Dead Cat 2.0: Jake's Torque Arm install

[Payton King]

I just don't have it in me to come up with anything more clever today. Some of you may know of my car and others may not. I have not posted anything about my car in a long time, so I guess it is about time to let the cat of of the bag. (OK that was a little clever)
I have owned the car for 18 years and it the second restoration has been complete for about 3 years. It is the normal pro-touring affair with leafs and a slight tub running C6 rim and tire package. I have been wanting to upgrade to a different rear suspension and tire package for a couple of years. I have actually had the rims for a year and a half sitting in my attic. I finally started the transformation after Run Through The Hills last year. The car went to Holohan's Hot Rod Shop (www.holohanshotrods.com (http://www.holohanshotrods.com) )on Jan 1st of this year. The good news is I am about 4 weeks away to having the car back together and driving which means I have been saving pics for months and you will not have to follow this thread long to see the build.

Here is what I am starting with
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/cover_shot2-1.jpg

[Payton King]

So, as you can tell by the title I am going to be installing Jake's Torque Arm rear suspension. I will be running a watts link and also changing the rear end to a Moser full floater. The rims are HRE C21's that I purchased off of the Corvette Forum in C6ZO6 sizes. 19x12.5 in the rear with a 335/30/19 and the fronts are 18x9.5 with 275/35/18 Nitto NTO5's.

My computer is acting up and freezing so I will post more pictures tomorrow

[Ron S]

Its about time you posted some pics of the new upgaded ride. Where's my 3/4 rear shot with the new wheels, huh.

[dropit69]

Payton..always loved you car..the Color ..the name .the Stance..love it all..so more dead cats will be even better..lol..can't wait to see it preform..

[Nessumsar]

You tease!!

Awesome to hear things are progressing on the car. Good job keeping the lid on it as long as you have.

[Vinz68]

Great to hear it's almost done!! The last few events haven't been the same with out you

[srh3trinity]

I have always liked your car too. Great stance and color and I usually don't like yellow. Sounds like a great set of upgrades and I really like the idea of a Torque Arm setup.

[bonecrrusher]

Looking fwd to pics....

Heres what happens when rear 325 30 19 z06 wheels and stock c6 fenders "rub"

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/IMAG0913-1.jpg

[David Sloan]

Its about time you posted some pics of the new upgaded ride. Where's my 3/4 rear shot with the new wheels, huh.

Ya what he said!! LOL!^^^

Hope we get to hook up an see it in person!!

[Payton King]

For those of you that do not know who Dan Holohan is, he use to work for Troy at Rad Rides and then went to DSE for 3 years. Opened up his own shop a year ago and it filled up quickly. He just took over the space next door. For a brief moment I thought about doing the re-tub and torque arm install myself, but with limited space, skills and 2 boys 11 and 8, it was too much for this old dude. Dan's work is some of the best I have ever seen and has proved it on my car. Look him up at www.holohanshotrods.com Not sure if he has them up or not but he has maybe 500 pictures of this build. I have 260 and will try to post plenty but not so much that it is boring.

First up is the mini-tub. When the car was originally built I only tubbed it over about 1.5 inches to clear the 285's I was running. Big mistake, now I have to take a completed car and cut it up to make room for the 335's. I hate when tires rub, so Dan actually widened the DSE tubs. Now for the pics

[Payton King]

[URL="http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n539/paytonking/DSCN1164.jpg"]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[URL="http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n539/paytonking/DSCN1177.jpg"]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1187-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1177-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1176-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1203-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1204-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1206-1.jpg

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

yikes!

[Payton King]

[URL="http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n539/paytonking/DSCN1210.jpg"]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[URL="http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n539/paytonking/DSCN1"]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

And the final product

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1430-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1413-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1429-1.jpg

[Payton King]

the link is taking sometimes.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1210-1.jpg

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Welcome to the jungle Payton! Might as well reinforce those rails while they're opened up...:)

[MrQuick]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1177-1.jpg

they should call it mellow yellow...looks good mr k. Holohan is my hero. Glad to hear he free'd himself.

