Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Chris, you are welcome. This is an enjoyable build. I plan to carry the complete process all the way to a Division 4 super stock race.

More soon

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Like ---Trevor

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Friday evening updates;

these photos show the continued effort to keep the build level and plumb. Also, the chassis tables are moved away and stored until the completed package is ready for final adjustments.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

these photos show the right side factory frame cut away. Also note the factory bed mounts are still in place.

One of the very critical dimensions was locating the forward four link brackets and crossmember. I am happy with the outcome.

The remaining factory frame pieces will be triangulated braced with pieces of tubing.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

It is beginning to show the plan coming together. Lot's of measure, check, measure, check, measure, check.

Check tire tucked in nicely. The outside of 32 x 14 tire lines up with the front tire outside sidewall.

The new frame is 8 1/2" inboard of the original frame. Outside new frame to outside new frame is 23 1/2"

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

More photos of factory frame remaining on left side.Anti-roll bar roughed in, shock set up bars at ride height.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

The short wheel base is becoming obvious.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Four other race cars have called this their home away from home. I look forward with excitement to the first hauling of the Super 10.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Columbus Day brought good progress.

The wheels are hanging on the axle tubes, no axles, housing tubes are still oversize length. When finished there will be about 1" between side wall and frame.

This week Monte [Mr Sheet Metal] of Team Woodfin will help me lay out the preliminary cuts for rear tubs. Then the bed can go on for a full cut and tub design.

One hurdle ahead, how to modify the bed floor for rearward roll bar struts. Monte will have a plan soon.

Also note triangulated bars frame to four link brackets

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

It's a funny thing about surface rust. The camera greatly exaggerates it, the tubing is much cleaner than the photos indicate. We do have times of high humidity in East Texas. That combined with handling produces a light surface rust.

When all welding and fitting is finished the back section will be sandblasted, primed, and painted.

And another look at forward frame bracing

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

When looking a stock S -10 you might think traction will be a problem because of nose heavy.

However, in this view you see it is not much different from a car body. It has conventional "A arm" front with plenty of travel. The engine placement is good, 108" wheel base, so with the four link, quality shocks, and some properly placed ballast I expect it to perform well.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

So how do you cut a tube with an odd shape?

Wrap construction paper around the tube you intend to install. Tape well and cut the paper tube to fit the location. Slide paper tube over metal tube, mark with soap stone, cut to fit :)

Again, the camera is unkind about surface rust. That tube is much cleaner in person. The surface rust buffs off easily before welding.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

I had some crazy fittings to cut when I caged my Mustang like angles going into curved tubes in the halo. I found plastic pipe with an inside diameter the same as the outside diameter of the tubing I used and cut it to fit by hand. Then I rolled up paper and slipped it into the plastic and traced the cut and wrapped it around the steel to transfer the pattern. I used a hole saw based tubing coper on most of the fittings and it worked out ok. I broke down to basic math and geometry and measured angles with a protractor and plastic tubing for mockups.

I also found a tubing coping calculator on-line that is in the link below. The idea is to find the angle of the intersection of the two sections of tubing and enter it along with their diameters (usually 1.625). It gives a curved line that you can download and print at 1:1 scale and cut out. Then wrap it around your tube and trace the pattern. It's weird but it works.

Link: http://www.metalgeek.com/static/cope.pcgi

Dale

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Next week will be some exciting progress. The Super 10 will be rolled outside for more cleaning and sandblasting the new rear section.

In addition, the bed will be set on for a wheel tub fitting.

Turning our attention to the front half for a moment, the engine is almost ready. Just need a place to connect the plug wires.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

The new front motor plate does not line up. Looks like the holes are drilled wrong. plus it may interfere with the fenders.

It is OK because I have a saw :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

^^^ And a grinder and a drill press and a BFH...
Tools of the HotRod trade.

Dale

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

We have a good Saturday morning lick.

Monte came to the shop and helped layout the beginning wheel tub cuts. He makes the layout seems so simple and easy.

Standby for next week. The bed goes on for a test fitting of wheel tubs.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

I can really see the advantages in the truck body with this build. So much easier to work on the back half of the car. I mini tubbed my Mustang and will never do that again. 4 link and full tubs if I live long enough.

Dale

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Dale, You are correct. I have done several projects with mini-tubs and full back half buildups. The Super 10 is much easier because of the removable bed.

This morning when I was slicing the bed sheet metal I was thinking, "Yea, no dirt and metal shavings raining down on me!"

Being able to work everything from the top is a huge advantage.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Yea! Good progress! This is a trial fit and very close for the first checking. Slightly more trimming in a few spots and the bed will set on it's mounts.

Notice how well the 32 x 14 tires fit the untouched fender opening.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Larry,
You have build, raced and sold some nice cars in the last few years... This one is quickly becoming my favorite!
Keep up the good work.

Ken

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Ken, I agree. Each time I walking in the shop and look it over I smile. Also, the overall package is good. I am looking forward to some win lights with the Super 10 :)

Just now I am "fretting" with the headers. The header fitment is the one troublesome issue.

