American Motors Xperimental full frame

[coolwelder62]

That's some Killer machine Work!!!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Rick D]

Sweet Aaron and Ron!! I think Greg may be on to something there?? :ups:

[waynieZ]

Sweet looking piece!

[57hemicuda]

When you really compare the part that I originally welded up, to the part Aaron is machining out, its pretty funny. This stuff amazes me, to take something as antiquated as that steel cover, and reverse engineer it into that gleaming jewelry,WOW. Aaron has a skill set I know everyone of us wished we had, and access to equipment that probably cost more then my house. Thanks again Aaron.




KNUCKLE DRAGGER
http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Qwxp75W/0/L/DSC00792-L.jpg

SOPHISTICATED
http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-P7H5f9m/0/L/cover10-L.jpg

[65_LS1_T56]

Trying to get the outside profile cut today, but the new year is challenging me already! Nothing new, but our CAM software package crashes occasionally then won't let you get another license to use it for almost two hours for some reason :computer: . Have to have IT look at it.

Anyway, Happy New Year!
Some may have noticed tapped holes in the mounting flange..how's that work? I tapped them to use them as mounting holes to machine the backside. They will be opened up to clearance holes when I'm done.

So far today, I've drilled and tapped 30 adjustment holes and begun machining the outside profile. The roughing pass, shown below partially done, will take over two hours. The finish profile will take well over 4 hours. After that's done, I need to machine some additional bolt head clearance and add the fill plug that Ron wanted. He chose to not put a drain plug in.

Enjoy
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_095041_670_zpsnmxle37j.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_095041_670_zpsnmxle37j.jpg.html)
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_114454_033_zpsl6nkfziz.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_114454_033_zpsl6nkfziz.jpg.html)

[preston]

Incredible stuff but Ron you forgot one important part of the comparison -

How much did it cost you to weld together your string and can solution ?
And I won't be so gauche as to ask what this solution is costing, but there is a huge difference between the two !

The more you do this stuff though, the more you appreciate quality and precision. I finish off stuff that I would have never wasted time on 5 years ago, because it bothers me now. And having that new rear end piece on there will fill your heart with joy on a regular basis.

[65_LS1_T56]

Few more. Done for the day, got some family coming over...:rolleyes:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132152_670_zpsc2piofhq.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132152_670_zpsc2piofhq.jpg.html)

:lol:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132236_592_zpsfe4lcfzg.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132236_592_zpsfe4lcfzg.jpg.html)

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132408_896_zpseyou3cqd.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132408_896_zpseyou3cqd.jpg.html)

[Ppd1979]

That looks amazing, even if it's not finished

[Sieg]

Very impressive Aaron! :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

That is just kool as hell Aaron!!



I'd buy one just for wall art!

[57hemicuda]

How much did it cost you to weld together your string and can solution ?

To be honest Preston, the Budget Builds are over, although this car will probably come in under 25K. The block of billet was about $250, and Aaron is really hooking me up on the cad, and machine work. I think this is one of those things that is being done because it is so damn cool. I know Aaron is probably annoyed by my questions, adjustments and excitement. I doubt I could talk him into it again, but I can tell he digs the stuff, its more then just a job to him. I almost hate to put it under the car!

[57hemicuda]

I don't know if any one else sees it, but for some reason I see an Aztec palace, or something you'd find in the jungles of Peru. LOL




Few more. Done for the day, got some family coming over...:rolleyes:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132152_670_zpsc2piofhq.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132152_670_zpsc2piofhq.jpg.html)

:lol:
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132236_592_zpsfe4lcfzg.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132236_592_zpsfe4lcfzg.jpg.html)

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132408_896_zpseyou3cqd.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140101_132408_896_zpseyou3cqd.jpg.html)

[Cris@JCG]

Ron/Aaron- very nice design & machine work!

[65_LS1_T56]

To be honest Preston, the Budget Builds are over, although this car will probably come in under 25K. The block of billet was about $250, and Aaron is really hooking me up on the cad, and machine work. I think this is one of those things that is being done because it is so damn cool. I know Aaron is probably annoyed by my questions, adjustments and excitement. I doubt I could talk him into it again, but I can tell he digs the stuff, its more then just a job to him. I almost hate to put it under the car!

We all have some level of the "sickness". Mine is the design and machining. Being a business owner with lots of real responsibilities, nothing satisfies me more than being at the machine making something. Not annoyed by any amount of questions, I like to share what few skills I have with others.

I don't know if any one else sees it, but for some reason I see an Aztec palace, or something you'd find in the jungles of Peru. LOL
:lol: Honestly, I had this very same thought when I took the one from the front showing the "steps" up to the temple, lol...didn't want to sound dumb saying it, but since you did... :lmao:

Ron/Aaron- very nice design & machine work!

Thanks Cris

[65_LS1_T56]

That looks amazing, even if it's not finished

Very impressive Aaron! :thumbsup:
Thanks guys

That is just kool as hell Aaron!!



I'd buy one just for wall art!

Greg, please pm me your credit card information :poke:


Sorry if I'm high-jacking your build Ron:underchair:

[wiedemab]

Very cool!

[coolwelder62]

Thanks guys



Greg, please pm me your credit card information :poke:


Sorry if I'm high-jacking your build Ron:underchair:Aaron since you have Greg's CC :G-Dub: info go ahead And machine another unit for me.LOL:poke:

[GregWeld]

Aaron since you have Greg's CC :G-Dub: info go ahead And machine another unit for me.LOL:poke:

WTF might as well make it a group buy!

[Twoblackmarks...]

Thats one cool rear end cover!!! :) For some reason "cover" does not feel like the right Word for it! :D

Really awesome car also. I like it!:thumbsup:

[INTMD8]

That cover is bad ass!!!

[65_LS1_T56]

WTF might as well make it a group buy!
I'll get the stock on order! Thanks Greg :lol:


Since it seems a lot of guys think billet parts are pretty cool, I shot a short video of the beginning of the finish pass. You can get a sense of why it takes so long to surface parts like this. The rapid speed is turned down, so the non-cutting time is a bit faster when turned up. Note, this is a 1mm (0.039") 3D step-over finish. Should be around 4 hours to get it surfaced.

Hope to have some more pictures of the finish pass on the outside later today.
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/th_VID_20140103_170229_314_zpsw2fyzy4l.jpg (http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/VID_20140103_170229_314_zpsw2fyzy4l.mp4)

[protour73]

People outside of this hobby must just shake their heads and ask "why", while all of us look at those parts and go "WOW" it's a work of art!!!

Great stuff Aaron..... Keep posting more pics!! :thumbsup:

[Ron in SoCal]

People outside of this hobby must just shake their heads and ask "why", while all of us look at those parts and go "WOW" it's a work of art!!!

Great stuff Aaron..... Keep posting more pics!! :thumbsup:

Scott I agree completely!

[Sieg]

People outside of this hobby must just shake their heads and ask "why"
I do the same thing when I see someone driving a Prius. :sieg:

[65_LS1_T56]

Boy am I learning alot..this has been a challenge, but oh so satifying :headspin:

So the outside is profiled now and the bolt holes have been spot faced. I took it out, cleaned it, rubbed it, carried it around for a while...now have to open the bolt holes up to a clearance hole and add a fill plug port hole.

Here are some more pictures for anyone that cares, lol. Thanks for all the comments guys.

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152406_019_zpshlf1fjey.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152406_019_zpshlf1fjey.jpg.html)
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152422_012_zpsjb8jlfke.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152422_012_zpsjb8jlfke.jpg.html)
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152504_135_zpsecm6gfke.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152504_135_zpsecm6gfke.jpg.html)
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_155429_052_zpsbulyhpdu.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_155429_052_zpsbulyhpdu.jpg.html)

[Bowtieracing]

...:confused59: That belongs to art gallery!!

[GregWeld]

That's just too awesome to go on anything Ron drives! LOL


I wish I had the skills to make parts like that.

[Sieg]

Work of art Aaron :thumbsup:

Hope you can capitalize on the design going forward.

[214Chevy]

That's gonna be one nice looking rear end. I love the idea to even have thought of this.

[anthony byram]

Ive been following this build for a while and you guys talents are simply amazing! the work on that car is just astounding. the blending of the later front fenders is just amazing. and that rearend cover you made Aaron is just a work of art! Your talents are just incredible. that is one amazing AMX!

[57hemicuda]

That's just too awesome to go on anything Ron drives! LOL

Amen Greg!

Its hard to believe that a diff cover can take me to the next level. You know anytime somebody looks at this car, I'm going to have to say you ought to see my watts.

[GregWeld]

Amen Greg!

Its hard to believe that a diff cover can take me to the next level. You know anytime somebody looks at this car, I'm going to have to say you ought to see my watts.



You'd best have your best pronunciation!! That might not come out too well...

[57hemicuda]

I'm still loving the contrast between the original caveman design, and the jewelry design. Cool stuff.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Ng64Tr5/0/L/DSC00790-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-dF922Zf/0/L/finished%20diff%20cover-L.jpg

[GregWeld]

Sema Winner -- Best New Part!!

[67zo6Camaro]

Awesome. Love looking at this build come along.

[aggie91]

That part is totally cool!:confused59:

[1coolC2]

That's just too awesome to go on anything Ron drives! LOL





Ha ha... I agree!!! Great work Aaron, the part looks awesome. Ron, you and I will just have to keep rubbing sticks together and caveman-ing clunky parts together while these guys craft art LOL

R/
Jeff

[65_LS1_T56]

Sema Winner -- Best New Part!!

Awesome. Love looking at this build come along.

That part is totally cool!:confused59:

Thanks guys.

Ha ha... I agree!!! Great work Aaron, the part looks awesome. Ron, you and I will just have to keep rubbing sticks together and caveman-ing clunky parts together while these guys craft art LOL

R/
Jeff

Well I'll be a ....Jeff! How's your new project coming along? You gonna share it here with us soon?