[John Wright]

Look him up at www.holohanshotrods.com Not sure if he has them up or not but he has maybe 500 pictures of this build. There is a scrolling frame of pics on his site and has your car showing in it...but the link to the project is broken.

[Mike Holleman]

Really looking good Payton. But couldn't you find some yellow paint? I'm stuffing 335's under the back of my 57 truck. Nothing like big meats. Of course mine is mostly for show where your's will be for GO. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Mike

[Payton King]

With making the tubs wider, the frame got very thin. Dan plated it up nice and strong.

Yea Mike, I thought they were going to stop making yellow so I tried to use it all up on this one.

I will get Dan to get his link working

[John Wright]

I thought they were going to stop making yellow so I tried to use it all up on this one.

^^^that is funny

[Holohan's Hot Rod Shop]

Hey Guy's,
The link is not really broken, I was just waiting for Mr.King to start posting pictures before I actually started posting any pictures on my site. My site currently is getting some maint. work done on it now and it's down, but you can look at more pictures on my shop's FaceBook page.

Thanks, Dan

[John Wright]

Cool Thanks Dan...going now to go check out the pics.

[John Wright]

Oh...here (http://holohanshotrods.com/hotrods/?p=275) it is.

[Payton King]

Had to take a little break this weekend. 18th wedding aniversary and my wife needed a little attention so I can make it to 19.

Here is the tub install

[Payton King]

IMG]http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n539/paytonking/DSCN1433.jpg (http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n539/paytonking/DSCN1433.jpg)[/IMG]

[URL="http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n539/paytonking/DSCN1436.jpg"]https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1443-1.jpg

[Payton King]

This system is killing me. Why cannot I put more than one pic on a post?

[Payton King]

Still cannot get it to work

[Payton King]

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n539/paytonking/DSCN1453.jpg[/IMG]"]

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1453-1.jpg

[John Wright]

edit* duplicate pic....sorry, I was trying to help with the link to the pic and you already have it working in another post.

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1799-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1798-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1457-1.jpg

[Steve Chryssos]

Looks great! You will LOVE your new Torque Arm. Nothing hooks better coming off corners or at the drags and the ride quality is so much better than leaf springs. I can't wait to hear your driving impression.

[maxharvard]

Looks good! That's what mine will have soon.

*subscribed*

[Payton King]

Everybody knows about the pad knockback problems when you really start leaning on a 9 inch with fixed calipers and sealed bearings. Since I was upgrading the rear suspension and was going to need to shorten my present 9 inch, I opted to kill 2 birds with one stone and sprang for a full floater from Moser. I got the DB floater (dual bolt pattern 5x4.75 and 4.5) The center register on that rear is the standard Ford 3.06. I had Moser turn it down to 2.78 (standard Chey) so my wheels would fit.

My next challenge was that I wanted to keep an emergency brake. Jake and I discussed it and came up with the idea to use my existing intergrated emergency brake used with my Wilwoods and make a mount to bolt the assembly on the housing. Jake then machined my existing hats to mount to the floater hub. Very easy retro-fit, but it will not work with a high negative offset wheel. It worked on mine because my rim has around 8 inches of backspacing. Plenty of room for the brakes and not get into trailing arm brackets or shocks.

Another way to solve the e-brake issue is to have a custom rotor adaptor made if you are running a 13 inch or larger rotor, and use a seperate caliper

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Pljn6eu8-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/Pljn6fju-1.jpg

[Payton King]

Time to unpack Jake's Torque Arm and do a pre-assembly

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1730-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1800-1.jpg

[bonecrrusher]

Damnnnn..... looking good!

[Vinz68]

Dude your gonna love it!!!! Wheels look killer!!!

