Chaz's post from the tank site today: http://kaparich.homestead.com/bellyapril09.html Today was origami day at the shop. We need to build a water tank to keep our engine cool during its runs, and space is getting to be hard to come by on this project. We brought along a bunch of tape and cardboard to make a cardboard dummy of the tank to be sure everything would fit alright before making one out of steel. The steering shaft is right in the way, so we decided to make a tube pass through the tank to allow room for the shaft. We used foamcore and mat board for the mockup cause its a lot stiffer than posterboard. Its a LOT easier to work with Here's a picture of the shape the tank will take. It lops over the tranny in order to get 20 gallons of volume It took several trial fits and revisions before it would clear everything, but finally we got it!
I remember telling another landspeed racer that we actually had plenty of room for everything in our bellytank. "Just wait " he said "You'll be looking for every extra spare inch before you're done." He couldn't have been more correct!
Chaz, I really want to be there for the maiden voyage. I just need some lead time to get off work. Doc.
Awesome project! Can you take/post some wide shots? Sorry if you have already chatted about it, but, are you sitting in front of the engine that is pointing backwards? Is this front wheel drive also? I finally made it out to Bonneville a few years ago and the Bellytanks were definitely my favorite. Again, awesome project.
Doc, we will be sure to give you plenty of time, but as of now it does not look like we will be there this year, So plan on next yr for sure. Click on the link at the top of the first post to see the whole build, there are plenty of photos. Yes it is front wheel drive, and we are sitting behind the engine, but it is pointing backwards.
Yeah, it kinda bums us out too, But we gotta get it right and it just does'nt look like we are gonna get there in time for this year. We do look forward to you coming thru on your way back home and you can sit in it and make engine sounds. "VROOM, VROOM"
I lovethe headers! it looks like the steering shaft runs through where the carb will be? are you going fuel injection?or do you have a custom sbc intake that will clear the shaft?
Hey Jon, Stop out sometime. The shaft actually runs right between the valve cover and the intake. You can see it a little better from this angle.
I see! that first pic, the shaft looks like it is running right down the center of the motor. what day are you guys out there? winters over, so I am overdue for a visit.
Well you have a good start but I imagine there will be a few snags along the way. Good luck and please keep us posted on your progress.
The Jalopy Journal
