78 Trans Am at Fletcher's Customs!! "Project TTTA", Pro touring, back halfed, C6

[fletcherscustoms]

Just wanted to show you guys a new project just starting out at Fletcher's Customs. We wrapped up the remaining stuff on the FreedomBird project. And have moved onto this one. Its a 78 Trans Am owned by Doug Camburn out of SC. We have contracted with Doug1 off the boards to build the baddest Late 2nd Gen Trans Am on the planet! Car will be using a ton of prototype suspension, body panels, and lots of cool tricks that we have up our sleeves. We are starting with a nice builder 78 T/A that Doug has owned for quite some time. We have tore the car down, blasted and back in epoxy primer. Project TTTA "Triple Threat T/A" will be using a brand new suspension that was designed by our Buddys at Prodigy Customs in Orlando, FL and built by Art Morrison. The body will sport some custom prototype Carbon Fiber from Anvil Auto and Carbon Customs in Toronto. Motor details are a 535 ci Pontiac built by SD performance, based on a IA2 block, backed by T56 Magnum . More details coming soon.

Ben Hermance with Hermance Design has been contracted to do the design work. Our goal is mantain and keep the appeal of the car. But to do some subtle changes to make it stand out and to make it the best 78 in the country. Look for all sheetmetal air dam, rocker extensions, etc along with all the Carbon Fiber.

Here are a few pics of the car

Here it is while Doug was still driving it
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC01835.jpg

The tear down and blasting
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC02384.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMAGE_147.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

The Heart of the beast pics!
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/IMGP7517sm.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMGP7513sm.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMGP7505sm.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

The Custom Art Morrison 5 link rear suspension. This is the second one built my good buddy Frank at Prodigy Customs did the design and work with Art Morrison to make this a reality. He is installing the #1 unit into his 69 Camaro Project "Unfair". This will be the first one to be built for a 2nd gen F-body.

Couple of answers to questions I know will come up

-Removal of certain bars allows for different setups for road racing and drag racing

-That right there is a true no compromise road race 3 link set up when the upper outer bars are removed. That is also a true no compromise Drag Race 4 link (just like a Pro Stocker) when the upper center bar is removed! Quite honestly this is one of those things that is right in front of you no one saw it!

-A car with the ability to quickly (few hours) transform from a great autocross / road race car to a great drag car by moving some stuff around and swapping some easy to change Components (Read more later). The idea was for a suspension system with massive adjust ability.

-Does the car have to be Back halfed?- yes it does, you must remove rear rails, floors, etc. All will have to be fabricated once rear clip is installed. The first gen piece will not be back half job, only require removing rear frame rails and re welding new rail that are formed to fit factory floor.

-How big a tire can this handle? More then a notched factory frame as long as you do not use pre packaged tubs. The outer frame rails are 1" more narrow then the narrowest possible frame width with thinnest factory frame rail notch one can do. And what is so cool is you not only keep a full rail where you normally notch, but you have a stronger rail also. Our drag tires will be 345 / 35 / 18 Drag Radials with a section around 14.5"! So we will be making bigger mini tubs


There are pictures of the unit going in Prodigy Customs project Unfair. Our piece is still in production at Morrison


http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC_0182-2.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC_0179-1.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

The front suspension is a Custom Subframe also from Art Morrison. It used C6 vette components and geometry with there custom rack, and custom subframe. WE are waiting out unit to be built so here are some more pics from Unfair

Heres a copy of Morrison's spill on it

Through use of a specially modified C6 spindle with lowered
steering arm mounting,the AGR power rack & pinion steering unit
is mounted some 2" lower in the frame,which allows for a lower
CG and improved handling.Big block, small block and LS-series
Chevy engines can be employed,as well as virtually any popular
automatic or manual transmission—including Richmond 5/6-speeds,
Tremec T56 and TKO, Muncie, Powerglide,TH-350 & 400, 700-
R4 and 4L60E—thanks to a series of available mounts.
Designed through use of FEA (finite element analysis) the 105 lb.
front clip has outstanding strength and stiffness, yet is
significantly lighter than the bulky OEM unit. With a reduced
unsprung weight, forged aluminum C6 Corvette control arms, a
shortened front view swing arm,modified caster,and adjustable
coil-over shocks, Morrison’s GT-Sport clip will provide awesome
handling. It comes with a near-stock tread width for optimum
wheel fitment opportunities,and can use a wider-than-stock tire
(265/35R18 tested).
As no cutting or welding is required,installing a GT-Sport clip
can be performed by most competent do-it-yourselfers in the
comfort of their own garage. With an aggressive, lower stance
and incredible handling characteristics, the look and “feel”of a
Morrison GT-Sport Clip-equipped Camaro or Firebird is
unbeatable! It’s an investment that will pay huge dividends in fun
for years to come!

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC_0029.jpg

[Ravenous70]

For a 1978 it sure looks like a 1979-1981 from the pic:D

[Blake Foster]

looks like that will keep you busy. are you building it for Sema next year? should be very cool.

[fletcherscustoms]

Its orginally a 76 with 79 clip. WE will be using a modded 78 clip on the front.

SEMA would be nice if it gets a spot

[cdushane]

Looks like that's going to be a nice car with a lot of great parts :thumbsup:

[DOOM]

Chad was this one of Franks projects? I thought I saw this car being blasted at Prodigy..

[Josh69]

Sweet ride, glad to hear it's getting a '78 style clip, and nice to see a real Poncho under the hood. SD makes some killer motors.

Keep us posted on the build!

[Ron Fox]

Looks like it's going to be a nice build Chad. Sweet engine.

Have you ever used a Butler Performance engine in any of your builds?

