Worked on the rear passenger side of the body last night, I didnt take any in process pictures cause, well, it was a pain. as with anything, the first side is easy, making the other side match is the hard part. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 28, 2022 at 8:08 AM I got it tacked together enough to work on the rest of the interior bracing, so I bent up more tubing and that made the body much more sturdy. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 28, 2022 at 8:08 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 28, 2022 at 8:08 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 28, 2022 at 8:08 AM I tested out seat position and seat back thickness, and found that a thick back not only didn't fit, but was uncomfortable. I needed the softest, thinnest foam I could get.
Might consider running another piece of tube down the center of the back and then making a webbing back rest with the 3 uprights like a lawn chair. That soft foam is going to turn into crumbs pretty fast. Might be able to use some old army tent canvas and build in some adjustment to keep making it tighter as it gets older? Kinda like a trampoline?
I’m just thinking that foam is a short term solution having used similar stuff over the years. though I have always used it along with springs which do end up mechanically aiding the deterioration. Guess we’ll see! Worse case you re do it, medium bad case you wear a hoodie with the hood down when you drive it lol
Im not using it exposed like that, at minimum it will have vinyl sewn up around it. I'm gonna try and convince my old local upholstery guy out of retirement to do black roll and pleat all the way around.
I'm not following what you are thinking. I can understand how dropping the floor gives us more interior space. I don't see how lowering your floor eliminates a transmission tunnel. It would seem you would need an even taller tunnel. I'm not arguing, I really want to understand your thoughts.
totally, so I am doing something unconventional, but not uncommon, by running the bellypan under the trans, from bottom of framerail to bottom of framerail, and then sealing it up around the bellhousing and the back of the trans. so the whole trans body will be open to the passenger compartment. this means I will not have a tall tunnel, simply cause I wont have one at all. this will make more sense as I close up the gaps over the next month. hope that helps clarify, I'm glad to answer questions about why I'm doing things a certian way. Cause I tend to bend the rules a bit. also busy day in the shop today, hopefully new post tomorrow.
A good birthday weekend. Started Saturday morning with pulling the body back off the car, but before I did that, my dad wanted to try it out. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:05 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:05 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM Being almost a foot shorter than me, he fit without a problem, and should be able to drive the car quite comfortably. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM after cutting the tacks holding the body on, pulling the still fairly floppy body off, i cut loose the under dash structure, and began fully welding it, and finishing all the connections for the tubes. while I worked on that, my dad and Mike started making the "subrails" aka 1/8 flat plate, cut to the size of the top of the rails. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:05 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:05 PM I also pulled a couple strings and got a much better transmission from my dads stash. We decided that 4 bolts on the driver side subrail, and 5 bolts on the passenger side subrail with two under the door would be sufficient to hold the body on. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM I also cut down an aluminum trans mid plate to place the trans input shaft in the correct spot. (4 cylinder S10 trans) Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:05 PM I welded the under dash brace to the subrails and remounted the body, only to find two of the holes were in spots that don't work. so I re-drilled them, and got them bolted in completely. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM after a little cleaning and putting tools away, I was ready to pull the tamale wagon in for the night. Today after church and going around in a costume with my daughter, I got to mock stuff back up and play with shifter location and apparently Co-pilot trials... Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:05 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:05 PM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 30, 2022 at 7:07 PM The shifter is one that i've had for awhile, it's a tapered shaft, with an old bakelite knob stuck on it. hopefully i'll get a couple parts in the next couple days and i'll continue with progress.
Man that’s a lot to get done in a weekend. Six hands make quick work! are the holes in the subrails on the passenger side different front the drivers side - one extra bolt and several not on the same center line as the others- because of the functioning door on the passenger side and having to have the bolt heads accessible with the jamb etc in the way?
thanks, it is nice to have friends help. the holes in the driver side are all existing frame holes except the rearmost one. we tried to do the same on the passenger side, (plus adding an extra one for door support) but the existing frame holes are further out on the rails, so when I put the body on, two of them hit the body bracing. So, I had to move those two. so while random they are still mostly factory holes.
had a little time after the kiddo went to sleep, so I convinced the wife to come downstairs and sit in the passenger seat, since next year she will be riding with me to Oklahoma for the gathering at the Roc! Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 31, 2022 at 9:49 AM here's an overview of the cockpit area, I think the trans was in 3rd here? Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Oct 31, 2022 at 9:49 AM it will be really easy to get in and out with the wheel off (quick disconnect) but it is possible to get out with the wheel on, in an emergency.
took a night off working on the car last night to work on our Christmas card, but when Bettie came down to the shop we had to go sit in the roadster! Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 1, 2022 at 7:56 AM she really likes the new (old) Bakelite knob I installed, she kept wanting to shift gears! Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 1, 2022 at 7:56 AM we will see what happens tonight.
