Project WidowMaker - The Chevelle Build Thread

[Agalaviz2]

great job documenting all of the fab work youve done! the car is truly going to be a one of the kind!

keep up the good work!

-Andy

[SShep71]

Tim,
When you did the drive shaft loop on the #2 crossmember how tall did you make the loop? I am going a similiar way but dont have the time to put the body back on th eframe and take it off again.

[SparkyRnD]

really cool build, would love to see it finished

[The WidowMaker]

Tim,
When you did the drive shaft loop on the #2 crossmember how tall did you make the loop? I am going a similiar way but dont have the time to put the body back on th eframe and take it off again.

thats a good question. short answer is probably 7-8" although i dont remember for sure. i had the frame set at ride height, allowed for +/- 3" of travel and added a little more to either end. i then took the ds measurement, how far back the loop was and accounted for the 3" dia of the shaft itself. you also have to remember that i dont have a stock ds tunnel so mine could be taller.

[SShep71]

I forgot your tunnel was modified. I guess Im shooting from the hip on this one.

[The WidowMaker]

I forgot your tunnel was modified. I guess Im shooting from the hip on this one.

its going to be tough without the body. i know that my ds hit the floor way before my suspension bottomed out though. that was the main reason for the taller tunnel.

the only thing i can think to do is use the body mount holes to try and get a close enough measurement.

[The WidowMaker]

heres a pic of the grille. i still have to cut the middle bars to length and it obviously still needs to be welded. i hope to have it done by the end of next week.

im also gathering quotes right now on the motor. im still not settled on a builder, but mast, wegner and hke are the front runners. if anyone has any reviews or advice id love to hear it. if you'd rather not post, shoot me a pm.

[craigs73]

grill looks cool but not seeing what it looks like in my head lol

[scikotictc232]

just spent the last three days reading a lil at a time like i was reading an internet book, great job and a great spot to find motivation for all our personal projects, for learning as you go you do a damn well job at it, keep it up the car looks great..

[The WidowMaker]

getting closer. ive only knocked to tops off the welds and i still obviously need to weld in the center bars. when its mounted only 3/4" of the solid ends will be visibile. it will give it the full perimeter that i was looking for.

[SShep71]

What filler rod did you use to make the welds? Some filler rod cleans up and blends in better, the type of filler that is mainly used for ornamental welds. I used it before when I used to weld aluminum hand rail.

[The WidowMaker]

i used 4043. it wasnt the rods, its just that i suck. the middle bars welds turned out much better. i need to keep practicing, especially on a weld longer than 3/4". its real tough to get started and stop in less than 5 seconds. i also just picked up a foot pedal for this project. i had been using the hand controls and could never get used to them. the foot pedal was MUCH better.

[The WidowMaker]

still needs a lot more work, but its getting closer.....

[craigs73]

looking good cant wait to see it with the mesh that will set it off

[rfalker1]

You got one hell of a chevelle Tim, I mean come on Focal Speakers!!!!!

Looks great man, looks great

[devwil68]

love the grill...its the little things that count

[Bryce]

That grille is looking sweet!

[Global Warmer]

Thats a beautiful grill wow just wow

[Protournova]

I'll add to the list of... WOW!

[camloops11]

Dumb question but, where did you get that mesh and what kind of mesh is that? - Was thinking of replacing the lower grills of the 80 firebird's nose, thanks.