MKB Forum

General MKB => Projects => Topic started by: Ralph on January 08, 2014, 01:07:48 pm

Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 08, 2014, 01:07:48 pm
Hi all!

Firstly, WOW! I never knew this site existed until a buddy of mine Andy told me about it and that awesome matte black Camaro he keeps going on about, I then find out it's a MK club! Well I live in MK and technically the body I am using for my project is a 1931 Ford Model A which is a Yank version so... Here I am!

Now this project of mine is a love hate one, some people love it, some hate it and I am sure you will know why shortly!

I am not building this for anyone else other than me so yes things could and maybe should be done differently but they won't be as this is my car (well currently it's just a bath tub and some parts but will be a car one day)

'Code Name B-52' as it has been named has spawned from my personal love of hotrods mixed with my want for a modern drive train, my last project was a '67 VW beetle with a 6.5 inch roof chop, stretched arches and a rad paint job, the plan was to stick a scooby lump (the cries of traitor go up) in the back and run it as a street monster but a new job forced a sale so that left my life...

So now that things are fairly steady again it was time to strike with a new idea and there had always been a huge V8 hole in my car ownership. So grouped together with a couple other guys we formulated V8UK and I suggested we should have a 'project' to work on, write about and eventually make it into a publicity tool.. What better way than with an out and out Rod!

My hardest decision was what to go for, last year at Billing I was parked next to a 32 delivery and the tubbed rear end fully had my attention! With a fully chromed big block with super charger to match, my mind ran wild and I thought YES that is it!

Started to look for a fibreglass body as I wanted this to be able to live outside and be drive-able in all weathers and not have to be too precious with it... I instantly got distracted by realising I could build my dream car for roughly the same cash a '30s coupe! So all other plans went out the window as I told the lads I had put an order in for a body!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/69005_398998740197457_404654726_n_zps9e5b610f.jpg)

The plan was always to have a tube chassis, not built for drag racing but for safety and performance handling on the road, this means     full custom suspension setup and I can use any running gear I want as the chassis is being made to what ever spec I want!

The donor car... When talking to GM Bodycraft (guys putting the chassis together) we decided it will be so much easier to buy a running vehicle that we can use pretty much everything off, as we are going for a tube chassis and modern stylings this is where the big block idea left the building (partly down to costs also as I want this to be finished ASAP). So the hunt began, now noise and power were the main concerns but it also had to be easy to bolt in and not have a monster ECU to get stumped by, so a slightly older modern car was needed...

An XJR was on the cards, huge super charged lump & a great sound track to follow... Wiring nightmare... Abort.

What next, hmmm, Lexus LS400 or Soarer? Possible, very cheap freeing up more cash for other goodies but just a bit dull, then this little BMW 540i popped up on ebay, looked amazing and had 15 mins of bidding left to go... V8 CHECK, low miles CHECK, cheap price CHECK, IRS CHECK, noise.. well I didn't have any time left to research so this was unknown...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/IMG-20130427-WA0006_zps6aded280.jpg)

Bid.

Win.

Ah, it's in Bournemouth... Oh well ROAD TRIP!

2 days later we headed to the coast in the V8UK Monaro to pick up the new toy.

It was too good to be true, the car is in amazing condition and runs very smooth, the trip home was great fun giving the old girl a good work out! The car was completely stock so the noise was pretty bass heavy but fairly quiet until the loud pedal was stomped! The term 'woofely' best described it.

Only one thing for it, rip the insides out and then rip the exhaust off. WHAT A NOISE! it sounds amazing, couldn't be happier with it! So now we have a fuel injected V8 with low miles on the clock and a great base to start building a car off.

The factory power figures are 286BHP the rod will weigh (with a wild finger in the air type calculation) around 1000KG when it's done give or take so should make it into a little street rocket!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/enginepaint1_zps1e117ac8.jpeg)

Not very american and not very traditional but that's not me, love how hot rods look and how they sound, love how modern cars drive and go... It's a half way house and will never really drive like a modern car but will be a lot closer than most. The noise and looks is something I will be able to live with forever and to me that's what 'hot rodding' is all about, build what you want as it's your car.

I will try and keep this thread up to date and welcome all feedback!

This is my first project so a HUGE learning curve to come!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Andy on January 08, 2014, 01:36:24 pm
Good first post Ralph, but failed miserably to suss out the photo tags. (I think I did the same)

Hit the button above the reply box with the coloured shapes in it and copy the picture URL into it.