[Payton King]

I am about to go on vacation. I cannot remember if I have ever taken a full week off since I have gotten out of college and into the real world. I am going to try and get a bunch of pics posted.

Here is a lesson I have learned more than a few times over the course of owning this car for 18 years...nothing ever goes on the way it is supposed to fit. Jake's Torque Arm is designed to fit under a stock trunk pan and be a very easy and non-invasive install, one of the many reasons I went with his system. Not on my car, running a drop version of the 21st Century subfame and half height DSE bushings, my car is lower than most. When we positioned the rear end housing where it needed to be located in the car at ride height and using the ride height length of the shocks...we were in the trunk a couple of inches with the watts/shock mount. Great, break out the cutting wheel.

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1808-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1828-1.jpg

[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1847-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1846-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/DSCN1842-1.jpg

[Payton King]

Just like everything else on this project, Jake's crossmember that comes with the kit would not work on my car, so Dan to the rescue to fab up another one.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/crossmemberoutofcar-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/crossmembercloseup-1.jpg

[John Wright]

eh, a little sheet metal shelf in the trunk and all of that will get covered up. Looking good....keep the pics coming.

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/06/fabbedcrossmember-1.jpg

[Payton King]

Wait till you see the sheet metal work...it is pretty awesome. Exhaust ended up running through the trunk as well.

[coolwelder62]

Damn,!! Payton that frickin awesome.Dan work is over the top.Scott M.

[srh3trinity]

That cross member looks awesome. Get us some pics of the exhaust. I like the idea of the TA setups, but I would still want the exhaust out the back.

[Ron S]

Still waiting for 3/4 rear shot!

[Payton King]

Just for you Ron!https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/Reartire-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/Reartirefromfront-1.jpg

[Bow Tie 67]

Nice!

[Payton King]

Time to fab up the exhaust. With the new torque arm, we had to re-make everything from the mufflers back and did some tweaking up front. As you will see from the following pics, there was no room for the tail pipes. Dan went up and over the watts and further into the trunk.

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/Bottomexhaust-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/Exhaust-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2212-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2211-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2215-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2216-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2226-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2239-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2237-1.jpg

[OLDFLM]

Great idea! That will look very clean with the closeout in the trunk! Keep the pics coming!!

I've always wondered if you could run the exhuast thru the framerail after the muffler with a flexible attachment with a turndown where the rear spring eye used to mount?

[Motown 454]

Payton that looks like a slick setup. I like where you picked to bring the end of the tail pipes with the turn downs. Very nice. Are you going to make the trunk straight across side to side over the pipes or just bump it up where the pipes are? It looks great.

[protouring70]

Man that is sweet!!! Can't wait to see it up close!

[Steve1968LS2]

Still one of my favorite PT cars!

What size rear tires are those?

[parsonsj]

Love the tailpipe hangers. Did you guys make or buy 'em?

[Payton King]

Thanks again for all of your kind words! Center of the trunk floor is raised about 2 inches and the cover over the exhaust is about 6 inches. i will be posting those up in a bit.

Steve the rear tires are Nitto NT05's 335/30/19 on a 12.5 rim. Are you coming to RTTH? If so, you know you are welcome to drive it.

JP Dan came up with the design. He makes those hangers and sells them as well.

[Payton King]

I have seemed to misplace a few pictures, so I will have to explain and show the final product. We cut so much out of the trunk that Dan plated the rear portion and added some additonal bars to strengthen it back up.

Here is the final product before we start the trunk floor.

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2651-1.jpg

[Payton King]

Time for trunk fab

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/Trunkfabstarting-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/trunkfabnewdirection-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/trunkcurve-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/morefab-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2649-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2645-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2652-1.jpg

[Payton King]

From the bottom looking up into the exhaust pocket
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2687-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2677-1.jpg

[Payton King]

From inside the car before the seat brace goes back in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2682-1.jpg

[Payton King]

Seat brace back in and small section POR'd and then lizard skinned.https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2716-1.jpg

[parsonsj]

Payton, that's lovely tin work. Just lovely. Did Dan use an english wheel and electric bead roller?