More post and pics soon.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Attention Class Racer viewers!

You are seeing it for the first time here, A new and innovative ignition system. One of our Team Woodfin engineers conceived the design while in bed with a fever. He says, "it came to me in a vision"

At first glance it may appear to be an old HEI distributor with a spare MSD plug wire stuck in the cam bore. If that is what you see then the disguise is working.

You may recall how new car designers cover the new product with usual looking coverings when road testing the new product, that is how we got the idea.

It is OK for you to know the basic concept because the patent is pending. [I forgot to pencil that patent pending logo on before taking the photo]

The internal, valley oiled distributor is driven by a worm gear on #5 exhaust pushrod. One of our team members thinks timing will be an issue because the distributor will stop at each end of the pushrod travel.

I think it will be fine, all we have to do is time the distributor stopping between firing cycles.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Back to reality, the Super 10 will have an excellent stance.

I do enjoying be different and that is reflected with the step bed :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

The up-coming weeks bring a change of direction for the Super 10 build.

The rear section build is in good shape, I am satisfied all the critical dimensions and components are right on spec.

Friday, I ordered all the Strange Engineering parts to finish the rear section work. Axles, spool, brakes, etc. The axles are of course special spec so it will be about two weeks before the Strange parts arrive.

So we now turn our attention to the roll cage system. Stand by as the roll cage install begins plus additional bracing of cab to frame.

The main hoop sits directly over the rear cab mounts. The plan requires drilling the cab floor, removing the factory rubber bushings, building a metal bushing to replace the lower part of the cab mounting. Then building some outrigger bracing to triangulate the cab to frame mounting point.

In addition, as the process continues the cab will eventually be welded to the frame in several places. The completed package will be ridged and race ready :)

Inside the cab once all bars are in place we will notch the factory dash housing to fit around the a pillar bars. Then, re installing the interior and the wiring can take begin.

A new round of photos coming shortly.

NOTE: I truly am enjoying sharing this process. It is my hope someone is encouraged to take on a home build. While I am an experienced builder and racer all of us had to begin with the first project. There is no better way to control cost than doing everything possible in house.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

I put a complete Strange rear end in my 68 Mustang. The UPS dispatcher routed a semi without a lift gate on narrow city streets. I had to field cell calls from a harried driver and talk him on to a sensible route and pick it up with my little not Super truck. I backed up to him and we crossed our fingers and gave it a shove. It's a beast. Came fully assembled, brakes and all.

Dale

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Dale,

we have even another example of work savings, buy the individual parts in individual boxes, vole! Each package is much lighter :)

However, realistically, when buying an item like a complete rear assemble that will bolt into a factory location it is most likely a good choice from the stand point of price and convenience.

Deal is , for me I have yet to build anything that bolts in :) If I am not cutting, grinding, welding it has not been properly modified :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Amen brother, I find if it's installed and removed 3 or 4 times I can generally live with it. :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Little Chief, lets us become one with the machine.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Larry, I don't think that ignition system will pass through the barn at Indy, you have to use points when the distributor is driven off the pushrods.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Bench,

My lobby machine is working with NHRA to amend the "must use points with pushrod drive" ruling.

I expect to succeed because they have already allowed running double valve cover gaskets.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Good to hear! That means my transmission is finally going to stop bitching at me!

Dale

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Dale, a person can learn much from a transmission.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

My trans has taught me the importance of flat parallel surfaces in regards to fluid retention. It has also taught me that people who sell racing automatics don't necessarily include the best quality pans with them. Assume nothing. Check, double check and machine everything. "Bolt-on" isn't. Same goes for SFI bell housings. 0.010 is the Grand Canyon as far as trans fluid is concerned. Flat means Flat.

Dale

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Sunday afternoon progress.

As posted earlier I decided to buy the roll cage kit from Auto Weld Chassis. My first impression is very good. All tubing is labeled and all cuts de-burred.

This photo in just off the FedEx truck and un-wrapped.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Auto Weld Chassis tubing kit

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

A donor truck is providing the interior.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

More about the Auto Weld Chassis roll cage kit.

This series of photos shows an initial fitting of the mail hoop. It is designed to go through the floor and set directly on the rear cab mount. The cab mount is re-located inside the frame.

The main hoop is intentionally cut slightly long to allow just the fit you want. The photos show it slipped through the floor and touching the cab mount [factory cab mount is removed]

The legs are too long as seen by the bar touch the cab mount at an angle. Once the legs are the correct length they will set squarely on the mounts. I will take several small cuts off the hoop legs to sneak up on the fit I want. Even will put the drivers seat in position to check fit.

A plate welds to cab mounts and hoop legs. In addition, the mount will be braced. In side the cab, two "struts" come off the hoop legs down to the floor.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

the 12 bolt Chevy housing awaits Strange axles, spool, and gear set. Notice the Strange aluminum caps yet to be fitted to housing.

The housing is not cut to length, you can just make out a chalk double arrow showing the left side cut.

Mittler Brothers pinion center gauge and housing narrowing kit is ready for service,

More soon,

ConstructionFin

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Larry, I can see everything coming together now.