My '64 Nova SS build- from scratch.

[RADustin]

http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9c6eb07b.jpg




I picked this car up a few months back out of Fort Worth Tx. The plan was to get it running as is and enjoy it. Well, after I replaced the tires and the entire fuel system from fuel filler all the way to the carb, the condition of the wiring and the 250ci engine was just too rough.


I had plans to make this a hardcore driving machine since before I even bought it, so the time came to turn my visions into reality. The overall plan is basically pro-touring, but more racey. Amazing suspension, big power, cage, simple interior, simple exterior, super functional. My biggest goal for this car is functional. If I cant drive it to work in the rain it isn't want I want. At the same time, if it isn't easily made track legal, it isn't what I want either. I'm hoping to get the give and take just right. I managed to get it pretty much perfect on my last build when I shot for more of a sport truck build...as seen at many Good Guys shows and magazines.

http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2b7a7b64.jpg


Unfortunately, I recently graduated college in mechanical engineering so money is super tight; off my parents payroll. Luckily, I have a want for creating things from scratch that is as good as or maybe even better than what is sold pre made.


I've been putting pen to paper for the last several months designing a complete front sub frame to get my build started with. I designed around c5/c6 corvette parts. Orignally I planned on only using the corvette uprights, wheel bearings, and brakes....but because I had to relocated away from my families wealth of tools, I opted for a redesign and will be using stock vette control arms.


In total, I have about 200 hours of design work in the sub frame. This includes setting up the geometry to actually drawing the front end in 3D space in a manor than I can fabricate myself with very limited tools. The hydraformed cross member of detroit speeds sub is probbably the most elegant solution, but I did what I could.


Heres some views of what I've come up with so far. As the build progresses so will my model.


http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/...psec572b77.jpg


http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3f3ccf8a.jpg


http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0c299dd6.jpg


I will be using an LS engine with a T56 trans and I've incorporated the engine into the design so I have a good fit.


http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/...ps054f6a87.jpg


http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/...ps27a71df4.jpg


You can see the mustang manual rack in the last picture. The driver side mount naturally wants to exist where the lower bushing is on the vette control arm. To get by this problem I will be making a new mount further inboard as shown that clamps on the rack body. I'll cover this more this weekend.


So far I have completed the basic design and sent all my burn files to my brother, who fortunately has a cnc plasma table. Unfortunately, he lives 3 hours away.


The precision in these cuts are what will allow me to build this front end without intricate jigs.


http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/...pse2983226.jpg




They're many more pieces than this but these are all the pictures I have so far.


This weekend I will be traveling to pickup the cut parts from my brother and heading all the way back to my parents house where our lathe is, which I will use to move the mount on the steering rack.


I'll keep you guys updated as long as someone is paying attention. So stick around and let me know what yall think!

-Dustin