[fletcherscustoms]

Chad was this one of Franks projects? I thought I saw this car being blasted at Prodigy..

yeah Frank had it!! Car suffers from Project Creep. What started as simple DSE install, blast and prime. Has turned in to a full turn key one of kind custom. Frank just didn't have time in his schedule with all the other stuff he has going on. So Frank and I being such good buddies we worked a deal for my to do teh car and all the labor on it, and frank will still handle all the parts side.

[fletcherscustoms]

Looks like it's going to be a nice build Chad. Sweet engine.

Have you ever used a Butler Performance engine in any of your builds?

WE have a Kaufman/Tin indian in the 71 Firebird we did. But no butler's personally. I have seen some and knows some folks with them and they all seem to be happy

[ccm399]

Looks like fun!

Glad to see you are going with a 78 nose... My first car was a '78 TA I loved that car..... :)

Chris

[Ravenous70]

Glad your goin with the 78 front clip too. sorry but to me the 79-81 front was just butt ugly, love the tailights tho :D

[ProdigyCustoms]

yeah Frank had it!! Car suffers from Project Creep. What started as simple DSE install, blast and prime. Has turned in to a full turn key one of kind custom. Frank just didn't have time in his schedule with all the other stuff he has going on. So Frank and I being such good buddies we worked a deal for my to do teh car and all the labor on it, and frank will still handle all the parts side.

The owner was looking to get the entire car done sooner then we could possibly do it without ruining our already behind schedule on the other dozen projects, LOL! And Chad had some time on his hands......................Plus I think I owed him one for one I stole a few years ago, LOL! This really works out great for all involved.

[fletcherscustoms]

You had to bring up the vette!! lol you were even now!!! I can get rid of my grudge I had towards you!! lol Thanks buddy, I think this is the best for all parties!!

[tones2SS]

Very cool. Should be an awesome project. Keep us posted.:thumbsup:

[Doug1]

I'm spent the extra money to have a design done but have quickly found that getting a car looking good on paper and one that actually functions properly are two different things. I have learned some expensive lessons that can help this process along that I didn't know before. I'll save those until we have gone through the entire process since I am sure there are more lessons to be learned.

[OLDFLM]

You couldn't be in better hands with Frank, Ben and Chad behind your project!! :thumbsup:

The journey can be as much fun as arriving at your destination... :yes:

[Doug1]

We now have the rendering. Ben did a great job as usual.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/round3.jpg

[Cread01]

that rendering looks sick. that carbon looks sweet with the blue.

[tones2SS]

That is going to be a SWEET car!! Very nice!:thumbsup: :yes:
Ben, you've outdone yourself again!:cheers: Have you done any more work on your car lately?

[Hdesign]

Thanks guys, I was just glad to be a small part of helping Doug bring his dream to reality....Chad and Doug are the ones that'll be performing the magic. Putting it on paper is one thing...execution is another!

No, haven't touched the Camaro since the Summer Nats...still somewhat considering selling. It would be nice to get the new website done with HD stuff to sell.

[OLDFLM]

My new wallpaper! WOW!! Just WOW!!!!! :thumbsup:

[Ron Fox]

Nice rendering. Killer front spoiler!

[Cris@JCG]

Wow!! Can't wait to see this TA come together..


We now have the rendering. Ben did a great job as usual.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/round3-1.jpg

[wellis77]

This rendering has forced me to want my 77 TA back...

[killer67]

Love the projector headlights!

[ccm399]

This rendering has forced me to want my 77 TA back...

I hear ya..... :yes:

[tcronkright]

Awesome. Great to see the second gen Birds being built!

[DOOM]

FIREBIRD FIREBIRD FIREBIRD ENOUGH ALREADY!!! IS ANYONE BUILDING A 69 CAMARO ANYMORE????????????????:willy: :lol: Love the rendering Chad,but no JETSTREAM BLUE.........:_paranoid

[73CPCAMARO]

I love the look of the rendering. Nice job!

[A.ROD]

Looks like the Pontiacs are your specialty now,maybe we need to start calling you Big Chief. Nice project interesting chin spoiler. I appreciate all your help with my Lethal Injection project can't wait to burn the streets up with it before long we can have our own Bandit Run you Pontiac Freak

(I'll never do another one) Yea Right

[fletcherscustoms]

I'm all about taking the understated and making it cool!! lol

This is going to be a fun project. That will still be all Pontiac, even the hardcore purists will think its cool!!

[PonchoJohn]

Speaking of wicked Ponchos, have you guys seen the evil build that TCRONKRIGHT (at the top of the page) is doing? His engine is INCREDIBLE! Check it out- I asked him about badgering his intake designer to build more!
What's this have to do w/ your build?? Well, he has twin turbos on a Pontiac, so..... seriously- look at it. Maybe you'll want one and can help badger his guy to make more too ;) (Totally self-interest motivated-lol!!)

[Doug1]

A few more I just got from AME... The pallet o' goodies is now at Fletcher's Customs.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6832.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6894.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6906.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6914.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6951.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6954.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6957.jpg

Front and rear clip ready to ship!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6968.jpg

[OLDFLM]

:wow: Won't be long now Doug! :thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

WOW! Looks great!:thumbsup: :cheers:

[fletcherscustoms]

I've been meaning to get some updates done. I was swamped with sema coming up, so forgot. Then it was time to fly out. Got out there only to get a call you never Wang to get. Got into town Monday night,got call Tuesday and was sitting at Emory hospital in Atlanta by Wednesday afternoon. My grandfather took a huge turn and was rushed up here for emergency surgery. I've been living between hospital and hotel since Wednesday. Not to sure when we are going home , hopefully Friday.

I'm ready to get started on this thing. This is going to be the type of projects I dig. Tons of fab work and lots of creativity.