I got more done last night, I just forgot to take pictures of most of it. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 2, 2022 at 8:02 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 2, 2022 at 8:02 AM I did take pictures of my driveshaft hoops in place (beginnings of a driveshaft tunnel) I cut the rear crossmember out for clearance, but will be adding to the bottom of it for support. I actually cut the piece out, but didn't take a picture of it. I also tore apart an old third row van seat to steal the seat bottom foam out of. looks like it should work great, just have to pick up some webbing for the seat bottoms. I worked for a minute on seat base mounts, I'm gonna make the seat bases from plywood that can pull up out of the floor, the passenger side will be storage, the driver side, wiring.
I will also note that I checked clearance on the rearward driveshaft hoop, and the rearend can droop 2.5" and compress 5 inches without hitting the hoop.
You know you will now have to keep the roadster forever since you are making memories with your daughter. I screwed up and sold the car that I used to take my boys on road trips in down to the LSRU, etc. back when they were both still in diapers...
Haha I’m gonna try that rational at the next swap meet. “uhh timm did you buy a $4000 super charger??” “Well I kinda had to it was the first super charger our child touched at a swap meet in April when it was 67 degrees. The laws of father hood deem I shall not break the bind of this obviously core memory. I basically had to in layman’s terms” lol
well, didn't mean to leave that long, but I have a lot to share now. I've been making progress with the chassis, Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:04 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:04 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:04 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:04 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:04 AM I used the sections I cut off the rear of the frame to make a kick up of sorts to hold the rear deck and to place the top shock mounts. don't worry, they aren't finished yet. when I cut the notch out to install the hoop, it took the structure out of the tube, so I added a thick piece of angle as a rear crossmember, in order to add strength back and also close off the end of the frame. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:04 AM my buddy Ryan Pope sent me a care package with a near mint door for my T. (the Pirellis will get run on something eventually, they are the bitchinest tire ever made) Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM heres a shot with the deck sitting on the new rear framerails. I still have more to trim and fix. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:04 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:04 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM I also build the rear support structure for the vw tank, and cut the hole (poorly) for the filler neck. more in a minute. . .
Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM I decided to roll it back outside to check proportions again, since I raised the deck again. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM I also got a couple peoples opinions on the rear filler panel behind the tub, and I decided to emulate the front cowl piece and add a curved panel that connects the deck to the main body. I hopped up on a buddies truck cab to shoot some overhead shots.. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM I also roughed in the shock mounts up front, I was waiting on the new (to me) shell to final cut the tops of the frame. they are F1 shock mounts, with the little speedway add on shock mounts on the bottom of the spring perch bolt. once the mounts are done, I'll weld them to the bottom of the batwings, so they don't move. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:06 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:08 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:08 AM More random goodness while I swept the shop out. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:09 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:09 AM had to have another test fit with the cutest co-pilot Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:08 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:08 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:08 AM once back inside, I dove into making a framework for the inner firewall/bellhousing cover. finally got to use my sheetmetal brake I bought this summer. even more in a minute....
Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:08 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:08 AM on a bit of a corelated sidetrack, yesterday I met up with some buddies down in KC and had breakfast and visited a couple shops. we had a good day parking wherever looked good, and generally causing disruptions to average peoples Sunday morning. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:08 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:08 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:09 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 7, 2022 at 8:09 AM all in all a good day, and I picked up a couple of T grilles that are better than mine so I can cut the front shock . . horns? . . down. hopefully I can get it all mounted today. whew. that's it for now. we are now up to date again.
Finally got another night in the garage, I got a couple pictures of the gas tank mounting structure I built last Saturday. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 10, 2022 at 8:29 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 10, 2022 at 8:29 AM Last night I worked on my trans tunnel, I finished welding the rear crossmember and made a paper pattern (perks of being an artist with paper everywhere) then transferred it to some sheet metal and plasma cut it out. its kinda a weird shape with one hoop taller than the other but it wound up really nice. I then used some small angle I had laying around, to build the seat frames. I blocked them up so they matched the angle of the top of the frame rails. the seat bottom will be plywood with straps across an open center. of course I had to rough cut a piece of plywood and some foam to try the seat out. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 10, 2022 at 8:29 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 10, 2022 at 8:29 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 10, 2022 at 8:29 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 10, 2022 at 8:29 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Nov 10, 2022 at 8:29 AM Of course, as soon as I sat in it, I realized my steering wheel needed to move, so I moved the support heim further over, and adjusted it down a smidge. I may even be able to shorten the column in inch or so, but ill wait to see what the seat feels like when its more finished.
Is the floor pan (foot well) going to be flush with the bottom of the frame or ever a little lower…for extra foot room?
yes, I am building a thick bellypan that will double as the floor. it will be flat with the bottom of the framerails.
How did I manage to contribute by transporting your turtle deck to the Roc on the first page and only just now find your thread where you built almost the whole car in a little over a month. Fear not I'm tuned in now. This thing rules.
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