[Rick D]

Wow Dan does some amazing work there. Very nice love the way it's coming out.

[RS_Customs]

Payton, that's lovely tin work. Just lovely. Did Dan use an english wheel and electric bead roller?

My guess is slip roll, then bead roller, then maybe a little flat die english wheel??

Looks great buddy! Must be getting close to done and ready for some auto crossing down south? :drive:

Robert

[John Wright]

I agree with the others...great work, looks amazing

[Yelcamino]

That's awesome! I'd like to do something similar with the exhaust on my Chevelle.

[craigs73]

sweet car and man do you ever love yellow :) the car is very clean

[Holohan's Hot Rod Shop]

Hey Guys,
Glad you like the work. All the metal forming was done by hand in making the shapes out of 16 ga., then a bead roller, no wheel work. Some slip roll work was also done but mostly bending, twisting and tweaking by hand over anything that doesn't move. Corner radius's done by hand also then everything TIG welded and mteal finished.

Thanks for the interest

[Ron S]

Tig welding all that sheetmetal, wow. Dan you are a patient man, fab work is phenomenal. Ron

[John Wright]

Tig welding all that sheetmetal, wow. Dan you are a patient man,no kidding!....GTAW takes some time compared to the squeeze and squirt method.

[parsonsj]

Dan you are a patient man, fab work is phenomenal.Not to mention flexible... I can't imagine climbing into that trunk to TIG weld all those seams!

[monteboy84]

Stunning fab work and welding :seizure:

-matt

[Payton King]

fab work is done. Car needs to go have the bottom sprayed so Dan made a dolly. The first pro-rik shah

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN3051-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN3057-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/IMG953892-1.jpg

[Payton King]

I did not want to use the poly bushings so I took JP's advise and used Sphoons end. Very nice piece but it is large, so more mods were in order

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2927-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2940-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2926-1.jpg

[Payton King]

pocket mods

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2768-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2769-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2771-1.jpg

[craigs73]

payton i think your going to roast the tires plum off it now haha lol ........ looking good

[Payton King]

Back from paint

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN3277-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN3274-1.jpg

[mdprovee]

That is some gorgeous work right there.

[carguy502]

pocket mods

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/07/DSCN2768-1.jpg

It's fabrication like this that brings a smile to my face. Damn good work!

Best,

Don

[parsonsj]

Good choice on Spohn's Del-Spheres. :)

[GrnDragon]

I'm a little confused why you had to cut the LCA mounts off and weld on the other mounts?
I have a JRS setup and am using Del-Spheres (my JRS housing has 1.8" to fit the LCA ends, and Del-Spheres are 1.5" wide).

I just made stepped spacers that reduces the thru hole for a 5/8" bolt (the Del-Spheres have a 3/4" thru hole).
I hope my question makes sense?

[dontlifttoshift]

Dragon, there is more than one way to skin a cat (punny right?) Either way, your's or Dan's will work just fine.

[Zanie]

Holy Cow! I thought this was gonna be a boring slight rework thread. Boy was I wrong, that is some unbelievably nice work. That is crazy cool tig work. I applaud you for going the exta mile for tail pipes; I can't imagine driving a car any kind of distance without them.
Love the look of the new wheels and tires!
I can't wait to see the finished product.

[Payton King]

If I remember correctly we ran out of room for the del-spheres clearance and the shock mount bolts. Decided to go with the heavier bolts and it made the bracket a little thin when widening the hole.

I wish it was a boring rework. LOL

[GrnDragon]

Gotcha, makes sense...
nice upgrades BTW and I LOVE those wheels!!!

[RicerwannaB]

Thats looks great! Cant wait to see it finished with the new wheels!

[Payton King]

I don't post for a week and 1/2 and I am seven pages back. There are some projects going on.

