Rockin' Rudy the Wicked Welder!!!

[Fat Hack]

Just got back from a cross-town jaunt to Roadstar's shop and back...brought him some crudely cut cardboard templates and he turned 'em into Magnificent Metal Motor Mounts in little more than an hour!

Even though I didn't do any of the REAL work myself,(well, I actually DID trace the template patterns onto the metal!), I learned a great deal from looking over the Master's shoulder as the sparks flew!

Never even SEEN a plasma cutter before, and Rudy took the time to explain a little bit about what it is and how it works as he proceded to quickly and skillfully cut the shapes out with the thing...too cool for words!

(Man, it does the job WAY faster than my hacksaw would have! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Once cut, he got out an air powered...ummm...wheel thingy and made 'em smooth with a few deft passes using some large round sanding discs...I use a hand file for that type of thing...but I would have spent about two hours where Rudy spent five minutes!

After the pieces were cut and sanded, he broke out the Mig welder and zapped 'em together! PRESTO...instant custom made frame mounts perfectly suited for mounting a dippy little V6 (or any engine, really!) into a rusty old 49 Chevy!!!

That's quality and service ya just can't BUY, people!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I'll get some pics of these stellar mounts up sometime...the turn-around time on taking and developing pictures with stone-age 110 film is over a WEEK, now...but they look perfect for the car!

(Can't paint 'em up too nice or anything...don't wanna hide Roadstar's pretty welds...and if the part gets painted, it'll look outta place on my old heap...patina it is!!!)

Now, I just gotta drill the bolt holes and drop 'em in! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Thanks a million, Rudy...drinks are on me next time we get together!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Oh yeah...I saved the templates in case anyone ELSE wants to run a V6 in their 49-54...line forms to the right, people...I'll trace 'em and send 'em to whoever wants 'em!!!

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[4t64rd]

'lectricity, it's a good thing!

Martha's gonna get to see her new digs Friday.

[BARNETT]

well...let's see the motor mounts! I'm such a low-rent-mofo, I made mine outta left-over 2x3 from the frame. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif I'm happy with mine, but I'm betting yours look a little nicer. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[choprods]

Kudos to Roadstar....he IS a good-"GUY" http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

[Fat Hack]

Just finished drilling and installing the mounts...they hold the motor PERFECTLY! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

(There's still some minor fit issues with the engine in that chassis, all steering related, but that's no fault of the mounts...just some little quip from Physics class about two objects trying to occupy the same space at the same time!!)

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When turned to full lock one way, the steering arm contacts the starter...not much, just touches...and only at full lock. I can live with that.

The oil pan clears the linkage with the wheels straight, but the linkage brushes against the sump slightly while turning (you can't really feel it in the wheel, but you can see it)...I can maybe pry and bend the pan a bit to clear it completely.

(Did they have crackheads in the 40s? Must have at least ONE...he designed the geometry on that 49 Chevy steering linkage for sure...moves in ways it shouldn't!!)

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Roadstar is The MAN on fabrication, though...the frame mounts worked out GREAT!!!

(And they even look kinda cool...home-grown feel with nice, strong welds! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif)

Thanks AGAIN, Bro!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[roadstar]

Glad I could help. Small fab jobs like that can actually be fun. Building cars is a long drawn out process so doing small details and finishing them in the same day is a real treat http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif.

I'm looking forward to seeing the finished engine swap now. To tell ya the truth I'm not sure anyone has ever put a 2.8 in a early 50's Chevy.

YOu Rule Hack http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[choprods]

Thats what hot rodding is PIONEERING!!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Hell if it would fit we wouldnt want it-
and you could buy it cheeper at WAL MART!

[flatheadpete]

Glad to hear things are progressing, Hack. Rudy obviously rocks!!! Can't wait to see this beast in person!! Pete