1987 Olds Pro-touring project build - Now with paint

[Doober]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

I was just flipping back through your pictures, I'm thinking of going with somewhat of a retrofit on my factory HVAC box...

I read about an automatic climate control conversion someone did with a Cadillac setup (sensors for temperature, etc.), and while I may not go that far, I'd still go with something besides the vacuum operated stuff. The '88-'94 trucks have a vfd display and are all electronic. The '95-'99 trucks went back to dials but far as I know they still had electronic servos.

 

[BillsHoe]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

First off this is the badest Cutlass by far.. Question i know you said rear wing is Monte SS but is it off aero coupe and how much fabrication needed? Thanks for all info on build..

Not sure what Monte its off of. I just know its from a later model because its the lay down version. The wings on each end need to be trimmed to clear the tail lights.

Thank you I will start my search for one.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

Began the build of my DIY CNC machine this past week.

Waiting on all the bearings to show up so that I can install the aluminum guide rails and start drilling for the lead screws.

Obviously this is not a super high production shop machine but for the money it'll do everything I need for the moment. It'll machine wood, plastic and aluminum just fine which is really all I need.

My plan is once I have it up and running is to design a holder for my plasma torch and create a metal base insert that I can then use as a CNC plasma cutter.

Should save a lot of time making brackets and other stuff. :wink:

 

[84clonewars]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

I dont know what the hell that is you're building but it looks pretty damn cool.

 

[FE3X CLONE]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

Here's one at work:

http://youtu.be/JzMH238eqKE

My goal is to use it for making gauge panels a little easier than my current setup. Plus all kinds of other stuff. 🙂

 

[Burnhard]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

Very cool how thick of alum can you cut?

 

[FE3X CLONE]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

Very cool how thick of alum can you cut?

As thick as you want. Well, up to 4-5" thick anyway. The machine has a Z-axis travel of 5"

Obviously though it'll take a long time as you can only go a few thousandths on each pass.

This definitely won't be like the huge, multi-thousand dollar machines that will cut aluminum wheels like butter.

 

[84clonewars]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

Very cool how thick of alum can you cut?

As thick as you want. Well, up to 4-5" thick anyway. The machine has a Z-axis travel of 5"

Obviously though it'll take a long time as you can only go a few thousandths on each pass.

This definitely won't be like the huge, multi-thousand dollar machines that will cut aluminum wheels like butter.

man thats awesome, you have some serious skills, props to you.

 

[Burnhard]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

Very cool how thick of alum can you cut?

As thick as you want. Well, up to 4-5" thick anyway. The machine has a Z-axis travel of 5"

Obviously though it'll take a long time as you can only go a few thousandths on each pass.

This definitely won't be like the huge, multi-thousand dollar machines that will cut aluminum wheels like butter.

I was thinking 1/4 to 1/2" alum plate 🙂

 

[FE3X CLONE]

Re: 1987 Olds Pro-touring project build *LONG*

Getting a little closer with the CNC. Bearings are all installed as well as the guide rails. Made the table over the weekend and mounted the gantry.

Now that I have everything mounted and sliding around on it's own, I need to make a few adjustments to make sure everything is square and running true. I think I'm going to buy some shim stock so that I can space some of the pieces apart slightly to get the bearings rolling better on the y-axis.

The x-axis was pretty sloppy so I threw two of the pieces back on the table saw and took a 1/16" off each end which helped a lot more. But it could still use a little more refinement.

Next step is to drill everything for the lead screws and mount the anti-backlash nuts, lead screws and bearings.

Then I'll be in a holding pattern until I purchase the electronics (stepper motors, breakout boards, power supply, etc.)