Landracing Forum
Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => Build Diaries => Topic started by: Wade_Owens on July 09, 2013, 05:12:10 PM
-
We've recently started on our first Land Speed Car project. We are building a '90 Camaro for the Production class. The car started life as a SCCA car, imported from Hawaii. We stripped the car completely and removed the roll bar. Our good friend Dennis Reeves installed the cage. The floorpans on the Camaro are a challenge, but we were able to get a nice fit and tie in all the important areas. I have an ex-bracket race engine that we will use to get started, along with a Super T-10. Steve's Rampage build has inspired me to snap some pictures and ask for help. This community seems very helpful and we are looking forward to racing with you guys. I also have a '59 Studebaker we started on, but, the Camaro will be ready first. As soon as I figure out how to post some pictures, I'll get you guys caught up on where we are at in the build.
Wade Owens
-
Hi Wade
Are you going to run the car this yr, looking forward to seeing your pics and welcome to the Salt Magnet that will keep pulling you back for more fun!!
I been hooked for 53' yrs
G Don
-
Here was the beginning of the project. SCCA legal and was used as a driving school car. I cant imagine the hell this car had seen. We'll give it a facelift this winter, worried about the mechanics right now.
hope to be ready this fall. We'll see how it all goes.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0296.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0296.jpg.html)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0534.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0534.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0533.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0533.jpg.html)
Here are the left side floor plates and roll bar attachments. We plated the floor first, then covered with a smaller 1/8 plate. The lower one starts at the rocker sill and extends the load over to the top of the frame rail.
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0539.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0539.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0540.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0540.jpg.html)
This is the right front floorboard plate and roll bar. More of the same, trying to spread the load from not only the rocker, but, onto the framerail, too. Holes forward of the plate are where the SCCA "roll bar" was bolted into the thin floor pan.
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0537.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0537.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0544.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0544.jpg.html)
Left rear side of the cage an floor plate. This is a problem area underneath trying to cope with the uneven floor and frame rail heights. It all worked out real well.
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0543.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0543.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0539.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0539.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0541.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0541.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0538.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0538.jpg.html)
This is from the right side. A few more cage and plate pics.
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0545.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0545.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0535.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0535.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0532.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0532.jpg.html)
This is our idea on seat attachment for the bottom. We plated the floor to spread the load and attached a top plate. It is also plated underneath like the roll cage. I really like the rear seat bar, just a little added insurance in case of an unspeakable...
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0548.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0548.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0549.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0549.jpg.html)
Thats all for tonight, big box from the brown truck tomorrow. Lots to get done real soon....
-
Your friend Dennis Reeves has a good hand. The welds look first class. Nice work. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Pete
-
Your friend Dennis Reeves has a good hand. The welds look first class. Nice work. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Pete
Peter, you are correct. Dennis is a perfectionist and it shows in his work. We have been friends for 20 years and he is a great source to have on the team. His stainless welds look like a machine done them.
Wade
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0498.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0498.jpg.html)
Here is the seat belt mounting tab. I like this much better than using a flat tab on the cage. Looks plenty stout.....
Wade
-
Nice, but I'd like to see a higher quality bolt in that seat belt attachment. It is in single shear so the stress will be relatively high in a crash.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
-
Nice, but I'd like to see a higher quality bolt in that seat belt attachment. It is in single shear so the stress will be relatively high in a crash.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
Thanks Neil, it was in there as a "handle" to hold in position while welding.....
Wade
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0550.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0550.jpg.html)
Got some more ready last night. Trimmed and installed the dash several times to fit around the roll cage. After getting it to fit, started cutting the pad to clear the down bars. Ended up splitting the dash pad and working from the outside in. All fits nice and tight, I'll use a thin piece of plastic trim to cover the seam, then detail and paint/dye them both.
Wade
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/IMG_0554.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/IMG_0554.jpg.html)
Also, after waiting several days on a master cylinder "mounting kit", there was very little I could use. I made the larger, natural color, aluminum plates to sandwich the firewall and use a couple more attaching bolts. I dont know if it will really be better, but, I like it more.