Also should've included somewhere this smilie as it doesn't get used much!  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/kkk.gif)

Oh and welcome! (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/tongue.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 08, 2014, 01:49:13 pm
EDITED -

If using Photobucket I use the "get links" option and select the "for forums" option . . .
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 08, 2014, 01:50:12 pm
Quoting: Ralph
my last project was a '67 VW beetle with a 6.5 inch roof chop, stretched arches and a rad paint job, the plan was to stick a scooby lump (the cries of traitor go up) in the back and run it as a street monster but a new job forced a sale so that left my life...


Cunning Plan is our resident VW freak.  Artb is also into his VW's but is just a freak in general, really.

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/tongue.gif)

just gonna try and edit the first post to show pictures . . . Wish me luck . . . (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/sofa.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 08, 2014, 02:03:03 pm
Top editing skillz yo!

haha that is one wicked smilie thing!

Let's give this a whirl...

After removing some pipe to get it to the correct length for the Rod the Beemer now sounds like this... (holds breath for ****** up video link)



Thanks for that Mr Roadkill but the VW is long long gone!

Does anyone else use GM Bodycraft for fabrication stuff or is everyone hardcore and do everything themselves?

I'm hoping by the end of the build I will be fairly confident to crack on with it myself..

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/cheers.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 08, 2014, 02:03:30 pm
Boom would you look at that! Nailed it!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Incursus on January 08, 2014, 02:06:18 pm
Welcome (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif)

I do like a hot rod  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rock.gif)

Tempted to get one myself...at least it would fit in the garage (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/chiny.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/lol.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Incursus on January 08, 2014, 02:09:18 pm
Quoting: Ralph
holds breath for ****** up video link


Quoting: Ralph
Boom would you look at that! Nailed it!


Good effort (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif)  Certain older members have endless trouble with that *coughFBodycough* (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/old.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 08, 2014, 02:22:20 pm
Awesome! Glad there is a fellow Rod fan on here! What sort of thing would you be thinking?

I have my eye on this at the moment... Just in case...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161190702723?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Well I say that, it now appears to have been ended early so that is off the cards! Damn! Probs for the best though!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 08, 2014, 02:36:21 pm
Quoting: Ralph
Does anyone else use GM Bodycraft for fabrication stuff


To be honest I'd never heard of them until I saw them crop up on Facebook (Andy likes them) recently . . .

A Rod is on the books for me, too, one day.  It'd be a '32 Roadster with a 390ci Tri-Carb Caddy mill / Lasalle Manual trans.  Would want a 'glass one as I think I'd use it a lot.

If I'm honest, though, after the Z28's finished and the '58 Caddy's underway I think my next project will be a '68 Charger.

I may wait though . . depends on where I'm living when that time comes.
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Incursus on January 08, 2014, 02:50:43 pm
Quoting: Ralph
What sort of thing would you be thinking?


Not narrowed it down that far though I like the Ford Pops and Model B's and as RK says '32 Roadster are (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/cool.gif)

Though I'm a Mopar fan at heart..even though I currently have a SN95 Mustang (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/confused.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 08, 2014, 03:00:51 pm
Ah very cool!

Well I'm sure I will make plenty of mistakes for everyone to learn from but that is part of the fun of getting stuck in and doing it.

Not a convertible fan but a roadster would tempt me a little haha

will see how this first one goes, once that is built a new house is on the cards as the mrs keeps moaning and then a 55/56 Ford F100 will be my next toy!

The mrs really wants a Ford pop too so who knows when that will turn up for me to spend money on haha I want her to go more Anglia sit up and beg though, they have a bit of a harder face so will see if we can both meet in the middle haha

GM Bodycraft are awesome, Gary (owner) is such a nice guy and an absolute wizzard when it comes to fabrication, I'm sure he mentioned he went to one of the MK Yank meets in his Escort (Baby blue MK1) not sure if it was you guys or if there is ANOTHER yank MK lot I don't know about!

You guys still do meets?

Be very cool to meet some more local Yank Yobs!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Cunning Plan on January 08, 2014, 03:01:41 pm
Quoting: Ralph
'67 VW beetle


Quoting: Roadkill
Cunning Plan is our resident VW freak.


