspension.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/Framvagn4600x337-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

Dude....just stop...you're seriously making us all look stupid and lazy...LOL

Andrew

[Martin71RS]

nice work again Anders, one of my favorite builds :-)

[Ripper]

Dude....just stop...you're seriously making us all look stupid and lazy...LOL
lol!

[monteboy84]

Best build thread on the whole interwebz. Glad to see it's still progressing, keep up the great work Anders!

[LeighP]

Really nice work! Great ideas!

[Buryingthesun]

Dude....just stop...you're seriously making us all look stupid and lazy...LOL

Andrew

lol 100%

[Ripper]

Eventhough the car has a full cage, I like a cozy interior so I wanted to hide the tubes around the seats as good as possible. Here's how I did a headliner that will hide the tubes away. It's glass fibre, weights around 1 lbs and will receive a thin layer of foam and then leather or suede...

A rottisserie helps... ;)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8902600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8903600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8956600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8918600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8919600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8926600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8932600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8936600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8949600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8955600x398-1.jpg

[Ripper]

And all my fasteners has been surface treated...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/20131001222232__dsc8925-1.jpg

[Ripper]

And the K-member (?) for the subframe is also done. It took some serious time to fab, but it came out really good! It's 12 lbs lighter than the stock steel, so it's both stiffer and lighter than stock. It's supposed to be welded to the stock parts, just because regulations (I need to save some parts so it's still a GM construction, otherwise it's impossible to get it through the registration process). Otherwise I would build a subframe from scratch...

I'm making these kind of attachments for every bolt since I'm using thin walled tubes (0,06-0,08"). It's welded in both walls which makes it really stiff.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8976600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8977600x200-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8980600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8981600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8978600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8984600x398-1.jpg

[syborg tt]

Incredible fab work on this car.

[Chadman27]

Sweet! More headliner pics and info!!!

[Ripper]

Chadman; What do you want to know? :)

Syborg; Thanks!

[WS6]

I go away for a little while only to come back to this. I'm so amazed and impressed! Glad to know you're making progress still. Keep up the excellent work.

[Ripper]

Welded the K-member together with the rest of the subframe;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8989600x360-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8986600x232-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8987600x360-1.jpg

The cut away in the rear part of the profiles are just to be able to tuck the frame as close to the body as possible:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/ADSCF0162600x450-1.jpg

[Aficionado]

Just discovered this thread. Absolutely amazing--the fab and design work are most impressive!!

[Peter Mc Mahon]

I just found this as well, wow!

[Ripper]

Thanks!

[Ripper]

I'm having some thoughts regarding paint. Eventhough it's not really time yet, I've started thinking about it a little.
I want something subtle and typical late 60, early 70 color. Ie the Corvette Electric Blue is really nice, but I'm not really sure it'll look right on an old car. Not trying to offend anyone in here - it's not bad looking. But I want my car to look like a stock classic except for other wheels and lowering springs...

So, anyone has any ideas?
For the moment, I'm into light blue and green colors.
This is what it should look like (except the color obviously...)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/Zolland_render1-1.jpg

Green is really nice, I think. This one is beautiful;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/EvWOABE-1.jpg
This color is also great, I think.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/CamaroGordonRAD10LagunaGray_zpsd31de1dc-1.jpg
More ideas are welcome!

As for updates, here are some reinforcements for the new seat locations. Driver seat is adjustable, but passenger seat is bolted to the floor as low as possible (having the CGH in mind)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC5064600x337-1.jpg
I needed some spacers to clear the seat mount on the drivers side. Instead of just adding a pile of washers, I made a spacer... Devil's in the details...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/ADSC08221600x337-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/ADSC08222600x337-1.jpg

And reinforcement for the 6-point harnesses;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC5063600x337-1.jpg


My new seats;
FIA-approved, upholstered in leather! :smoke:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/20131007211251531x800-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/20131007211105600x600-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/20131007211212600x600-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/20131007211238600x398-1.jpg

[Ravenworks]

This thread makes my jaw drop every time I review it! Too bad the laws are so strict over there for registration, I'd have loved to see what you would have created from scratch! Still looks awesome, though!!!

[andrewb70]

I vote for the green that is on Frank's 70 Lemans.

Andrew

[Ripper]

This thread makes my jaw drop every time I review it! Too bad the laws are so strict over there for registration, I'd have loved to see what you would have created from scratch! Still looks awesome, though!!!

