Oscillate, oscillate, check... oscillate, oscillate, check. And... it's a fit!
And while I am not yet 100% sure on just how much clearance I'll leave behind the cross bar, here it is, essentially in the final location, complete with the welds disappeared. Once it's all painted, it'll look like it was made from a single piece of tube.
Re: the top view: I have a 3" radius die and probably could have gotten the cross bar to better match the fire wall hump but I wanted to honor the "bend radius must be no less than 3x tube diameter", so the 6" radius will have to do.
The mistakes I made while fabbing this tube made it seem like it was more work than it really was (once I did it correctly!). In the end, I got the result I wanted, so it's all good.
So now it's on to fabrication of the tubes from the front hoop to the front suspension towers!
Rand
Sep 5 2017, 02:42 PM
I'd have run the tube straight. Let it go through the firewall shapes instead of conforming around them. Engineer, don't comply. But then, I'm crude and don't do noodles.
I'm not criticizing. Just sharing thoughts. Your workmanship is amazing.
Olympic 914
Sep 5 2017, 03:01 PM
Beautiful work. your fabrication skills are humbling.
tygaboy
Sep 5 2017, 03:07 PM
QUOTE(Rand @ Sep 5 2017, 01:42 PM)
I'd have run the tube straight. Let it go through the firewall shapes instead of conforming around them. Engineer, don't comply. But then, I'm crude and don't do noodles.
I'm not criticizing. Just sharing thoughts. Your workmanship is amazing.
Rand - You know I always love hearing from you! And it's another "great minds..." moment: Look back a few pics (post #594) and you'll see a Sharpie circle on the passenger side of the firewall hump.
I was thinking that very thing but decided I didn't want to risk the tube interfering with the induction area on the engine side of the fire wall. Turns out it'd clear but I want an unencumbered view of the ITBs!
Rand
Sep 5 2017, 03:10 PM
I'm not sure that tube would interfere with the "induction" of an air cooled engine, let alone your LS3. Love those ITBs. EDIT: Never mind, I was thinking airflow, not clearance. But I'm guessing your air intake won't be pointing toward the firewall.
tygaboy
Sep 5 2017, 09:33 PM
And the payoff is...
The seats now slide all the way back with no interference.
tygaboy
Sep 5 2017, 09:34 PM
Full frontal.
jd74914
Sep 5 2017, 09:48 PM
Wow, that's an awesome look Chris!! From the front view the harness bar flows perfectly into the door bars. Very nice!!
BTW:The multi-piece bar looks good-first look I thought it was a single piece and couldn't figure out how you could make so many perfect bends without a CNC bender.
Andyrew
Sep 5 2017, 10:29 PM
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Sep 5 2017, 08:34 PM)
Full frontal.
That looks really seamless! You should be proud!
Cracker
Sep 6 2017, 05:12 AM
...not bad for beginner.
Looks great.
T
tygaboy
Sep 6 2017, 11:42 AM
Thanks for the nice compliments, everyone. I admit I'm totally enamored with each new step I complete. I keep wandering back into the shop and just stand there, looking at the latest progress...
OK, on to other stuff. Each time I think I'm ready to "finish" a particular area of the car, I realize I've forgotten something. The latest is that I was about to start on closing off parts of the lower firewall and I realized I had to account for the seat belt retractors.
Then I started looking into how I'll need to mount the AC compressor and realized I'm nowhere near ready to close up in that area.
As always, I need to see things physically to be sure about fitment so I'm ordering this set up that mounts the compressor down low on the passenger side.
It runs off the rear pulley line so I think it'll set back away from the firewall and not create any significant clearance issues.
It may require I move the electric water pump but that shouldn't be too big a deal.
I'm new to AC stuff so those of you with experience and opinions, please chime in and let me know if I'm headed in a good or bad direction with any of this.
Andyrew
Sep 6 2017, 12:58 PM
Keep the weight down low! Easy access to lines is nice. Just make sure thats all flexible lines in that area so you have enough room to pull the compressor off and move it out of the way if you need to remove the engine. That way you dont need to recharge your system every time you pull the engine. Maybe even making a spot you can temporarily mount the compressor on the body with the lines attached? Spitballing.
andys
Sep 6 2017, 03:15 PM
QUOTE(Andyrew @ Sep 6 2017, 11:58 AM)
Keep the weight down low! Easy access to lines is nice. Just make sure thats all flexible lines in that area so you have enough room to pull the compressor off and move it out of the way if you need to remove the engine. That way you dont need to recharge your system every time you pull the engine. Maybe even making a spot you can temporarily mount the compressor on the body with the lines attached? Spitballing.
