56 step/C5/C6 Z06 BBC

[reinmeister1951]

That's good to know that Air Liquide stocks it. I'd like to try it.
I like what you have done with the corvette transaxel, I'm building a 48 chev coupster with cadillac XLR power train. I cut 7 inches out of the body to avoid lengthening the torque tube.

[Chevette]

Too many distractions lately, but the rear suspension is ready for final welding. Then it's cab removal, a bit more welding and at long last I get to cut it away from the frame table and put it on the ground. I figure another ten years and I'll be finished. Another 20 years and the truck will be finished too.

[reinmeister1951]

That sounds like the timetable for my coupster

[reinmeister1951]

Here is my rear suspension.

[Chevette]

Very nice, Doug. Wow, a lot of bending. What did you use for a bender, JD Squared or something fancy? BTW, what length is the stock Caddy torque tube?

[reinmeister1951]

I'll measure the torque tube this afternoon. I didn't build the frame myself, a friend of mine Ron Bougiie is a chassis wizzard. All bending was done with a JD2 model 3 with hydraulic assist. I have all the equipment to do a chassis like this but it would take me forever then all the bugs would need to be sorted out.
With a Bougie chassis it is right the first time.(money well spent)

[reinmeister1951]

Originally Posted by Chevette

BTW, what length is the stock Caddy torque tube?

The Caddy torque tube is 56" flange to flange. Bougie has some experience lengthening torque tubes if you wanted to go that route.

[Chevette]

Originally Posted by reinmeister1951

The Caddy torque tube is 56" flange to flange. Bougie has some experience lengthening torque tubes if you wanted to go that route.

Thanks for the measurement, Doug. I think I'm going to be OK with the engine position, but if I have to make a change, I'll give Mr. Bougie a call about the torque tube. I really don't want to change the length of the tube because it will change my balance and also, I've heard stories about "whipping action" with lengthened torque tubes.
I saw a build in "Lateral G" where a fellow built a Camaro and moved the engine way back and in fact used a wheel barrel body to close up the firewall. He was back about as far as mine and still had enough leg room. He wasn't running a BBC though.
Like I said though, if the engine position becomes an issue, I'll give him a call.
BTW, he's not related to Long John Baldry, is he?

Thanks again.

[xpickup]

Chevette, Truck is looking great. But do not weld it all in yet if it is going to be that long time wise. Then you can change it for c7 or c8 stuff . HAHA. I know it seems to be forever. Keep up the great work.

Shannon

[Chevette]

Originally Posted by xpickup

Chevette, Truck is looking great. But do not weld it all in yet if it is going to be that long time wise. Then you can change it for c7 or c8 stuff . HAHA. I know it seems to be forever. Keep up the great work.

Shannon

Hahaha. Actually I started to weld it up on Saturday, so it's too late for the C7/C8. I plan on having it on the ground in two to three weeks and on the road next spring.
I made a dumb mistake on the coilover upper bracket yesterday. I decided to reduce the height of the bracket so that I could achieve a wider range of spring adjustment (Phadt coilovers). The problem is, I had miscalculated and shortened it too much. Now I have to make a new one for the drivers side. Other than that, things are going slow but no big problems. Thanks for the kind words and encouragement, Shannon.

[Kabwe]

Chevette,

I agree with xpickup the truck is looking great. Keep up the good work buddy.

[xpickup]

Chevette, It will be great to see it on the floor. I always like when you get to a mile stone like that. Glad it is going well and at least you are having progess. It will be a killer ride. It should be really fun to drive when finished, and a lot better looking than a corvette.

Shannon

[Chevette]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

Chevette,

I agree with xpickup the truck is looking great. Keep up the good work buddy.

Thanks Kabwe. I appreciate the kind words. Now if I could only find a replacement wheel barrel tub for the fire wall.

[Chevette]

Originally Posted by xpickup

Chevette, It will be great to see it on the floor. I always like when you get to a mile stone like that. Glad it is going well and at least you are having progess. It will be a killer ride. It should be really fun to drive when finished, and a lot better looking than a corvette.

Shannon

Thanks Shannon. Have you ever thought of becoming a psychologist or a motivational speaker? You really are inspiring me to get my arse in gear.

[reinmeister1951]

Rather than use a wheel barrel you could come out here and form a piece on the pullmax and have exactly what you need.

[Chevette]

Originally Posted by reinmeister1951

Rather than use a wheel barrel you could come out here and form a piece on the pullmax and have exactly what you need.

You have a Pullmax? Now that's cheating. I may have some work for you. Here is the wheel barrel in a Camaro.

[Chevette]

I did some work on the steering rack today. I've been avoiding the front suspension and steering for a while because I keep changing my mind on how I want it. It's time to "focus and finish". Built and tacked in the mounts for the ZR1 close ratio rack. Now I have to get the steering shaft turned on a lathe to remove less than 1/16" so it will fit my steering shaft rod end (heim), then connect it all together. After that it's finish welding time.

[mknittle]

Looks really good

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by Chevette

You have a Pullmax? Now that's cheating. I may have some work for you. Here is the wheel barrel in a Camaro.

You know that sounds pretty hokie! but it looks good.

[wickid demon]

chevette the rear setup looks awesome. Do you have to widen anything to fit the stock width of the suspesion?

[Chevette]

Originally Posted by wickid demon

chevette the rear setup looks awesome. Do you have to widen anything to fit the stock width of the suspesion?

Thank you. Yes I widened the box 2 1/2" and thread #24 shows what I had to do to the fenders. The fenders are a lot of work. The cutting and welding is easy, but the reshaping of the area around the openings is very time consuming. BTW, your build is looking great. Keep up the good work.

[Chevette]

Originally Posted by mknittle

You know that sounds pretty hokie! but it looks good.

I think I'll do the same on my truck, as soon as I finish chipping all the old concrete out of my wheels barrel. Actually, I'm undecided at this point because I won't be able to install the windshield with those handles sticking way up there.

[wickid demon]

I like that idea keep up the good work and progress. Hopefully I can have mine done before they outlaw driving your own car.

[shadow1967]

(Chevette)
I'm looking forward to seeing more, when you get back at it. It looks to be a very interesting concept. I've been watching shadow1967's with great interest. I'm thinking maybe Camaro suspension and drive train on my next build (61 Impala).

Shadow1967,
Thanks. You have a pic of the 61, I always thought the 61 was the better looking. As I'm watching yours with interest. My next is a 38 sedan on a C6 with a turboed LL8 inline 6 from a Trailblazer for DAD.

[reinmeister1951]

Originally Posted by shadow1967

(Chevette)
. My next is a 38 sedan on a C6 with a turboed LL8 inline 6 from a Trailblazer for DAD.

Here is a pic of a 6 from a trailblazer that a friend of mine put in a 32 chev cabriolet. He made his own tubular manifold to replace the stock plastic one.