Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

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Well, this weekend was a pretty productive one for the T. Saturday I blew it apart and prepped all of the parts that still needed welding on the frame so that my Son could do it for me Sunday. I still had not welded on the brake pedal assembly, the master cylinder mount, the steering box mount, and the two threaded plates that hold my front shock mounts. I ground all of the mating surfaces clean and had them ready for him to just come in and do the actual welding.

Sunday (today) we got these final parts all welded on for the last time, and now I can order my radiator and battery so I can make the mounts for these two items. I am going to go with an aluminum radiator, and haven't decided from what company yet. As for the battery, I am going to try to find more info on the small ones made by Odyssey Battery Company. They are gel cells, and are super small. The one I am looking at is only about 7 inches x 3 inches wide and 7 inches high. I need to know if it will have enough power for a sbc with no power accessories, so I will give them a call tomorrow.

Here is a picture of the T after I blew it apart, ready to be welded.

I messed that up.

Ok, here is a picture of it blown apart, then right after welding on the various parts.

So once that was done, of course I had to start bolting stuff back on to make sure it fit. (and to sit behind the wheel making engine sounds)

And finally, I built a little bracket to hold my gas pedal to the cowl roll bar, and got that mounted.

This week I am going to finish the gussets to strengthen the rear radius rod mounts, and figure out what to do for rear shocks.

Thanks for looking. Here are some final shots.

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

, I am going to try to find more info on the small ones made by Odyssey Battery Company. They are gel cells, and are super small. The one I am looking at is only about 7 inches x 3 inches wide and 7 inches high. I need to know if it will have enough power for a sbc with no power accessories, so I will give them a call tomorrow.

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/bci.htm Actually they're a dry cell rather than jell cell. I use the 925 and it works great. Should be more than enough for your car without lots of accessories and sound system demands. Looks like you're looking at the 680, only 210 cca at 0*f, might be a little skinny, but then you're in a forgiving climate.

Oh great, someone with some experience with them. So you think the small one might not have the kick I need? I could move up to the next one if I had to, but space back there is pretty limited.

Here is the one I've been looking at, Bob.


Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

Oh great, someone with some experience with them. So you think the small one might not have the kick I need? I could move up to the next one if I had to, but space back there is pretty limited.

Here is the one I've been looking at, Bob.


Don

You might get away with it if you've got low compression, your starter and ignition are in top shape, and there's not too much leakage in your wiring, as well as good grounds, but imho it's borderline. It'll be interesting to hear what they tell you.

your project inspires me... seriously, i look for updates every day.

Originally Posted by Create

your project inspires me... seriously, i look for updates every day.

Wow. Thanks for the nice compliment. I really am enjoying this build because of being able to share the progress with others. It gets pretty lonely in the garage otherwise.

Thanks again.

Don

The frame is looking good, Don. First thing that caught my eye is the heavy duty drive shaft hoop.... Being one of the fools who had the "catapault ride" once when I was young and invincible, I've learned the importance of the safety items incorporated into a build.....

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

The frame is looking good, Don. First thing that caught my eye is the heavy duty drive shaft hoop.... Being one of the fools who had the "catapault ride" once when I was young and invincible, I've learned the importance of the safety items incorporated into a build.....

Thanks Dave. Yep, I wasn't going to share space with a spinning driveshaft without some kind of containment device. I'm like you, I blew one out of the rear of my '68 Mustang, and my two Sons were sitting on the aluminum floor in the rear. Thank God it didn't come up through. My wife at the time never heard that story.

Don

you were luckier then me.... Mine was in a '57 Ford with a 390 and a 4 speed. Broke the front U-joint and wound up on my lid in the ditch before I even knew what happened.... But it sure was a good shift from third to fourth!!!!!

Ouch. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be pole vaulted like that.


You are lucky to be here. Darned Fords just make too much power.


Don

Don it's looking really good, it amazes me sometimes how much you manage to cram into a weekend.

Thanks Mike, but every year I find I "cram" a whole lot less into the weekends. It is getting nice now that it is cooling off somewhat. Can't get a lot done when you are sweating into your work and fogging up your goggles.

Don