Wade
-
I need your help, please. Does anyone have experience shortening the torque arm? I have a real nice, sturdy place to fab a bracket off of. It would make the arm 24" from axle centerline and the torque about 18" in overall length. Any thoughts on this?
Any help appreciated.....
Thanks, Wade
-
Wade, I don't know how I missed this build!
Nice job! :cheers:
-
I am not an engineer!!!
but my thoughts---if you have very little suspension travel, and or movement---I suspect one can do nearly--- anything---
but to be safe I would ask around and see if any of your drag race buddies have any suspension software and run what you have in mind through it and see how mounting points & projected travel will change the ANGLES and hence the behavior. YMMV
-
Wade, I don't know how I missed this build!
Nice job! :cheers:
Thanks a bunch, Buddy. Your work ethic is unquestioned. I've read all of your build, as you know, and cant wait to see the quest surpassed!!
Wade
-
I am not an engineer!!!
but my thoughts---if you have very little suspension travel, and or movement---I suspect one can do nearly--- anything---
but to be safe I would ask around and see if any of your drag race buddies have any suspension software and run what you have in mind through it and see how mounting points & projected travel will change the ANGLES and hence the behavior. YMMV
Sparky, I'm even farther from an engineer. The instant center should remain the same, but, is there such a thing as "point of rise"?
Wade
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0558.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0558.jpg.html)
Finished the outside steering shaft mount. Once we settle on the steering wheel height we'll put a fire boot over this.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0557.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0557.jpg.html)
Final fit on the dash. Have to fab a small bracket to secure and hold the inside column area up. Need to order a different shifter and some sound deadener.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0559.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/wadesdragpics/Land%20Speed%20Builds/IMG_0559.jpg.html)
Finally have the engine basically finished. The intake gaskets are trimmed and ready, just have to clean the intake and install. It wont be much of a powerhouse, just a real good test engine!
-
Nice project you have going on....dig the cage the car has..good job.....keep at it man....where are you located..??
-
Wade:
Nice build. Looks like you put some thought into the design. If I may, two areas I would suggest you address. I don't know what the floor plates back up to on the rear tunnel but that 14 gage sheet metal floor is like a beer can when it come sheer force. If you can use a piece of .250 plate to tie the tunnel beck to the frame connectors and then bend a U shape plate to fit in the tunnel. That will give the inside cage plates something to get support from. The second benefit is the .250 U plate in the tunnel can act as the top part of your rear drive shaft loop.
People on this forum are probably sick of me saying this but in 2011 I had driveshaft break and instantly is cut through the factory floor. The shaft was in the car with me and chopped the sheet metal up good. Had my seat been back another 1" the shaft would have been chopping on my seat and hip.
Lastly, if you are going to take it to the salt, when your done welding, look into some Por15 http://www.por15.com/POR-15-Rust-Preventive-Paint_c_11.html (http://www.por15.com/POR-15-Rust-Preventive-Paint_c_11.html) Its about $100 to paint the underside and the interior floor but it will help that unibody last. Your car's first life as an SCCA mule is nothing compared to the beating it will take from the salt.
Keep up the good work.
BR
-
Thanks for the tip BR. I had a slight delay in the build. I fell off of a ladder and wiped out my right knee and lower back in July. They just fixed the knee about 2 weeks ago and still waiting on the back repairs. I have a game plan together and will get going again as soon physically possible. Its taken way longer than I thought on this healing process. But, I'm just glad to have survived it. The whack I took to my head could have ended all of my goals forever.
Also, when I get more "caught up". I'll start a thread on our E/GCC Studebaker build.
And again, thanks everyone for the help and encouragement.
Wade
-
Wow, take care. We are all probably safer in our race cars than we are in our other endeavors.
Great build. I wish I had seen your steering column idea before I mounted mine.
Hope you feel better soon.
BR
-
Looking good Love the seat!
-
wade, give us a hint - where are you? You haven't filled in the "location" blank in your profile. If you don't do it -- I will, and then you'd be living in someplace like Tonsillectomy, Texas. You wanna do it - or me?
