Okay, quick update.
First, we just moved the shop (both Carbinite and the fabricating shop) starting in November. About three times more working room.
We are still in the process of making it sweet (lights, paint, assembly room, compressor room, tons of wiring, etc).
I would say we have another 2 weeks of shop work before we can get back to Streamliner construction.
Engineering is only about 95% done but it is far enough along that we can make the parts that have been locked down.
Doing things in the virtual world of solid modeling really has its advantages. Once I have finished final engineering on a component like a tank, solid works lets me quickly make a sheet metal template in a .dxf format. I then email that file to my local waterjet guy along with quantity, material and thickness. He will then call me in a couple of days and tell me "come get these things". I then run them over to my buddy with the box break and what do you know, everything fits up perfect every time. Makes for some really fast part production for 1 off or 2 off pieces. It also lets me get pretty extravagant with design as the waterjet machine does not care how complex I make it.
I've also really enjoyed getting back to tig welding. I used to do it for a living 20 some years ago. Welds on the aluminum tanks are not the prettiest but the oil and fuel tanks did pass leak test with just some really minor touchups.
So. What do we have now?
1) fuel and oil tanks complete
2) headers started
3) 2.0 extremeliner rearend is here with all custom brackets and brakes. (never thought I would spend so much on a rear end).
4) 4sp Transmission is ordered from B&J (Sent deposit many months ago. I told him no hurry as it's not holding me up).
5) (4) rear wheels are here from Custom and Commercial Wheel.
6) All parts are here for the water tank and hope to have it complete within a few days. This watertank is a very serious piece as it is a structural part of the car. It is compartmentalized for engine cooling and intercooling water.
7) Chassis tubing is all here.
Steering wheel and pedals are here.
9) Mold is built for the rear wheel fairings.
10) Fixturing is built to check wheel and tire runout.
11) Forward chute box is released to waterjet
12) Chassis fixture is designed and all materials (2 x 4 tubing and 12" I-beams) are in house
Vinny is now retired and ready to give up his heart (496 BBC) and all his electronics. The last thing he did was to go 8.76 et on just 22 psi of boost.
There is certainly a long way to go but I try to get something done on it everyday. In order to make it to Speedweek 2012, I will need to start putting about 40 hours a week into the project and come up with lump of money for the body molds. Brandon and I can build the molds if we have to but it sure will take a lot of time.
We really want this done for 2012. We are having so much fun with the build that I hate to rush as it removes much of the fun.
Thanks again to Eric Alhstrom who has been my educator and friend through his whole project.
BTW, lost my rulebook in move. Can someone tell me if the clutch can must be SFI or will any 1/4" steel can be okay.
The problem that I'm having is finding an SFI can that is for low ground clearance applications.
This is the one I want to use.
http://www.stockcarproducts.com/tilton4.htm Is this one okay?