[tones2SS]

Prayers and thoughts for your grandfather.
Will be on the lookout for updates.

[ccm399]

Thoughts and prayer heading your way Chad. Hope all is well.

Chris

[OLDFLM]

Praying for you and yours brother! Stay strong for your grandpa! :thumbsup:

[96z28ss]

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6914.jpg



Are those self darkening saftey glasses?
thats alot of sparks for just a tack. My eyes hurt for 2 days when i do stuff like that.

[Doug1]

Found one more

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_6955.jpg

We should have some updates in the next week or so. Chad is back in action!

[tones2SS]

Very cool. Looks good.

[fletcherscustoms]

Finally the long overdue update!! Its been a rough couple of months with some family medical issues, at just being swamped with everything else life can throw at you (flu, pneumonia, and now bronchitus). We finally got to concentrate 100% to this project starting last week. After roughly 10 hours with a plasma, sawzall and other assorted gadgets we got the floor cut out from the front seat mount back. We will be fabbing all new sheetmetal for the floors, trans tunnel, wheel tubs, and trunk floor. Next up came measuring, measuring, and measuring some more. The rear clip come over sized from Morrison and you cut it to fit the dimension to your liking. Once I was happy with all the measurements we then went forward with cutting off some of the front crossmember so that it would meet the measurement for inside to inside of the rockers. Before moving the clip under the car we made some 14"x 6" plates that were welded to the inner rocker structure to give something to mate the rear clip.

Once the plates were installed the clip slid under the car and right into place like it was suppossed to!! Getting all the dimensions and measurements correct is the key to this project. Once it was under the car I checked, and then double checked all the measurements again, again. Then actually decided to quit and sleep on it for night. After I was happy I proceeded to weld the front crossmember to the plates we made. The rear clip is now part of the car.

We still got some more to do before it comes off the jig table. I will be making some plates and gussets that use the rear bumper mount locations to tie into the new frame. Basically just like the factory did with the bumper to floor pieces they had installed. Once we get these plates done and welded in the car will come and go on the lift to have the front clip installed and then sit the car down on its on weight and start the sheetmetal work.

here are some pics



http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_NO_FLOOR_2.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_CLIP4.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_CLIP5.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_CLIP3.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_CLIP1.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_CLIP10.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_CLIP7.jpg

[Doug1]

The latest phone pics from Chad at Fletcher's Customs. The AME frame is IN! The complete floor has pretty much been cut out now. I wouldn't recognize the car if the red steering column wasn't still in there. That will go soon enough but it is cool to see the car change around it.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG954003.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG954196.jpg
]http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG955368.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG958884.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG954228.jpg

[Rhino]

Are those motorcycle tires I'm seeing on the front?

[fletcherscustoms]

Are those motorcycle tires I'm seeing on the front?

Yes sir they sure are. I bought a set of 4 GTO spares from a GM salvage yard, and they showed up with no tires on them. Started trying to find a off the shelf tire size to fit the spares and nothing in a car tire was small enough. Started looking around at a stack of old race tires, and it hit me!!! So mounted the bike tires on the wheels, and now I have roll around wheels.

[Rhino]

That's awesome. Necessity is the mother of invention. :lol:

[Doug1]

The seats have been ordered. Cobra Misano 30th Anniversary Editions with the Billet bling on them.

http://www.cobraseats.com/Misano

Here is Misano's own info..."The Misano 30 celebrates Cobra's 30th anniversary in manufacturing the world's finest seats. The Misano 30 is a masterpiece of automotive seat engineering, creating truly the worlds first light-weight, hybrid composite recliner. With a Carbon Fiber composite shell for the backrest, combined with high-density molded polyurethane foam, polished stainless steel chassis work and the worlds best reclining mechanism, this seat re-defines the category of light weight sport seats. The Misano 30 is the pinnacle version of the Misano models and features leather surrounds for hard wearing good looks and double stitched, cross-quilted centers for the ultimate presentation of luxury. The Misano 30 is the culmination of 30 years experience in manufacturing seats rolled into one seat alone. Bottom mount system. Available only in black leather with grey top-stitching and cross-quilting. "

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/CobraMisano30Back.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/CobraMisano30Front.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/DSC05774.jpg

[89 RS]

Those Cobra seats are killer! I wouldn't mind having a set myself.:yes:

[Doug1]

New pictures! Hot off the press from Chad.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/TripleThreatrearsuspensioninstallation2.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/TripleThreatrearsuspensioninstallation1.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/TripleThreatrearsuspensioninstallation3.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/TripleThreatfrontsuspensioninstallation1.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/TripleThreatfrontsuspensioninstallation3.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/TripleThreatfrontsuspensioninstallation2.jpg

[cdushane]

Looking good! :thumbsup: and those seats are BAD A$$ :wow:

[syborg tt]

I love these seats I had a different version of these seats. But they didn't work in my project.

The problem is these seats are designed for flat floors and have a huge kick up under your Knee's which put my Knee's above the bottom of the steering wheel. Make sure that your seats are more flat across the seating area as it's much easier problem to solve.

Tracy at the Recovery Room Interiors said that all we needed to do is rebuild the lower seat cushion & leather and it would work. But we ended up going another direction.