Thanks!
If I wouldn't have any restrictions, I would probably have built a light weight tubular chassis of high tensile steel, flat floor with venturi on the back, C6 transaxle with a down stroked Pontiac 400 (goal something around 300 cui), Glass fibre body (since the frame doesn't need a steel body anymore). Individual suspension with pull rods front and back. A weight around 2000 lbs would feel as a good goal together with 400 hp "streetable" horsepowers.
Same look as what I'm doing now, but even more evil under the shell...
After it was finished, I would probably start experimenting with some kind of computer controlled hydraulic actuated active suspension instead of sway bars... Probably not faster, but developing things is fun. However, I probably have the same problem as everybody else - lack of spare time.

[Rimmo]

Colour = Muscle Car Red

The same as the Red you started with.

Sorry..... it just looks good on that Poncho!

[Chadman27]

Just noticed the reply! How about shots of it wrapped/painted and how you attached it to the roof/sides? If you are there yet that is. Cool ideas here. Thanks for posting it up.

[Ripper]

Well, what you see in the pics are as far as I've gotten for the moment. Right now I'm focusing at getting it on four wheels and installed drivetrain.
The headliner needed to be made before the body came out of the rotisserie, but I'm waiting with the wrapping until I've decided colors on the interior... Which will be after I've decided color on the body...

Probably two years until I've started at the interior - the car can be driven without interior, so for the moment it's full focus at getting it driveable.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8965600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8972600x450-1.jpg
Body has been taken down from the rotisserie! Next thing are these the coming years...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/11/A_DSC8971600x398-1.jpg


I vote for the green that is on Frank's 70 Lemans.
That car is gorgeous. But I'm afraid the Firebird won't be as good looking in the same color...

[srh3trinity]

Color choice with a gold wheel is tricky. I have a 74 I am building too and I have thought about doing a gold or a smoked gold wheel and I like red, white or a dark green with gold. I am not a huge fan of any other color car with a gold wheel except maybe black, but I want to distance myself from that since there are a lot of 77 and up Firebirds around here with that color scheme.

[snopro]

this car gives me such motivation, I just wish I had the engineering skills to make it happen. But i definitely want to make some push rod suspension for my rambler. Those uprights you fabricated are a work of art. great work keep it up

[Ripper]

Color choice with a gold wheel is tricky. I have a 74 I am building too and I have thought about doing a gold or a smoked gold wheel and I like red, white or a dark green with gold. I am not a huge fan of any other color car with a gold wheel except maybe black, but I want to distance myself from that since there are a lot of 77 and up Firebirds around here with that color scheme.
I'm thinking about light or dark blue and dark green for the moment. Leaning towards light blue but it's really hard to decide. Luckily, there's time left... lol

Snopro: Thanks! I actually wanted aluminum uprights from the beginning. But they were too expensive, since I didn't have any good contacts at CNC-milling.

Engine is in:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9003600x398-1.jpg
It actually sits 3/4" towards passenger side. I had to do this to save some space for the throttle pedal. Otherwise I would have to move all pedals to the left, which I really wanted to avoid.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9027600x398-1.jpg

CAD is great. Things just align, eventhough they've never been mocked up before.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9032265x400-1.jpg

Temporary transmission mount
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9012600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9037600x398-1.jpg
One more tube is required to make it stiff.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9039600x398-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9043600x398-1.jpg


EDIT: Engine's new location is 8" further back, 3/4" towards passenger and 2,5" lower than stock. I could have lowered it another 3", but the flywheel would be the lowest point then. And that didn't really feel right to do.

[NOT A TA]

I've been watching this thread Anders. It just keeps getting better & better! Nice work!

[splatt]

Can you share how you made the headliner. I want to make one for my Monte Carlo.

[Ripper]

I did like the pictures in this thread, but the trick is that you must have the body upside down.

_____________________________

Engine mounts are done;
I had to make the sleeve myself, but the inner tube and the bushings are purchased.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC5149600x400-1.jpg

And here's the second tube which triangulates the construction. That engine won't move much...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9052600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9051600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9067600x398-1.jpg


Trailings arms for the dedion are back from surface treatment.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/AIMG_08391600x304-1.jpg

It's important with correct labeled tools when working with your car...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/AIMG_08441600x337-1.jpg

[splatt]

What did you use so the fiberglass won't stick to the roof? Just clear tape?

[Ripper]

I used one layer of normal tape to create the shape of the mold. After that aluminum tape was applied since the polyester is quite aggressive.
Not sure of the english term, but after that I applied two layers of "release agent". It's used so the polyester won't adhese to the tape. The one I'm using is like 95% polyvinyl alcohol, but I guess there are other types available too.

