What did you do to your non-G body project today? [2019]

[DRIVEN]

At least it's not an AWD Astro van.

 

[Wageslave]

At least it's not an AWD Astro van.

At this point, it can't be far behind. I have basically disassembled the motor down to a shortblock just to get access to some of the bellhousing bolts. I am pretty sure if the body was off of the frame, it would still be a pain in the *ss.

 

[1evilregal]

At least it's not an AWD Astro van.

a 2wd astro is bad enough as well, helped a friend replace one years ago. will be pulling one again here soon, but at least I won't have t put it back in.... there's a reason I hate vans.....

 

[dirtywhiteboy]

Did some more wiring, and started on the dreaded transmission tunnel.
NOTE, the cheap *ss shifter came with a template that didn't even match the shifter bolt pattern.

At least my paper pattern worked reasonably well.

 

[Rktpwrd]

Did some more wiring, and started on the dreaded transmission tunnel.
NOTE, the cheap *ss shifter came with a template that didn't even match the shifter bolt pattern.
View attachment 105786View attachment 105787View attachment 105788View attachment 105789View attachment 105790At least my paper pattern worked reasonably well.

Beautiful metal work!
As a metal, fabrication, paint and body guy myself, you have my admiration and respect.
Curious, how did you create the curvature of the tunnel, and incorporate two different angles into the flanges all at the same time?
Slip roll?
Definitely tuned in.

 

[dirtywhiteboy]

Beautiful metal work!
As a metal, fabrication, paint and body guy myself, you have my admiration and respect.
Curious, how did you create the curvature of the tunnel, and incorporate two different angles into the flanges all at the same time?
Slip roll?
Definitely tuned in.

Thanks!

The real work for that piece is in the paper pattern.
Once you figure out where to cut the paper to allow your part to be formed with the paper, it's pretty easy.

This piece it deceptive, the rear side of the tunnel has a smaller radius than the front, but there are not any compound curves.
The floor board does angle up, and the flanges were formed with the part from a single piece.

To answer your question, the driveshaft tunnel was formed using a brake for flanges on 3 sides. I used a stretcher on the rear flange to force it to curve.
I had to also use my knee to tighten up the radius towards the front.

The transmission tunnel part was shaped using only my knee, a fire extinguisher, and a pair of duck bill vice grips to form the flanges.....I did smack it a few times with a hammer and dolly to clean up the flanges.

 

[Rktpwrd]

Thanks!

The real work for that piece is in the paper pattern.
Once you figure out where to cut the paper to allow your part to be formed with the paper, it's pretty easy.

This piece it deceptive, the rear side of the tunnel has a smaller radius than the front, but there are not any compound curves.
The floor board does angle up, and the flanges were formed with the part from a single piece.

To answer your question, the driveshaft tunnel was formed using a brake for flanges on 3 sides. I used a stretcher on the rear flange to force it to curve.
I had to also use my knee to tighten up the radius towards the front.

The transmission tunnel part was shaped using only my knee, a fire extinguisher, and a pair of duck bill vice grips to form the flanges.....I did smack it a few times with a hammer and dolly to clean up the flanges.

Thanks for the info. I figured you had used a brake to create the flanges, that’s what I would’ve done as well. I also know that you created it out of one piece, I saw your brake lines marked out on the steel. Using the shrinker to force the smaller radius to bend was brilliant.

I just find it amazing that the point where your two flange plains meet didn’t create a high spot. Very very well done.

And that’s why you pattern everything first guys!!

I just found this particular piece of interest to me because I need to redo my transmission tunnel here in the near future as well to buy me more clearance around my T56. Ive already made a replacement tunnel for mine, but it’s still a bit too tight around the top of the bellhousing. I found using a large welding cylinder worked really well for creating the curvature, same as your fire extinguisher.

I’ve made some mental notes here with what you’ve done, and will be calling upon them when it’s time for my redo.

Thanks for posting and replying!
D.

 

[81cutlass]

Changed the drivers side wheel bearing on the Rainier along with rear sway bar end links.

I bought the Rainer with 175k, and changed the passenger wheel bearing at 185k, it made noise again at 240k so I changed it. 50 miles later I heard growling again. Thought I had a bad one but I couldn't tell what side it was coming from. Sat in the car for 13hrs this weekend and think I narrowed it down to the drivers side, only took 3k miles to find what side it was ha. Changed it tonight and yep it was bad. Not sure how old it is but it had at least 70k on it from the miles I put in it, 100k wouldn't surprise me.

It's due for tcase and diff fluid change again too.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Signed the paperwork for a new "project" today.

View attachment 104920View attachment 104921

Took several for a test drive, but when I saw this one I knew it was the one.

It makes a huge difference, the reason I drive a 2000 Dakota in the winter, we can only afford one payment. I sat in a black one at the dealer when I took the Challenger GT AWD for an oil change, very nice but 69 grand? It said $8500 off, still made it over 10 grand more than my Challenger GT. I am the only guy on the prairie's who doesn't have a huge hard on for trucks but still way better than those awful, ugly crossovers. I like most of the new trucks but way too expensive. They are finally decent on gas but still 5 to 10 mpg behind my Challenger and slower on the street and 1/4 mile, just too much weight to overcome. Enjoy the new truck, it is a nice one.

 

[Northernregal]

It makes a huge difference, the reason I drive a 2000 Dakota in the winter, we can only afford one payment. I sat in a black one at the dealer when I took the Challenger GT AWD for an oil change, very nice but 69 grand? It said $8500 off, still made it over 10 grand more than my Challenger GT. I am the only guy on the prairie's who doesn't have a huge hard on for trucks but still way better than those awful, ugly crossovers. I like most of the new trucks but way too expensive. They are finally decent on gas but still 5 to 10 mpg behind my Challenger and slower on the street and 1/4 mile, just too much weight to overcome. Enjoy the new truck, it is a nice one.

It can also pull a race car trailer.