[71RS/SS396]

Aaron, Mr Black Ops is too busy hiding in the trees spying on all of us to post a build thread! :poke: :D

[57hemicuda]

Really, he told me he sold greeting cards.

[65_LS1_T56]

Aaron, Mr Black Ops is too busy hiding in the trees spying on all of us to post a build thread! :poke: :D

Careful Tim, he may be hiding in your trees right now...:underchair:

[Payton King]

his call sign?

Very cool part. You may need to leave an observation port in your tin work so you can show off you cool new part.

[ArisESQ]

Went through this thread from the beginning again - one of the baddest cars I've seen for sure.

What are you thinking for wheels? Those C6 Z wheels suit the car pretty well - a similar concave monoblock from forgeline or rotiform would look pretty proper.

http://www.forgeline.com/product_images/product_photo-xlarge_image-827.jpg

http://www.rotiform.com/images/products/monoblock_nue_03.jpg

[57hemicuda]

Haven't nailed down the wheels yet, I'd love to run a Forgeline, or a Rotiform but for now the budget won't allow it. Just have too many high dollars speed parts to buy yet.

[65_LS1_T56]

Yeah billet engine blocks are crazy money :snapout:

:G-Dub:

[57hemicuda]

No I can't afford wheels, some SOB is really bending me over for a billet differential cover. LOL

[jarhead]

I'm still loving the contrast between the original caveman design, and the jewelry design. Cool stuff.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Ng64Tr5/0/L/DSC00790-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-dF922Zf/0/L/finished%20diff%20cover-L.jpg

Holy CRAP! WOW!!!

[coolwelder62]

Should we start a benefit Javelin fund for you!!!!!!!!!!!:headspin: :headspin: :thumbsup:

[57hemicuda]

I'm waiting for Obama care to cover Forgelines. I know its just a matter of time.

[Sieg]

I'm waiting for Obama care to cover Forgelines. I know its just a matter of time.

Just give the car a full name and park bench address and sign it up for benefits.
After all it is an illegal alien, unemployed, and hungry. :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

I'm waiting for Obama care to cover Forgelines. I know its just a matter of time.



Well --- what's more likely to happen is that you'll be forced to pay for Forgelines and you'll get a set of Cloys...

[57hemicuda]

Oh I forgot, I'm in the productive group. More likely I'd pay for Forgelines to put on Greg's car. Pick yourself out something nice Greg.

[65_LS1_T56]

Oh I forgot, I'm in the productive group. More likely I'd pay for Forgelines to put on Greg's car. Pick yourself out something nice Greg.

^That's funny.
:lol:

Wait, not really.

[jarhead]

^That's funny.
:lol:

Wait, not really.

+2, LMAO :lmao:

[GNon18s]

Haven't nailed down the wheels yet, I'd love to run a Forgeline, or a Rotiform but for now the budget won't allow it. Just have too many high dollars speed parts to buy yet.

You WILL, ..find $$ in the budget for a killer set of wheels!:ups:

[1coolC2]

Thanks guys.



Well I'll be a ....Jeff! How's your new project coming along? You gonna share it here with us soon?

Aaron,
After seeing some of the stuff being built on this site, I would be too embarrassed to show my junk :superhack: It's just an old Nova that I'm trying to knock the rust out of. If I can get most of it out it should be a super lightweight LOL.

Aaron, Mr Black Ops is too busy hiding in the trees spying on all of us to post a build thread! :poke: :D

Tim,
You need to trim those bushes in front of your house, the guys in the black Suburban parked out front say they are having a hard time seeing in the windows Ha ha.

Really, he told me he sold greeting cards.

Ron,
Are you saying you don't believe me??

R/
Jeff

[71RS/SS396]

Aaron,
After seeing some of the stuff being built on this site, I would be too embarrassed to show my junk :superhack: It's just an old Nova that I'm trying to knock the rust out of. If I can get most of it out it should be a super lightweight LOL.



Tim,
You need to trim those bushes in front of your house, the guys in the black Suburban parked out front say they are having a hard time seeing in the windows Ha ha.



Ron,
Are you saying you don't believe me??

R/
Jeff

Here's my response to the guys in the black Suburban :action-smiley-027: :action-smiley-027: :action-smiley-027: :action-smiley-027:

[65_LS1_T56]

Aaron,
After seeing some of the stuff being built on this site, I would be too embarrassed to show my junk :superhack: It's just an old Nova that I'm trying to knock the rust out of. If I can get most of it out it should be a super lightweight LOL.



Tim,
You need to trim those bushes in front of your house, the guys in the black Suburban parked out front say they are having a hard time seeing in the windows Ha ha.



Ron,
Are you saying you don't believe me??

R/
Jeff

Haha, whatever Jeff..like that "junky" Vette you threw together lol.

See Tim? You're screwed. I smell a tax audit :secret:

[57hemicuda]

Yeah, I should have known. When you give the same occupation as Maxwell Smart, it should have thrown a red flag.

[57hemicuda]

Should have my head examined, but I started cutting on my $500 hood. Need to make some hinge pockets on the inside now that the length will not allow any kind of hinges to bolt on. Hoping to have the hinge pockets made, and glued in place tomorrow, and the start the fiberglass work on Sunday. Kinda sucks I have to step it up now, have to make sure I do my diff cover justice.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-5HjmQdR/0/L/DSC00873-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-W6npKjJ/0/L/DSC00874-L.jpg

[GregWeld]

You're my hero!!!

[57hemicuda]

This is how you ruin a perfectly good hood. First cut 3" off the length, second you saw big holes in the under bracing to make room for the hood hinges. Then you fabricate pockets for the hinges to bolt to, drill a bunch holes in the in the pockets so the adhesive will grab. Lastly you sand blast and powdercoat the parts, then glue them in. Tomorrow I'll brace it up and fiberglass everything in place. Why don't I build 69 Camaro's, so I can just bolt parts on.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Q2vMTjC/0/L/DSC00877-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-VXwrZp9/0/L/DSC00881-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-bwLTdZ2/0/L/DSC00879-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-rp2fWMn/0/L/DSC00882-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-pCs2VRK/0/L/DSC00883-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-NsCpnfq/0/L/DSC00885-L.jpg

[Flash68]

Ron.. pretty sure you'd break down a Camaro too and cut the holy shiat out of every inch of it. :D

[preston]

I admire taking on fiberglass work. I hate that stuff. I've got some fiberglass bumpers I've widened that I have to fiberglass in and I'm dreading it. How do you apportion your epoxy ? do you use a scale or measure it out ?

And remember it could be worse - I'm planning to fabricate my next hood from scratch out of aluminum. At least that's the current plan, I could wuss out and just widen an existing fiberglass one, maybe your work will inspire me to take the "easy" way out. Doesn't sound as fun though.

[57hemicuda]

The epoxy is from SEM, 3M makes it too, its made specifically to adhere fiberglass to steel or aluminum. It very expensive though, that tube is $65, and the gun is another $65. It is really cool the way it is designed though. The two parts of the epoxy fit in the same gun, as you squeeze it mixes itself in the end of the tube, its really ingenious and works quite well. Its the same stuff body shops use for installing Corvette body panels to the metal mounting strips.

[65_LS1_T56]

OK, last thread hack from me. Well for now anyway :peepwall:

I wanted to leave this as a surprise for Ron when he gets his cover later this week. I can't keep a sectret...so I'm telling you guys :D

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140113_125051_064_zpsgpzcv9tl.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140113_125051_064_zpsgpzcv9tl.jpg.html)

Oh this one too!
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140113_123753_256_zpsa112o5k6.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140113_123753_256_zpsa112o5k6.jpg.html)

Ron, it's shipping out today, should have it in a few days. I hope it fits :underchair:

[coolwelder62]

That's just too cool!!!:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Ron, it's shipping out today, should have it in a few days. I hope it fits :underchair:



I hope it doesn't and he wants to sell it CHEAP.....



Absolutely stunning!

[65_LS1_T56]

I hope it doesn't and he wants to sell it CHEAP.....



Absolutely stunning!

He got it cheap, so it should sell cheap haha.
Just got an order for another one lol...what did I do???
:drowninga:
Thank you Greg. I'm pretty proud of it.

[57hemicuda]

That is so cool. I feel like an 8 year old who just got an Evil Knevil stunt cycle. I apologize that I had you working for minimum wage Aaron, should have made you feel young again, hell you should be paying me.

[Flash68]

You might wanna have that hidden and locked up next week Ron.... :whistling:

Very very cool.

[Beach Cruiser]

That is so cool. I feel like an 8 year old who just got an Evil Knevil stunt cycle.

I had one of those! Looking good!

[57hemicuda]

Still have to finish up the rear edge, but the hood closes and latchs for the first time since I've owned it.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-znWvVF9/0/L/DSC00886-L.jpg

[Cris@JCG]

Looking good Ron! What did you end up on the wheelbase?

Still have to finish up the rear edge, but the hood closes and latch for the first time since I've owned it.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-znWvVF9/0/L/DSC00886-L.jpg

[57hemicuda]

It ended up at 105"

[WSSix]

Looking good, Ron!

[57hemicuda]

Jewelry test fit. Like a glove, thanks Aaron!

You can see some of the over the top bars above the trans., somebody needs to take this bender away.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-J2zRNGJ/0/L/DSC00888-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-SQS5jS6/0/L/DSC00890-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-PQLNVfB/0/L/DSC00889-L.jpg

[65_LS1_T56]

Wheeewww! Now, just check the ring gear clearance when you can, just to be sure. We should be good to go then.