Reporting in. (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/lalala.gif)


Welcome, I love a good project thread (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/beavisnbutthead.gif)



Quoting: Ralph
Awesome! Glad there is a fellow Rod fan on here!


You make it sound like we would hate it, but if it has wheels and an engine, I think most of us get a boner.

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/jerkoff.gif)

Quoting: Ralph
It was too good to be true, the car is in amazing condition and runs very smooth


Yep (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/shame.gif) Seems almost a shame to chop it up (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/sad.gif)

Quoting: Ralph
Not very american and not very traditional


Meh (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/dontknow.gif)

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/mechanic2.gif)

Quoting: Roadkill
will be a '68 Charger.


I have a video for you, I'll post up in a new thread....... No, not that kind of video, you've had enough. (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/smirk.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: art b on January 08, 2014, 03:07:23 pm
welcome aboard ralph ...(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif)

that should prove to be an interesting project,
have you seen of one done b4...?


im so tempted to put a scooby into by bay ...(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/chiny.gif)



Quoting: Roadkill
Cunning Plan is our resident VW freak. Artb is also into his VW's but is just a freak in general, really.


roadkill is...
 a bloke who drinks too much free beer
and cant moderate things properly because of his fat fingers...(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 08, 2014, 03:08:12 pm
haha awesome!

Well you all seem like a sound bunch so far!

This thread has been posted up in a few places and some 'hotrod purists' have taken a big dislike to it as they realise there is no Ford or Chevy motor going in to it!!

haha

Here is a shot of my grille to give you an idea of the stylings along with a quick paint shop render... Oh yes I am keeping the beemer wheels ;)

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/gr_zps7c99b12e.jpg)

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/1079430_392007604244185_593236084_n_zps02c5fceb.jpg)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Incursus on January 08, 2014, 03:09:28 pm
Quoting: Cunning Plan
You make it sound like we would hate it, but if it has wheels and an engine, I think most of us get a boner.


Not true!  It's just the way I'm sitting!  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/confused.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Incursus on January 08, 2014, 03:12:24 pm
Quoting: Ralph
What sort of thing would you be thinking?


Quoting: Ralph
Here is a shot of my grille to give you an idea of the stylings along with a quick paint shop render... Oh yes I am keeping the beemer wheels ;)


Yup that'll do (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/cool.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 08, 2014, 03:23:30 pm
Quoting: Ralph
as they realise there is no Ford or Chevy motor going in to it!!


Don't even get me started on that . . . Many builders recoil at the mention of Cadillac mills, too - that's why I'm getting my motor built in California !
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 08, 2014, 03:34:42 pm
Quoting: art b
that should prove to be an interesting project,
have you seen of one done b4...?


I have taken inspiration from the Factory Five setups (which I didn't know about before starting) but know a few drag racers which is what steered me towards the tube chassis setup, then the ******* (can I say that or is this frowned upon on here?) about with the VW engine I vowed never to have a carbed engine EVER AGAIN! This I have since been brought back round to liking the idea of but not for my hotrod!  

Quoting: Roadkill
that's why I'm getting my motor built in California !


That's a bit extreme haha but fair enough! Wouldn't it have saved you a ton of cash to go to say Pro Build American or Peter Knight and get something made/rebuilt in the UK to save on shipping and all the rest or is the costs out there out weight all of that? I'm sure you have done your research and have your reasons but there are some sick engine builders in the UK and I kind of like supporting us brits... not in a (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/kkk.gif) (see Andy used it again) kind of way but just more of a home grown type thing?
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 08, 2014, 03:48:31 pm
Quoting: Ralph
Peter Knight


(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif)

Yeah, I spoke to him . . . I quoted his words somewhere on here but they were basically "If it's not a Gen I SBC, throw it in the bin".

Muppet.

I'd called him regarding porting my LT1's heads (Gen II SBC) . . . he seemed honestly shocked that anyone would want to (despite them being technically superior and lighter than the Gen I's) and said he'd want around a grand to basically lower himself to do it.

My final words were "would you be interested in doing a big block Cadillac build ?"

His response : "No".

F*ck 'em.  Once I actually starting working out the costings it was actually coming in cheaper to get it built in the states - at least there you've got a REAL choice of builders.

The guys building my motor specialise in BB Cadillac motors and I'd trust them to know what they're doing.