Where we are now

[Payton King]

Photo bucket is locking my system up. I will try to get it fixed and get some pics posted

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3359-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3362-1.jpg

[Payton King]

POR before Raptor. Dan is a funny guy, cat in the house

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3371-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3380-1.jpg

[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3397-1.jpg

[Payton King]

Needed a place to put my regulator, so we located it on the tank

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3156-1.jpg

[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3158-1.jpg

[Ron S]

3/4 rear shot, still waiting!!

[David Sloan]

3/4 rear shot, still waiting!!

LOL!! Give the man a brake! LOL!! but i would like to see that as well.

Looking Killer Payton!

[bonecrrusher]

Looking good!

[454bug]

Fantastic upgrades Peyton!! :twothumbs

Great find on the wheels and tires... :1st:

[Payton King]

Getting closer

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3459-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3466-1.jpg

[John Wright]

Wow, that exhaust looks great!

[Mike Holleman]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3158-1.jpg

I can weld like that with my eyes closed. (actually only in my dreams)Mike

[Ron S]

$$$$$$

[Payton King]

I need to get some pics of the tank posted up. Decided to powder coat it black and use the stainless straps. It is a nice contrast with the yellow and the exhaust.

[Payton King]

Floater with e-brake going together

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG959545-1.jpg

[Payton King]

Hubs

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG951212-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG953946-1.jpg

[andrewb70]

Nice!

Did you build a little camber into the rear?

Andrew

[Payton King]

I did not. Thought about it long and hard. To do so I would need to run crowned axles and speaking with everyone on the subject it wears the hubs and axles pretty quick.

[nvmyss]

Not digging the safety wire job, everything else is sweet..
It looks like you have the tension on the wrong side of some of the bolts.

[Yelcamino]

Who's floater parts are you using? I like the internal drum parking brake.

[Payton King]

The floater is from Moser. It is the DB (dual bolt pattern 5x4.75 and 5x4.5) hub. Had Moser turn the center register down from 3.06 (ford) to a 2.78 (chevy) to work with my wheels. The e-brake/hat/caliper mount is my Wiwood stuff modified to work with the floater. Only reason I could get it to work is because of the positve offset of the rims that I am running. If I wanted a big lip on the back rim, I would have had to come up with something different. If I remember correctly it was around $900 for the housing made to length, hubs and axles. A deal in my opinion.

[Payton King]

Coming down to the end. Still have a few things left to do, but the car should be home by this friday. Here are a couple mock up pics with a few final assembly pics thrown in. One pic has my caliper upside down...that was thrown on for clearance.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3467-1.jpg

[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

I cannot say enough good things about Dan and the level and quality of his work.

[John Wright]

Looks great!

[RS_Customs]

Great to hear it's almost done! Can't wait to see it at rtth's. I somehow missed getting a ride last year, guess I was in Ron's car too much lol.

Robert

[Protournova]

Looking Great... keep the pic's coming

[Ron S]

Dude, this thing has to be one of the cleanest, most well finished cars on the board. Its almost a shame to take it out and beat on it like I know you will.

[orbit]

This car is cleaner on the bottom side than any of my cars top sides.... And you track it! Incredible build, incredible work. some day when I get my three wishes ill have one just like it. LOL

[Payton King]

Thanks! I am pretty excited to get it back and start driving. Last version was under barred and under sprung. This time i am going to have it set on kill. The rates will work good on the track but maybe a little much on the street. Going with 700 lbs front and 550 lbs rear as a starting point. Changing my 1 inch solid bar out for 1.25 solid. Let the tuning begin.

I have missed every event this year, but my happy ass will be at RTTH.

[bonecrrusher]

Payton - when are you leaving for Pigeon Forge?

[Payton King]

The Thursday before the event.

[parsonsj]

Lovely work! I'm gonna miss Pigeon Forge this year, but am looking forward to seeing that car in person soon.

