Maybe I'll work on my..... something.

Garage, not shop. Most work is done outside, but I needed somewhat level ground to get the frame level. When I first started working on the car, I worked on it on my car trailer out on the street.

 

Braced, tacked, ready to get welded on monday.

 

Frame rails welded to the back half. Custom length axles came in today from DoctorDiff. Fit is dead on but getting the SureGrip lined up was a PITA. Since Im just doing setup right now, I didnt put in gears or oil. I greased the bearings (gonna get replaced anyways), everything is smooth but it might as well be a spool (no diff action since it is a lsd and I cant put enough torque on it to get it to slip the clutches).

 

Pulling the front clip onto the rails. Tomorrow, I'll get the front suspension on and get the wheelbase set. I'll tack the front clip to the rails then haul it back to the shop to get welded up. After that, I'll work on some of the bracing then start stripping the body down then start bracing it to cut out the floor and pull it off the stock frame.

 

Wheelbase set. Frame bolted together. It'll get welded together tomorrow, then I'll set the motor and tranny in to get the tranny crossmember set and start working on the frame reinforcements.
No front springs in at the moment, need to rent a spring compressor.

 

Did you ever get that TIG machine? Just curious, I've found nothing that I can't use my MIG units on. Maybe I don't have the patience for TIG, I dunno?

 

No. Still want to. Want to get it so I can spend time practicing before it is time to do the roll cage. But the $ I was going to use for the welder and gas got used on other stuff that had to get done. Cant use my flux core or arc welders on the roll cage, so its either buy a new welder or pay someone else for welding and shop space.
I'll look into getting one in Sept, all extra $ this month and next are going into getting the rest of my driveway (1/4 mile) and a rv pad cleared on my property.

 

Have you considered a multi process machine? Just curious, I just upgraded my self to a ESAB Rebel, cant do aluminum with the TIG side, but dont really have a use for it since 99.9% of my work is Steel or Stainless. Such a great upgrade

 

Unfortunately, most of the nicely colored welders are out of my price range. I dont do enough, or any jobs that make $, to justify the cost. Im looking in the $400 range to get something I can use as needed and put under the table most of the time. Im looking at HF for the ease of replacement if I get a dud.

 

Rails welded. Tomorrow, I'll make templates for fish and filler plates. I'll also get the springs on and engine/tranny set in to get the cross member in place.

 

I don't see the point of a TIG unit. Your MIG welds are very nice looking...unless the cage requires TIG welded.
I've always found MIG welding round tube to be very easy.

 

Cage can be either TIG or MIG if I go mild steel. Primary reason for cage is chassis stiffening (not racing so safety is second) but still want to build it to the rules. Not concerned about a few pounds in the cage, so mild steel will be better price and easier install.

 

Got the motor set in. Got the tranny cross member close but I'll get it squared up and tacked in tomorrow.
Lots of room compared to the old frame.

 

Tweaked my back a little so I didnt get as much done as I wanted. Once the tranny cross member and bracing is in, I'll remove the OE one.

 

Looking forward to progress updates. Keep moving forward.

 

Had to order some more metal, should be here on monday and I'll be able to finish the tranny crossmember. Til then, I'm doing some of the misc stuff.
Cut the rear of the rails down to a rough length that will fit under the trunk area. The finish cut will happen after the body mounts get done.
I'm taking a break right now, but when I get back out there I'll start cutting down the 1x2x.120" that I am going to use to make the cradle for the fuel cell. It will be a flat bottom aluminum cell, so I will also be building a skid plate that will bolt on below the cradle.

 

Started the base for the fuel cell. I'll add front and rear stops and the front will get a 1/8" plate to help prevent rupture in the event of catastrophic shock or diff failure.
I went with the 1x2x.120" so that it could support adding riv-nuts for a skid plate.

 

Cut the trunk out to fit the rails in. Tomorrow, I'll start pulling the body apart and getting it ready to pull the OE frame out.