Projects Belly Tank Build, NZ.

I'm concerned that you're going to have some big alignment headaches. Maybe you should consider adding a double u-joint yoke before it becomes a big deal to move major components.

Yep, I am fully aware that free advice is usually worth exactly what you paid for it so this is just a suggestion for something to think about.

 

Thanks, i have spent a lot of time getting the alignment right. That is a cool yoke. JW

 

OK, i now have it on all four wheels and before i weld the radius rods back on i would like to know what you think of twelve degrees of caster, this is what i have the spring pad set at but that can be changed. So.. your thoughts? JW

 

Its a roller!! lets see a photo. My tanks got 7 degrees caster, but I think more is better with straight line cars, need some of the more experienced land racers to chime in, suppose they're all at speedweek. Been watching all the pics and vids from this weeks action, sure does make you whana be there.

 

Two year ago i was arriving at Wendover for Speedweek and man did it rain! SCTA have a max. caster of twenty degrees so i went just above half way, my RPU is set at about six degrees and tracks well with good self centering so i did some long thinking that going much faster (very hopeful) should have a bit more. Will push it outside in the weekend and get some photos. I should have the seat back from work with its mods done to lower it around the chassis hoop. JW

 

SCTA has no max caster. 12 is far too little. @mctim64 was looking at making some changes to his roadster. Most suggested 15 to 20 AS A BASE. Like my setup, adjustability is king. I think mine is temporarily tacked at 18?

 

I ran 18* this year. Very stable on the long course at "almost" 200 mph.

 

Anything over 20 degrees of caster, requires steering stops.

 

And you will know this if you ever try to push a chopper, FED or Altered around the shop! Think wheel flop!!!!!

 

Never had a chopper, but the other 2, yes.

 

Thanks guys, that gives me something to work with. JW

 

I would use a Greek Coupler before doing that. Mark Williams sells them

 

I found the thing about 20 degrees caster and yes it has to have stop over 20, i will be fitting stops anyway. JW

 

Sitting on all four for the first time. I have ordered two more lengths of pipe in preparation for starting the roll cage soon. JW

 

I find this shot rather exciting as it's taken a while to get there. JW

 

Seat mods are done and lets it drop down over the frame hoop. need to work out its mountings. JW

 

Looking good JW, big moment in a build when all four wheels are on. Think I might have to rethink my caster angle Tman's advise makes it sound like I'm way off.

 

I'm starting to think my target of 150 mph is a pipe dream and feel that 12 -14* will be OK. I was just reading about the worlds fastest Model A, V4F and 200 hp and under 120 mph...mmmmmmmm. JW

 

What are you doing to address the firewall between you and the radiator?

 

Metal firewall form fitted to the body, most likely 3 mm aluminium with a flange around the edge that is sealed with the body. How this will be sealed has been on my mind of late. The rules state it must be sealed but not sure of what sealing method, was thinking of something compressible. JW

 

3m makes a fireproof sealant that comes in a tube. I have also seen fireplace type rope seals used between the body and bulkhead. Definately worth talking to the SCTA Safety Chair. It has been a couple years since I asked.

Here are a couple.

https://www.grainger.com/product/STI-Firestop-Putty-3BE63

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40065441/

 

Thanks for the info. I will contact them and find out. I like the sound of something in a tube. JW

 

Yes 3M makes a fireproof sealant and it is used also in electrical trade in explosion proof fixtures so can check those supply houses it is the same stuff

 

Since you are using a fiberglass body, it is required that you line the cockpit with metal. I have more pics to share, including the cage, if you want. Great job !

 

That shouldn't be a problem, that looks very nice, Marty and wish i had met you at the Nugget show 2016 . JW

 

Sorry I wasn't around at The Nugget when you dropped by. I am planning on going next year, hope we can meet up ! These are pics of Jim Lindsay's Lakester, and this is how I seal the bulkhead. Starting with a strip of .063, I bend a 90 on one side and a mild kick on the edge of one side. Shrink the flat flange the the shape, and bolt it on to the bulkhead.

 

That's very similar to what i had in mind. What is the thickness of the drivers area paneling? JW

 

.063 .

 

Ok cool, we are in metrics here so that is 1.6 mm. Thanks for the info. JW