Today I tore car apart, hopefully for the final time. Need to do finish welding, and install floor, body panels, and paint chassis. Weighed engine and transmission 375lbs

This week I got the steering rack mounted. Installed plate for pedals and footwell bulkheads. I also installed the rear bulkhead and mounted bulkhead fittings for fuel line.

I built new steering arms in order to attempt to improve turning radius. According to suspension analysis program the new arms should reduce the turning radius by 20%. Now I have to work on steering rack placement to eliminate bumpsteer.

New chassis with drivetrain installed.

Also made the upper rear shock mounts look much better.

Tunnel has been narrowed.

I have been stripping the chassis of all components, so I can transfer them to the new chassis. I decided to try to improve the turning radius on the new build. The current turning radius is quite large. I am using a Miata power steering rack, which has about 2" of throw in each direction with 2.5 turns of the steering wheel lock-to-lock.

The only way I can determine to increase turning radius is to either find a rack with more throw, or shorten the steering arms on the spindles. Studying pictures of Miata spindles, the steering arms appear to be half as long as my Alfa spindle steering arms.

The good thing is my steering arms can be un-bolted from the spindles. Yesterday I drew a shortened set of arms on auto-cad. Hopefully next week I can have them cut on the waterjet. If they work I will have pics to post next week.

Have not posted in a while. Last week I finished welding up my replacement frame, and helped Josh start on his round tube frame. This weekend I went to the British car show in Lincoln, Russ Amos came with his Lotus 7. Also 2 local builders were there. Our cars drew a lot of attention and questions.

My new chassis, and 442 chassis, tacked together.

Today we designed and built a jig for building the front end assembly. This is probably the trickiest part of the frame to build, due to the compound cuts. With this jig it makes it much easier. Also it allows for both square and round tubing.

Well I have decided that I want to narrow the tunnel in my car. After studying the car and trying to decide what it would take to narrow the tunnel I have decided to build a new chassis. Actually I am gonna cut the steel for my book chassis and a 442 chassis for a friend. I have access to a Tig welder and a very good build table, so next week I am gonna start on a new chassis.

Learning to use AutoCad. Used it to design grille.

Windshield installed. Found a set of motorcycle mirrors that I think look good. Will take some pics soon.

Worked on brake lines today. Replaced a section of hard line for front lines with braided lines. Hopefully this will take care of leaky fittings. Windshield frame arrived today, started working on that.

Went to my first Autox this weekend. Car did very well other than a brake fluid leak. I have been trying to fix a leak at a t- fitting where the brake light switch attaches. I have already replaced the switch and T, I think I am going to try braided lines at this point. I really suck at making brake line flares.

Made a shifter Knob.  It is so cheesy, I love it.

Latest pics of car.  Installed front fenders.  Waiting on windshield frame.

Worked on header today.  Exhaust had leaks and backfired excessively on deceleration.  welded up all visible leaks in header.  Backfiring is better, but not completely gone.  Not wure if this is a tune thing or not.  Carbs have no filters on them, will order and install filter socks and see if this helps.  Ordered P. Bradens book on Weber carbs, I guess I better learn how to tune carbs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMg3pQX5Ll4

Drive Video

A few pics of the car the day I started it for the first time.

Started Car today.....YooHoo.

Well it is friday night.  I am hoping to start the car on Sunday.  List of things to do:

1.  Go to Lincoln and find fittings to finish plumbing radiator.

2.  Wire Radiator Fan.

3.  Tie down Battery

4.  Hook up fuel line to carbs

5.  Go to speedway for fittings and line to plumb clutch

6.  Bleed Brakes and Clutch

7.  Install Fuel cell

8.  Change oil filter

9.  Add oil

10.  Find HV wire from distributer to coil

11.  Start engine and fix leaks

installed firewall

Found some Blue Dot tail lights at Speedway Motors

Today I installed the aluminum skin on the back of the car.  I used .032 aluminum sheet.  Installed in three pieces.

  Video showing start of final assembly.

I stripped everything out of frame and painted.  I used Rustoleum Hammered finish paint in silver.

I also started cutting templates for aluminum sides.

Borrowed a power washer (thanks Ted) and cleaned motor.

Today I installed rollbar.  

Installed front turn signals, they are a after market motorcycle piece.  I also fabricated a rear exhaust hanger.

I did a lot of work lately.  Got nose, scuttle and rear fenders mounted.  Today I mounted headlights and seat belt mount tabs.  I also finished up exhaust.

Completed header.