Wait until it's hardened (a day or so) and then two layers of fiber was layed out together with polyester. Two layers is enough to make it flexible (I chase weight...).

[MrQuick]

looking good anders, cant wait to see it on all four wheels.

[olason]

Anders,

Great build progress. Makes me wish I had a place to work on my vehicle once I start my career in January. Guess I will stick to a CAD screen for a while. I have to remeasure some of the points on the car for chassis design.

Keep up the great work.

[splatt]

Thanks can wait to try this.

I used one layer of normal tape to create the shape of the mold. After that aluminum tape was applied since the polyester is quite aggressive.
Not sure of the english term, but after that I applied two layers of "release agent". It's used so the polyester won't adhese to the tape. The one I'm using is like 95% polyvinyl alcohol, but I guess there are other types available too.

Wait until it's hardened (a day or so) and then two layers of fiber was layed out together with polyester. Two layers is enough to make it flexible (I chase weight...).

[90MJext]

Great Build. I have a question about the uprights on the front. what is the metal thickness? do have a larger CAD drawing of them?

[Ripper]

I've been busy in the garage the last weeks. The rear suspension is assembled, and most of it is "final assembly". I need to do some additional welding on the dedion, so that's why it's only in primer. Also broke the threads for the bushing on the upper control arm, which really sucks. To be able to move the car around on it's own wheels, I made a temporary wood-arm there instead.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9046600x398-1.jpg

And here it is! On the floor on it's own wheels for many many years! Great feeling!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9085600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9088600x398-1.jpg
Above: Pictures sometimes lies... I placed the front wheel on its right position just to get the feeling of four wheels on it. Picture is actually taken from a chair where I was sitting, admiring my work. Can't wait to start with the front suspension, and I really hope I have the engine mounted and front suspension finished before the end of 2014.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9092600x398-1.jpg
I'm gonna start with finishing the uprights and making the lower A-arms in jan/feb. After that is upper A-arms and push-rods which probably will take some time...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9093600x398-1.jpg

Why the car has been assembled is because I needed to move it to another garage. A friend of mine helped me moving it with his trailer. Bringing it outside was good - it's much easier to take a step back and look at it. I might be a little biased since it's my car, but it looks just great. Just great! Reworking those fenders so that the arches are closer around the wheels really nails the stance was really worth all hours. It's supposed to be 1" lower than the picture, and the wheels supporting the subframe are too high. But still, it already looks badass!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9102600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/12/A_DSC9099600x398-1.jpg

[linkstar69]

Can't wait for more progress.

[Ravenworks]

That stance is gonna be killer! Looks great!!!

[Ripper]

Thanks!


Great Build. I have a question about the uprights on the front. what is the metal thickness? do have a larger CAD drawing of them?

Didn't see this before. I used 4, 3 and 2mm thickness depending on where it was used. It's high tensile steel, "Domex 650", with a yield point around 650 MegaPascal (or N/mm2).
I have some drawings, but I'm not sure I'm willing to share them as design documents. Not because I don't want to, but uprights are critical components and I don't wanna see someone copy my design without knowing that they are optimized for my build. I'm chasing weight, so they would probably be too weak to put on a 3800 lbs-project. They are designed for my constraints in this project (i.e. budget, available tools, wheel offsets, brake calipers, suspension geometry etc)

With that said; Send me your e-mail and I'll send you some measurements of them. As long as you're aware of the risks I don't mind sharing. :)

[Ripper]

not very much progress for the moment. I took the car home to my small garage, and currently I'm building some parts for the garage.

However, I'm shopping some parts for the car though. Need new ignition coils for my engine;
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/104382-What-LS-ignition-coils-should-I-buy?p=1043775#post1043775

Any help would be appreciated! :)

[ed1le]

Wow, absolutely amazing build. Looking forward to watching continued progress and craftsmanship! Keep up the great work!

