BUILD-OFF CHALLENGE: Tygaboy's '75 LS3, It seemed a good idea at the time... Options

[Curbandgutter]

Rudy...you did mean Chris, correct?

T

Yes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[Rand]

Although you are correct (technically) very few drivers even get close to pushing the cornering limits of their cars. Even at a hefty "teener" weight of 2400 pounds - it is ridiculously light compared to let's say, a 918 (or a GT3 Cup, etc.). Chris could make his entire car an "art piece" and it wouldn't matter for its intended purpose. Spirited laps on summer tires will (still) be fun - in the right hands, still a rocket.

T

Don't listen to all these guys talking about weight.

I know some racers who fight for ounces. It all adds up. Sometimes the cheapest horsepower is less weight, and it's even more important in the corners.

A 1900# 914 feels a lot different than a 2400# 914, neither of which feel like a 918. But I get it, not an issue here. I'm done with the weight topic, it's a dead horse. You should always push the cornering limits of your car! The only way to find the edge is to push past it. What a shame to have a supercar and never have a clue how much farther you could push it. (Obviously I don't mean on the street.)

Chris, sorry for the sidetracking. Your work is stellar and seeing you put your own style into is awesome. A true standout.

[ablesnead]

I am glad you are taking all this in the spirit it is intended...so I'll add this perspective...I will accept that the rod part is an aesthetic exercise , and although it can incorporate function , it art is primarily in its visual appeal....but this isn't a 49 merc leadsled or ungainly high boy ..so the foundation you choose is representative of a light nimble car . good art is one that supports that premise . the metal that you sculpt needs to add to the light and nimble effect , one of superior performance , thru simplicity yet artistically your own rendition...replacing the rear firewall did exacty that ....you sill to door pillar does the opposite......This is fun

[Cracker]

Thank you for the encouragement Rand....I'll jump off whichever bridge you point out too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

T

[quote name='Rand' date='Jul 27 2017, 07:38
"You should always push the cornering limits of your car! The only way to find the edge is to push past it. What a shame to have a supercar and never have a clue how much farther you could push it."
[/quote]

[Curbandgutter]

[quote name='Cracker' date='Jul 27 2017, 05:57 PM' post='2510855']
Thank you for the encouragement Rand....I'll jump off whichever bridge you point out too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

T

[quote name='Rand' date='Jul 27 2017, 07:38
"You should always push the cornering limits of your car! The only way to find the edge is to push past it. What a shame to have a supercar and never have a clue how much farther you could push it."
[/quote]
[/quote]

I know a real heavy one. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

[jmalone]

I like the latest rendition. BUT more gusset! Run it full length, split your vertical tubes so that they run on each side of the gusset and use only full circle lightening holes.......

[Cracker]

Have you been wiretapping our lines? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Tony

Run it full length, split your vertical tubes so that they run on each side of the gusset and use only full circle lightening holes.......

[jmalone]

Maybe.....

[tygaboy]

Decision made! I'm going with the one piece door bar.
So, time to bend up the final pieces. Here's the mighty, mighty bender. It's a beast.

[tygaboy]

Gettin' jiggy wi't it! (See what I did there?)

Got the first one done and then it's time to make an exact match. Well, as exact as I can get it... but the fixturing table is like cheating. It makes things like this so much simpler.

First bend and so far, so good!

[tygaboy]

Next bend. I end up sneaking up on it. There are marks on the ram assembly that I use to measure how far it's extended. I check the bend as it's bending by holding the big protractor over it and eyeball it 'til it looks close. (This bender doesn't have a degree gauge on it.)

Then I pull the bar and check it in the jig. If I need more angle, I put it back in the bender, extend the ram to the previous measurement and give it just a bit more!

Here's the result after three rounds of the ol' "in and out".

Yea! Nailed it... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cheer.gif)

[tygaboy]

Mock up.

I really like this. The angle is nicely aligned with the seat back and when I'm in the seat, it turns out the bar is an awesome arm rest!

[tygaboy]

And credit where credit is due:

Tony - thanks for suggesting I mock up the bar with the down angle! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)

[Rand]

Thank you for the encouragement Rand....I'll jump off whichever bridge you point out too. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

T

[quote name='Rand' date='Jul 27 2017, 07:38
"You should always push the cornering limits of your car! The only way to find the edge is to push past it. What a shame to have a supercar and never have a clue how much farther you could push it."

I know a real heavy one. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

Shall I pack your chute with a pound of feathers or a pound of lead? I didn't mean recklessly, dorkwads. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Surely you push your car enough to start losing grip (in a safe place to do so) to know where the edge is, then find ways to tweak and make it faster. Don't you? Well, Tony might not, and Rudy's isn't on the road yet. (Teasing you Rudy... Gotta give it back a little ya know. Can't wait to see your cool beast driving!!)

The down angle is perfect! One more short tube from the lower elbow to the long in front of the firewall, BAM. Might even eliminate the need for the short vert piece in the middle.

Beautiful work, Chris.

[Cracker]

...sigh. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Surely you push your car enough to start losing grip (in a safe place to do so) to know where the edge is, then find ways to tweak and make it faster. Don't you? Well, Tony might not, and Rudy's isn't on the road yet.

[tygaboy]

Flashback/nightmare of the day -
Tony and Rand in the back seat of our 1969 Ford station wagon (with wood paneling of course). Somehow, they are 7 years old. I'm driving:

Me: "Hey you two! Play nice! Don't make me pull over..."

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

Love you both,
Chris

[tygaboy]

[/quote]
The down angle is perfect! One more short tube from the lower elbow to the long in front of the firewall, BAM. Might even eliminate the need for the short vert piece in the middle.

Beautiful work, Chris.
[/quote]

Rand -
Thanks for the continued kind words and encouragement. I'm a believer in the whole "nature abhors even numbers" thing so the plan is for three verts.
Just looks more balanced to me... But I'll play around with it as final fitting happens.

(oooh, maybe no verts and just a panel of dimple died holes... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) )

[Rand]

...sigh. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

You're taking me too seriously. :* Gotta keep a happy smile on when ribbing each other in the garage.
Tony and Rudy both, I would never tease someone who I didn't admire. Your cars are amazing. Tony's car is a beast, and I can't wait to see Rudy's on the road next. Pure respect.
In my world, we poke fun and dog each other with people we respect. Perhaps a different culture, so I apologize if I came across wrong. I assumed the camaraderie of this place displaced that, but have to remember that expressions don't come across in type.

[tygaboy]

A little help, please? With the change in plan for the main hoop, I need to patch the firewall. Rather than jump in and fab something I thought I'd first check to see if I could find some factory metal:

Anyone have a suitable donor car and the willingness to slice out this chunk? I need the same part for both sides

PM me if you can help. I need to complete this before I can install the door bars and I REALLY want to install the door bars so I'm a motivated buyer...

Thanks!
Chris

[76-914]

Decision made! I'm going with the one piece door bar.
So, time to bend up the final pieces. Here's the mighty, mighty bender. It's a beast.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) the beast.