Projects Belly Tank Build, NZ.

Will never give up on it and it's warmer now so will be spending more time on it. JW

 

It pains me to say this but I wouldn't worry about Bonneville. The Aussies seem to have better salt anyway. Shoot for a Lake Gairdner event instead, way closer to home.

 

Bonneville was the #1 goal for nostalgic reasons and Aussie would be easier, at the end of the day i can still run it here all in a few hours or less. It's not over by any stretch and to finish it and run it was the main target. We have some great beaches on our West Coast that equal Pendine and would be cool if something could happen but red tape would kill that. Will keep moving forward and see where we end up. Back to building, more progress soon. JW

 

Don't know of any beaches here on West Island that will let you run Pendine style, though Crowdy Head does run a sand drags each year:
https://www.drag-ens.com.au/rattletrap-history
https://barringtoncoast.com.au/whats-on/rattletrap


Sellicks Beach also does crotch-rocket racing:
https://www.levismcc.asn.au/faq

Cheers,
Harv

 

Small bit of progress, made two brackets for clutch and accelerator hydraulic hoses and a cool mount, also a hydraulic line. Next up will be the clutch actuation system. Taking it to a local show next month so i need to have it looking like i have done something on it since last November. JW

 

Just noticed a little detail. The hitch clips on the hydraulic lines. Another idea to plaigerize...

 

Thanks, Dave i surprise myself sometimes.... little things that make servicing etc easier and with the long hoses i can remove the system (s) and lay then over the side without undoing the hydraulics. JW

 

You are a mechanically inclined individual, a fitter, welder at that so in my career I have noted the genius of Fellas like you...an important part of the structure that is the engine of a Company...

When you get home...those gloves are swapped for the Shop mitts...there you can apply that same magic...and yeah...it's many times a moment for a personal fist pump...followed by a warm smile and gentle shake of the head...that you nailed it again...even for the simple ones...where its really just another day at the shop...good for the heart really...

 

Well thanks, Steve. Back in the late 70's i trained as a mechanic, then an engine assembler (mostly SBC's) and thats when i built the 301 in my RPU, for the last 25 years i have been doing disability vehicles where you need to be creative with a few disciplines so the only thing that is really hard is making the time and making sure i am note spending too much. JW

 

Was going to have a bigger update with the firewall tacked in and the V belt tensioner but i injured a finger at work and was unable to finish what i had to do before bringing the bits home, waiting to be seen at the hospital for 8 1/2 hours with a pallet staple through your finger really buggers up planned progress. Anyway i have got most of the bits made for the belt tensioner and the firewall will now be a couple days away. Also working on the design of the clutch actuation.
The tensioner wheel from a ride on lawnmower. JW

 

Are you allowed to run a hydraulic throttle? I know NHRA banned them.

 

That has been asked before and they are mentioned in the SCTA rule book (2019),page 46-3.j. Thanks. JW
Edit; you asked that question two years ago in post #273.

 

...get well soon JW...hope all is intact minus a hole or two...some progress buffers the pain...a little...wait times of that long with that...double ouch...

 

Thanks, Steve, just two holes in my left index finger and its swollen. The staple was in there so long my finger healed around it. The only time it hurt was from pulling it out, that took some force!!
The problem is when you work with you hands as i do they are in the firing line and shit happens. JW

 

I bet it only hurt when you picked your... nose?

Hey I'm keeping the humor rated g.

Hurry up and heal up. And keep up with the progress updates, regardless of how small or large. It'll take your mind off of the pain.

Well, that and a large whiskey

 

It took about three attempts to get the tensioner to where i was happy (ish). Will finish welding it and give it a tidy up. JW

 

Got the top cut on the firewall, this is to allow me to run it without having to finish the fairing and easy to change up later, also got the shifter boot flange fitted. Still need to do final trim around the top half for the body and allow for the sealing flange. JW

 

Made the bits for the clutch actuation. The cylinder has 30mm of travel and i hope the throw out fork requires less.....if not i will mount the cylinder down the bottom in a bell crank system, JW

 

Looking great JW! subscribed. Reminds me of another car on here....... I just can't seem to remember which one!

 

Welcome aboard, Wade, i will try and keep the updates (progress) regular. JW

 

Just skimmed through the build mate. Awesome progress, look forward to seeing it in the flesh. We are nearly finished on the tow wagon for our roadster, ready to drag it around the country in total comfort (heated seats for my buggered back)!

 

As we get older we realize comfort is under rated. Look forward to catching up somewhere down the road. JW

 

Back from the show and about to push it back into the workshop. Won Best Other at the show... COOL. JW

 

Well done!

 

Yes weld done...catch that JW......still a bit of that to do...maybe...

Congrats, a little boost for the heart and sore finger...

 

Thanks guys, must keep the momentum going. Now i put all i have for it in it for the show its given me a good kick in the pants for more progress. JW

 

The engine bay has most of whats going to be in there now and i have some spare room under the exhausts and shifter rod thingie, i'm thinking of a water tank with 3 or 4 gallons of coolant connected via the heater fittings, i will make some mounts just in case i do go that way. Also need to look at making the oil pan much larger- two gallons or so. JW

 

Really wanted to see if my calculations for the clutch set up worked or not, made two remaining hydraulic lines and got my assistant Mrs W to help bleed it and it works. Selected a gear and checked it disengaged by turning the output shaft. JW

 

It progress well.
I used to think its small and narrow to build a T.
But when i see your build and a friend of my that build a Super 7 i cant really complain.

 

Thanks, Mate, when you get in it's tight but very comfy and if i put my feet between the pedals i can straighten my legs. getting in and out i need to turn my shoulders sideways. JW