Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series

[Dragsinger]

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.

[Dragsinger]

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.

[FireSale]

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

[Dragsinger]

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.

[Dragsinger]

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

[FireSale]

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

Dale

[Dragsinger]

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.

[FireSale]

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

[Dragsinger]

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.

[Dragsinger]

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.