Looks like a jungle gym in there :D

[1coolC2]

Looks like a jungle gym in there :D

Ron,

I have a bunch of 1 5/8" .065 chrome moly scraps floating around in the shop, I'll ship them up and you can weld them into that web if there is any room left :poke: lol. Hood looks great, hoping to mount one to my car someday :thumbsup:


R/
Jeff

[57hemicuda]

Hey Jeff, I think there is a little spot around the passenger side feet area that doesn't have any tubing. Send it!

[Sieg]

Looks like a jungle gym in there :D
Makes me wonder what his childhood erector set projects looked like. :D

[Flash68]

Jewelry test fit. Like a glove, thanks Aaron!

You can see some of the over the top bars above the trans., somebody needs to take this bender away.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-J2zRNGJ/0/L/DSC00888-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-SQS5jS6/0/L/DSC00890-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-PQLNVfB/0/L/DSC00889-L.jpg

Not too shabby for an outlaw street drag racer.

:peepwall:

[57hemicuda]

Don't know if I'm stupid, or just can't pass up a good deal. A buddy called with a line on some LS3's that were built by Katech for the American LeMans Prototype Challenge series.http://www.katechengines.com/motor-sports/racing-engines/american-le-mans-series-lmpc/

They are basically blueprinted 6.2 LS3's, with forged Mahle pistons, and ARP hardware. They had really cool dry sumps on them, but they kept them, along with the cams, and front timing covers. They have about 3K miles on them, and look like new inside. I bought 2 of them, I paid $2500 .

They probably won't give me enough HP's but, I figure I can work the bugs out of the car with one of them until I get board, and need to step it up.http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-dT8CLbK/0/L/DSC00896-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-D4s463P/0/L/DSC00899-L.jpg

[srh3trinity]

What a great deal! I would have probably bought them too for projects to be named later.

[71RS/SS396]

Here's your dry sump http://www.daileyengineering.com/ls_production_right_side_mount.htm :ups:

[57hemicuda]

Don't know why Tim, but I'm having trouble thinking about putting a $3000 dry sump on a $2500 engine.lol I was actually thinking about a trap door oil pan (which I already have), restricted push rods, and an Accusump. Man I seem to be hem raging cash all the sudden, I need to take up a cheap hobby.

[71RS/SS396]

Don't know why Tim, but I'm having trouble thinking about putting a $3000 dry sump on a $2500 engine.lol I was actually thinking about a trap door oil pan (which I already have), restricted push rods, and an Accusump. Man I seem to be hem raging cash all the sudden, I need to take up a cheap hobby.

I look at it this way.... if you grenade (window the block) the engine, it will cost more than the $3K for the dry sump to replace it.

[Cris@JCG]

I just got off the phone with Bill Dailey to build this for me... I could have him build you a 2nd one.. :poke: .. Cheap insurance in the long run!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/20-02-067020photo204_zps50fa8b0f.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/jcgrestoration/media/20-02-067020photo204_zps50fa8b0f.jpg.html)


Don't know why Tim, but I'm having trouble thinking about putting a $3000 dry sump on a $2500 engine.lol I was actually thinking about a trap door oil pan (which I already have), restricted push rods, and an Accusump. Man I seem to be hem raging cash all the sudden, I need to take up a cheap hobby.

[preston]

I think you'd be hard pressed to get that dry sump system for $3k. Try more like $4k. I'd like to know what just the pan and pump cost without all the other sundries, in a brief email exchange with Dailey a few weeks ago I was not able to get a price on just those components, just got quoted for a full system.

[WILWAXU]

I just got off the phone with Bill Dailey to build this for me... I could have him build you a 2nd one.. :poke: .. Cheap insurance in the long run!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/20-02-067020photo204_zps50fa8b0f.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/jcgrestoration/media/20-02-067020photo204_zps50fa8b0f.jpg.html)
LMAO! Oil system worth more than the motor it's bolted to :D

[Sieg]

Cheap insurance until that $10 belt throws or breaks! :underchair:

:D

[FETorino]

I think you'd be hard pressed to get that dry sump system for $3k. Try more like $4k. I'd like to know what just the pan and pump cost without all the other sundries, in a brief email exchange with Dailey a few weeks ago I was not able to get a price on just those components, just got quoted for a full system.

My Dailey pan, pulley, belt and pump were just under $3k. You have to add the cost of a tank and lines to get the total cost so yea $3500 would be closer.

Ron the car looks even cooler in person.

[Cris@JCG]

Yeah! That does concern me @ times about a belt driving you oil pump..

Cheap insurance until that $10 belt throws or breaks! :underchair:

:D

You forgot the -16 fittings & hose with plumbing material.. I remember bitichen about what -12 fitting cost..

My Dailey pan, pulley, belt and pump were just under $3k. You have to add the cost of a tank and lines to get the total cost so yea $3500 would be closer.

Ron the car looks even cooler in person.

[71RS/SS396]

I just got off the phone with Bill Dailey to build this for me... I could have him build you a 2nd one.. :poke: .. Cheap insurance in the long run!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/20-02-067020photo204_zps50fa8b0f.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/jcgrestoration/media/20-02-067020photo204_zps50fa8b0f.jpg.html)

Cris, I don't like how far out on the crank that one is or how close the serp. belt is to it.

[71RS/SS396]

I think you'd be hard pressed to get that dry sump system for $3k. Try more like $4k. I'd like to know what just the pan and pump cost without all the other sundries, in a brief email exchange with Dailey a few weeks ago I was not able to get a price on just those components, just got quoted for a full system.
Granted I get a discount but I was quoted $2350 for the 3 stage pump, ( C-6 version) pan, and drive hub.

[preston]

was that quote for the billet pan and integrated pump ? If so that's not a bad price, you are going to pay a $800 for a pump and $400 for a pan plus the plumbing from pan to pump and mandrel and drive pulleys so you're into it $1500 either way. THe billet pan and mounted pump are such a much better solution its worth another $1k if you can really get it for that. Of course for someone like who already has a pump and pan, there is no way to justify the move. I so love that clean, non-leaking setup though, the pan is so nice.

>Cris, I don't like how far out on the crank that one is or how close the serp. belt is to it.

I don't understand htis comment, that packaging looks tight to me, I've seen dry sump drives that stick out way further, that one looks good. Plus, how could it be closer to the block and not also be closer to the serp belt ?

As far as breaking the belt, this unfortunately did happen to me. Even though I have a big red light on the dash it was a very sunny day and I did not see it. I was on a "go kart" track doing the autox type thing so I was much busier than a road race track but still no excuse. I put a new super bright shift light right in my face. In my case, the belt had been stored for a year in a folded fashion, but I think the main culprit was I had it way too tight, these toothed belts don't need to be tight. Also as you can imagine on the go kart track the revs are up and down up and down.

My machinist, after disassembly, asked me how long it ran without oil, I said data log says 21 seconds. He said that was 20.5 seconds too long.
Just needed new bearings but he doesn't do anything half assed so it was almost a $5k belt for me, although that dollar figure probably included a few upgrades LOL.

[71RS/SS396]

was that quote for the billet pan and integrated pump ? If so that's not a bad price, you are going to pay a $800 for a pump and $400 for a pan plus the plumbing from pan to pump and mandrel and drive pulleys so you're into it $1500 either way. THe billet pan and mounted pump are such a much better solution its worth another $1k if you can really get it for that. Of course for someone like who already has a pump and pan, there is no way to justify the move. I so love that clean, non-leaking setup though, the pan is so nice.

>Cris, I don't like how far out on the crank that one is or how close the serp. belt is to it.

I don't understand htis comment, that packaging looks tight to me, I've seen dry sump drives that stick out way further, that one looks good. Plus, how could it be closer to the block and not also be closer to the serp belt ?

As far as breaking the belt, this unfortunately did happen to me. Even though I have a big red light on the dash it was a very sunny day and I did not see it. I was on a "go kart" track doing the autox type thing so I was much busier than a road race track but still no excuse. I put a new super bright shift light right in my face. In my case, the belt had been stored for a year in a folded fashion, but I think the main culprit was I had it way too tight, these toothed belts don't need to be tight. Also as you can imagine on the go kart track the revs are up and down up and down.

My machinist, after disassembly, asked me how long it ran without oil, I said data log says 21 seconds. He said that was 20.5 seconds too long.
Just needed new bearings but he doesn't do anything half assed so it was almost a $5k belt for me, although that dollar figure probably included a few upgrades LOL.

The pump set-up I'm using runs the belt behind the serp belt. Look at the link I posted above (#335) it shows the one I'm using.

[Cris@JCG]

Tim- I changed to the same design you got.. Trouble I have is getting clearance for the rack n pinion.. But Bill will machine a spacer to get the pump closer to the centerline of the crankshaft with a pump that has the inlet clocked in a different position..

Cris, I don't like how far out on the crank that one is or how close the serp. belt is to it.

[57hemicuda]

In the end I will probably end up with the Dailey stuff, I'm just whiney because I just dropped 5K on 2 LS3's. I was even digging in the sock drawer to come up with that cash, any future purchase I make Dawn will know about. Then she'll make me put in the kitchen I've been promising for the last 2 years.LOL

[Flash68]

Your basement isn't the worst place in the world to live and sleep.

[57hemicuda]

I don't know Dave there must be some sleeping powder or something floating around down there, people never seem to wake up until noon when they go down there. Can't make a living that way, well, unless your a bar tender or porn star.

[Sieg]

Then she'll make me put in the kitchen I've been promising for the last 2 years.LOL
Maybe get her one of these and buy yourself a couple more years? :sieg:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-daO3Pbs00cY/Ui82CC_eYaI/AAAAAAAAANE/mKkOtcs6Y8Y/s640/kk10.jpg

[57hemicuda]

I wish, my wife has stupid expensive taste.

Trying to finish up the chassis stuff. Took the transmission, and torque arm crossmembers out, because I wanted to put a giant 2x2 box tubing X brace through the bottom of the car. There are so many things to get around, exhaust, fuel lines, plus I still need the transmission to be able to come out for clutch changes.

