It looked so simple at first!

[GySgtFrank]

Thanks Cheebs. At least it has a nice flat surface to bolt the lower cradle to when I get that finished up.

[chibikougan]

That is a little handy...

[GySgtFrank]

So... I screwed up again. The upper mounts are off by 1/2" on the driver's side and the passenger side was off by 3/4 - 1". I could have sworn I had them right that time, but it was not to be. I did have enough adjustment to get them where they needed to be, but they were at the very end of the adjustment and then some. Not comfortable running it that way so here we go again. Trying to get an accurate measurement with very few squared up surfaces is a pain in the ass. So I need to cut them out one more time. Getting a little smarter this time and building a stand alone box for the mounts. That way I can tack it in place and move the whole thing when I get the alignment equipment back on it.


upper A arm mount part 3 by GySgtFrank, on Flickr

Also did a little modification while the mounts are out. I didn't care much for the camber adjustment as it tended to move too far while adjusting and it was a pain to bring it back. So I drilled out the front holes and welded 1/2 - 20 nuts on them then put a cap and nut on the other side as well. That way I can run a fine thread 1/2" bolt in each side to push the mounting block back and forth for fine adjustment. It will also help lock it in place more securely.

Cross my fingers and hope I get it right this time.

[JL1RX7]

Measure once weld 4 times?

[GySgtFrank]

Originally Posted by JL1RX7

Measure once weld 4 times?

or keep cutting and welding until you get it right.

[hades]

Originally Posted by GySgtFrank

or keep cutting and welding until you get it right.

Because dumb great bend marine

[GySgtFrank]

Originally Posted by hades

Because dumb great bend marine

Watch it! I resemble that remark.

[GySgtFrank]

OK. Plan 436. I ran out of letters a ways back and had to start numbering them.

To fix the problem of being at the end of my adjustment range (and still being .2 degrees off in caster side to side). I came up with putting an adjustment rail on top of my existing camber adjustment rail. This necessitated raising the mounting point and opening up some more room to the rear. I'm using stop bolts on both sides of the clamping rails so I hopefully get no movement from my adjusters when under load. This is in addition to the bolts that clamp it all together. I have been a little concerned to make doubly sure I get no movement once I get the @#$%^ thing adjusted to the correct spot.

The bottom cradle will also be able to move forward and back using a bolt and stop nuts on the bracket at the front of the lower rail. The clamping bolts on the lower rail will be slotted. It SHOULD fix my adjustability problems. I need to weld in a plate to close up the top of the mount with the upper hoop and put some gusseting across it so that the mount is rock steady.

Not the most elegant solution, but I will have full fine adjustability to dial it in, as well as the ability to make large adjustments when I decide to do something stupid. Such as playing with my wheelbase.

Me actually getting the car to DGRR is starting to look pretty iffy, since things are refusing to cooperate. Regardless of whether the little (insert Peter's favorite word here) gets there or not, I plan to be there this year.


plan 436 by GySgtFrank, on Flickr

[Fendamonky]

Originally Posted by GySgtFrank

Me actually getting the car to DGRR is starting to look pretty iffy, since things are refusing to cooperate. Regardless of whether the little (insert Peter's favorite word here) gets there or not, I plan to be there this year.

So yeah... if I ever complain about the difficulty of getting my car to run right, please redirect me to this thread

Aww-HELL-yeah!!! We'll have:


A Wild GUNNY Appeared!





Unable to Flee...

[TitaniumTT]

Hey Gunny.... one more night of insomnia, although I'm happy to see you're making progress. Such an undertaking man.... it's looking really REALLY sick.... something I've never seen done before to that extent on a little first gen... can't wait to see it done.

[GySgtFrank]

Originally Posted by TitaniumTT

Hey Gunny.... one more night of insomnia, although I'm happy to see you're making progress. Such an undertaking man.... it's looking really REALLY sick.... something I've never seen done before to that extent on a little first gen... can't wait to see it done.

Thank'ee sir! I really have to get it right one of these times. Getting tired of putting it together, then having to cut it all out and start over when it doesn't quite do what I want it to. I think I've played too much of that stupid Gran Turismo game. My favorite part is buying the full race suspension and playing with all the settings just to see what it does. I have a need for a real one.

I figure if I can stuff enough tire under there and get the settings right I can save on brake pad replacements, 'cuz we just won't brake fur no stoopid corners.

I'll have brakes too though, just for those damn suicidal deer. Passenger seatbelts will be a requirement so I don't lose anybody. Windshields are expensive.

[djmtsu]

This is one sick FB.

Are you gonna make to DGRR? LOLOLOLOLOLOL

[GySgtFrank]

Well I probably could have had it at least together and running in time if I wasn't so picky about having it work just right. I have rushed too many projects in the past to meet a deadline, and have always regretted it. I am chomping at the bit to get it running again though. I was hoping not to have it down this long, but sheiss happens.

[GySgtFrank]

Since we were having the discussion of whether an oxygen acetylene torch was still useful, or just old school BS, I thought I would show what you can do with the "Torch" that can't be done with the new fangled toys. Questioned by ta Bawbers of all people.

The gussets are 3/8 plate and the reinforcing covers are 1/8" plate. None of the covers are actually straight. They had to be heated to cherry red along the bend lines and beat into place with a hammer. Welding as you go and doing a section at a time.

I also had to put in a piece of tubing on the driver's side for a pass through for my brake line and wiring harness. It's getting a bit tight over there for room. Then made a cut on the extra left on the brake master cylinder side, heated and beat into shape to form the bottom of the pocket in my wheel well for the master cylinder.

I love my plasma cutter, but there are some things it just won't do.


upper arm perch 3 by GySgtFrank, on Flickr


upper arm perch 4 by GySgtFrank, on Flickr


upper arm perch 5 by GySgtFrank, on Flickr

As you can tell, lots of grinding for clean up left to do.

[RXtacy]

Looking good Kevin

You got just over a month to finish it.