[WS6]

Glad you're going to get it out for RTTH. I just wish I was there. Car looks fantastic Payton. Very detailed and clean. Love it!

[pro-touring.no]

Hey Payton..
Looks greate, cant wait to see it next time im over to US:)) have a greate time driving..

Kjell

[Jim Nilsen]

Holy Deadcat Batman !!!!!!!

Things look like the world has changed and a whole new life for the cat is almost out of the bag.

It looks great Payton and I hope I can make it to RTTH somehow to see how it all works!!!

I think your claws just got bigger.

[Payton King]

Car is back home and safe in the garage (and up on Jack stands). I have a number of new photos, but do not have it in me to get them loaded up. Look for some updates tomorrow.

[John Wright]

Can't wait for the pics.....I know it feels good to have it back home again.

[HectorM52]

Now just don't run the front spoiler into your trailer and all will be well!!

[Gitter Dun]

Wow, awesome build!!

[Payton King]

Yep, spolier is broken and off the car. Going to go by NPD and pick up another one. May wait to put it on at RTTH because I break one every time I trailer the car. Here are some pics

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3631-1.jpg

[Payton King]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3629-1.jpg

[Payton King]

suspened rear shot for Ron.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3640-1.jpg

[Payton King]

Ground shot for Ron

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[Payton King]

Dan having fun with my license plate

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[Payton King]

Artistic shot

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3635-1.jpg

[Payton King]

Money shot

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

Going home

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[Payton King]

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[Payton King]

Shop dog Jake saying good bye

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[Payton King]

Still have a few things to wrap up. Depending on my time I should be driving this weekend or next. Ride height should come down after fuel load, seats, stereo and my fat ass.

Here is a shot of hard line for fuel.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/IMG953732-1.jpg

[RS_Customs]

Very nice, can't wait for rtth's to see it!

Robert

[orbit]

Nice?? LOL Hell I want to go for a ride in that thing! Probably better than a high end exotic.

[Mike Holleman]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/08/DSCN3628-1.jpg

That is a really clean suspension setup. I hope it works as good as it looks. Wonder if Jake can build something like this for my racecar? If I run American Iron I think this would be outside of the rules. In AIX anything goes. And I have too much motor for AI and way too little for AIX. Anyway I really like your setup and the weakest part of my Firebird is the rearend and rear suspension. Can't wait to see it in person.
Mike

[454bug]

AWESOME upgrades Payton!

The car looks like a show car... Just beautiful! :twothumbs

I can't wait to see it perform in person.

[parsonsj]

It's just lovely. Very very nice. I'm telling you, that's one amazing canine to design such stuff.

[Payton King]

Besides maybe a local deal around here, my first event will be RTTH. So if you are going you can see the car there. Mike, if you are coming to RTTH you are more than welcome to drive the car and get a feel for it.

I am very please with the way everything turned out. I did not anticipate needing to cut the car up so much...one of the reasons I went with the torque arm. Even if I could have not gone into the trunk with the watts, there was no place to run the exhuast, so we would have been there anyway. I still have little things to do and will post some updates as they are completed. Plan on taking Thursday and Friday off to get a good start on them. Looking foward to driving updates.

[David Sloan]

LOOK's Killler!
I cant wait to see it @ RTTH's

[Payton King]

Are you ready to take it down the strip again?

[lcartag1]

Are those the Bilsteins that come with the kit or are they upgrades ? I have been talking to Jake about this kit and am looking forward to your review. Also curious about whether you need a rear sway bar or not.

[Payton King]

Those are the ones that come with the kit. Asked Jake the same question about a bar, he said no. Vin's 68 that won at RTTS earlier this year did not have a rear bar. I plan on running some big spring rates, so I am going to say no on my applicaton, but that could all change. I will let you know.

[John Wright]

Wow..it turned out fantastic.....let us know how it rides and handles.

[Zanie]

Awesome!