I wouldn't trust Knight as far as I could piss him with his attitude !!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Andy on January 08, 2014, 03:52:37 pm
That engine I'm looking at buying was built by him... (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/confused.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 08, 2014, 03:54:48 pm
Quoting: Ralph
I kind of like supporting us brits...


Ahh, you'll probably learn the hard way then . . .

Let me see . . .

I used to use US Auto (until they quoted me 5 times the price for some standard spark plugs and a week's delivery . . . I got Bosch platinums from the states in 5 days, for less)

JW Racing were good.  Providing they were actually interested in helping at the time . . . go in with something not of a _______ (insert car from limited list here) they couldn't really be ar$ed.

Then there's the engine builders . . . . Mopar = O.K, Ford = Good, Chevy = Better.  Is there anything else ?  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/smirk.gif)

Quoting: Andy
That engine I'm looking at buying was built by him...


You're safe.  It's a Gen I Chevy.  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif)

Sorry - I've just re-read that and don't mean to be so negative but it p!sses me off trying to help out U.K firms - I've done my bit, I've had enough.  Each to their own, though, of course.  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/tongue.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 08, 2014, 04:06:54 pm
haha Ok so everyone has a different experience with people, I have seen some amazing engines built by him for some nostalgia racer Mustangs and heard nothing but good things from the Chevy guys but if he is a specialist in that then I guess you can't moan when you ask him to do a caddy motor kinda like going up to Samsung and asking them to fix your iphone, they will just say no despite there probs being a guy in the back room that would know how to fix it...

I will be lucky as I don't need yank parts for mine!

Really good guy is Ron Haslett, he would build a mean motor for you as long as you had the parts, yet again parts is the hard part..

He may well need to know where to get them all from but... I will just stop talking ahaha you have your engine sorted to this is just a ramble.

But I genuinely have a lot of faith in the UK guys here. It's all about just finding the right person! We don't have machine shops on every corner like those lucky bastard yanks!

Dibbers, your new motor is sexy.
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: ianjpage on January 08, 2014, 10:24:11 pm
welcome to the forum, looks to be a great project, keep the updates coming as enjoy seeing the progress (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif)

Quoting: Ralph

You guys still do meets?


Nah not really as the attendance went down and down until it was literally 2 maybe 3 people there everymonth so we canned the meets.
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 10, 2014, 11:18:45 am
That's a shame...

How about a big summer meet up once a year or something?

Does the MK Car Show still exist? I know they didn't do one last year which was a shame as we were going to pile down with a loada muscle cars and have some fun!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 10, 2014, 11:30:07 am
We did a one-off show at Bletchley park in 2008 (??) . . we were promised a lot of support but very little showed up and it was a bit of a waste of time, really.
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Cunning Plan on January 10, 2014, 11:43:19 am
I think from the last time we had a similar conversation it was established that MKB has converted into more of a forum for car enthusiasts now rather than a 'local' club, which is as it had started.

I'm not near MK or Bedfordshire anymore, neither are a few others I can think of, but I keep coming back for the kinky conversation. (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/PAmn.gif)

I think we were the Mondeo Klub for Boys at one point as we seemed to all have a Mondeo as a daily driver (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/nono2.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/tongue.gif)

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/hijack3.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: art b on January 10, 2014, 12:12:18 pm
Quoting: Cunning Plan
I think we were the Mondeo Klub for Boys at one point as we seemed to all have a Mondeo as a daily driver


it was a third gen owners... donut eating club too...(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/tongue.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 10, 2014, 12:52:39 pm
(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/OrigGlazed.gif)

(properly hijacked) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: art b on January 10, 2014, 12:59:13 pm
(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/mkb.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Big Mouse on January 10, 2014, 09:35:24 pm
I know Dean had a negative response from Pete but he is a good guy but very very busy.

Rob Loaring at ICE is into some very serious design stuff focused around intakes at the moment with Jon Webster

Marc Lamude is building some good stuff too, curently working on a hipower TT sbc

But at the end of the day thats fine if you want a Ford, Chevy or a hemi, anything else you are better off looking at the US - shipping is costly but the savings on the engine itself often negate the cost of shipping anyway - unless you need to send it back of course! the US has a very odd (overseas) customer service ethos.

Nice looking prject btw, I'd go efi for my next car too - if I ever raise enough money again!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on April 10, 2014, 02:29:44 pm
Soooooooooooooooo...

Hotrod has now moved houses and lives down in Portsmouth @ Insane Creations ready to get it's chassis made.

