#891
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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.
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Jack Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can. |
#892
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Yep!
You can't beat a early car with modern suspension....... Cool looks with great handling. Nice job.
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John EK Holden V8 |
#893
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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.
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Jack Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can. |
#894
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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.
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.
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Jack Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can. |
#895
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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?
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Leigh, Stop moving so fast, you're creating a breeze. |
#896
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Yes, but I stick welded the framework. My MIG doesn't have the amps for the heavier stuff.
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Jack Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can. |
#897
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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.
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Jack Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can. |
#898
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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!
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Rush too much trying to get to the end when the end is closer when you take your time. Dane |
#899
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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.
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Skip Wilson Last edited by Sprint Relic; 05-04-2018 at 12:49 PM. |
#900
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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.
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. 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.
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Jack Set a Goal So Big That You Can't Achieve It Until You Grow Into The Person That Can. |
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