All MetalShaping

Go Back   All MetalShaping > Metal Shaping Projects > Automotive Projects
  Today's Posts Posts for Last 7 Days Posts for Last 14 Days  

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #891  
Old 04-27-2018, 07:50 PM
Jack 1957's Avatar
Jack 1957 Jack 1957 is offline
MetalShaper of the Month Dec . 2016, Sept 2019 Metal Shaper Of The Year 2021
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Strongsville,OH
Posts: 1,131
Default

I finally managed to get all four perches fabbed and welded in. The rear assy is bolted in. Another major milestone kicked to the curb. I'll recheck the location now that the welding is done but I think I'm OK. When I raised the assy into place with the motorcycle jack, The unit slid right in on the guide pins with no tension or resistance at all.
I still need to make two brackets for the air bags and two upper shock mounts. Then I can start replacing the sheet metal that I had to cut away for clearance.

Name:  1168.jpg
Views: 1278
Size:  71.7 KB

Name:  1169.jpg
Views: 1249
Size:  72.7 KB
__________________
Jack

Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can.
Reply With Quote
  #892  
Old 04-28-2018, 09:52 PM
Oldnek Oldnek is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ulladulla, Australia
Posts: 1,346
Default

Yep!
You can't beat a early car with modern suspension.......
Cool looks with great handling.
Nice job.
__________________
John
EK Holden V8
Reply With Quote
  #893  
Old 04-28-2018, 11:51 PM
Jack 1957's Avatar
Jack 1957 Jack 1957 is offline
MetalShaper of the Month Dec . 2016, Sept 2019 Metal Shaper Of The Year 2021
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Strongsville,OH
Posts: 1,131
Default

Next I needed to replace the sheet metal that I had to cut out to clear the C notches and rear suspension assy. I cut a lot out in areas that provide rigidity to the body. Right now, I have shims between the frame and body to keep everything where it belongs until I can replace what I've removed. Keep in mind that bends, curves, beads, etc add rigidity and strength. They also help keep the sheet metal from telegraphing vibrations.
I started closing up on the right side in front of the C notch.

Name:  1170.jpg
Views: 1057
Size:  51.5 KB

Name:  1171.jpg
Views: 1065
Size:  56.0 KB

Name:  1172.jpg
Views: 1049
Size:  58.1 KB

Name:  1173.jpg
Views: 1047
Size:  47.2 KB
__________________
Jack

Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can.
Reply With Quote
  #894  
Old 05-01-2018, 07:36 PM
Jack 1957's Avatar
Jack 1957 Jack 1957 is offline
MetalShaper of the Month Dec . 2016, Sept 2019 Metal Shaper Of The Year 2021
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Strongsville,OH
Posts: 1,131
Default

Next, I capped off the left side floor around the C notch. This area that I'm working in right now is referred to as the "torque box". It ties everything together in the back half of the car. All cars have some sort of box configuration in the rear above and surrounding the suspension area. Its job is critical. I has to locate and hold the rear suspension accurately. It ties all the sheet metal in back together. Even the inner sail panels are welded to the wheel tubs and the tubs are welded to the box and floor. The trunk floor and inner quarters also tie in here. It has to be strong enough to take the torture of decades of abuse without bending or even flexing. It has to absorb and distribute shock and all types of loads so it needs to be returned to at least the strength that the original configuration provided.

Name:  1174.jpg
Views: 914
Size:  51.8 KB

I needed about two inches more clearance for the drive shaft so I cut out the old tunnel in the rear area and made a new one. I got it tacked in and ran out of MIG wire. That was the 4th ten pound roll in this build. I'll pick up another one in the morning. The front part of the tunnel will be taken from the CTS.

Name:  1175.jpg
Views: 923
Size:  52.1 KB
__________________
Jack

Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can.
Reply With Quote
  #895  
Old 05-01-2018, 10:29 PM
onya onya is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Australia
Posts: 140
Default

Gday Jack,

I was just wondering before I start back into my build again do you use your Mig for all your welding including external panels?
__________________
Leigh,

Stop moving so fast, you're creating a breeze.
Reply With Quote
  #896  
Old 05-01-2018, 10:33 PM
Jack 1957's Avatar
Jack 1957 Jack 1957 is offline
MetalShaper of the Month Dec . 2016, Sept 2019 Metal Shaper Of The Year 2021
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Strongsville,OH
Posts: 1,131
Default

Yes, but I stick welded the framework. My MIG doesn't have the amps for the heavier stuff.
__________________
Jack

Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can.
Reply With Quote
  #897  
Old 05-03-2018, 07:28 PM
Jack 1957's Avatar
Jack 1957 Jack 1957 is offline
MetalShaper of the Month Dec . 2016, Sept 2019 Metal Shaper Of The Year 2021
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Strongsville,OH
Posts: 1,131
Default

I made up a closure for the rest of the area I had to cut out and got that welded in. Nothing dramatic, just simple and functional. I'll start closing up the trunk next but I need to pick up one more sheet of steel. I was hoping I wouldn't need another but I will.

Name:  1176.jpg
Views: 795
Size:  66.6 KB
__________________
Jack

Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can.
Reply With Quote
  #898  
Old 05-04-2018, 12:25 PM
pplace's Avatar
pplace pplace is offline
MetalShaper of the Month March 2018, August 2021,November 2023
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hector, MN
Posts: 294
Default

Things are buttoning up real nice. Won’t be long and you’ll have it back as a “roller” with your modified and updated suspension swap. That’s always an exciting and moral boosting moment!
__________________
Rush too much trying to get to the end when the end is closer when you take your time.

Dane
Reply With Quote
  #899  
Old 05-04-2018, 12:35 PM
Sprint Relic Sprint Relic is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Mesquite, TX.
Posts: 129
Default

Thank You for taking the the time to share so much of the inner structure modifications done on projects like this, I'm with Kerry, as far as, that is where the real "work" is.
__________________
Skip Wilson

Last edited by Sprint Relic; 05-04-2018 at 12:49 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #900  
Old 05-10-2018, 07:34 PM
Jack 1957's Avatar
Jack 1957 Jack 1957 is offline
MetalShaper of the Month Dec . 2016, Sept 2019 Metal Shaper Of The Year 2021
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Strongsville,OH
Posts: 1,131
Default

I started making and installing the upper shock mounts next. The brackets are 1/8" plate drilled and bored to accept the upper shock mounts then welded to the frame rail. Nothing fancy but it needs to be strong.

Name:  1177.jpg
Views: 1154
Size:  58.5 KB

Next I started making the sheet metal to enclose the frame rail and shock mounts. This piece will lay directly on the mounting plate and the shock will bolt on through both layers. It can be serviced the same way as the original CTS was, from the interior.

Name:  1178.jpg
Views: 1159
Size:  48.8 KB

I started shaping the vertical part of the closure but ran out of time. It's pretty close but not ready to be installed yet.

Name:  1179.jpg
Views: 1186
Size:  52.4 KB

Name:  1180.jpg
Views: 1155
Size:  52.3 KB
__________________
Jack

Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:54 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.