by "LightweightSasquatch" (lightweightsasquatch)
Published 02/01/2017 at 18:35
by "LightweightSasquatch" (lightweightsasquatch)
Published 02/01/2017 at 18:35
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STARS: 7
Hey all!
So a little bit of progress was made today. Not much physically changed but definitely moving in the right direction! Basically all that happened today was the engine and transmission were slid into the chassis simply to make sure then when I built the frame around where the oil pan should fit there was enough space. I didn’t have a lot of room to with with as far as making it too big or too small but where I decided to weld it up seems to be almost perfect! I mocked the starter up and figured out where the cross member would be cut to clear the bell housing. Then cut away to allow the transmission to sit appropriately into position. Tomorrow I will be adding in vertical supports to fully support the floor and that will give me an idea of foot well spacing as well as I can finally start mocking up the transmission tunnel. First I need to shave the mustang brackets off the rear axle so I can position that so I know how offset the transmission tunnel is going to be given that the pinion isn’t quite centered on the ford 7.5. Looks to be plenty of clearance for exhaust manifolds and radiators etc. The only concern currently is if the steering column is going to interfere with the intake manifold but, the steering column will need to be extended anyways to reach the rack.
Also almost forgot to mention, the oil pan sits about 1" below the frame with where it seems to sit nicely. Also have to watch how high i set the engine as it is already taller than what the original plans called for. To justify this I plan on making somewhat of a skid plate in front of where the oil pan protrudes to assist with any debris that may try to ruin my fun in the future!
All is well in the world! Hope everyone else is having a great day!
Cyuh!
"Nauraushaun" (nauraushaun12)
02/02/2017 at 05:10, STARS: 0
This is goood oppo
"uofime-2" (uofime-2)
02/03/2017 at 08:51, STARS: 0
the pedantic engineer in me insists that you be informed that the primary purpose of the chassis is to connect the suspension points to one another and it is therefore very concerning that there appear to be no suspension points currently in your chassis. Those points will dictate where the rack and column must be, which as you’re seeing tends to interfere with the engine.
Don’t wave your hands at component interference issues and say they’ll be fine, they won’t be.
Beware seat fitment, its often an issue with these locost roadsters, because of how narrow they are. You should really have the seats you plan to use sitting where they’ll be before you finish weld the chassis.
"LightweightSasquatch" (lightweightsasquatch)
02/03/2017 at 21:00, STARS: 1
Thank you for the info and concern!
The Suspension components will be made and positioned in the car before steering components are placed the main thing i was looking at was where the input of the rack and pinion is horizontally in comparison to where the engine will sit. Figuring out that the column will need to be lengthened was just an observation. There is still a long way to go before steering and other under-hood components final placements are determined.
I have spent many hours looking into the seat considerations and 9 times out of 10 the seat is found that fits the hole. The transmission tunnel is the main concern with how wide the seats will need to be to the point where many people either cut and re-wrap a rear seat to fit the space provided or get something that will fit the dimensions. In my case the number one contender is looking to be JK composites, who seem to make a high quality custom seat that is built to specifications and will not take an order without a phone conversation and certain vehicle measurements.
After being involved in the Jeep/off-road world for a good amount of my adult life I do understand the importance of component clearance and the destruction and dangers involved when they are disregarded.
I realize this is the internet and some of my reply may come off as disregarding of your comment, please understand that is not the case. If I didn’t want to listen to input from others I wouldn’t have put my build up for everyone to see. I hope that you don’t see your own comments in a pedantic nature but more as a cautious one which I appreciate. I have seen too many cases of people holding their knowledge and experience until after the problem has occurred.
I welcome any and all questions! The right question could save me a whole lot of trouble down the road!