I dont know if you can tell from the pictures but the crossmember for the ladderbars roll up into the plate that is the base for the roll bar's main hoop. I feel thats plenty strong with the plate being welded to the floor but it is sheet metal. The decision was made to reinforce it. I need to handle wheeling popin, tire smokin, clutch droppin, insane launches ....duh, cant have it twisting. So I went ahead and made pie shape boxes that grab the rear part of the tube. Just used some 2" by 3" rectangle tubing, a hole saw, and a tape. The wedges will be welded to the hat channel/frame rail that go over the rear end.
Its been a busy last few weeks. The falcon was mostly blasted and the roof and 1/4's stripped by D/A to save a few bucks. Some filler and high build primer and were just about set for surface primer.
Car is looking great, I really like what you did for the header exits, they are really sharp and I am jealous. Jon
Yaaa this is the current topic of discussion at the moment. I think i know what they will be (thats my only clue). I think ill let ya know when its on the car. Lets just say it wont dissapoint and i wont have any fingerprints when im done.
This is giving me some ideas on my 63, not sure if the 2dr ht wouldlook good as a gasser or and altered. But I am going to look into it further.
I have a 63 hard top as well and i just couldnt do it to er. Those models look so good low and just the way they flow. Not really helpin ya i know but the sedans are a dime a dozen and hardtops were one year only for round bodies. But hey im sure you can make it bitchin no matter the case.
It actually does help. My original idea is still a good one. I am looking at cutting down the slightly wide 9" that the last guy installed, get the original wheel openings back in shape...it needs full quarters anyway. I am also thinking some inward mini tubbing make a triangulated 4 link so I can just unbolt the shocks to change tires if needed. Still up in the air on the front, I do like the sinister look of keeping it lower, but I need to get those shock towers out of the way. I have a 351w sitting here that really wants to become a stroker. I have put the frame rail ties in, the body was flexxing really bad with some of the work the last joker did. I am considering framing the car, but not with a ready made chassis, building the frame to integrate it into the car so it isn't apparent. Might involve a slight channeling. As much as the MII front end is way over used on stuff, I am considering it. I would also like to look into rack and pinion. I hate to change the car so much, but the last owner was trying to make it a race car, and he really messed some things up that I am not sure I can get the car back to factory strength with just fixing his poor craftsmanship. I have to say, you are doing some solid work. I like the looks of car in the after stages, and I think you are making good decisions based on the problems you have encountered. I like how you cut down the 3/16" 2x3 and tied the ladder bars in, very good thinking ahead. My current project is way OT, but I have had an engineer actually look it over. He was impressed, and he actually made a suggestion that made it even better. Truly a learning experience. Take care and enjoy your ride, it is a nice one!
Willy301;instead of a M11,how about a strut front suspension? A M11 mounts the engine in a goofy way,up and forward,unless you build a custom oil pan,plus I see too many M11s that don't have the wheels centered in the well!Which ever way you go it is expensive to do!! ROY.
Only just found your thread, read through from page 1, Its all looking great, will be a cool quick car, I'm doing a Willys gasser at the moment and you can't have to many gassers !!! Look forward to seeing more pics.
Wow! This is an informative and inspirational build! I hope you get it done in time for the Heads Up Drags (June 16) at Great Lakes Dragaway. We'd love to see it run there AND at the Meltdown in July! http://hunnertcarheadsup.com/ Joe
Langy, im still reading your thread! If money was no object id have a Cammer powered willys in the blink of an eye. Great work! Hellfish, thanks, ya cant go to the meltdown with out goin to the heads up. Thats the plan anyways
A wet sand away from real color. The color on there right now will just act as a guide coat but its not to far from the real deal,..just shiney'R . still have underneath to do and now that most of the indoor car shows are over its back to work.
The bird has gone rotary. Seriously if you can buy, borrow, or beg to use a rotisserie, DO IT. Makes life way easy. Just remember to do all your structural welding with the car on wheels or jig first. And before you all go ball bustin, yes the side bars would not pass tech. I wanted em and just am not a fan of swing outs. I know my lines fuzy with what direction im going but im sure if i could pull it off i would love to have it as a full comp car. But being real this is more of a exhibition/street car. Someones always asking what im going to do with it and i just say im doing it, having fun within my means.
Yeah that would be my fault. Dans been pluggin away on his own as I had my neck fused at the end of winter but im back on it light duty and one more week I should be cleared to go back full force to help. So ill get an update goin. Its really all the little stuff now thats getting figured out which is almost more work than just bending, sanding or drilling. I find it awesome that you guys like it. Really didnt expect the reaction its gotten and hope it doesnt dissapoint!
The Jalopy Journal