The seats have been ordered. Cobra Misano 30th Anniversary Editions with the Billet bling on them.

http://www.cobraseats.com/Misano

Here is Misano's own info..."The Misano 30 celebrates Cobra's 30th anniversary in manufacturing the world's finest seats. The Misano 30 is a masterpiece of automotive seat engineering, creating truly the worlds first light-weight, hybrid composite recliner. With a Carbon Fiber composite shell for the backrest, combined with high-density molded polyurethane foam, polished stainless steel chassis work and the worlds best reclining mechanism, this seat re-defines the category of light weight sport seats. The Misano 30 is the pinnacle version of the Misano models and features leather surrounds for hard wearing good looks and double stitched, cross-quilted centers for the ultimate presentation of luxury. The Misano 30 is the culmination of 30 years experience in manufacturing seats rolled into one seat alone. Bottom mount system. Available only in black leather with grey top-stitching and cross-quilting. "

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/CobraMisano30Back.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/CobraMisano30Front.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/DSC05774.jpg

[tones2SS]

Very nice. Suspension set up looks killer.:thumbsup:

[fletcherscustoms]

I love these seats I had a different version of these seats. But they didn't work in my project.

The problem is these seats are designed for flat floors and have a huge kick up under your Knee's which put my Knee's above the bottom of the steering wheel. Make sure that your seats are more flat across the seating area as it's much easier problem to solve.

Tracy at the Recovery Room Interiors said that all we needed to do is rebuild the lower seat cushion & leather and it would work. But we ended up going another direction.


I'm planning on flat floors. Thats the biggest hurdle we are facing right now. Connecting the two frame section together and making it all work out right and look nice. I'm basically making all new floor from the firewall back. And the plan is a full flat floor with seats tied into the frame section and everything nice and flat.

[waynieZ]

Great work Chad. Sweet looking seats.

[joshatfletchers]

Your intake looks rather tall in the pics. May not fit under a flat T/A hood. We had problems with Ty's hood clearance. But I have been dying to fab up a raised cowl induction style T/A hood. What do you think?

[Doug1]

Your intake looks rather tall in the pics. May not fit under a flat T/A hood. We had problems with Ty's hood clearance. But I have been dying to fab up a raised cowl induction style T/A hood. What do you think?

That intake definitely fits under a TA hood. It has been triple checked. LOL
BUT, we are now changing plans and Butler Performance is whipping up something different for this car. Same bottom end setup but going with the new Edlebrock high ports and fuel injection. So Chad is getting with Dave Butler to get the specifics as to engine height, etc.

All those nice shiney parts will soon be in another 79 TA I am building.

A raised cowl induction style TA hood might be pretty cool for some of my other projects. I'd need to see a diagram to get an idea of what it would look like.

[fletcherscustoms]

Josh has wanted to due a cowl style shaker for years. His idea sounds good in thought. But would have to build one to see how it goes.

With Butler nor on board, this thing is gonna be stupid power wise!!! I'm loving this project more every day

[WSSix]

I'm not a fan of cowl hoods on a TA. Firebirds and Formulas potentially, but with the flares of a TA, a cowl hood just doesn't look right. I also think the crease running right down the middle of the front of the car should be retained. I know it all sounds weird but I've just never seen a cowl hooded TA that looked right. Obviously this is only my opinion. I'd love to see someone change my opinion as different is good.

Car is coming along nicely guys. Keep up the good work.

[mexMan]

That's awesome. Necessity is the mother of invention. :lol:

McGyver is the father...

I don't know if a cowl hood would fit in a car like this...

[fletcherscustoms]

We have been in a holding pattern for a few weeks waiting on the some parts. Finally things are showing up so work has started again. Received a couple of boxes full of parts from Moser yesterday to finish up there rear end and make the car into a roller. My first time dealing with 35 spline axles, wow there freaking huge, but a 1000 ft lb of torque motor there gonna be needed. Also a pic of the 9" Moser Aluminum "through bolt" center section, with 35 spline Wave-Trac, 1350 series aluminum yoke, and Aluminum pinion support.

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_axle-xx.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/thumb_chunk-xx.jpg

I took a a wheel off my car and threw it on the back just to get a idea of what it looks like. Its a 20x13 with a 345 on it, and we got a easy 3" of clearance left.

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_suspension-xx.jpg

The car is setup for a 6" rocker height at Ride height, gonna be crazy low. Here it sitting at about 7.5" last night. I couldn't get it off the lift arm to get it sat down all the way.
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_side_shot-xx.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_side_shot-2-xx.jpg

[OLDFLM]

Looking good buddy!!! :thumbsup: Keep the posts/pics coming!

[syborg tt]

this is going to ba a cool car

[killer67]

I already knew I was gonna like this build :thumbsup:

[fletcherscustoms]

Here's some weak old updates. I've been a little slow working the last few weeks. Was out of town for ten days, then sick, now my wife is in Africa for 10 days on a mission trip so I am pulling daddy duty 24/7 with the two kids.

I struggled with how and what to do for subframe connectors. Cause there were some issues that had to be addressed. The low ride height, not getting way up inside the car, and clearance under neath for everything else. I studied, and studied, I made parts, I made more parts, only to finally decide on something so simple a "cave man could do it". To keep it simple I simply used (2) pieces of 1 5/8" .120 wall DOM tubing that I seam welded together, then fired up the new CNC plasma and made some simple (4) bolt flanges , and got everything welded together. Car is now tied together, and the flanges still allow me to be able to remove the subframe, for painting and for any future things. The KISS principal at its finest (keep it simple stupid)!! I am making some simple weld on brackets to put on each end where is welded to give a little more weld area and kind of a double shear affect on the mounting locations

We are waiting on some parts to show up like trans, exhaust parts, and seats. Then I can start building and fabricating the floor structure and floors them selves. anyway on to the pictures

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_connect4-small.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_connect3-small.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_connect2-small.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_connect-small.jpg

[Doug1]

New parts have arrived! Custom built Fuel Safe racing fuel cell

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/custombuildracefuelcell1.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/custombuildracefuelcell.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/custombuildracefuelcell2.jpg

[OLDFLM]

Wow! That's a thing of beauty!! :wow:

Are those grade 8 bolts? :omg:

[fletcherscustoms]

Got a little accomplished over the weekend. Between blowing a seal on the two post lift hydro cylinder and almost dumping the car, and then my $20,000 plasma cnc machine crashing on me, it was a rather eventful weekend. Excuse oil dry in the pictures. When the cylinder blew, it sprayed everything within 30 feet with hydraulic oil. So we has quite a mess of oil dry everywhere trying to clean it up.