+1. Everything Andyrew said. When I did my LS1 swap, I couldn't find a way to make the AC hoses any longer than I would have wished; see my build thread and you'll see how short the hoses are before attaching to the bulkhead fittings. See post 74 http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...ctive&st=60 That said, I'm yet to find out whether the compressor will swing out of the way enough to allow the motor to drop without disconnecting it.
I keep coming back to your build almost daily; very enjoyable. Keep up the nice work!
Andys
BIGKAT_83
Sep 6 2017, 06:05 PM
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Sep 6 2017, 01:42 PM)
Thanks for the nice compliments, everyone. I admit I'm totally enamored with each new step I complete. I keep wandering back into the shop and just stand there, looking at the latest progress...
OK, on to other stuff. Each time I think I'm ready to "finish" a particular area of the car, I realize I've forgotten something. The latest is that I was about to start on closing off parts of the lower firewall and I realized I had to account for the seat belt retractors.
Then I started looking into how I'll need to mount the AC compressor and realized I'm nowhere near ready to close up in that area.
As always, I need to see things physically to be sure about fitment so I'm ordering this set up that mounts the compressor down low on the passenger side.
It runs off the rear pulley line so I think it'll set back away from the firewall and not create any significant clearance issues.
It may require I move the electric water pump but that shouldn't be too big a deal.
I'm new to AC stuff so those of you with experience and opinions, please chime in and let me know if I'm headed in a good or bad direction with any of this.
I'm in the middle of my AC install and just ordered those Dirty Dingo mounts today. I had been running my alternater on this side. Moved it to the drivers side and replaced my mechanical pump with a electric pump.
Did you also look at the Alan Grove AC compressor mounts?
tygaboy
Sep 7 2017, 08:32 AM
QUOTE(BIGKAT_83 @ Sep 6 2017, 05:05 PM)
I'm in the middle of my AC install and just ordered those Dirty Dingo mounts today. I had been running my alternater on this side. Moved it to the drivers side and replaced my mechanical pump with a electric pump.
Did you also look at the Alan Grove AC compressor mounts?
I did. I also called Renegade and they mentioned Dirty Dingo without prompting. Both set ups look similar but the Dirty Dingo calls out the SD7B10 mini compressor and I figure I'm best off with the smallest physical parts I can get. So Dingo it is.
BIGKAT, andys, Andyrew - Your input is much appreciated! You're ahead of me on the A/C stuff and I'd really like to hear about your learnings. If it's OK, I'll PM you and maybe we can talk details? Thanks!
Garland
Sep 7 2017, 08:38 AM
"I keep wandering back into the shop and just stand there, looking at the latest progress..."
Build is coming along great, and those trips to the shop is what causes all the inspiration.
Keep up the good work
Andyrew
Sep 7 2017, 09:05 AM
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Sep 7 2017, 07:32 AM)
QUOTE(BIGKAT_83 @ Sep 6 2017, 05:05 PM)
I'm in the middle of my AC install and just ordered those Dirty Dingo mounts today. I had been running my alternater on this side. Moved it to the drivers side and replaced my mechanical pump with a electric pump.
Did you also look at the Alan Grove AC compressor mounts?
I did. I also called Renegade and they mentioned Dirty Dingo without prompting. Both set ups look similar but the Dirty Dingo calls out the SD7B10 mini compressor and I figure I'm best off with the smallest physical parts I can get. So Dingo it is.
BIGKAT, andys, Andyrew - Your input is much appreciated! You're ahead of me on the A/C stuff and I'd really like to hear about your learnings. If it's OK, I'll PM you and maybe we can talk details? Thanks!
IM behind you on the AC stuff I think. I dont have a compressor or anything in my car. I have ideas, but thats it. Kent is the one with a good working AC system.
tygaboy
Sep 14 2017, 10:45 PM
Timing is everything...
Krieger (Andy) was kind enough to host me for a visit to check out his car(s). Two REALLY nice rides! Thanks again, Andy!
Long story short, I decided to abandon my initial idea for a mod to the rear trunk hinges and follow Andy's lead of running the reverse opening rear trunk lid. It solves a few problems for me and makes for unencumbered access to the entire drive train.
The mod uses the front hood hinge assembly from a late '80s Buick LeSabre. (Hey, I have a Chevy engine so what's the harm in some more American iron parts?)
Anyway, back to "timing is everything". The nearest Pick & Pull that had a suitable LeSabre was in Sacramento. My wife and I happened to be vacationing up in the Tahoe area this past week... "Honey? Um, would you mind if we stopped at a junk yard on the way home?" The World's Greatest Wife says, "Sure." Well, OK then!