This will be kicking off in June/July.

Not much more progress at this point so lots of sitting around waiting...

It has made other hotrod friends which is always nice.

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20140321_162343_zps14ecce5f.jpg)

Also got to park this up at Insane Towers which was a hoot!

Very tasty 2 Lane Black Top replica with a HUGE motor!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20140321_161835_zps5914ef47.jpg)

So there we have it, there are lots of other things going on in the background but don't want to give the whole game away too soon ;)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Cunning Plan on April 10, 2014, 02:33:32 pm
You need to post more often Ralph (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rtfm.gif)

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on April 10, 2014, 02:41:13 pm
Yes I do haha

When I have more to waffle on about!

Trying not to think about engine upgrades and things like that until the car is at least rolling.. As the chassis work is being done by Insane Creations it is now very dangerous being around very powerful drag/road cars, gives me too many ideas haha
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 02, 2015, 10:06:04 am
Right, 2015 is here. The year *fingers crossed* when shit actually gets done and REAL progress is made.

There have been so many set backs with the body and I am a little shocked to think that this all started in May 2013... So really very little to report!

BUT, now things are happening and there is movement in the hotrod camp!

Just before xmas we stripped down the donor car! Wahey! It all went a little bit like this:

We headed down to Insane Creations to tear down the donor car and carefully extract the motor and desired running gear.

Once all done, the plan is to get the body back from the body shop, drop the motor on to the frame rails along with the new body and start mocking some bits up and plan out the final chassis dimensions and so on...

Anyway... A friend of mine Adam arrived with his trailer and we loaded up the old girl for the final time and set sail to Portsmouth!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141107_121409_zpsa29187f8.jpg)

After a nice straight forward drive down and a brief stop for supplies (beer) we arrive at Insane Creations and roll the old girl in to the workshop.

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141107_154210_zpsa04a0d9d.jpg)

We get stuck in after having a cup of tea (first of perhaps 100 this weekend) and a quick look at what else Ron and the team are working on currently. Most of the interior is stripped already as you can see from previous posts so.. Bonnet off and time to 'carefully' remove the motor. Nearly all the ancillaries won't be going on the 31 Coupe but if they are, smaller ones will be used as pretty much everything on the BMW was HUGE!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141107_164042_zpsefdfec2b.jpg)

A few hours later, as the car is getting crushed regardless, we decided to chop the front out to make engine removal a little easier...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141107_185431_zpsd2157bd1.jpg)

Exhaust off, prop shaft off... The remaining fuel and oil lines chopped and the engine bay wiring loom isolated... Time for the tug!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141107_193206_zps4269f86d.jpg)

The headers on the right hand side of the motor were giving us a little grief getting the old girl out so off they came and at long last... FREEDOM!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141107_203315_zps125cbc32.jpg)

WOW, the motor was so much bigger than we all first thought and it was really tucked in to that engine bay well! A few more cups of tea followed by a beer and pizza to celebrate!

It really is amazing how well they packed everything in to that engine bay

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141107_203324_zps02028e24.jpg)

We then retire for the evening feeling good at how much we have accomplished.

A few more beers then we make camp in the motor home to get much needed rest for day 2. The tear down is still far from over.

Up at 7.30 to get the workshop opened up and the kettle on. Whilst waiting for everyone to arrive I have a little play with the grille shell which will be going on the hotrod.. Yup, the motor sticks 2.5 inches out each side of the grille!! It's one big lump!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141108_082318_zps3c215688.jpg)

Day two see's us tackle the rest of the wiring loom, the fuel tank/pumps, dash, suspension,, hubs, brakes and anything else that remains. Carefully labelling the loom as we go so we know what it all does. Deciding to keep the majority of the loom to see if there is anything else we need later on. The car drove in to the workshop so hopefully we have everything we need.

The car now looking a little lighter...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141108_144853_zps004c3554.jpg)

Fuel tank, pump, all under car wiring stripped out...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141108_144903_zpsb8a66ff5.jpg)

Turns out there was some nice original paint left on the car... Behind the dash!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141108_144913_zps91428970.jpg)

Steering column, dash, ignition barrel all stripped out. The pedal assembly is far too big so this was junked also.

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141108_153400_zps88e5d821.jpg)

Finally all the cross members front and rear come out along with all the suspension, diff and so on which means we load the car up on to the trailer to get scrapped. This concludes day two working on the car.