Any on to the details. I have been a little worried about structural rigidity of the body itself, with it no longer having the floor structure and all the factory cross members and bracing that are apart of the floor. So I cooked up the idea to reinforce the rockers. Fired up the plasma and cut a couple pieces of 1/8" plate to match the rocker from toe panel to where they meet the new morrision rear clip. Fully seam welded on the top and at the bottom at the lower rocker area. Then is that wasn't enough, took a couple pieces 1.75" DOM tubing , notched the ends to meet up with the subframe connectors made earlier and then welded them off to the new rocker structure. Should be plenty strong now. Only thing left to do is make a body mount plate for the rear subframe mount and get it on the car.

Also got a 1 square tubing structure built and welded up for the fuel cell

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_rocker4.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_rocker3.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_rocker2.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_rocker.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_cellcage.JPG

[fletcherscustoms]

Trying to get everything fitted and in position before I start floors. That way I can get exhaust tucked up in car as high as possible, so in turn we can keep a low ride height. Basically building from trans crossmember all the the way to the back of the car. PLans are for the exhaust to exit between inner quarter and rear frame rails. Almost exactly like it would stock but the way I am building it actually will go up into trunk a little and completely over the rear suspension setup and out of the way. Still got a good bit to go but getting closer. Mixture of parts laying around, some new old 3" stainless Flowmaster tubing I had laying around, some leftover Pypes bends from Ty's car, Stainless Works 3" v-band clamps and some new pieces from here and there. You can also see the plasma cut hangars I designed to mount the exhaust to the crossmembers. There will be a 6' long stainless flex connector installed between headers and the front trans x-member to take care of engine movement. I am mig weldeding everything, and then will come back and fully polish the welds once completed then sent to a local company here for ceramic coating

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ex5.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ex3.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ex4.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ex2.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ex1.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_ex6.JPG

[jy211]

then my $20,000 plasma cnc machine crashing on me, it was a rather eventful weekend.

hey can you make a welcome sign for me with that machine? :D

Nice progress BTW....:thumbsup:

[fletcherscustoms]

PM sent about plasma cutting

[Doug1]

Here is the latest. Chad had some stuff come up like we all do and things slowed down for a while but he is back in the saddle now and expects to have the fabrication done by the end of the year. Pics from several weeks ago. These are DSE tubs that had 2" added to them.


http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/extendingDSEtubs4.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/extendingDSEtubs3.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/extendingDSEtubs2.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/tubs7.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/tubs6.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/tubs5.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/tubs4.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/tubs3.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/tubs2.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/tubs1.jpg

Hydyne Motorsports is custom making a set of one off wheels. Here are the centers fresh from cutting. They will be polished and then anodized a dark grey.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/TripleThreatWheelcenters.jpg

Here is a link to their website
http://www.hydynemotorsport.com/

[preston]

Just read this thread for the first time, so excuse the random question.

Given your mention of 1000wtq and those beefy 35 spline axles, do you have any concerns over the aluminum rear end case ? I have the same case and I've never seen a tq limit on it, but I've always thought it represented a theoretical weak point in my driveline, interested if anyone at Moser had mentioned a TQ rating on that thing. I had one driveline guy in a booth at a car show say they should only be used up to 500 hp (I'm assuming he meant with slicks on a dragstrip).

[Doug1]

I'm pretty sure it is guaranteed for life against any breakage IIRC.

[Fitz78ta]

Just read this thread for the first time, so excuse the random question.

Given your mention of 1000wtq and those beefy 35 spline axles, do you have any concerns over the aluminum rear end case ? I have the same case and I've never seen a tq limit on it, but I've always thought it represented a theoretical weak point in my driveline, interested if anyone at Moser had mentioned a TQ rating on that thing. I had one driveline guy in a booth at a car show say they should only be used up to 500 hp (I'm assuming he meant with slicks on a dragstrip).


In a drag racing application they are very common (if not used more than anything else). I have a friend using the Moser through bolt in his 2000rwhp true 10.5 car with no problems.


BTW car is looking great so far!

[preston]

Thanks for the vote of confidence in the Moser alum housing - One less thing I will worry about when laying the hammer down LOL.

[Doug1]

A few more pics from Chad's cell phone. Engine and transmission finally getting fitted to the car. It looks like the engine will need to go back into the firewall several inches so it can drop in back of the rack and pinion. More work but it should help with the handling a bit. The transmission crossmember is going to have to move back a few inches as well.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/897.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/94.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/95.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/784.jpg

[syborg tt]

okay so where did these spare tires come from

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/94.jpg

[ScotI]

okay so where did these spare tires come from


I think they're late model GTO spares.

[JMitch19]

I think they're late model GTO spares.


Yep I have two of those in my garage right now. Looks like they mounted some motorcycle tires on them.