[Ripper]

Last months has been a break from the car project. New house, new garage to decorate and busy at work. But I'm finally in pace with everything in my life, so garagetime should be possible again. :)


Some progress during the busy months;
A shelf for the small garage. Don't have enough room for shelves on the walls, so I must have them above my head. This one didn't steal any room at all...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9157600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9230600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9231600x398-1.jpg

My own, home made, bench. Will probably be able to withstand a nuclear explosion, but I guess that's good.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9198600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9200600x398-1.jpg
Fäste för skruvstäd...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9198600x398-1.jpg

Some drawers for it
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9204600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9456600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9455600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9458600x398-1.jpg


Assembled front brake discs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9483600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9473600x398-1.jpg

Centers for the centerbolt up front
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9476600x398-1.jpg

And my vette hubs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9477600x398-1.jpg

Uprights. Took some hours to finish these. Idiot project (ridicilous amount of labour time) and if this wasn't a budget project, I should have had them CNC-made instead.
I wish I had my own CNC-mill...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9479600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9485600x600-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9449600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC5207600x399-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC5202600x331-1.jpg


Rear brakes, with home made hubs
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC5192600x581-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC5193600x399-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC5189600x399-1.jpg


Drivers seat in! Now I just need a steering wheel and pedals and then I'm practially finished!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9625600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/04/A_DSC9623600x398-1.jpg
Pic above also shows my new cover for the bench. I made one out of stainless steel.

[linkstar69]

Great stuff as always.

[Gil]

Insane build...
Bada$$ skills & awesome car
Gil

[bishir]

This is my first time viewing this thread.

Holy Cow...

Is there anything you can't make yourself? It's not going to surprise me to read an update to see you creating your own tire molds.

[Ripper]

Lol... Thanks!
Tire molds are too much work though and too long learning curve. Maybe building a CNC-mill or so though...


Some of the latest progress:
Drivers seat is in!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9638600x398-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9663600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9653600x398-1.jpg

This that will be attached to the subframe:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/Framvagn4600x337-1.jpg

Rocker arms for push rods:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9670600x398-1.jpg

Front Swaybar: (hollow, of course...)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC0018600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC0016600x398-1.jpg

Coil-over mount:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC0019600x398-1.jpg

tack welded:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9675600x398-1.jpg

[syborg tt]

I just love this thread !!!

[linkstar69]

Every time you post i learn somnething new. Thanks for sharing

[cpd004]

Awesome project!!!

[Damn True]

Anders,

Yours has always been one of my favorite Poncho's this is taking it to an entirely new level. Great job!

As to the color, perhaps take some time to troll through old BTCC photos. You may find a livery that strikes you and will use period correct colors.

[lucky13firebird]

You Swedes are nuts. This is amazing work. Engine 8 inches back and lowered... just awsome. Hope to see this thing on 4 wheels soon.

[kbscobravert]

Just read all 12 pages. When I see my car next, I am setting it on fire and throwing my hands up. I give up. Yours is bada$$ raises the bar out there.

[Ripper]

This is my best inspiration source ever! I usually try to avoid build threads because there are always people picking on you and why you're doing things in a certain way. That's not the way things are done in this forum though :D
Everytime I post here, I get a lot of positive feedback which is directly converted to inspiration and motivation to keep moving the project forward. (Constructive critisism is also highly appreciated, just so you know. Alot of you guys has way more experience than me).
One of my biggest dream with this car is to bring it to SEMA. I don't think I'll have the finish of the build to fit there though, but it's still a dream. It's probably the most impossible goal I can imagine right now. Even two weeks at Nürburgring would be alot easier.

Anyway, thanks for all kind words. They're really appriceiated!
Feel free to like my facebookpage too: https://www.facebook.com/pages/propontiaccom/206076929493396

Latest progress;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9668600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9672600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9675600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9676600x398-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/05/A_DSC9674600x398-1.jpg

[lucky13firebird]

This place isn't about mocking people because they got rid of their drum brakes and 15" wheels... it's about going as fast as you can with the money and talents you got. I mean we got a guy here with a 65 mustang fastback (those cars are priceless btw) and it's a wide body with corvette suspension and an ls motor... and we LOVE it. So no worries, I personally love your skills.

[1977TRANSAM]

I want i like button. LOL
I stalk several builds on this site because the mad skilz and pure talent is awesome on this board, and that fact that there is not bashing is the best.

[Ripper]

Some progress...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC3179600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC3180600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2985600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2988600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2989600x400-1.jpg

And my improved gas pedal!
Feeling is important and the devil is in the details... This means that steering, pedals and gear lever must be free from play. There was some OEM play from the factory in the gas pedal, and since I did a new mount for my aluminum pedal I could just fix this at the same time...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2945600x400-1.jpg
One aluminum washer took the axial problems. To get rid of the radial play, the hole in the shaft was enlarged and a bushing was pressed into it. After that, the bushing was brotched to the right tolerance for the axle. The result was zero play.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2943600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2951600x400-1.jpg
A nut was welded to the shaft too to allow for fine tuning the angle of the pedal.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2941600x400-1.jpg
There was some radial play in the plastic mount too. To get rid of this, I used bronze shims until there was close to zero play. It's a great feeling in it now. Over engineered? Yes, probably... :)

Home made dust boots for my johnny joints
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2960600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2962600x142-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2964600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2963600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2965600x400-1.jpg
I have some things to fix on the dedion, that's why it's still in primer. This is the first real trial fit together with diff etc to check clearance.
With links in shortest position, there's still appr. 1/4" clearance between diff and the dedion. I measured this like ten times before I welded in the diff to be sure. In normal position, there will be appr. 3/4"-1" clearance, but I wanted to make sure that that the system was fail safe. Otherwise, you tend to forget to check clearance one time 5 years after you build it and is late for an event...