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141108_153416_zpsd2d67675.jpg)

We clean ourselves up and ready for a curry with all who have helped over the past two days. Swarfega in the eyes... Not the best idea ever... But worked a treat so no pain, no gain...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141108_163459_zps39cccde1.jpg)

After a fantastic evening with quite a few beers and a great curry, in the morning of day 3 we get the kettle on for the penultimate time and start breaking down the suspension and clearing the shop.

With all the needed components now stored away with the loom and everything else we need, we sip our last cup of tea (pretty sure this was number 100) and start the journey home.

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141109_120105_zps472ab30f.jpg)
 

What's Next?

Well, the body will be done soon and we can start mocking up the rest of the car and getting the welders out! It's all getting very exciting now and I can't thank Ron Haslett and the Insane Creations team, along with Adam (the hero) and the Wren family for their help over the weekend. I can't wait to see this all evolve now!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Cunning Plan on January 02, 2015, 11:17:08 am
(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/shame.gif)

Wow, this project just made a huge leap of progress! (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/clap3.gif)

Quoting: Ralph
It really is amazing how well they packed everything in to that engine bay


German engineering (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/cowboy.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/wink.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 02, 2015, 09:36:53 pm
Awesome stuff.  

Not my first choice of running gear (I can't / don't do EFI) but that's what makes it even more interesting to me .... No point doing ANOTHER 350/350 combo when you can do something original.

Looking forward to seeing it take shape .... Keep us updated.  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rock.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 05, 2015, 02:57:10 pm
So last week I took a trip down to Insane Creations with some more parts and to see this all for myself and to go through some decision making with Ron, I can say for certain I came away smiling and still am this morning!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141230_091059_zpslgv6lgnn.jpg)

Final plans will be made when the body comes back from Meon Valley Hotrods as then we will see the final dimensions in place and not just lined out with string and board. Will also be able to sit in the thing with a mock up seat so Ron knows exactly what to work to, then the real fun begins.

We did have a good go at sussing it out yesterday however as mentioned by marking out on the chassis where things should go, how much room there will be in the cabin and how much room we have to play with in the 'engine bay' so to speak.

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141230_115139_zpstmqpof74.jpg)

After a trip over to Meon Valley, where we took some more measurements of the body... No pics sorry, I was far too excited taking it all in, that place is great! We headed back to Insane Creations to mark the newly taking body measurements out, we weren't far off at all which is good but we now had exact measurements for the front end which was our point of concern. It also turns out Mark from Meon has a hood top which mates from a 28-31 Ford to a 32 grille! PERFECT, so one of these will be on order with the body!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/FB_IMG_1419976460257_zpsmuqc9ngn.jpg)

The M60 motor is a huge lump and it was looking as if it was going to be touch and go whether it would all look right and actually fit in there at all...

Verdict...

It looked like it was going to fit!!! IF we took off the fan, the power steering pump and air con setup... Which we won't need on the end product so we lifted the motor off the rails, stripped those parts off, welded a new bar under the chassis rails to rest the motor on, making sure the lowest part of the sump was resting on it, this way nothing hangs lower than the rails, then dropped the motor down and slid it forwards perhaps a couple inches.

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/Screenshot_2014-12-31-09-08-37_zpsyudk31rx.png)

This now brought the bell housing of the gearbox about an inch ahead of the cowl/firewall... LIKE A GLOVE!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141230_165752_zpse59xrazi.jpg)
It even looks like we will be able to squeeze a radiator up the front too inside the grille too so no need for crazy wiring out back! Job, is a gooden!

On top of this, with the motor now dropped down by about 4 inches there will be plenty of clearance for the hood to fit on there nicely which was all part of the original dream!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141230_170036_zpstvjhcmpv.jpg)

Next we need to wait for the body to be delivered and start chopping it about to make fit on the rails with the motor, get everything measured up, final plans decided when we know what room we have to play with, send off the fuel pump/pickup to Andy at A-TM Engineering who will be making up a fuel tank for the car!

It's all getting very exciting and this is starting to come together nicely!

The next update will be when the body arrives so watch this space!!!!

And yes for all those that noticed.. That is an Eaton M112 Blower for it too ;)

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141230_170020_zpsehncaltz.jpg)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 05, 2015, 03:11:35 pm
It'll be an interesting manifold to mate that blower to the block . . . I assume it wasn't available as stock like it ?