[fletcherscustoms]

yeah Late model GTO spares purchased from ebay from a GM dealer. Showed up with no tires on them. GM calls for a 110/60/17 for them, which can't be bought anywhere except GM for stupid money. WE still race motorcycles on a occasion, looked in the trash pile outside at a stack of 120/55/17 bike front tires, and bam!! Took forever to mount, but they work. Got four (4) more GTO wheels coming, and picked up some more bike tires from the local bike shop yesterday

[syborg tt]

yeah Late model GTO spares purchased from ebay from a GM dealer. Showed up with no tires on them. GM calls for a 110/60/17 for them, which can't be bought anywhere except GM for stupid money. WE still race motorcycles on a occasion, looked in the trash pile outside at a stack of 120/55/17 bike front tires, and bam!! Took forever to mount, but they work. Got four (4) more GTO wheels coming, and picked up some more bike tires from the local bike shop yesterday

So where did you find them and does the guy have any more. I checked ebay and there are only two sellers

[fletcherscustoms]

I got off flea bay years ago. It appeared I was purchasing from a standalone guy, but later after talking to him he was a parts guy at some shop up north.

The ones I got coming to me now have taken some work. My local buddy owns a big salvage yard, and he is finding them through there online parts network.

[BBC71Nova]

I've been sorta half looking for a set of these myself for a few months. When I see them they are generally fairly expensive and go quickly. They also typically show up as singles so you have 4x the shipping/transaction costs. I guess with the demand and relatively small/fixed supply that's just how it goes.

[fletcherscustoms]

the guy I bought mine from is still on there selling , but his add has them listed for $999 each , and says out of stock and will change price back when they are available. I think I got about $500 in my first set, and will have about $250 in this next set. They seem to go from 75-150 a wheel on ebay

[JMitch19]

I used http://car-part.com/ to find mine. If you search for wheel the second pop up screen will let you select the spare. I got mine from two different local salvage yards. I paid $65 from one yard and $90 from the other. They also pop up for sale on ls1tech from time to time. Those guys use the rims for front runners for a drag pack.

[fletcherscustoms]

I have been a little lazy on updates. The car has progressed over the past few months, and some design changes have been altered and some big changes to make this car one of a kind are beginning.

Wheel tubs, I kept to the KISS rule and used a off the shelf set of DSE tubs, and added a 2.5" strip to the center to widen them to meet up with the AME rails in the back. WE now have room for a 15" wide tire with room to spare. My 345's had 2" clearance inside.

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_1036.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_1035.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_1033.jpg
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_IMG_1041.jpg

[fletcherscustoms]

SO now lets talk about Motor placement!! How about a full 12.25" of setback!!! This requires full rework of the firewall, cowl section, some of the dash, and lots of fab work of the mounts. Lots of head scratching and yelling with Jerry but I finally came up with something I am happy with

http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_652.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_156.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_84615.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_84615.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_41562.JPG
http://www.fletcherscustoms.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_9481.JPG

[tones2SS]

Great stuff Chad. I see you guys have been busy. Looking great!

[fletcherscustoms]

yeah we are making progress. Not as fast as I would like to, but moving along

[Doug1]

Well, as with all such projects, this one is taking a long and winding road to get to completion. The car is back at my home now as Chad was unable to finish the car. Took it to Dan Holohan for an assessment and he gave me the unvarnished truth. Basically, I have a lot of really cool parts and a lot of problems to solve.

So at first I decided to just sell it off for parts and start over but since then I have had a change of heart and decided to do this as a general contractor type job. I'll sub out the stuff I don't feel comfortable doing and do the rest myself.

Here are some "as it sits" photos...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0862.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0880.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0873.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0872.jpg

[Doug1]

One of Dan's suggestions that I liked was to make this a full frame car so the body can be removed in order to powdercoat the chassis. I'll get rid of the round tube stuff that was added in which I highlighted in the large blue oval and tie the front and back chassis together with the same tubing used by AME. The tie in within the small blue oval will be left though I prefer to use something other than round tubing since it just doesn't fit well visually with rest of the frame.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0865-1.jpg

Then we'll cut the frame loose from the body in the only other point it is welded in, which is where the cross member hits the rockers. See area highlighted in red.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0868a.jpg
I'll put plates on the ends of the frame crossmember and matching plates in the rockers and have it bolt in there.

Then we'll cut the fuel cell "cage" that was fabricated loose and move it forward a few inches in order to trim the rear frame rails to the proper length and move the cross rail back so it can sit behind the tail panel without interfering with the bumper mounts as it does now.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0881.jpghttp://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0882.jpg

Once these are located properly, I'll put end plates in place with bolt holes that will allow the endplates, body and bumper supports to all be held together with the same 4 bolts on each side.

[OLDFLM]

Glad to see you've decided to keep the car/project Doug! :thumbsup:

You're "punch list" sounds like a good plan too! Looking forward to updates!

It will all be worth it in the end my friend! :yes:

[syborg tt]

Morning Doug,

Sorry your project went south.

I really likes Dan's idea of a full frame car. I would consider a chassis from the Roadster shop as they already have one ready to go and debugged !!.

I am not sure why you stuff the motor back so far. It is going to cause you another world of problems. Foot well space will be sparce at best. Unless this is a dedicated race car. Your going to have problems putting a radio, air or heat in the car.

I've been down the road your on with my last project. I had a lot of fun building the truck but thank God I am only 5' 6'' tall because if I was any taller I would have been really cramped in the cabin due to the fact that I moved my firewall back only 2". It's amazing what happens when you start moving things.

Buy the Roadster Shop Chassis. Have Dan make a new floor and plop the body on your new powdercoated chassis.

Heck you can send them your motor & trans and they can send you back a complete chassis with exahust and all plumbing complete and ready to hand off to Dan the Man. And trust me Dan can do some awesome metal work.

just my thoughts.
[email protected] ( just in case you want to bounce idea's off me as I've been in your shoe's before. )

[OLDFLM]

We now have the rendering. Ben did a great job as usual.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/round3.jpg

Just focus on the finished product my friend! :)

[GoolsbyCustoms]

Doug its a shame the situation you find yourself in, and even more of a shame how much we are seeing it lately. If the right minds get together anything is possible , I wouldnt be too quick to hit disaster mode yet,I really like Bens rendering, and hope you get with the right people to sort all of this out, could be a really nice car.