[srh3trinity]

Like the new wheels a lot. Looking forward to hearing more about the torque arm. I really want to go that way with mine.

[David Sloan]

Are you ready to take it down the strip again?

You know i just might,
Seems like the more people ask me to drive there car the more i want too! LOL!! Just kind of nerves about driving some body's else car. BUT, After driving for a hour an a half with Bad Penny and driving the Atomic 67 of Brads last week i think i am getting over it! LOL!
Thanks

[Tucks69]

Thanks for letting me drive the Dead Cat from the motel to the dragstrip today! The Camaro drives great, driving it will help me get more motivated on "Trouble"! Emily said thanks for the ride in the autocross! She said yall were jamming to Nelle, while blasting through the autocross! Enjoyed the weekend hanging out!

[Payton King]

Anytime Michael. Had a great time hanging out with you and your crew. Let me know when you get close on your car and I will take a ride down.

[andrewb70]

Payton,

How did the new set-up perform this weekend?

Andrew

[Payton King]

Andrew, it drove great. Completely different car right out of the box. Had a few issues with my new shocks when I took it on my initial ride. Seems one shock did not have gas in it and they were not valved correctly for the springs I was running. They must have used an old valving from Jake when they built them. Anyway, Bilstein is right up the road in Mooresville and they revalved them on the spot. Kind of like a field trip learning about shocks and running them on the dyno.

I backed down on my spring rates for the autocross at RTTH. Ran a 550 up front and 325 in the rear, had the shocks on the middle setting. My car rides better than my wife's M3. I was really amazed at the ride compared to the 450 lbs fronts with AFCO street rod shocks, DSE leafs (175 lbs) with the koni.

I also went with a 1.25 front bar .188 wall, 34 inches with 10 inch arms from center hole to center hole. First day the car was a little tight, raised my watts to the top hole, which is axle centerline and it freed the car up.

I got faster about every run on the autocross. It is such a completely different car that I was learning more each run. I did the autocross school and Finch said I had the smooth thing down that I needed to work on being more agressive. I over drove the car in spots by not being patient enough but all in all I was very please. Need to work on shock adjustments and a few alignment changes and I think the car will be pretty fast. It is hard to believe my car is making 425 at the wheels and I am underpowered compared to most of the top runners there. Last year I finished 26th out of 60 plus cars and this year I believe I came in 12th out of 70 cars (.6 out of tenth place running 49 second laps). Not too bad with a car I had put 15 miles on before I showed up to race. Of course I put Danny Pop in the car on a shorter course the day before and he dropped 2 seconds off my time on his second lap. Car was better the next day.

[coolwelder62]

Payton,Your camaro looked and work awesome.It was great to hang out w/everyone.ScottM.

[bonecrrusher]

Payton - was nice hanging out with you again...

Snapped this on Friday night at the toy box...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/IMAG1208-1.jpg

Glad you guys got everything sorted out!

[HectorM52]

Payton, the car looked awesome as always. I really loved the new wheels this year!! And was glad to see a non-broken spoiler too!

If you had gotten a few more laps in you might have snuck into the top ten. I snapped a couple pics of my times on the hand-written pages and you were chopping half-seconds off your laps by the round. Couple more laps might have dropped you into the 48's or maybe lower!!

Not bad for one of the "underpowered" guys! :)

Hope to see you again next year.

Adam

[Payton King]

Thanks guys! It was a great time. It always amazes me how fast the time goes and how little free time you have at one of these events. I had big plans on swapping cars with people just to drive other stuff and let folks drive mine. Next thing you know I am trailering home. Maybe next time.

Craig (bonecrusher) that is a cool shot...except for the fact that I was working on it instead of having a beer.

Scott, you car was billy bad ass and Kevin is a driving dude. Look foward to hooking up at Goodguys

Did not break a spoiler this year, but I did scrape my fresh coated exhaust loading on the trailer to come to RTTH. Adam, I guess I have to mess something up everytime I show up.