Thankfully, the car they had hadn't sustained any front end damage and I was able to con a guy into loaning me the needed tools and even lend a hand in removing the hinge assembly.
AND, it's even blue! I think it was meant to be. A bit of modification is needed to make it all work but I'm happy to be able to check off another of the "how should I do this?" items on the to-do list.
ConeDodger
Sep 14 2017, 10:51 PM
Nice work! I was in the neighborhood and thought I should call but just then my wife called and said "don't you be thinking about no race car boy! "
Well, the part about being in the neighborhood and her calling is true.
Next time I'll call...
Krieger
Sep 15 2017, 12:58 AM
I like it!
Rand
Sep 15 2017, 10:48 AM
User "drive-ability" here did a reverse opening trunk. He made some great posts on it that might have some useful ideas, but I'm not finding them yet.
User "drive-ability" here did a reverse opening trunk. He made some great posts on it that might have some useful ideas, but I'm not finding them yet.
Found his youtube video though:
Rand - Awesome, thanks! I always like to see examples...
914forme
Sep 15 2017, 05:08 PM
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Sep 15 2017, 12:45 AM)
Timing is everything...
AND, it's even blue! I think it was meant to be. A bit of modification is needed to make it all work but I'm happy to be able to check off another of the "how should I do this?" items on the to-do list.
It is like you have a camera in my shop and watching the parts that are coming in for my EG build. I need to make them a bit more stealthy
Keep up the great work Chris, and maybe if you redo it a few times, then I won't have to
BIGKAT_83
Sep 15 2017, 07:23 PM
BMW 320i/325I front hood hinges are almost a bolt end for the 914 rear trunk lid to hinge to the rear. I have some old pics I'll look for them.
Bob
tygaboy
Sep 15 2017, 08:15 PM
QUOTE(BIGKAT_83 @ Sep 15 2017, 06:23 PM)
BMW 320i/325I front hood hinges are almost a bolt end for the 914 rear trunk lid to hinge to the rear. I have some old pics I'll look for them.
Bob
Thanks Bob, I'd love to see them!
tygaboy
Sep 15 2017, 08:39 PM
QUOTE(BIGKAT_83 @ Sep 15 2017, 06:23 PM)
BMW 320i/325I front hood hinges are almost a bolt end for the 914 rear trunk lid to hinge to the rear. I have some old pics I'll look for them.
Bob
Thanks Bob, I'd love to see them!
burton73
Sep 15 2017, 08:50 PM
QUOTE(914forme @ Sep 15 2017, 04:08 PM)
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Sep 15 2017, 12:45 AM)
Timing is everything...
AND, it's even blue! I think it was meant to be. A bit of modification is needed to make it all work but I'm happy to be able to check off another of the "how should I do this?" items on the to-do list.
It is like you have a camera in my shop and watching the parts that are coming in for my EG build. I need to make them a bit more stealthy
Keep up the great work Chris, and maybe if you redo it a few times, then I won't have to
You say timing is everything and you are right. Drivability had a small electrical fire in his black 350 with 930 trans and he sold it for, I think I remember $5,000 and it was gone fast. Like your blue car.
Bob B
BIGKAT_83
Sep 16 2017, 12:05 AM
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Sep 15 2017, 10:39 PM)
QUOTE(BIGKAT_83 @ Sep 15 2017, 06:23 PM)
BMW 320i/325I front hood hinges are almost a bolt end for the 914 rear trunk lid to hinge to the rear. I have some old pics I'll look for them.
Bob - Thanks for this. I think I prefer the way the Buick hinge drops the lid down and behind the car, but we'll see as I get to installation. Thanks again! Chris
tygaboy
Sep 17 2017, 02:22 PM
What's going on here...?
mb911
Sep 17 2017, 02:56 PM
Oh boy now you are going to make me want to do that. Maybe as i finish up my welding on my car this will be the next project.
You using 20ga? Or 18?
Cracker
Sep 17 2017, 03:01 PM
Hold on now Chris...I thought you were trying to get the car on the ROAD? You just can't help yourself...a different take on ADD!
Tony
tygaboy
Sep 17 2017, 05:47 PM
The Dirty Dingo LS low mount A/C kit fits! Using the mini compressor seems like the way to go, given everything else that's happening down there. The mock up shows no interference, but I do have to get my shift cables thorough there somehow... And I may decide to move the passenger side firewall upright.
tygaboy
Sep 17 2017, 05:53 PM
QUOTE(mb911 @ Sep 17 2017, 01:56 PM)
Oh boy now you are going to make me want to do that. Maybe as i finish up my welding on my car this will be the next project.