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/chiny.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 05, 2015, 03:26:08 pm
Should be a fairly straight forward one (note date and time of that statement) as it's port layout is very similar to this:

Which is what the blower is off.

(http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/28151.jpg)

Then, there will be something which resembles this setup...

&pnref=story\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">
&pnref=story

Not sure how to wang a FB video in here but yes, basically using the throttle body and MAF and so on...

UK Blowers are helping with the setup. But no, there was no factory blower option, they do a kit for a centri blower but lots of money for not much gains.

This was cheap, should look mental, still minimal power gains but will be a laugh!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Cunning Plan on January 05, 2015, 05:24:48 pm
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/20141230_165752_zpse59xrazi.jpg)

Are those filing cabinets holding up the roof? (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/shame.gif) (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/jaw.gif)

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/stir.gif)

Quoting: Ralph
IF we took off the fan


How will you cool it without the viscous fan, I assume an electric fan? (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/dontknow.gif)

Does the electric fan sit behind the radiator, which is mounted to the front grill? (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/huh.gif)

Quoting: Ralph
This was cheap, should look mental, still minimal power gains but will be a laugh!


(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/beavisnbutthead.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: ianjpage on January 05, 2015, 09:23:59 pm
coming along nicely!!  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/up.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 06, 2015, 08:44:30 am
Yup lecky fans, there is enough room for them, just not enough room for the huge whirling dervish!

Well, I say that, we offered it up and looks good but you know how things change! When the body arrives we will be able to get it bolted down and know where everything will sit for definite. I will be sure to let you all know the pitfalls I come across. There will be many, of that I am sure!

The filing cabinets aren't supporting the roof... Yet ;)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 06, 2015, 03:25:47 pm
We'll have to have a serious chat at some point as I've always wanted to build a "rod" and the original Caddy motor will be available soon and gaggin' to go in a Model T / A.

That said a Rod project will come after the Caddy's finished . . and after I've done my next project . . . so probably when I'm about 60 !

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif)

Looking good, though.  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/cool.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 06, 2015, 04:19:57 pm
haha excellent! Yes I know where you can get good repro bodies soon! ;) Although you strike me as a man that likes his steel!

Need to see the 3rd gen and Caddy done!!

Personally I'm a little more excited about the 3rd Gen as it just looks pure evil, but that Caddy's new motor is lush!

Think you will have one done in time for April?
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 06, 2015, 05:47:42 pm
Quoting: Ralph
Although you strike me as a man that likes his steel!


Nah, not for a "hot rod" . . Steel would be great, but paying an extra £20,000 for the privilege ?  Er, No !

Quoting: Ralph
Personally I'm a little more excited about the 3rd Gen as it just looks pure evil, but that Caddy's new motor is lush!


The Caddy will be pretty mean when I'm finished, believe me.

Quoting: Ralph
Think you will have one done in time for April?


The Camaro is unlikely - I'll be honest.  

The Cadillac will (and is) fully roadworthy and legal . . .
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 08, 2015, 04:44:13 pm
Awesome stuff! Well I know where to get some really good bodies now, as well as where not to get good bodies! haha

Be good to rally some more of the MKB guys for the April Full Power Launch meet in Aylesbury! (12th April)

Be good to put some names to faces! All vehicle types welcome! :D
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 08, 2015, 10:40:15 pm
Aylesbury should be doable .... Andy sent me an invite but it'll be dependent on childcare (as usual).
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on January 09, 2015, 07:33:54 am
Awesome!

Who else on here has a working vehicle? Be good to use this as a rally point for all the MKB guys then maybe it will spark enough enthusiasm to start a summer MK meet or something?!?!

Be good to get some more stuff going on in MK anyway!
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Cunning Plan on January 09, 2015, 08:11:39 am
Quoting: Ralph
All vehicle types welcome!


60BHP 47 year old VW Bus? (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/whistle.gif)

I... I mean, I could create a nice smoke screen as an entrance for your cars? (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/smirk.gif)

Quoting: Ralph
Who else on here has a working vehicle?


Oh, that's me out..  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/notworking.gif)

(http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/tongue.gif)
Title: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on January 09, 2015, 11:14:29 pm
Quoting: Ralph
Who else on here has a working vehicle?


