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Getting Better at Internets
Last Login: 11/13/2022 6:06:37 AM
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im still on a scurge to try and put this thing on the road. But taking measurements off my 3d model, it looks like i would need a 10x10 wheel size (i don't care what bolt pattern, ill make it work) and a tire that is about 23" tall approx.
I might just suck it up and put two thin tires per side and save me some headache. I know im copying off Chilebean's build, but i ok'd it with him before i "stole" an idea.  His creative ideas are very inspiring for the mechanical workings of my build, most definately.
I sat my wife down in the mock up (as you can tell, along with our ever-sleeping kitten) and discussed with her the pro's and cons. And since she and Eric will be spending the most time in it, and her driving other kids around that i know will want to ride she gave suggestions to improve visibility without really disrupting the "Tumbler" look. She was ok with the side windows, but the fronts need improvement. Here is an idea we shared.
simply make windows in the nose panel, it looks kinda cool from the inside, and GREATLY increases visual.
And here it is from the outside, with duelly's on the front.
After i found that even she has issues with her head coming close to the roof, we opted for somewhat reclining seats, and i might rework the firewall to make more leg room by about 4" per side.
And all this might cause me to look for a smaller power plant. Not that of a Car like i wanted to begin with.
Now to find something that will push approx 1,000 pounds, and four 31" tires. Hmm, decisions decisions.
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me”
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Getting Better at Internets
Last Login: 11/13/2022 6:06:37 AM
Posts: 2,698,
Visits: 8,392
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And here is a rendering of the floor extensions
gives a good 3 1/2 more inches of leg room
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me”
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Forum Member
 
Last Login: 12/9/2018 8:47:32 AM
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| shag, one thing I can tell you for certain is that the power plant will eat up a lot of room if you are keeping this close to the original design. I realized that on the original cars, george cottle was cramed in there because they had no other choice. I was able to get a bit more leg room, but it was tough. Here's some things I learned: you need a 5:1 gear ratio on the rear axle(with 44" tires). I investigated the possibility of a shorty power glide trans to save space, but with it only a two speed, it would either start off with a crawl, or with a smaller gears on the axle, burn up the engine at 50mph. So I had to go with a 350turbo sizzler, with a rachet shifter, and a lock against accidently slaming it into park, or reverse. I talked with guys at TCI, and Lane auto, at length about this. when doing the chassis, keep the tranny and engine space in mind. I would do the minimum chassis, and then get the engine, radiator, trans cooler, trans, fuel cell, battery, headers/muffs in there, fairly hooked up, and go for the cross triangular supports, and firewall. You will want to heat wrap the headers, because they will be so close to the engine air intake, and the passengers. I will be putting heat sheilds on the engine side of the firewall, and soundproof stuff where ever I can. Use urethane bushings on the two engine mounts, to cut down on vibrations. same on trans mount. I got some cool sounding muffs, brand name escapes me at the moment.
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Getting Better at Internets
Last Login: 11/13/2022 6:06:37 AM
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Thanks for the kind reply. Yeah driveline issues have been in my head since day one of my thoughts on building this monster. Thats why i up'd the scale of the vehicle here recently to what size it is now.
Chilebean and i have been exploring the different options we could try as far as drive line combinitions.
Being the person i am, i really didnt want anything short of a V8 to begin with on this monster, but i soon realized i couldnt adapt such a sized engine in the small space, so i thought....maybe V6? But now seeing my wife sit in it with her 5' 4" frame, that will be tight as well.
I seen a friend of mine the other day playing around with his Nissan 4x4, its got 31" tires, and a stock 4 banger pushing that truck.....so i thought, if that engine can push that truck, with almost twice the weight of my build, but with the same size tires.....i wonder if a front wheel drive 4 banger engine would push my T'jr? Then create positive traction, utilize one of the transaxle's output, put a over sized sprocket and chain on the drive, to another sprocket, then independent suspension going to each set of duelly's
Here is a rendering to help explain my theory, i think i paralleled Chilebeans thoughts almost since he suggested simular to me this morning.
again, just an idea
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me”
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Getting Better at Internets
Last Login: 11/13/2022 6:06:37 AM
Posts: 2,698,
Visits: 8,392
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And if i did put a 4 banger in this thing, i would definately make it as quiet as possible.....
....angry bumblebee sound.....*shivers* not for me! 
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me”
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Supreme Being
Last Login: 1/20/2023 4:11:06 AM
Posts: 1,211,
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| Hi Shaggy, One thing that might help with your window idea for the front nose piece between the two main windows is some see through window film. That way it would still give a "solid" look but you could see through it from the inside. Here is a company that does this as an example: http://www.clearfocus.com/gallery/vehicles.php
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Junior Member
Last Login: 9/30/2012 10:25:36 PM
Posts: 53,
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Hey Shaggy. Have you ever thought of using a volkswagen VR6 motor? its a staggered 6 that takes up as much room as a 4 cylinder. I had a VR6 in my old car and that thing hauled, not to mention sounded great. They were originally made to be diesel engines so they are iron clad. Just food for thought
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Getting Better at Internets
Last Login: 11/13/2022 6:06:37 AM
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Visits: 8,392
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Max, how old are those engines. The reason i ask is im curious as to how difficult it would be to find one in a junk yard, as well as the car it came out of. bc i would want harness to match engine. ya know?
Not against fresh idea's.
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me”
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Getting Better at Internets
Last Login: 11/13/2022 6:06:37 AM
Posts: 2,698,
Visits: 8,392
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Hey tim, i actually have some of that material here at work. I have never used it bc i dont have a printer that will lay ink that will stay on it.
I might be able to get a good peice of it, make the whole facia window, then lay that material that has been spray painted the same color as the body. thats a good idea, i think i will do that. thanks!
“It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me”
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Junior Member
Last Login: 9/30/2012 10:25:36 PM
Posts: 53,
Visits: 969
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| Shaggy, they came in volkswagens from like 92 till today they are still using these motors. You can find old jetta's or golf with them.
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