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 Posted 1/5/2015 4:37:57 AM |
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Junior Member
 
Last Login: 11/17/2023 11:50:54 PM
Posts: 74,
Visits: 1,326
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Well the time has finally come to make a commitment to making one of these.
Been thinking for years I would like to do a car like a Cobra or GT40, or even something like a Lotus 7. But then the 89 bug hit me and that's the direction I have been going ever since. Everyone I tell says that it will be way cooler than a Cobra.
So I am in Australia and that will present its own set of issues. I've done quite a bit of research so far on things so I have a fairly good idea where I will need to go with this. The car will be registerable and driveable on the roads. I have already consulted an engineer on the ways to do this and he doesn't think it will be too hard provided I follow the basic rules for ADR's (Australian Design Rules).
I've spoken to a few of you on here already via pm's...been getting some good info. Thanks heaps
So where am I up to? I have found a chassis. Will be using a HQ Holden chassis like this one that I can stretch:
This has the A arm front end that will help with airbags. The rear is leaf spring so that will be discarded in favour of either a 4 link with air bags, or a complete IRS setup from another car.
To pass the ADR rules, it needs to be 1997 onwards. So I will be looking for probably a 2000+ model V8 car for the engine and gearbox.
I will be calling Doug tomorrow to discuss things further. I have been talking to him on email a bit so far.
I managed to buy these today, so they can help provide inspiration. Looks like they might need a paint job though.
Anyway hello to everyone. And thanks in advance for any help you provide. I will have a heap[ of questions no doubt!
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| Posted 1/5/2015 7:32:08 AM |
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You reap what you sow
Last Login: 9/19/2023 12:52:32 AM
Posts: 7,314,
Visits: 29,372
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Welcome.
Always great to see a new build log.
 
 
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| Posted 1/5/2015 10:34:45 AM |
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"Andy Smith is my Hero".
Last Login: 3/29/2024 12:55:58 AM
Posts: 2,067,
Visits: 5,479
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Welcome, always good to see another 89 build. Looking forward to your future posts 
"There is no end but the end is near!"
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| Posted 1/6/2015 5:22:27 PM |
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Junior Member
Last Login: 11/17/2023 11:50:54 PM
Posts: 74,
Visits: 1,326
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So as I won't be using a Caprice or a Corvette, I need to ensure I get my front and rear end widths right, so that the wheels will fit in the guards right.
Can someone out there please measure 2 things off a Caprice?
I need a front end measurement from where the wheel bolts on one side, to the other side. So from mounting face to mounting face.
I need the same thing on the rear diff also. Face to face measurement.
I need this so I can order my wheels and get the right widths etc for the diff and front end I will be using.
Thanks to anyone who can help!
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| Posted 1/12/2015 7:23:33 AM |
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Forum Member
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 6:56:09 PM
Posts: 334,
Visits: 1,362
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Welcome to the boards. Glad to see another Aussie making a bat.
Seems I have a bat in my belfry
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| Posted 1/15/2015 7:18:38 PM |
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Junior Member
Last Login: 11/17/2023 11:50:54 PM
Posts: 74,
Visits: 1,326
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Can someone please measure for me the round bits below the fins where the lights attach? I need to know what diameter these are so I can source lights
Thanks
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| Posted 1/18/2015 11:25:06 PM |
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Junior Member
Last Login: 11/17/2023 11:50:54 PM
Posts: 74,
Visits: 1,326
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So I have purchased a chassis that I will use for the base.
Seems to be in fairly good nick overall.
I will be purchasing a 2nd identical chassis this week, that I can use to get the steel for the chassis extension piece. The shape of the chassis steel is a bit odd, so I can't just go and whack in a piece of square or rectangular steel.
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| Posted 1/27/2015 10:49:58 PM |
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Junior Member
Last Login: 11/17/2023 11:50:54 PM
Posts: 74,
Visits: 1,326
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So I went out and bought another chassis last week to get the extension piece from. They sure aren't light to move around.
Also went and bought an Independent Rear Suspension setup to use in the rear end. It was either try and use the current setup with a 4 link (they came with leaf springs), or toss it out and do something different. For those from Australia that may be looking, this setup is from a VX series II Commodore
Shell is paid for (no thanks at all to the falling AUD versus USD). Will be ready end of March. So that's a long wait!
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| Posted 1/28/2015 1:41:42 PM |
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"Andy Smith is my Hero".
Last Login: 3/29/2024 12:55:58 AM
Posts: 2,067,
Visits: 5,479
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Sorry cause I have not done any frame extension, but why cant you weld box or rectangular frame with a support section set inside (ie: the shape of your donor frame) ?
I repeat, I have not done this before.
"There is no end but the end is near!"
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| Posted 1/28/2015 8:10:40 PM |
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Junior Member
Last Login: 11/17/2023 11:50:54 PM
Posts: 74,
Visits: 1,326
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Mr A (1/28/2015)
Sorry cause I have not done any frame extension, but why cant you weld box or rectangular frame with a support section set inside (ie: the shape of your donor frame) ?
I repeat, I have not done this before.
For me to get this engineered and on the road, I have to follow certain rules on chassis modifications.
Originally that's what I was going to do. Chop it in half and whack in the extra bit of steel with butt welds. Maybe some plates on the sides for extra strength.
But apparently I need to make all my cuts at 45 degrees and use plates welded on the inside as well. So with the chassis steel an odd shape, easiest way is to use other chassis steel
The way I will the extend the 2 chassis, will result in me just having 1 join on each side of the chassis.
Stay tuned on this one. Will get pics as I go through it
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