[Doug1]

I haven't thrown in the towel though I was tempted. I can do the vast majority of the work myself, which should help recoup some of the money I have lost in the project to the experts.

I'm no TIG welder so the best I can do is tack the pieces where I need them and then have a certified welder do the real welding.


syborg tt - Dan is one hell of a craftsman. I wish I had taken it to him to begin with but by the time it got to him it was too late. Between what I had already spent and the cost of him taking it apart to get back to where he could begin on his own, I decided to wait until I could take him another project he could start on with a clean slate.

[Doug1]

I felt comfortable that you would have built a nice car Chad. I never expected it to be in the craftsmanship league Dan is in but more in the way of functional but cool. And as I told you, I know that family has to come first. I was in my own personal purgatory for the last two and a half years with my 2nd wife's mental illness resulting from a stroke 6 months after we were married. It certainly made me reprioritize and grow in ways I could have never anticipated. Life can change drastically in an instant and the only two options are to adapt or don't.

I'll make the best of it and think it was worth Dan having a look at it because it made me see some things I want to do differently that are within my reach. I understand that he would want to blow it apart and start over because in the end it would be coming out of his shop and even his welds are a work of art. I'd like to have him build a car for me but after meeting with him and thinking it over, I would rather it be a fresh project.

[preston]

I wouldn't get quite so discouraged - I think you have the foundation for an awesome car here. I know the engine setback will cause you problems but that is part of what is awesome. I set back the engine in my '67 Mustang 14" and Marty is right, I can barely fit a heater box in there, but if you must have AC you can always run a trunk unit. I know it can be a little discouraging with that frame sitting there rusting away and the parts half assembled. Personally I would teach yourself to weld to your satisfaction and get to work. I've built 3 cars from the ground up scratch built frame all self taught so if I can do it so can you. Don't let the TIG pussies intimidate you , just grab a MIG and practice a bit. The only factor that will really stop you is available free time. Hell, whatever, do it how you want but your setup is far from hopeless IMO, especially if you cut loose from some of the expectations that this site can create in all of our heads. 98% of the people who see the car will never know that the frame has some round tube that doesn't match the square tube for instance. I dont' see anything in your setup that looks like a showstopper to me, just make sure as you put it toghether with that big engine setbakc that you figure out your pedals early in the process.
I will admit though one thing that made my big engine setback possible was running the pipes down the rockers (and setting the driver back 10"), tough to make them fit in the trans tunnel and have any room for pedals.

[ironworks]

I think I would move the engine back up to a somewhat factory position. This will allow you to use a lot of factory or manufactured parts. This will save you a ton of coin in custom parts and labor to fabricate to make all that work. Let alone the ability to work on the car easily. All for just some better weight distribution. You could full a full tank of fuel to help compensate for the added front weight. Lord knows the car is built pretty heavy from the get go.

I agree with Dan making a removable frame would be slick, but trying to make the floor strong enough to make that work well will take quite a bit of work. I think I would just powder coat the chassis you have and build a floor to go over it and move forward learning your lessons for you next build.

I think this build gives a classic example of why using a guy that does this work for living with a nice resume of completed cars is a solid reason why those guys cost more. Guys who work at home can do great work for cheaper. But things are more likely to come up in the life of the part time hot rod builder (kids, job transfer, divorce, etc ) and these things become the problem of the customer who went out on a lib trusting the builder who no fault or fault will not be able to complete the project.

I see this issue almost daily now in the current state of our economy. A guy goes to a lesser known or novice builder trying to save some dough, but has the best of hope and trust in a guy who for what ever reason cannot deliver. Guys wind up spending 2-3 times more money in the end when they should have just gone to the guy they thought they could not afford, but wanted to save some dough. These projects end up sold for pennies on the dollar or just project that will never ever be what the customer really dreamed they would be.

[Doug1]

Morning Doug,
I really likes Dan's idea of a full frame car. I would consider a chassis from the Roadster shop as they already have one ready to go and debugged !!.

I am not sure why you stuff the motor back so far. It is going to cause you another world of problems. Foot well space will be sparce at best. Unless this is a dedicated race car. Your going to have problems putting a radio, air or heat in the car.


I appreciate the advice. Since this one is already this far along and the front and rear clips were both designed by AME, making it a full frame should be no big deal. It will still have the 3 and 4 links setup which makes it somewhat unique so I'm just going to run with it. We'll get it done and put this one in the books. Hopefully there were be other's to follow!

I think this build gives a classic example of why using a guy that does this work for living with a nice resume of completed cars is a solid reason why those guys cost more. .

Sadly, this started out with people who do this for a living and have a nice resume of completed cars. I wan't looking to skimp and I thought I had picked a strong builder to begin with. When it got moved to Chad, I realized I was going from a much larger operation to a smaller shop but that was the appeal at the time because it was the primary project for them.

I'll get it done. I'm going to continue the course on this build. Here is a link to one that has a very similar setup so the roadmap is already there. I am using. It turns out they set their engine back exactly the same amount. So with pics of the fab work, one of the local race car fab shops should be able to fab the interior sheetmetal.

I don't plan on using the floor to support the body. Using the current setup and making the few mods I mentioned, it should bolt right to the rockers in 4 places, the factory front mounts and the rear factory bolt location for the bumper.

http://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?78263-trans-am]

[Doug1]

Need some of you guys to let me know your thoughts on this plan to mount the body to the frame.

First we'll replace the bolt in subframe connectors that Chad made with something more substancial and made of the same tubing as the front and rear clips.