You using 20ga? Or 18?
Ben - To be honest, that "top" is a practice piece and is actually a 33/34 Ford door skin! I tossed it up there just to see. But I do now plan to do a steel roof. Having had two skin cancer surgeries on my face has me knowing I'd never have the top off anyway. Plus, it'll be a fun and challenging project. I plan to use 18ga and have already acquired the materials. I also plan to either clip off the flange that runs around the back of the targa bar or fab steel parts and weld them in to keep the stock dimensions. But either way, I'm losing the stainless trim. A few folks have done the "cut it off the flange" approach - I was able to see it in person on Krieger's (Andy) car - and I think the "no stainless trim" is just the right look for my RaceRod.
I have lots of planning before I do anything but I'll be sure to post all details and pics.
tygaboy
Sep 17 2017, 06:00 PM
QUOTE(Cracker @ Sep 17 2017, 02:01 PM)
Hold on now Chris...I thought you were trying to get the car on the ROAD? You just can't help yourself...a different take on ADD!
Tony
Tony - The good news about this is that it won't prevent me getting the car on the road. And don't worry, I'm staying focused on completing the chassis stiffening then getting it off to media blasting. In fact, with all my main clearance concerns addresses, today I pulled the drive train in prep for all the final welding and installation of the Tangerine trailing arm "raise 'em up" kit. I hardly thought about the roof at all!
Andyrew
Sep 20 2017, 04:58 AM
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Sep 17 2017, 01:22 PM)
What's going on here...?
Making me jealous!!!
I think thats an awesome way to go.
tygaboy
Sep 23 2017, 05:47 PM
And now for something completely different: I'm working on the front of my car! Spent a good part of today doing the final bending, notching and fitting of the front hoop-to-front suspension chassis bars.
These were tough to fit. A pretty steep angle coming off the front hoop then the bend had to be just right to land it on target. LOTS of fiddling to get them right.
Here's a pic of the first bit of seam welding, prior to tacking in the bar passenger side bar. More will be done. This was just to avoid having to weld under the bar, once it's in.
tygaboy
Sep 23 2017, 05:53 PM
One side tacked in. And before you climb all over me for not putting pads down first, this isn't a safety cage, it's for chassis stiffening. There's a fair bit of structure in that tower so for my purposes, I'm good with this approach. I'm also looking at adding some gusseting. And worst case, if any issues develop, I'll address them at that point.
tygaboy
Sep 23 2017, 05:54 PM
Tubular!
tygaboy
Sep 23 2017, 06:04 PM
Upskirt...
tygaboy
Sep 28 2017, 08:38 AM
Both front hoop-to-front suspension bars are tacked in.
tygaboy
Sep 28 2017, 08:39 AM
Hoop/front bar intersection. I may add a couple little gussets...
tygaboy
Sep 28 2017, 08:45 AM
Artsy-fartsy shot that might accompany a little ditty that's sung to the tune of "the leg bone's connected to the: knee bone..."
My version goes: "The rear tower's are connected to the: door bars. The door bars connect into the: front hoop..."
Hey, it's early here in CA and I'm on serious medication to combat this dang cold that's going around.
The good news is that with final welding of what you see here, the chassis stiffening chapter will be complete! Major milestone.
Cracker
Sep 28 2017, 08:45 AM
Don't add "little ones"...you will awaken Rudy.
T
QUOTE(tygaboy @ Sep 28 2017, 10:39 AM)
Hoop/front bar intersection. I may add a couple little gussets...
Matty900
Sep 28 2017, 11:55 AM
Great work. Congratulations on hitting this milestone! Hope your feeling better soon.
Dion
Sep 28 2017, 01:21 PM
Fantastic work Chris as usuall. ..Hmmm I beginning to wonder if you helped design the Maserati birdcage race cars! Feel better soon mate.
tygaboy
Sep 30 2017, 04:48 PM
On the rotisserie once again! I pulled all the suspension then spent a bit of time scrapping off that wonderful undercoating.
Everything looks really nice underneath it.
tygaboy
Sep 30 2017, 04:50 PM
It also made it really easy to finish up the last bits of welding and all the metal finishing on the floor. Turned out quite nicely. I'm going to do a tinted bedliner kind of thing on the underside and that will cover any of the minor imperfections. Should look pretty killer at that point.
tygaboy
Sep 30 2017, 04:54 PM
Now it's on to the rear jack points. The custom lower fire wall means I have a bit of fab work ahead of me before that area is complete.
Access is SOOOOO nice with the chassis up high and able to be spun around to any angle needed.
bbrock
Sep 30 2017, 05:29 PM
Nice! More inspiration to keep me going!
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