Author Topic: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread  (Read 818113 times)

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Offline tauruck

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1485 on: November 25, 2016, 01:32:25 AM »
It's a little long on one end, and a bit wide on one side.

I wear size 15 boots - can I loan you my shoehorn?

Size 15?????. Brother, that must be a shoe horn the size of a skate board.
And you drive an MG!!!. Big respect Chris. :cheers:

Steve, I never thought a diesel could look that good!!!
Nice work man. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Offline Tman

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1486 on: December 03, 2016, 05:35:50 PM »
Nice Steve!

Offline SteveM

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1487 on: December 06, 2016, 10:29:39 AM »
I'm trying to keep the project moving....

I had a good session in the garage last night.  Part of my "Action Plan" for installation of the 2 liter drivetrain involved creating some more space for the header and turbo arrangement.  I had previously set back a portion of the firewall for turbo clearance on the 1.5L, but it was becoming apparent that I'd need more room for the 2 liter setup.

After laying out a few cut lines, removing some wiring and plumbing from the firewall, and carefully covering the windshield, it was time to start cutting.

This new tool is worth a pause in the action...  I bought a diamond-coated cutoff wheel for my 4-1/2 inch grinder.  It's a LENOX brand wheel, cost about $15 at Lowes, and I am thoroughly impressed so far.  A normal abrasive cutoff wheel costs about 3 bucks or so, so I was hoping that the diamond coated LENOX wheel would pay for itself.  I'm here to tell you, that diamond wheel did a great job cutting through multiple thicknesses of sheet metal, and best of all, there was much less black grit, and the wheel didn't get smaller.  (Unfortunately, I didn't take a photo of the cutoff wheel).

Anyway, I sliced and diced a bigger section of the firewall out, which will be boxed in within the next few weeks....





...and the new view from inside the cabin, after another test-fitting of the engine & trans....





Since I only want to do this once, I think I may widen the opening a bit on the passenger's side of the firewall.

Steve.
1/2 of the Rampage Brothers

Offline Freud

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1488 on: January 13, 2017, 12:06:59 PM »
That's a great foto presentation. Thanx.
Since '63

Offline SteveM

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1489 on: February 01, 2017, 04:03:12 PM »
More updates....

I'm working on a way to make the whole front end easily removable (fenders, nose cone, bumper, and core support) for easier service and engine swaps.

My goal is to get the front-end removal process simplified to the point where 2 people can have the whole front clip off in less than 5 minutes.  I think I have a pathway forward, but it's going to take quite a bit more work to be practical.

The plan for 2017 is to show up at SpeedWeek with the 2 liter engine & trans installed and ready to run.  I will have the 1.5 liter engine and trans in the truck or trailer, on "standby" for a quick swap if needed.  In any event, here are a few pics...









As seen in the last photo, the 2 liter engine & trans takes up most of the available space in the engine bay.
1/2 of the Rampage Brothers

Offline Peter Jack

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1490 on: February 01, 2017, 04:50:10 PM »
It's funny how the to do list on a race car only ever shortens temporarily. Great looking work as always Steve.  :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Pete

Offline Stan Back

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1491 on: February 01, 2017, 07:01:25 PM »
Turn it 90ยบ and you'll have a lot more room.
Past (Only) Member of the San Berdoo Roadsters -- "California's Most-Exclusive Roadster Club" -- 19 Years of Bonneville and/or El Mirage Street Roadster Records

Offline SteveM

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1492 on: February 16, 2017, 04:27:17 PM »
One more piece of the puzzle...

Custom made billet steel flywheel.



Crossing fingers - I REALLY hope this thing fits right.  If it doesn't, I have no one to blame but myself.

Steve.
1/2 of the Rampage Brothers

Offline SteveM

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1493 on: April 11, 2017, 04:25:41 PM »
It's easy to tell when time is getting short.

The money starts flowing like gravy at Thanksgiving dinner.

Not many pics to show, but I have ordered a new radiator to replace the cardboard mock-up shown in this pic, along with the Davies-Craig electric water pump and controller.  A brand-new set of custom CV axles have also been ordered to take up space between the 6 speed F40 transaxle and the drive hubs.



The list is getting a bit shorter to be ready for Speed Week, but there is still a huge amount of work to do, and plenty of money to be spent.

Steve.
1/2 of the Rampage Brothers

Offline Seldom Seen Slim

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1494 on: April 11, 2017, 07:44:19 PM »
Steve said:  "...plenty of money to be spent." 

Steve, do you really care how fancy your casket is gonna be?  Enjoy the $$ now, and leave 'em a couple of rattle cans of Rustoleum brown for the pine box. :cheers: :cheers: :dhorse:
Jon E. Wennerberg
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 Skandia, Michigan
 (that's way up north)
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Offline Milwaukee Midget

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1495 on: April 11, 2017, 10:20:48 PM »
We know you've been busy, Steve - the posts have trailed off.

Nevertheless, it is stunning the progress you've made on the different iterations of this vehicle.

We'll look over your shoulder, and we're grateful for the updates, but carry on - we don't want to bother you.   :cheers:
"Problems are almost always a sign of progress."  Harold Bettes
Well, I guess we're making a LOT of progress . . .  :roll:

Offline tauruck

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1496 on: April 13, 2017, 06:45:49 PM »
Awesome stuff Steve.
We joined the forum at about the same time and you have a record already!!!.
I'm here bitchin about my lot in life. You inspire me man. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Offline Freud

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1497 on: April 15, 2017, 11:53:15 AM »
The surprise to me is that you have accomplished anything at all.

Out there on the 3rd rock from the moon and still accomplishing.

If there is anyone to be proud of your accomplishment it is YOU.

Electricity blowing up, thieves stealing the wiring and noone who

can give you any first hand advice, except people half the world

away, and You still accomplish.

Great job, Son.

FREUD
Since '63

Offline SteveM

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1498 on: April 17, 2017, 01:12:02 PM »
I uploaded a few more pics, and started testing the limits of my credit card again.  Let's see where I left off....

I bought a second-hand Syncrowave 180SD, because I've always wanted one.  My TIG skills are nothing to brag about, but have been improving.

Started out by making a few mounts and brackets...









Then I started making cardboard "mock ups" for a bigger radiator and intercooler.  The aluminum intercooler is the "old" one.  New cardboard cooler is a bit larger.



Radiator and intercooler fit into place....


Exhaust donut for the turbo "Down Pipe"



This small hole in the firewall will have to be patched later (turbo downpipe visible through the hole).

Steve.
1/2 of the Rampage Brothers

Offline SteveM

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Re: '84 Dodge Rampage Build Thread
« Reply #1499 on: April 17, 2017, 01:17:31 PM »


Small hole in the firewall (downpipe bends visible).

I adjusted the coil-overs and set the truck back on the ground to check ride height and oil pan clearance.  I think I can lower it a bit more, but will wait until the radiator, intercooler, and nose section are re-installed.



The Davies Craig electric water pump (150 l / min) and electronic pump/fan controller arrived today.

The aluminum radiator (same dimensions as cardboard radiator) has been ordered, as has the aluminum intercooler, and steel CV axles.

Those parts should all be here before the end of the month.

Speed Week approaches rapidly.

STeve.
1/2 of the Rampage Brothers