The front factory frame bolt locations will still be used. In place of the front frame floor pan bolts, we'll keep the setup already installed by Chad which bolts the side of the frame rail to the rocker. This tie in is encircled within the small blue oval in the picture below. These were welded to the metal plate that was installed along the length of the rocker.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0865-1.jpg

Then we'll cut the frame loose from the body in the only other point it is welded in, which is where the cross member hits the rockers. See area circled in red in the picture blow.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0868a.jpg
I'll put plates on the ends of the frame crossmember and matching plates in the rockers and have it bolt in there.

Then we'll cut the fuel cell "cage" that was fabricated loose and move it forward a few inches in order to trim the rear frame rails to the proper length and move the cross rail back so it can sit behind the tail panel without interfering with the bumper mounts as it does now.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0881.jpghttp://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/IMG_0882.jpg

Once these are located properly, I'll put end plates in place with bolt holes that will allow the endplates, body and bumper supports to all be held together with the same 4 bolts on each side.

[syborg tt]

I'll get it done. I'm going to continue the course on this build. Here is a link to one that has a very similar setup so the roadmap is already there. I am using

http://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?78263-trans-am

Doug,

I like the way that car turned out.

Okay so you have an Art Morrison Chassis - Awesome it's a great set up. I completely agree with Rodger ( yes Roger I said that ). Move the engine back up there is no need for it to be set back that far unless it is a dedicated track car. To much custom one-off fab work. I've been there and trust me in the end it's a waste of money.

My current project is the exact opposite of my last project. No Turbo's, No custom sheet metal fab work, A stock firewall with a very nice DSE close-out panel.

I've learned it's all in the details, you don't have to have the biggest baddest motor, suspension, bla bla bla. Build it so you can drive it and enjoy it

[ELVIS_PRESLEY]

We now have the rendering. Ben did a great job as usual.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc231/dcamburn/1979%20Trans%20Am%20-%20Black/round3.jpg

F'n rad man!

[GregWeld]

I just want to post in this thread so I can track it!

But have to say Doug --- when I first saw the "build" being posted... all I could see was "hackie motto". Doing the kind of work you took on (the builder) took on -- that's way more involved than the average guy is capable of. What I saw was too much overhead.... as in -- the builder was in way over his head! :lol:

Glad to see you're sticking with it... make it fun... make it a good learning experience... and then drive the heck out of it!

[DOOM]

Doug.... Just keep going forward and build THAT car!!!!

[force-fed-snake]

I mainly just lurk on this site and very seldom post, but i read through this whole thread, you asked for opinions about making the body removable and I will give you mine...

without the factory floor and firewall, that relys on the rockers and whatever sheetmetal floor along with the "t" section of the roof to hold the car together. As factory designed these cars are full of squeaks and rattles as they age, doors dont fit right.. etc.

the full frame with the body actually tied into it making it a true unibody is by far gonna be the strongest platform... especially with the kind of power you're putting through it.

after a few years of having fun, i would put money on it starting to have issues if the body were to not be "one" with the chassis.

I didnt quite understand the reasoning for the motor to be set back that far, but number one, its a car. you have to be able to work on it. the dist being under the cowl just looks like a nightmare all the way around.

IF this was my project, I would tie the subframes together with material matching whats there. id cut off all of the round tube motor mounts and move it back to a semi normal place. build the floor and tie it straight to the chassis, and a flat sheetmetal floor isnt gonna do much without proper bracing and support. it can still be both functional and visually pleasing with some forethought (go back and look at the war camaro thread)

by all means I would do all of what I could on my own. without paying a shop to fix it, that leaves some money for tools, and some practice runs on scraps before doin the final parts. most of what is done to build these cars is thinking through the details and then execution.

oh, and the body doesnt have to be removable to powdercoat the chassis. I have a hot rod project goin on that I intend to powdercoat basically the whole car except the outside sheetmetal. all it takes is a big enough oven and a way to support it and get to everything.

again, these are just my own opinions, i'm not an expert. I build my own stuff for me, and I would rather push my limits and expand what I can do while having fun doing it than pay a shop to do what they do. but for me its all about the build, the creation, the fun after the fact is just a bonus (usually the project gets sold shortly after completion to fund the next one around my place)

[syborg tt]

I agree with Force-Fed

[Doug1]

I agree with Force-Fed

Appreciate the recommendations guys! You make a lot of good points.

After meeting with a highly reommended local fabricator yesterday and spending several hours pouring over the car pondering the possibiilties, I think we have licked most of the technical problems with making the body removable. Not worried about flex in this car with the chassis that is underneath it.

So the chassis and body will seperate. Now as far as leaving the engine in it's current setback position... That is still under full consideration. I'm going to get with AME to see just what the pros and cons are from their perspective.

[GregWeld]

I just think you should ask the Mods to modify the title of this thread...


Maybe call it "My car was Fletchered"?

But seriously now that it was "Fletchered" (a new verb?) -- it should have a new title so he's not getting "credit" for having done a bunch of work that all needs to be redone? :thumbsup:

[camcojb]

I just think you should ask the Mods to modify the title of this thread...


Maybe call it "My car was Fletchered"?

But seriously now that it was "Fletchered" (a new verb?) -- it should have a new title so he's not getting "credit" for having done a bunch of work that all needs to be redone? :thumbsup:

I think you'd really want to start a new thread, since Chad started this thread.

[transam]

Sorry to see this car not yet completed , i was hoping to see more second gens given the pt treatment. I hope you finally get the car you wanted. I think the best thing to do is sit back and carefully decide how to proceed, ive been in this situation and its dificult to think rationally. Best of luck!

[camcojb]

Shutting this one down as the thread is being continued here:

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=39175