Got the X built, with multiple exhaust openings, tubing holes, etc. etc. etc.
Took a couple pics before my camera died, I'll post some up tomorrow when I get a chance.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-XtxNbcJ/0/L/DSC00901-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-DtKh9pt/0/L/DSC00902-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-tVJzNwb/0/L/DSC00904-L.jpg

[65_LS1_T56]

I wish, my wife has stupid expensive taste.


:poke:

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152406_019_zpshlf1fjey.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152406_019_zpshlf1fjey.jpg.html)

:G-Dub: :rolleyes::_paranoid :animated_bye_bye_em

[sanddan]

:poke:

http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152406_019_zpshlf1fjey.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140104_152406_019_zpshlf1fjey.jpg.html)

:G-Dub: :rolleyes::_paranoid :animated_bye_bye_em

Now that's funny:thumbsup:

[Sieg]

:poke:

:G-Dub: :rolleyes::_paranoid :animated_bye_bye_em

I'm glad it was you that brought this "insignificant" detail to light. :lmao:

[65_LS1_T56]

I'm glad it was you that brought this "insignificant" detail to light. :lmao:

:peepwall:

[57hemicuda]

HEY HEY HEY!!!!! everybody needs a billet diff cover. End of story.

[57hemicuda]

In staying with my AM"X" theme, I had to put a big X through the middle of the car for chassis rigidity. Took a while to fab this part with all the ports, holes, and welds. Turned out pretty good, and should stiffen the car, as if it needed more weight. It still gets a couple other bars that intersect with this bar, and I need to fab a new trans cross member, but I'm getting closer.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-fRbZdnK/0/L/DSC00910-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-WGVNPS2/0/L/DSC00911-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-5BQDPDM/0/L/DSC00912-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-2TDTMVL/0/L/DSC00913-L.jpg

[Sieg]

Well done Sir! :thumbsup:

[57hemicuda]

Man, am I ready to move to a warm climate. Seems all my car building time is being spent plowing snow, I don't remember a winter like this since I was a kid. Global warming my ass.

Did get the last frame legs made, with fuel line raceways, and lots of lightening holes. With all the added cage bars, I feel I need to offset the weight with lots of holes. I couldn't build a light car to save my soul. All I have to do is finish welding these in and cut and fit the 1 1/4" chromoly tie bars which go between these legs and the bars above the transmission, and the frame is done. Man am I behind.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-9zFJM52/0/L/DSC00922-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-bvK4VdT/0/L/DSC00923-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-ZzdkqB5/0/L/DSC00924-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Q5SQjGQ/0/L/DSC00925-L.jpg

[57hemicuda]

Finally got the transmission crossmember, and the frame mounts built, just need to trim them up, and weld them in.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-P8RKD24/0/L/DSC00926-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-8kb8pMR/0/L/DSC00927-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-CFmkmzn/0/L/DSC00928-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-B2hP39V/0/L/DSC00929-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-9K4jnR2/0/L/DSC00931-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-cCDnKLW/0/L/DSC00934-L.jpg

[57hemicuda]

Finished product, had to make it that funky shape to clear the exhaust.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-D3ptWr9/0/L/DSC00935-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-4g2zVKq/0/L/DSC00936-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-JFNTFP9/0/L/DSC00937-L.jpg

[Sieg]

Finished product, had to make it that funky shape to clear the exhaust.
Function over form and that looks like it will get the job done.
What gauge plate is it?

[57hemicuda]

The little outriggers are 1/8", and the crossmember itself is 3/16". This car is so space limited in everyway, pushing the engine back that far really jammed this up all over. It probably wouldn't be that bad if the T56 Magnum and that torque arm weren't so huge.

[Sieg]

It's not like the car has a Limo wheelbase either. :D

[57hemicuda]

Even my dog is finding this winter exceptionally hard. I am so ready for spring.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Other/SNOW-2010/i-2FKc8Vx/0/L/snow%20005-L.jpg

[GregWeld]

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-JFNTFP9/0/L/DSC00937-L.jpg



I think you built it upside-down!


LOL


Looks great Ron. I'll text you tomorrow.... oh... and the next day... and the.... :>)

[57hemicuda]

I'll text you tomorrow.... oh... and the next day... and the.... :>)

I'm good Greg!!! If I were looking for critical info about Dave's bowel movements, or what Rob had for lunch I'd be all in, but I'm not.

I am a little jealous of the Laguna Seca talk though. LOL

[65_LS1_T56]

Even my dog is finding this winter exceptionally hard. I am so ready for spring.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Other/SNOW-2010/i-2FKc8Vx/0/L/snow%20005-L.jpg

Ughhh, seems to be like that here too Ron. 3-6" more tonight :shakehead:

What kind of dog is that? cool brindle markings.

[57hemicuda]

She is some form of pitbull, don't know why these dogs get such a bad rep., this dog is a real pu$$y cat. Unless she sees a squirrel, then that long tailed rat is dead for sure.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Children/laur/dawns-pics/i-2HxD4tH/0/L/Tayor%20239-L.jpg

[Sieg]

American Staffordshire Terrier mix :thumbsup:

Idiot humans have done their best to mess a great breed up. :(

My Dane is as gentle as can be until he spots a squirrel as well.

[65_LS1_T56]

She is some form of pitbull, don't know why these dogs get such a bad rep., this dog is a real pu$$y cat. Unless she sees a squirrel, then that long tailed rat is dead for sure.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Children/laur/dawns-pics/i-2HxD4tH/0/L/Tayor%20239-L.jpg

Thread Jack!

that's what I thought. We just got a rescue pup a few weeks ago for the boys. They said the mother was a Springer Spaniel and the father was..most likely a pitt bull. I think they were close. The mother was a German Shorthair Pointer and his dad was probably a pitt. He has brindle where the large dark patches normally are. Great dog so far! Seems to be very smart.
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140217_190635_000_zps6sdudz5f.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140217_190635_000_zps6sdudz5f.jpg.html)

[tom091074]

Thread Jack!

that's what I thought. We just got a rescue pup a few weeks ago for the boys. They said the mother was a Springer Spaniel and the father was..most likely a pitt bull. I think they were close. The mother was a German Shorthair Pointer and his dad was probably a pitt. He has brindle where the large dark patches normally are. Great dog so far! Seems to be very smart.
http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb476/65_LS1_T56/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140217_190635_000_zps6sdudz5f.jpg (http://s1207.photobucket.com/user/65_LS1_T56/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_20140217_190635_000_zps6sdudz5f.jpg.html)

Both of these were saved. And they are both sweet dogs its all how they are raised.

[jarhead]

Squirrel, deja vu, just watched this again the other day, made me :lmao:
http://www.quickmeme.com/img/59/592fbe13ba45986cbbc14d89d314ffe80ff601fa4d7c6a0c70 7343b38c7b2ff5.jpg

[Payton King]

instead of posting mad fab work, you post a pic of your dog and it turns into the Puppy Bowl.

I know there has to be work going on in that shop. LOL

[GregWeld]

instead of posting mad fab work, you post a pic of your dog and it turns into the Puppy Bowl.

I know there has to be work going on in that shop. LOL



IDK.... his work vs these cute puppies.... I might choose to look at the puppies.



HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[57hemicuda]

instead of posting mad fab work, you post a pic of your dog and it turns into the Puppy Bowl.

I know there has to be work going on in that shop. LOL

What kind of heinous human being objects to looking at puppies, sure doesn't sound like an animal lover! I guess that is what should be expected from a guy who named his car dead cat.LOL


My daughter was telling me about the week leading up to finals, the college offers "puppy room". Where for a fee, you can sit in a room full of puppies to relieve stress before the big test. Man, the world has changed a lot since I was young, I really didn't want her to know how we relieved stress.

[57hemicuda]

I guess I'll have to post some car stuff.

I got the crossmember in and am getting my buddy Brian Schien to machine some sliders for the torque arm. The original setup used a shackle like on the back of a leaf spring. The X through the middle of the car doesn't allow enough room for the shackle, so I designed a slider with roller bearings which will weld directly to the X. Should work pretty well, but we'll see.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-VN2WS95/0/L/DSC00940-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-6tBwXcM/0/L/DSC00939-L.jpg

[57hemicuda]

I think we have finally turned a page on this brutal winter, and I was able to put my snow removal equipment outside, and start making some fenders. They are getting closer, tire clearance is pretty good for 335's. Making both sides the same is as always the hardest part.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-qqW3HTZ/0/L/DSC00946-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-2ZJzM8h/0/L/DSC00945-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-zVTm3fP/0/L/DSC00948-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-kjL7WPC/0/L/DSC00949-L.jpg

[65_LS1_T56]

Looks sweet Ron!
:bigun2:

[Brads70]

Really enjoying this build! Love how you reworked your fenders!

[57hemicuda]

I usually feel like a have a pretty good vision as to what I'm building. This bumper however is going to be a trial an error exercise. When I got home tonight I started tacking some crap together to get some ideas from. The ends I haven't touched yet, but the middle is some kind of start. The lower section would get some vents, and it still would get a splitter on the bottom of it. In a couple pics I visegripped a piece of 3/4" square on the bottom to give it more height, but I don't know. I'll push it outside tomorrow and get a pic on the ground. What do you think?

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-TsQcT7r/0/L/DSC00849-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-csZ84nf/0/L/DSC00952-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-MMQWV3F/0/L/DSC00950-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-3LdwZJz/0/L/DSC00963-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-GrTNf2L/0/L/DSC00958-L.jpg

[coolwelder62]

Lookin good.I like it.

[Sieg]

Kill'n it! :thumbsup:

[Flash68]

What do you think?

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-TsQcT7r/0/L/DSC00849-L.jpg



Love that look Ron. Brings out so many influences.

[GregWeld]

If they'd have built it this way originally.... I'd have bought one!


