Projects Belly Tank Build, NZ.

With the engine all apart and sorting out my parts shopping list, i needed to keep moving forward so i started the*****pit release system. I was going to use an old twist door handle but that was going to be too complicated so i designed a flush mounted lever setup. Marked it out and ready to cut. JW

 

The lever is made of 4 mm Ally and will pull two small cables that will run in some 3/16'' brake line tube to the latches. The hole is for finger tip operation and has a piece inside to stop a finger going in too far and getting stuck and that will also be where i push to get out. I hope it doesn't whistle. JW

 

Also mucked around with a bit of 3mm stainless and made an streamlined looking handle for it. JW

 

A better pic of the release lever. JW

 

Nice. Looks well thought out.

 

Thanks, i like simple. It didn't work out as well as i wanted as the piece that hangs down hit the frame so now i have to make it work with how it is. I had it all worked out but it will be fine. JW

 

Started to finish the front latch and hope to have it mounted tomorrow, then run and mount the 3/16 brake line tubes to the latches....still need to mount the latch brackets. The lever will be powder coated Fire Engine Red. JW

 

My mess! JW

 

Both handles fitted for a trial fit... i surprised myself. JW

 

And just in case, this is how it works.. from the out side and for me inside i just push up on the bit you put your finger in, too easy. JW

 

Great job, that looks very professional.

 

Cheers, i'm also working on hand forming the louvers sections to fit their respective position on the body, more on that soon. JW

 

Well i thought it was well thought out and with all the measuring i did it was hitting the frame when activating it, basically i phucked up!! So i will move the pivot up into the fold and start fresh while retaining the main mount and the lever bit.... i have a plan. JW

 

Got the latch mounts sorted finally, just need full welding and paint and got the tubes for release cables done also, just needs two more mounts nearer the latches and trimmed to length. JW

 

Also started on the louvers on the rear upper body. I still need to cut the F-Glass under them, they are all marked and ready. Will work on these this week. Will be glassed in with 50 thousand 3mm machine screws helping hold it in position while the resin sets. Getting exciting!! JW

 

Bit by bit it taking steps forward.

 

Looking good.

Cheers,
Harv

 

Thanks, five months to have it done now and i think i'm good, just can't slack off on it. All going well the engine will be done in the next four weeks or so. JW

 

Finally got the latch issue sorted AND working. JW

 

Welded the striker pin mounts and a coat of paint. JW

 

And the other side, it was a bit tight but got it. JW

 

Finished fitting all eight louvers on the top half, just need to be blended in. Will start marking some out on the bottom next.
hopefully the engine parts get here soon, just waiting on new pistons to complete the order. JW

 

If the Willy Jeep engine doesn't deliver what i expect i may look at this, factory 235hp 327 or most likely a 283 that i've had in bits for nearly 40 years.... mmmmm choices!! JW

 

Did you leave room for a blower on the small blocks? Just asking for a friend…

 

Looking good, keep swinging the axe.

 

Pretty slick!

 

No, Dave, as i like natural aspiration on anything i own, i do like them on other peoples cars though. JW

 

Thanks for the encouragement guys, much appreciated. JW

 

Okay so Hilborn injection then. On nitro… and a touch of hydrazine…

 

Carbs and good Gas is about as wild as i get. JW