[frojoe]

Are those dust booties actually re-purposed bicycles inner tubes?

[syborg tt]

Wow !!!!

[Ripper]

Frojoe; Yes, it's a very versatile material. Elastic, durable and cheap.
Not sure it will work out, but time will tell. The cable ties will be switched to stainless though.
It's not a water resistans solution, but most of the dust will be kept away though.

Syborg; :)

[Crestronwizard]

Awesome build. Subscribed!

[Elvis T]

I have seen a lot of crazy car builds and fewer crazy car builds with such great attention to details. Out of all of the ones with such great attention to details, the Swedes consistently seem to be the ones with the crazy builds with amazing attention to details.

This is a beautiful build. I love it!

[Ripper]

Thansk!

Not much progress since last time. I've been busy with summer things...

The subframe is in primer though;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/A_DSC3434600x206-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/A_DSC3436600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/A_DSC3435600x400-1.jpg


And the power steering has made it into the car;
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/A_DSC3345600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/08/A_DSC3615600x400-1.jpg

[Ripper]

Some updates...

Had to modify the diff cover since it's so tight space for the dedione.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC2918600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC2919600x384-1.jpg

First time diff and rear suspension is in the body at the same time. And it fits! When the trailing arms are in shortest position, there's still 1/2" clearance between diff and dedione. The trailing arms are supposed to be appr. 1" longer, so there's enough with clearance. But this way, I'm sure it's idiot proof. There's no way they can get contact.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/06/A_DSC2965600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC2967600x400-1.jpg

Mounts for radiator frame were welded to the subframe. The bad thing with beeing an engineer is that you need fixtures for everything. There's no way two mounts (for the same part) can be free-hand-fitted...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC2977600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC2932600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC2933600x400-1.jpg



Lower A-arms for the front suspension... and a fixture.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC3613600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC3614600x400-1.jpg


Spent some time prepping the firewall for paint.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4026600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4038600x400-1.jpg

...and finally paint!!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4061600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4064600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4066600x400-1.jpg

[linkstar69]

Just a compelling build. Thanks for sharing

[syborg tt]

Just a compelling build. Thanks for sharing

Ditto what he said. I am loving seeing this car come together

[PhillipM]

This is the first I've seen this thread. Isn't it funny how you can miss stuff for so long on here? Great work! Thanks for sharing.

[Ripper]

Thanks for comments! :)

[driveit]

wow... Awesome work.

[WallaceMFG]

You do some amazing work! Hopefully by the time I'm out of school I can design things half way as good as you can! Keep up the good work!

And I'm glad you kept the Pontiac motor, there's already too many LS powered pro touring cars haha :twothumbs

[Ripper]

Subframe in place. Permanent!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4082600x400-1.jpg
Slightly nervous since I didn't test fit it between welding and painting. Approximately 13ft of welding total so I was nervous that it would have warped. However, it slipped right in. Like a glove!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4111600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4109600x400-1.jpg

I made my own guide pins. Instead of having to align the subframe against the body, the subframe is now self aligning.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4083600x400-1.jpg

Some fasteners for the subframe
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4078600x400-1.jpg

And the subframe:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4071600x400-1.jpg

And in the same moment the subframe sat there, I couldn't wait... i just had to start assemble everything else...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/09/A_DSC4097600x400-1.jpg
First out was my rack and pinion from a Ford Sierra, shortened 8" (200mm), gun drilled shaft to save weight and new mounting points to the subframe.

[Ripper]

Progress...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4098600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4104600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4106600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4159600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4160600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4162600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4180600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4186600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4191600x400-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2014/10/A_DSC4192266x400-1.jpg

[Gil]

Amazing ! Love it...
Always drooling when you update...
When are you planning a little Getaway in Stockholm vid ?
Bada$$ x 10000...
Gil

[andrewb70]

Nice work.

What the plan for transmission and clutch?

Andrew