-
wade, give us a hint - where are you? You haven't filled in the "location" blank in your profile. If you don't do it -- I will, and then you'd be living in someplace like Tonsillectomy, Texas. You wanna do it - or me?
Sorry Slim, I have enough trouble spelling Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the city I live in! I am located dead between St Louis and Memphis, right off of Interstate 55. Also, the world famous Lamberts Cafe, the place that throws the dinner rolls at you, is located about 25 miles south of me. If you've ever ate there, its a place you never forget!
-
Hi Wade
That sounds like ' Heaven on Earth ' with a little Dixieland jazz and BBQ cant be all Bad
G Don
-
Wade, I Googled Cape Girardeau. Cool looking place. Very nice. :cheers:
-
Not sure how I missed this either.
Wade, I live in Festus, just up the road from you. If there's anything I can do to help, please say the word.
I have a pretty nice machine shop at my disposal if you need to make any "custom" parts.
Did you ever get your torque arm problem figured out?
Steve.
-
Did you ever get your torque arm problem figured out?
Steve.
Steve, we decided to leave the arm as long as possible and mount it off the side of the transmission, instead of on it. We'll use a large heim and weld to the arm. A removable ladder bar crossmember up from with up and down adjustment holes to compensate for ride height. Decided not to reinvent the wheel. This is an area I thought best left alone, for safety's sake.
-
Just a quick update. I'll post some more pictures soon. We reinstalled the engine. Mounted the rest of the fuel system and lines. Mounted the ignition, battery and gauges. Mounted the radiator. A couple of upper strut rods to support the top of the seatback and it'll be good. Bought a powerglide cross member from UMR and modified it to fit the T-10. Zero'd the bellhousing and installed the flywheel and clutch assm. Also purchased 4 brand new wheels, tires and Moons at the Hot Rod reunion for $500. Pretty good deal. Used some panel bond to reattach the spoiler and put some securing screws in it.
I do need a little help. I'm told someone other than Mcleod makes a hydraulic throw out bearing. Does anyone know who that is? It needs to fit a Super T-10. I'm not opposed to the Mcleod, its just the price is not very inviting.
Thanks for help and stay tuned for the pics.
Wade
-
Quarter Master & Tilton also make hyd. release bearings but if McLeod $$$ got to you these will really knock you out.
Seriously Quarter Master makes an inexpensive unit that will work well for what you're doing.
Good Luck & Have Fun.
-
We use a Howe Racing throwout bearing and have been very happy with it. Fairly inexpensive, as well.
-
What hydraulic release bearing you need is determined by your clutch. The Howe unit would not work with our 10,000 RPM 2 disk mini clutch (not enough throw). We had to use this Coleman unit http://www.colemanracing.com/Throw-Out-Bearing-Hydraulic-P4584.aspx which was suggested by the clutch manufacturer. Throw VS. master cyl bore dia. is critical and be sure to put in a pedal stop to prevent over centering the spring.
-
I see. How small is your clutch? We run a QM 3 disk 7.25" but the same bearing is good for a 5.5" as well.
-
is not necessarily the diameter of the clutch but the dimension from the bell housing face to the release fingers and the throw required to release the clutch.
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/IMG_13761.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/IMG_13761.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/IMG_13731.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/IMG_13731.jpg.html)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/IMG_13751.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/IMG_13751.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/IMG_13741.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/IMG_13741.jpg.html)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/IMG_13721.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/IMG_13721.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/IMG_13711.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/IMG_13711.jpg.html)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/IMG_13701.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/IMG_13701.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v174/wadeocustoms/IMG_13691.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/wadeocustoms/media/IMG_13691.jpg.html)
-
It looks good Wade. :cheers:
-
Great looking car!
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
-
Thanks for the tips on the t/o bearing. I'll be on it tomorrow.
I appreciate the kudos. The car was bought and shipped over from Hawaii. It was a road race training and school car. There is not a straight, "unaltered" body panel on it. We'll get it running and then give it a facelift.
Wade