XOXO

[Track Junky]

This car is reallly starting to come together really nice Ron. Fenders look sweet and looking forward to seeing the bumper/airdam completed. :thumbsup:

[57hemicuda]

Pushed car outside for major garage cleanup, bent a couple pieces of sheet metal over my knee to cover the blinker light and see what it looked like. I'm pretty sure the whole bumper needs to be taller. It is a funky looking car, but its starting to grow on me.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-mmKX3h3/0/L/DSC00965-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-M7nr6nW/0/L/DSC00971-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-3dnSmTf/0/L/DSC00969-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-JTnf8Hx/0/L/DSC00966-L.jpg

[Flash68]

Hey Ron... been meaning to ask you... where is this '57 Hemi Cuda anyway? :sieg:

[57hemicuda]

It was May feature car of the month, that was my shiny car stage, sold car at Barrett Jaskson in 07.

http://www.lateral-g.net/decade/


http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Children/CUDA/i-tK5Fv2b/0/L/chels%20snowflake%20dance%2007%20026-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Children/CUDA/i-8j6HdrH/0/L/IMG_7474-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Children/CUDA/i-FKjGQ8T/0/L/chels%20snowflake%20dance%2007%20025-L.jpg

[Flash68]

It was May feature car of the month, that was my shiny car stage, sold car at Barrett Jaskson in 07.

http://www.lateral-g.net/decade/

Ahhh.... 5 POINT 7.... not '57... that's where I got thrown off. With your cutting propensity my mind was wandering with the possibilities.... :superhack:

[jarhead]

I almost mentioned the blinker lights earlier but wasn't sure how that would go over, they are large.

I like them covered or smaller...

This may be weird too, but on my 05 Sierra it has part chrome, and part body color to break up the mass. Different bumper design, but a thought, here is a link for a try, not real good on my part at thinning it up http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r194/CattkeKing/Cars/AMX_zps6983a22d.jpg

Anyhow, I really like this bad ass car.

Joe

[57hemicuda]

Well I've decided that I hate everything I've come up with on the front bumper. So, instead of lighting the car on fire, I walked away, and moved on to something else. Got the last of the bars in, tying the trans tunnel bars to the X in the floor, and the rest of the cage. Somebody really need to take the bender away because this thing has gone crazy (thank goodness its 1 1/4 chromoly, and not mild steel, or this thing would be 4500lbs.). The cool part about this car is the factory dash hides most of the craziness, and I don't care what anybody says tubing is cool.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-8MWHtvV/0/L/DSC00974-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-v7mcq5j/0/L/DSC00973-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-sM2cVvK/0/L/DSC00975-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-TpdQf2M/0/L/DSC00978-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-7TsxmDh/0/L/DSC00977-L.jpg

[GregWeld]

Not sure why you're obsessing over the bumper - but to each his own. I thought it looked great. And the round turn signals pick up on the round headlights... but what do I know.


Gotta love tubes! I think that skeleton looks fantastic!


Fire up the TIG and get to stickin' fill!

[Ron in SoCal]

Maniac.

:cheers:

[57hemicuda]

Cut the bottom off the fender and started from the outside and will work my way in. Shaped the new sheetmetal for the fender and installed a lip on the edge. Then made a little skeleton out of 1/4" rod, used the English wheel to crown the skin to the correct shape, and tacked it on. The cool part is that it doesn't have to be perfect, these parts are only going to be used as a plug to made the fiberglass mold off of, so they only need to be tacked together, and mudded up. Not drastically different, but a little cleaner I think.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-3gK295X/0/L/DSC00979-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-pnL4H4k/0/L/DSC00980-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-jtkVNMn/0/L/DSC00982-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-VRHtSJk/0/L/DSC00984-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-GFMdGPG/0/L/DSC00986-L.jpg

[GregWeld]

How do you find the time to fab stuff up with all the texting?



Looks good Ron!



Make those reservations yet?

[57hemicuda]

If I could get more then an hour at a time to work on something, I might get something done.

Very, very tempting offer, but, I've decided when I go to Laguna I'm going to be driving one of my jalopies.

[69sms]

This is a fantastic build.
Insane craftsmanship

[1coolC2]

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-GFMdGPG/0/L/DSC00986-L.jpg

Ron,

Have you cycled your suspension through at full lock and compressed?? Looks like you have a good bow in the fender to clear. The Nova really needed some clearance on the front fenders to avoid grabbing some fiberglass. Had to cut them and pooch them out a bit just to fit the 275's up there. Your car is looking great, we need to get our butts in gear if we plan on running these junks this year LOL

R/
Jeff

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/1coolc2/novafeb202014596_zps485b154a.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/1coolc2/media/novafeb202014596_zps485b154a.jpg.html)

[57hemicuda]

Got the ends of the bumper made, and now that I corrected the things I didn't like about the AMC version, I really don't hate the thing now. I always hated the way AMC shrouded the bottom of the headlight with the bumper, and how it sloped back the way it did at the bottom. And of course like all things AMC the fit was horrible. I'm still not sure I'm not going to do something different at the bottom of the bumper, I'll look at it a while before I decide. It is at least getting closer.

You can see the height difference in the one pic

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-N8pKwjZ/0/L/amx%2068-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-JZ4hX8Q/0/L/DSC00996-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-dwkjwzx/0/L/DSC00987-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-2jC3SsX/0/L/DSC00990-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Hb2cLdV/0/L/DSC00991-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-j85pSPc/0/L/DSC00994-L.jpg

[57hemicuda]

Nova is looking great Jeff. My fenders clear under full compression, but rub in full lock, I'm thinking I may need to move the fender lip to the outside instead of the inside. And yes we need to get on the stick.

[71RS/SS396]

Ron,

Have you cycled your suspension through at full lock and compressed?? Looks like you have a good bow in the fender to clear. The Nova really needed some clearance on the front fenders to avoid grabbing some fiberglass. Had to cut them and pooch them out a bit just to fit the 275's up there. Your car is looking great, we need to get our butts in gear if we plan on running these junks this year LOL

R/
Jeff

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c261/1coolc2/novafeb202014596_zps485b154a.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/1coolc2/media/novafeb202014596_zps485b154a.jpg.html)

There is actually a Nova! I thought this was a myth :underchair: :guns:

[1coolC2]

There is actually a Nova! I thought this was a myth :underchair: :guns:

Tim,

That's not mine...I was just making a comment .....ha ha. Hope to get it back in 2-3 weeks with some color on it. Need to talk with you about some coatings soon.

R/
Jeff

[71RS/SS396]

Tim,

That's not mine...I was just making a comment .....ha ha. Hope to get it back in 2-3 weeks with some color on it. Need to talk with you about some coatings soon.

R/
Jeff

So it's still a myth....urban legend :D

[57hemicuda]

Tim, I think his check book wishes it was an urban legend right about now. LOL
The fiberglass fenders with the budge does look awesome, with the parts in that car it should be a real beast, watch out Billy Utley.LOL

[1coolC2]

Tim, I think his check book wishes it was an urban legend right about now. LOL
The fiberglass fenders with the budge does look awesome, with the parts in that car it should be a real beast, watch out Billy Utley.LOL

Tim,

My check book DOES wish it was a myth LOL. Any new improvements on your Camaro over the winter??

Ron, I don't think Billy is too worried about me, he does pretty good with that killer Nova of his :thumbsup: I'm just happy if I can still see everyone's taillights up ahead on the track LOL.

R/
Jeff

[71RS/SS396]

Tim,

My check book DOES wish it was a myth LOL. Any new improvements on your Camaro over the winter??

Ron, I don't think Billy is too worried about me, he does pretty good with that killer Nova of his :thumbsup: I'm just happy if I can still see everyone's taillights up ahead on the track LOL.

R/
Jeff

Jeff,
Now that we've hi-jacked Ron's thread for our own use :) , yes there's been some upgrades, some cosmetic (interior) and a new bullet under the hood (if I ever get my block), if I have time left I'm going to do some aero aids as well. Sorry Ron :getout:

[Flash68]

Very, very tempting offer, but, I've decided when I go to Laguna I'm going to be driving one of my jalopies.

I like that answer but you better plan for no less than 6 mufflers on your car. Pretty soon the db limit will be in the 80's there. :disgusted:

[71RS/SS396]

I like that answer but you better plan for no less than 6 mufflers on your car. Pretty soon the db limit will be in the 80's there. :disgusted:

Ron will just build a Prius powered track car for that! :peepwall:

[1coolC2]

Jeff,
Now that we've hi-jacked Ron's thread for our own use :) , yes there's been some upgrades, some cosmetic (interior) and a new bullet under the hood (if I ever get my block), if I have time left I'm going to do some aero aids as well. Sorry Ron :getout:

No worry Tim, Ron won't mind :waveflag:

I was thinking of spamming his thread with pics from my junky Nova build since I'm too lazy to start my own LOL.

[57hemicuda]

Lets see them Jeff!!

Because we got another 6" of snow today I didn't work, so I did get my bumper welded together. Had to close the license plate opening for the fiberglass work, because this is just a plug to make the mold off of. Reshaped the opening to make it more of a port (which will get cut out once the glass part is made) then a license plate hole. Roughed the mud in, and shot some primer. Turned out pretty good, still don't know what I'm going to do with the ends until I get the fenders finished. The splitter will go on the bottom of the flange.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-873ChGx/0/L/DSC00997-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-cmr8nTp/0/L/DSC00999-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-k3zjTBX/0/L/DSC01000-L.jpg

[fleetus macmullitz]

Very cool build 'Good Ron'. :unibrow:

[65_LS1_T56]

Lets see them Jeff!!

