Not A Copy/Paste Tacoma Build

Yeah, it also doesn't tie into an engine cage or rear end, so you don't really get the extra chassis rigidity that a custom cage would have. But it should protect the occupants anyway. That one bar that goes around the dash looks annoying for getting in and out though.

 

Slowly poppin in tubes, try to do a couple a week after work. Gunna have to start on the motor mounts soon though once the roof tubes are done before I can do the c pillars and back wall.

The 911 Motorsports tube jig is a game changer. I am completely inexperienced at bending tube, and I haven't wasted anything yet. Pretty awesome.

Threw together a quick little reel on IG of the process.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrXa0FbAyr5/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

Coming along nicely dude.

 

That's pretty cool!

 

Got the roof all tacked up



Also managed to find an ls3 intake with fuel rail and injectors for an insane price. Super stoked on that!!! Basically brand new.

 

Lookin good. Tucked in nicely.

 

Thanks! I think this weekend I'm gunna try to get the engine in place and see what oil pan/crossmember mods need to happen. Then on days I don't have enough time to commit to fab work, I can start building the engine

 

Livin the dream.

 

I see in your little profile name thing you're a CNC programmer? I just got a plasma table and am teaching myself fusion 360. What program do you use?

 

Nice! Cut tables are so beneficial. We have a waterjet at the shop and I've used it for quite a few little personal projects. Fusion is a great program imo.. I pay for and use that at home for CAD in general.. and Cura for 3D printing in the home office. For work I use Solidworks and Mastercam. I really like Fusion because it is so nice to have something at home for the random projects I do, and I don't have to pay 5 figures for it. I'll use it for ideas at home and even bring the models to work then use Mastercam to program them. I have yet to try the CAM side of Fusion.. just because I don't need another rabbit hole right now, but I would like to. Plus.. Solidworks+Mastercam is kinda the bee's knee's anyways. Lol

 

I've been using fusions cam side for making gcode for the table and it works well enough for me, but I have nothing to compare it to.

Got the engine located this weekend, and designed, cut and welded some motor mounts today. I feel like fusion takes me way longer than it should, but I'm getting better with it.

Welds could use a bit more consistency too.

Had to notch the pan in a couple spots as well, so will need to get that welded up as well!



Now I can get the engine back on the stand and tear it down properly

 

Also thanks @Camazon for the help!

 

For 2D/.dxf work, I feel like Fusion is probably overkill for that, but that is the point of it.. all in one. Might just be a little clunky if you havent used any other software before. To me, I found a lot of similarities to SW.. and in some instances things that were better than SW in terms of CAD. I havent programmed a CAD table in years though, so I havent messed with the Fusion CAM side, especially 2D stuff. I have seen some pretty cool looking Multiaxis toolpaths and finishes with Fusion.. THAT'S what I'm interested in. I'd like to compare it to Mastercam's Multiaxis.

 

Yeah the most 3d I do is building a part out of flat 2d pieces. I do want to get a 3d printer at some point though, and would rather just learn one program than split my time across a couple

 

For sure. And that's what Fusion is perfect for. Unfortunately, I have to use SW and MC for work/security reasons.. and no way I'm paying for those at the house.. lol

 

No problem dude! We'll both slowly get a running truck soon!

 

Im hoping I make as much progress as you've made tomorrow. Those mounts look good.

 

I think once you've got your motor mounted you'll start making decent progress getting it all wired and plumbed up!

 

Im going to try starting it up tomorrow. We'll see how quickly I can throw together the big 3!

How's yours coming?

 

Spent my birthday today working on it. But mostly helping friends with their trucks. Got a couple tubes bent for the b-pillars, and did some cleaning on the block but that's really about it. Was still at the shop from 10am until 1am somehow though. These pics are before I started cleaning the engine