Lateral-g Forums - 1971 Firebird build thread

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Little more progress on the E-Wheel today...

Upper Anvil Holder:
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_1191sm.jpg

Anvil axle:
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_1192sm.jpg

And the Axle in the Holder:
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...DSC_1193sm.jpg

I was able to get some machine time at the shop I used to work at. If any of you guys are in the Northern Ohio Area and need good quality engine machine work look up Medina Mountain Motors in Creston! Jodi will take care of you.

Chris

I think it should be very soon that I can actually start working on my car! :)

E-wheel progress....

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1199.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1200.jpg

Almost done!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1201.jpg

First metal I have ever shaped on an E-Wheel...

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1202.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1203.jpg

Guys like Lasse make the E-wheel look easy... that whole "tracking pattern" deal is not as easy as they make it look! I'm sure with enough practice I will get better at it though.

Thanks for looking.

Chris

Wow Chris....I'm really jealous. Thats one hell of an english wheel....not your cheapie version thats for sure. What did it cost to build if you dont mind me asking? From what I can see....there's plenty of room to pull my car in there too...:D

Hey Aron,

Thanks man!

It was a a great project. Kinda "knocked the rust off" the ol' fabricating skills. It's been a little while since I have done this type of thing.

As for cost I will have to get a final tally but it wasn't too bad. Probably a little less than the same thing from HF. But... add about 30-35 hours of time and it is pretty "expensive". LOL But like I said it was a fun project so the time investment is not a big deal to me.

I'll get you a total as soon as I can.

Oh, as for the space, my wife's and my car are outside when I am working. As soon as the Firebird is inside my car will be outside full time. Hopefully under a temporary car port! :) But the more the merrier... :)

That panel took me about 10-15 minutes to wheel up. I am sure once I get used to the tracking movements and pressure I need it will shape even faster.

Chris

I almost forgot, I got the frame cleaned up and coated with etching primer too...

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1207.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...d/DSC_1206.jpg

Ok cost break down for the wheel look like:

Steel 135.36
Hardware 14.80 My bolt selection isn't what it used to be!
Axle and Adjuster Material 9.00
Upper Anvil 41.54
Lower Anvils 95.85

Total 296.55

That does not include any consumables and such. But even if you add the Propane I used for heating the garage and the little bit of Argon, sawzall blades and such it is still pretty in expensive for a good quality wheel.

Chris

Really cool Chris, and thats not bad price-wise really. I know so little about how to use the english wheel other than knowing WHAT it is used for. But just that is enough that I'd love to have one. I have walked past the ones at Harbor Freight many times and wondered if they'd be useful enough to even get started with.

But as of right now I have too many projects going to even think about making one. My TA is in a million pieces, and if I have any hope of getting her on the road by spring I'd better just concentrate on what I have going on already..........lol. Not to mention that funds are super tight right now. I also still need an argon tank and regulator for my mig.

In addition, I've given thought to POSSIBLY trying to paint her myself perhaps once the weather warms up. Probably wont unless I get someone with experience to help though....lol.

P.S. - Its NOT that I dont like lateral g net...the opposite in fact, but I still think you should bring a copy of this thread over to pro-touring.com....I think lots of guys over there would be inspired by the stuff you've done, whether its repairing that bellhousing or building your E-wheel. In fact, they have a section over there for fabrication stuff and I think lots of guys would really be intrigued.

Thanks guys,

Aron I did not realize you needed the tank too.... that will set you back a little! I asked last time I was at my local Airgas and I think it was $220 out the door for a 80 sized bottle. Add around $85-125 for a reg and that hurts!

As for Pro Touring... I plan to start a thread over there. I was going to wait until I got rolling a little more but what the heck! I have a goo amount of progress so far... sort of.... :willy: (that's me going in circles FYI)

I am hoping to started on the first "true" car project tonight (if I don't end up having to working late). But like you said $$$ is tight so extra hours at work are not a bad thing.

After adding up the total investment I am pretty happy. The HF wheel goes for 349.99 (minus 20% with a coupon) then you have to add the lower anvils for another $119 (again minus 20% if you have another coupon) so the total minus the 20% is 375.96 plus tax. Sure you get the 2" radius lower anvil that I don't have but....

Talk to you soon,

Chris