Because we got another 6" of snow today I didn't work, so I did get my bumper welded together. Had to close the license plate opening for the fiberglass work, because this is just a plug to make the mold off of. Reshaped the opening to make it more of a port (which will get cut out once the glass part is made) then a license plate hole. Roughed the mud in, and shot some primer. Turned out pretty good, still don't know what I'm going to do with the ends until I get the fenders finished. The splitter will go on the bottom of the flange.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-k3zjTBX/0/L/DSC01000-L.jpg

Thought you were done with snow this year :mock:
We just got 5 here too...

The front is looking real good Ron. Will you use the port for brake ducts like the Mustang?

[57hemicuda]

Yeah, that will be cut out for an intake port for the brake ducts. The fin hanging from the bottom of the bumper will work in conjunction with the splitter which I'm hoping to make adjustable. The splitter will have a similar fin sticking up that will slide behind that one, so as I adjust the splitter up and down for different tracks and street use, it will still divert the air. Will paint both fins flat black so that they won't stand out like they do in the picture.

[Beach Cruiser]

Looks good, I like it, can't wait to see it with the splitter on it. FWIW, we got 2" overnight, and we'll be shutdown for days!

[Damn True]

Looks great!

Snow?

We keep that stuff up in the mountains where it belongs.

[Ppd1979]

I'm liking the front end of it.

[57hemicuda]

Just in case anybody wanted to know, a 19x12 ZO6 rear wheel will clear big brakes, even 15" big brakes. Probably won't clear the fenders, but brakes etc. OK.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-DjZ5Pj8/0/L/DSC01004-L.jpg

[jarhead]

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-873ChGx/0/L/DSC00997-L.jpg



WOW, that turned out real nice !

[zo6s10]

Just in case anybody wanted to know, a 19x12 ZO6 rear wheel will clear big brakes, even 15" big brakes. Probably won't clear the fenders, but brakes etc. OK.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-DjZ5Pj8/0/L/DSC01004-L.jpg:confused59:
Why do you keep making me want bigger front tires?

As always the AMX looks awesome.

[57hemicuda]

With all the changes in everything else, why should the torque arm be any different. With the X through the middle of the car, now there is no room for a shackle for the torque arm. My buddy Brian Schien machined me out these fancy sliders which will weld to middle of the X. Bought the little bearings from McMaster Car, should work pretty well.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Brtfm2S/0/L/DSC01011-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-FBgjxNn/0/L/DSC01012-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-p5xKqTz/0/L/DSC01014-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-zdbXZS8/0/L/DSC01015-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-XBVdj3n/0/L/DSC01016-L.jpg

[1coolC2]

With all the changes in everything else, why should the torque arm be any different. With the X through the middle of the car, now there is no room for a shackle for the torque arm. My buddy Brian Schien machined me out these fancy sliders which will weld to middle of the X. Bought the little bearings from McMaster Car, should work pretty well.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Brtfm2S/0/L/DSC01011-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-FBgjxNn/0/L/DSC01012-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-p5xKqTz/0/L/DSC01014-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-zdbXZS8/0/L/DSC01015-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-XBVdj3n/0/L/DSC01016-L.jpg


You will need another couple of sticks of tubing to tie that in....get the bender back out!! :poke:

[57hemicuda]

Already bent, and fitted!

[Ppd1979]

Need some more pics.

[Beach Cruiser]

I hope you have big motor plans that thing is going to weigh 4000lbs! LOL, looks good, me likey! I need to find me a machinist buddy, right now if I can't make it with a 4" cutoff wheel It ain't getting made.

[57hemicuda]

Fenders pretty much kicked my a$$, the 19X12 wheels, and 27" 335's on the front are not conducive to attractive fenders. Ended up looking like a flared 66 Bronco. I ended up getting a set of 18x12 C14's on loan from John at CCW (thanks John). The 18" 335's are about an inch shorter in diameter then the 19's, which seem to have cured or at least helped the problem.

Nothing is going easy. Put my driveshaft in, and the 1350 yoke hit my torque arm slider box. Ended up making a driveshaft hoop out of some 5" pipe, which became a integral part of the slider box. With all the welding the bearings would no longer fit in the slots that Brian machined for me. So he surface ground the 4 sides, and remachined the slots. Smooth as butter now, but what a pain.

The driveshaft in this car is at kidney height so I always planned on running a driveshaft hoop, just not one this beefy. This car is starting to remind me a little of that Animal House line "Overweight and underpower is no way to go through life" Its close anyway.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-XFp5hzw/0/L/DSC01018-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-JqPtrX6/0/L/DSC01021-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-fS5LZB2/0/L/DSC01024-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-S6M2Z8d/0/L/DSC01026-L.jpg

[preston]

On the latest version of my mustang I had to give up on 335's in the front as well due to aesthetic considerations. It hurt a little, but looks a lot better when the street tires are on. I will just have to live with 12" rims and 315's up front for track days. I can kind of think of the AMX looking cool though with too wide a body and too short of a wheelbase.

[57hemicuda]

The brown truck brought some really pretty jewelry today. I totally blame this on Aaron, he now has me hooked on shiny billet parts. Actually the drop spindle will help with some bump, and camber gain issues. I'm hoping the camber gain will help a bit with the tire/fender clearances. This why I've been staying off the fenders for so long. Now I have no excuse, except my knees hurt, and I'm tired, and there is something good on television, etc., etc.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-CxNbdXj/0/L/DSC01028-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-BF4gpFn/0/L/DSC01029-L.jpg

[Flash68]

You building a show car or you gonna :gitrdun: and drive that thing? :poke:

[57hemicuda]

You know Dave, couldn't get the geometry to work out, needed the drop spindle. Its just a bonus that its all shiny, and you know I couldn't have the shiny diff cover, and not balance it out in the front. Still gives me a bit of a chubby.LOL

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-TwZZNch/0/L/finished%20diff%20cover-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-BF4gpFn/0/L/DSC01029-L.jpg

[Flash68]

That stuff really is bad azz. Yeah that Aaron dude.. he IS a problem. :catfight:

[57hemicuda]

The spindles are LG's, didn't have the heart to torture Aaron on this one, I don't think he's returning my calls after the cover.LOL

[57hemicuda]

Got the knuckle installed and the loaner CCW's installed. Still amazes me how small the 335 18's look compared to the 335 19's. Still going to be a challenge to get the fenders to clear at full compression/full lock, but it is at least doable.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-bV2H6c8/0/L/DSC01031-L.jpg

[65_LS1_T56]

You know Dave, couldn't get the geometry to work out, needed the drop spindle. Its just a bonus that its all shiny, and you know I couldn't have the shiny diff cover, and not balance it out in the front. Still gives me a bit of a chubby.LOL

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-TwZZNch/0/L/finished%20diff%20cover-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-BF4gpFn/0/L/DSC01029-L.jpg

GEEZ! Baller Status.

:G-Dub:

I totally could've rocked those out :action-smiley-027:

[65_LS1_T56]

The spindles are LG's, didn't have the heart to torture Aaron on this one, I don't think he's returning my calls after the cover.LOL

We're still cool Ron. I expect a spirited ride in the go-kart when its done though :drive:

[65_LS1_T56]

That stuff really is bad azz. Yeah that Aaron dude.. he IS a problem. :catfight:

Hey I'm an enabler, that's all. I enabled Ron to have the rear end of his dreams (that sounds weird) and I enabled you and the tall guy with the big car (that I really like) to find a brewery or two. That's it. Just trying to help a guy out :thumbsup:

[1coolC2]

The brown truck brought some really pretty jewelry today. I totally blame this on Aaron, he now has me hooked on shiny billet parts. Actually the drop spindle will help with some bump, and camber gain issues. I'm hoping the camber gain will help a bit with the tire/fender clearances. This why I've been staying off the fenders for so long. Now I have no excuse, except my knees hurt, and I'm tired, and there is something good on television, etc., etc.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-CxNbdXj/0/L/DSC01028-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-BF4gpFn/0/L/DSC01029-L.jpg

Them are purdy!! :thumbsup:

[wiedemab]

WooHoo!

:G-Dub:

[Ron in SoCal]

Love those spindles Ron. What are your plans for steering arms?

[FETorino]

You know Dave, couldn't get the geometry to work out, needed the drop spindle. Its just a bonus that its all shiny, and you know I couldn't have the shiny diff cover, and not balance it out in the front. Still gives me a bit of a chubby.LOL

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-TwZZNch/0/L/finished%20diff%20cover-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-BF4gpFn/0/L/DSC01029-L.jpg

Those are the kind of billet shiny parts worth buying. That's part of what makes you the "Good Ron":trophy-1302:





The driveshaft in this car is at kidney height so I always planned on running a driveshaft hoop, just not one this beefy. This car is starting to remind me a little of that Animal House line "Overweight and underpower is no way to go through life" Its close anyway.




Just buy a nice Carbon Fiber drive shaft and you can eliminate a lot of the fear of it coming through the tunnel along with some weight.:D

I really appreciate all the effort you are going through to ensure somebody's car is heavier than mine.:lmao:

Hey I'm an enabler, that's all. I enabled Ron to have the rear end of his dreams (that sounds weird) and I enabled you and the tall guy with the big car (that I really like) to find a brewery or two. That's it. Just trying to help a guy out :thumbsup:

You're a giver:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Sieg]

I really appreciate all the effort you are going through to ensure somebody's car is heavier than mine.:lmao:

Appears he pretty good competition! If it's based on pounds per inch of wheelbase I don't think Ron has a chance. :D

[byndbad914]

Still amazes me how small the 335 18's look compared to the 335 19's. Still going to be a challenge to get the fenders to clear at full compression/full lock, but it is at least doable.
When you suggested you were going to put 19s on the front I figured that was going to be a bit much but was interested to see how you solved it. IMO the 18s will visually fit the car much better as well - old cars seem to be about maxed at 18s in that 295+ width as the tire diam is right around 25-25.5" typically which is inline an old-school 50 series 15" tire.