Hmm.  Good question.  (http://www.mkb.cc/forum/smileys/rofls.gif)
Title: Re: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on June 17, 2015, 12:00:10 pm
*hums imperial march theme tune*

WELL... "Nothing goes according to plan with projects" is perhaps the understatement of the year/century/millennium.

The chaps doing the body work, not only took 10+ months before they finally let us collect the body, but they haven't exactly done what they said they were going to. So, we now have the body back, it needs a lot of work, but at least we can start the build.

All of a sudden I found myself in a position where I needed to gather up some parts I had been storing away and get them to the workshop ready to mock up the body on the chassis.

So, out comes the manual gearbox & billet adaptor plate!

A little trip down to Insane Creations to fit it all and then sling it on to the rails and sit the body on it.

When hooking up the adaptor plate.. I was then enlightened to the fact I had in fact purchased the plate for a left hooker! WHOOPS! Starter motor holes are on different sides!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/adaptor%20plate_zpslornxewr.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/v8uk/media/adaptor%20plate_zpslornxewr.jpg.html)

Fear not, when there is a will there is a way and the plate will get machined out to fit. The most important part being, the manual box is now attached for mock up!

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/manual%20gearbox_zpswkmmr6bd.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/v8uk/media/manual%20gearbox_zpswkmmr6bd.jpg.html)

Mere moments later this happened...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/chassis%20mock%20up_zpsixcqbgdw.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/v8uk/media/chassis%20mock%20up_zpsixcqbgdw.jpg.html)

Followed by this...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/chassis%20mock%20up%202_zpsxjwwas8r.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/v8uk/media/chassis%20mock%20up%202_zpsxjwwas8r.jpg.html)

And a final picture for good luck...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/chassis%20mock%20up%203_zps45byxdtv.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/v8uk/media/chassis%20mock%20up%203_zps45byxdtv.jpg.html)

The plan is starting to take shape, the rear of the chassis will take a little stretch and this can be worked in when the rear notch is done. The front doesn't need stretching but we are going to drop the grille shell in front of the cross member to give us more room for the radiator and suspension. gives the overall look of the car a slightly longer nose but still looks right, well, in my opinion haha

The firewall will be cut and the engine set a little back inside, not too much only an inch or so. There is now tons of space in the cabin thanks to the manual box and where the gear lever naturally falls is a bang on driving position in the car! RESULT.

The body is a little too high on the rails in these pictures as there is a temporaty cross member holding the body up, the engine isn't on quite straight and leans too far back and the grille is on wonky. So all the parts are just propped up to try and get a feel for what it might look like.

It will likely be a little while before another update so feel free to relax and move back from the edge of your seat (this is a note to myself) and when the next exciting instalment happens I will be sure to post about it.

 
Title: Re: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Roadkill on June 17, 2015, 01:00:16 pm
NOTHING happens as fast as we'd either, hope, like or expect when it comes to projects . . . . All we can do is embrace progress whenever it happens !

Looking good, though.  I will stay tentatively on my seat's edge for the time being.  :)
Title: Re: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Cunning Plan on June 17, 2015, 01:12:04 pm
Good to have an update! :cowboy:
Title: Re: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Jo on June 18, 2015, 05:26:58 am
Looking good though.  Slow progress is better than none.
Title: Re: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on June 18, 2015, 08:17:16 am
Yeah I'm pretty chuffed with it. Got a solid plan now and sticking to it for once!

Best bit(?) being that I now have so much money invested in it, I can stop looking on ebay for other cars to buy haha for me that brings some sanity back in to the mix... For now :p
Title: Re: Noob Member With Hotrod Project
Post by: Ralph on September 14, 2015, 01:35:16 pm
A quick little update...

This happened

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/IMG_20150810_081702_zpsp5v1ou86.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/v8uk/media/IMG_20150810_081702_zpsp5v1ou86.jpg.html)

And theeeeeen...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/IMG_20150812_113913_zpslkkbxunf.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/v8uk/media/IMG_20150812_113913_zpslkkbxunf.jpg.html)

And theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/IMG_20150809_193500_zpsk92lwrn9.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/v8uk/media/IMG_20150809_193500_zpsk92lwrn9.jpg.html)

And then and then and then and then...

(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y500/v8uk/IMG_20150810_085543_zpsbyvfuuoe.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/v8uk/media/IMG_20150810_085543_zpsbyvfuuoe.jpg.html)