I pulled the 20" off of the rear of my Vette to see how it would fit in the Nova and it literally just would not fit without serious reworking of the inner fenders and rear seat area :weld: and it really looked out of place in the wheel opening. The 18s with 335s fit quite nice on the Nova while they look a little small on the Vette as GM made the fenderwells visually match the large, 26.7" diam tire it comes with.

You mention clearing large rotors in previous posts and John is very cool and he can get you an 18" that will clear huge rotors - it was either his wheels or Forgeline and I just like the looks of the 3pc Forges or I would have definitely gone with CCWs again. My Z06 has 15.4" rotors and while it is a squeeze, they fit :) The Nova is 15" rotors and that little bit of difference is more than plenty and makes installs easier.

Those LG spindles are bad a$$ - I was looking at them as well but got lucky and was able to package factory spindles at the ride height I wanted. I hear you tho' about making the geometry all work out - total PITA packaging the front end with everything that has to fit there.

Very cool project - enjoy seeing the progress.

[57hemicuda]

Love those spindles Ron. What are your plans for steering arms?


I kind of reengineered the front clip moving the rack back where GM put it on the C6, so I don't need to cut the arms off. It uses the factory arms, and now more or less the C6 geometry. Would have made me cry to cut those new billet knuckles almost as much as I did when I cut my new glass hood.

[57hemicuda]

I really appreciate all the effort you are going through to ensure somebody's car is heavier than mine.:lmao:

Simmer down now, this is a pony car not a Clydesdale. LOL. Other then the main back bone and X, the whole chassis is chromoly, a really, really lot of chromoly. Scaled it once, my tears kept me from reading the scale properly. Xperimental I keep saying, I guess we'll see. :)

[Beach Cruiser]

Mine weighed in at 3130 with gas and me on the scales at VIR this weekend :)

[57hemicuda]

Just scored this dry sump off the Vette forum, looks like it will fit my chassis with no modifications. Need to scrounge a tank, and some lines. The good part is, I ended up with a dry sumped, forged LS3 for less then $3500, the bad part is my car budget is cleaned out.LOL

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-ZSJCs3H/0/L/dry%20sump-L.jpg

[57hemicuda]

Mine weighed in at 3130 with gas and me on the scales at VIR this weekend :)

That great Mills, 2900ish for a race trimmed Camaro is perfect in my opinion. I wanted to be weight conscious with this car, but like always I get out of hand.

[bonecrrusher]

http://chrisblattman.com/files/2011/07/facebook_like_button_big1.jpg

[1coolC2]

Just scored this dry sump off the Vette forum, looks like it will fit my chassis with no modifications. Need to scrounge a tank, and some lines. The good part is, I ended up with a dry sumped, forged LS3 for less then $3500, the bad part is my car budget is cleaned out.LOL

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-ZSJCs3H/0/L/dry%20sump-L.jpg

Ron,

Great score on the dry sump set-up!! I know what you mean about the budget being cleaned out, my crappy Nova spit shined my wallet LOL Should be in color tomorrow, at least it will be nicer looking :G-Dub:

R/
Jeff

[57hemicuda]

I expect to see some pictures on my/your, well our build thread. LOL

[Flash68]

Just scored this dry sump off the Vette forum, looks like it will fit my chassis with no modifications. Need to scrounge a tank, and some lines. The good part is, I ended up with a dry sumped, forged LS3 for less then $3500, the bad part is my car budget is cleaned out.LOL

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-ZSJCs3H/0/L/dry%20sump-L.jpg

Nice stuff there Ron. I am sure it will just "bolt on" like everything else on your car. :lol:

[57hemicuda]

That is really why I bought this set up, but it will probably kick me in the nuts like everything else.

[57hemicuda]

Got the one fender roughed in with the 18" loaner wheel, and drop spindle. I'll bet I made a minimum of 20 different revisions to get the flares this small, and they're still humungus. This is absolutely as petite a flare as you are going to get when running a 335 on the front and still have 2.5" of up travel at full lock. You have about a credit card thickness between the tire and the flare at full lock. The sucky part is tomorrow I have to do the other side.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-CqfKH2x/0/L/DSC01032-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-bV2H6c8/0/L/DSC01031-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-QFR7Bjv/0/L/DSC01033-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-JwbQkJk/0/L/DSC01035-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-wTR6FSg/0/L/DSC01036-L.jpg

[GregWeld]

If it was easy the fat chicks could do it!


LOL



Looks great!

[FETorino]

That look great Ron. It will look even better in carbon Fiber.:D

[57hemicuda]

That look great Ron. It will look even better in carbon Fiber.:D


I know what I'm going to pay to have the molds made and a couple sets of fenders and bumpers laid up. I can't even imagine what it would cost to have that stuff done in C/F. Would be cool though. :G-Dub:

[57hemicuda]

Because we are running the same subframe more or less, thought Dave might want to see how I tied the down bars to the suspension mounts, and cage, so I took a couple of pics. Just past where the firewall will be I put a Y in the down bars, sending one side to the A pillar bar, and the other to the dash bar, and trans tunnel bar. I also tied a bunch of gussets to the UCA mounts, I'll probably go back and drill some holes in the gussets later to make them more pleasing to the eye. Really didn't want to but ended up mounting the hood hinges to the down bars also.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-dBnDqxX/0/L/DSC01037-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-x5MjdQ9/0/L/DSC01038-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-SMTxsZb/0/L/DSC01039-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-sZB3Cpr/0/L/DSC01040-L.jpg

[Beach Cruiser]

Looks good Ron!

[67zo6Camaro]

GRon, the fender fabrication looks great. Progressing nicely.

[preston]

Yeah that's some real metal shaping there, taking a somewhat bulbous design and making it even more bulbous. Good work.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Because we are running the same subframe more or less, thought Dave might want to see how I tied the down bars to the suspension mounts, and cage, so I took a couple of pics. Just past where the firewall will be I put a Y in the down bars, sending one side to the A pillar bar, and the other to the dash bar, and trans tunnel bar. I also tied a bunch of gussets to the UCA mounts, I'll probably go back and drill some holes in the gussets later to make them more pleasing to the eye. Really didn't want to but ended up mounting the hood hinges to the down bars also.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-dBnDqxX/0/L/DSC01037-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-x5MjdQ9/0/L/DSC01038-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-SMTxsZb/0/L/DSC01039-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-sZB3Cpr/0/L/DSC01040-L.jpg

thats nice, double down bars is great.

[57hemicuda]

Yeah that's some real metal shaping there, taking a somewhat bulbous design and making it even more bulbous. Good work.

That made laugh out loud Preston, bulbous is a good word for it. It needs more cowbell.

Thought this car would be way narrower then my Mustang, but I'm wanting a full 5" of travel at lock with no rubbing, its stupid wide.:waveflag:

[57hemicuda]

Got fender bottom roughed in after I got off work. Payton called me today, and was saying he thought the fenders were ending up looking like a C3 Corvette. I now see it.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-vpRtjkw/0/L/DSC01045-L.jpg

[65_LS1_T56]

Looks killer Ron.

If you keep working on it, maybe you can get it to look like a C2 then you won't have to buy one of those too :action-smiley-027:

[Flash68]

Because we are running the same subframe more or less, thought Dave might want to see how I tied the down bars to the suspension mounts, and cage, so I took a couple of pics. Just past where the firewall will be I put a Y in the down bars, sending one side to the A pillar bar, and the other to the dash bar, and trans tunnel bar. I also tied a bunch of gussets to the UCA mounts, I'll probably go back and drill some holes in the gussets later to make them more pleasing to the eye. Really didn't want to but ended up mounting the hood hinges to the down bars also.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-dBnDqxX/0/L/DSC01037-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-x5MjdQ9/0/L/DSC01038-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-SMTxsZb/0/L/DSC01039-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-sZB3Cpr/0/L/DSC01040-L.jpg

Looks strong as an ox, G-Ron. Thanks for posting.

[GregWeld]

Colin Chapman would not like it....



:>)



But I do!

[57hemicuda]

Colin Chapman would not like it....



:>)



But I do!

Thanks for making feel stupid and have to Google someone, ya Jerk. LOL

In the future, if your going to reference someone it needs to be someone at my maturity level. Like Fred Flintstone, or Sponge Bob Squarepants.

[GregWeld]

Thanks for making feel stupid and have to Google someone, ya Jerk. LOL

In the future, if your going to reference someone it needs to be someone at my maturity level. Like Fred Flintstone, or Sponge Bob Squarepants.

Colin chapman was known to weld lightening holes together to make a car. Always subtracted weight.... To the point where his stuff was becoming dangerous.

[1coolC2]

Looks killer Ron.

If you keep working on it, maybe you can get it to look like a C2 then you won't have to buy one of those too :action-smiley-027:

LMAO!!!

Ron, I'll sent you some C2 front parking lamps to graft in :weld: It's looking pretty good dude!! Looks like I will be picking up the Thug Nova on Saturday, kinda excited about it :ups:

R/
Jeff

[57hemicuda]

Revision 24, this is it, sides are not getting changed again.335's clear at full lock/full compression. I'll copy it on the other side tomorrow, push it outside and take a couple pics on the ground. As long as I don't sober up and hate it, this is pretty much it. Finish the tops, and start smearing mud.


http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-tJDVWwp/0/L/DSC01046-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-TSZTw23/0/L/DSC01048-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-psKSxpZ/0/L/DSC01049-L.jpg

[Sieg]

Well done Sir :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

is it done yet??

[jarhead]

nice work

[Flash68]

As long as I don't sober up

Please do us all a favor and don't sober up. :happy23:

Looks great Ron... now stick a fork in her. :)

[Track Junky]

I hate to say it Ron but in the pics it looks like you may have to do something with the rear quarters just to tie the whole package together.

EDIT: Not to take anything away from the front fender.......That looks like it came out pretty good.

[57hemicuda]

The rear gets a complete do over also G., not near enough cow bell. Really shouldn't be that bad, the parts are loose. Just a matter of getting a lot more bulge, and repositioning the flare. Was thinking of making molds of the quarter panels also, then I could easily make as many goofy looking AMX's as I wanted. Never before in my life have I been chomping at the bit to start smearing body putty.

[GrabberGT]

I dont think I've ever heard anyone say "you know those humps on my Javelin really just dont have enough... HUMP to them..." LOL... They look awesome but does anyone else feel like we've reached that point in the movie where all hope is lost our hero is backed into a corner and there is no hope for getting out? Its that sense of impending doom. How in the H-E-double-hockey-sticks are you going to get the rear qtr's to match the front. :confused59:

ANyway... carry on. Im enjoying the show and cant wait to see whats next. Somebody get me some popcorn. :tv_happy:

[57hemicuda]

Got all of the welding done on the fenders, except the top panel. I'll fabricate the fender top tomorrow, weld it in Friday, and yehaa start making dust this weekend.

Was thinking about fabbing a pin style spindle for a C6 upright. Ordered a Nascar Grand National front spindle just to see its size and shape. Had no idea how big it was compared it to a Wilwood pro spindle. It seems like a packaging nightmare, but I think it is doable.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-2z3zmTR/0/L/DSC01060-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-wGtLrB4/0/L/DSC01067-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-hdKVm7D/0/L/DSC01061-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-3ZS9qnc/0/L/DSC01063-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-dSmCH9m/0/L/DSC01065-L.jpg

[Ron in SoCal]

Man that spindle is a work of art GR. Huge too! hope you can make it work...

Car looks awesome Sir :thumbsup:

[preston]

The offset on those GN hubs is quite large, it will be difficult to get a good scrub radius unless you are willing to do like I do and run a lot of offset, which then limits your wheel choices to custom made 3 piece wheels that are then not sell-able or compatible with anything else. YOu could just be happy with 2"+ SR but then that also means shorter arms, and longer arms are generally better to maintain a more stable RC/IC. And you're gonna wish you had lower SR trying to steer those 335's around IMO.

I can't remember the numbers, but I think the normal C5/C6 wheel offset is 55mm, or about 2", and my offsets are 3" with the GN pin pushed all the way as close to the BJ as I can get it. A couple years ago I could have rattled all these numbers off the op of my head, but I think the distance from the pin shoulder to the wheel mounting surface is almost 4" ? Of course you don't have to run a rotor hat anymore which saves you 1/4 of SR :)

Personally I think that pin would be massive overkill because the aluminum C5/C6 upright is going to flex so much. Building a custom setup from anything else is more difficult though because the pins are harder to find. YOu might try looking at the Impala pin that the stock car houses also sell. Or if you identify a hub you like Coleman can custom build a pin for you.But you better understand your offsets and SR before you dump $600 into that project.

[57hemicuda]

I'm just kicking it around Preston, figured I post the massiveness of the parts. I looked at the Impala pin also, I just was digging on the bearing size of the GN. The Impala bearing wasn't any larger then a Mustang II, at least at the pin the diameter was the same. Keep looking at the GMR parts, they are made so well, I really just don't like the minimal bearing separation. In the end I will probably spring for the ZR1 parts, but I always need to weigh my options first.

I did get the fender tops formed, got one side tacked in before I ran out of mig wire.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Tz5NMjL/0/L/DSC01068-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-8rbXdJ4/0/L/DSC01069-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-WQBTMpJ/0/L/DSC01070-L.jpg

[65_LS1_T56]

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mMVhrP9/0/L/i-mMVhrP9-L.png

I keep thinking, this car reminds me of something :headscratch:

[65_LS1_T56]

Of course I'm messing Ron :slingshot:

Hey, on the spindle pin/upright thing: I was having similar thoughts about scrub radius and the hub design and getting the offset right on the wheels. Without them looking like dually fronts...Jiffy poppin' I believe they call that here :D

I'll you an email back later, hopefully today.

[Payton King]

Fender top looks great. The whale picture is priceless

[Cris@JCG]

Ron- Car is looking great.. Luv the front view..

here is a hub we designed for my fabricated C6 Corvette upright using a Pinto pin that Speedway makes.. I would like the Impala pin due to its larger bearings but packaging on the hub becomes a problem due to keeping the mounting face of the wheel in the stock location to maintain the stock Corvette scrub radius.. Another thing I implemented into the design is that you mount the rotor to the hub.. It keeps rotor run out to a minimum & added some weight reduction with the pocketed holes.. Gave it a tapper machine in the back side for strength under load.. But this is as far as I have gotten.. machining is not gonna be cheap on these hubs.. But if you can machine a billet diff cover & you can get Aaron to machine sum more stuff for you.. I got a design & concept!!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/JCG_Pinto_Hat-Hub_Assem_Rev-0_zpseee83e9e.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/jcgrestoration/media/JCG_Pinto_Hat-Hub_Assem_Rev-0_zpseee83e9e.jpg.html)


http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/JCG_Pinto_Hat-Hub_Assem_Rev-2_zpse67909df.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/jcgrestoration/media/JCG_Pinto_Hat-Hub_Assem_Rev-2_zpse67909df.jpg.html)




Got all of the welding done on the fenders, except the top panel. I'll fabricate the fender top tomorrow, weld it in Friday, and yehaa start making dust this weekend.

Was thinking about fabbing a pin style spindle for a C6 upright. Ordered a Nascar Grand National front spindle just to see its size and shape. Had no idea how big it was compared it to a Wilwood pro spindle. It seems like a packaging nightmare, but I think it is doable.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-2z3zmTR/0/L/DSC01060-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-wGtLrB4/0/L/DSC01067-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-hdKVm7D/0/L/DSC01061-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-3ZS9qnc/0/L/DSC01063-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-dSmCH9m/0/L/DSC01065-L.jpg

[65_LS1_T56]

Ron- Car is looking great.. Luv the front view..

here is a hub we designed for my fabricated C6 Corvette upright using a Pinto pin that Speedway makes.. I would like the Impala pin due to its larger bearings but packaging on the hub becomes a problem due to keeping the mounting face of the wheel in the stock location to maintain the stock Corvette scrub radius.. Another thing I implemented into the design is that you mount the rotor to the hub.. It keeps rotor run out to a minimum & added some weight reduction with the pocketed holes.. Gave it a tapper machine in the back side for strength under load.. But this is as far as I have gotten.. machining is not gonna be cheap on these hubs.. But if you can machine a billet diff cover & you can get Aaron to machine sum more stuff for you.. I got a design & concept!!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/JCG_Pinto_Hat-Hub_Assem_Rev-0_zpseee83e9e.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/jcgrestoration/media/JCG_Pinto_Hat-Hub_Assem_Rev-0_zpseee83e9e.jpg.html)


http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/JCG_Pinto_Hat-Hub_Assem_Rev-2_zpse67909df.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/jcgrestoration/media/JCG_Pinto_Hat-Hub_Assem_Rev-2_zpse67909df.jpg.html)

Shooooot, that ain't' nothing :thumbsup:

How many you guys want? :G-Dub:

[57hemicuda]

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mMVhrP9/0/L/i-mMVhrP9-L.png

I keep thinking, this car reminds me of something :headscratch:


Its no Maco Shark, but I'll take it. I am going to form the humps in the rear quarters to match the fronts as soon as the fenders are done. This should look pretty shapely, I'm hoping like a sexy women not a flabby whale. LOL

[taxidermy man]

Reading through this thread makes me feel like a real slacker! Really nice work, some projects can really get you motivated to work on your own stuff, this is one of them.

[57hemicuda]

Got the fenders finish welded and ground, will start smearing mud tomorrow.

On the spindle, I started really thinking outside the box. Stopped at a buddy of mine's 4 wheel drive shop, dug through and found a 4x4 front spindle that looked like it would fit. My buddy Brian turned down the locating index to the Vette upright I.D. Stupid big, but if I made a hub to fit this, with the unibearing standoff, I think it would work.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-xqFxLng/0/L/DSC01075-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-VKqtgs5/0/L/DSC01076-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-Q6ChH3j/0/L/DSC01071-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-HBmt2vq/0/L/DSC01073-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-m6zqg6W/0/L/DSC01074-L.jpg

[Sieg]

Very interesting idea! :thumbsup:

[57hemicuda]

Torquedork, and I have been collaborating on what to do with my quarter panels, this what we have come up with. Reshape the rear window opening a bit, and install an eyebrow over the wheel opening. Love the way he was able to C14 wheels in gold on the thing, the dude is a real artist with a computer. What do you think?

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-kX4bhcc/0/L/rons%20red%20amx-L.jpg

[WSSix]

I think it looks good, Ron!

[TorqDork]

I was trying to waste time avoiding pulling an engine on a GTO. LOL

Here's basically where I started showing "Before" and "After" adding the hump accent to the 1/4 panel and raising the bottom of the 1/4 window to make it all blend. Helps to balance the look front to back.

http://i1369.photobucket.com/albums/ag215/protour71/Reviews/X7B2_zpsba21842a.jpg (http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/protour71/media/Reviews/X7B2_zpsba21842a.jpg.html)

[57hemicuda]

I know I have said it 100 times in my life, man I hate body work. At least the weather is nice, and I can do it outside.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-vwTfMwC/0/L/DSC01078-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-kKdCxsp/0/L/DSC01079-L.jpg

[Sieg]

For a guy that hates bodywork you sure do a lot of it! :sieg:

The car is looking good Ron. :thumbsup:

[66fury]

i like it

[57hemicuda]

Got the side of the fender roughed in.

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-qk8qL7c/0/L/DSC01080-L.jpg

http://57hemicuda.smugmug.com/Cars/AMX/i-jZnPcC3/0/L/DSC01082-L.jpg

[Ppd1979]

It looks damn good!