Wow big project Russell, what sort of ride height will your frame give under one of these? Looking forward to this build. I learn a lot from your builds and the way your prepared to change and make parts better in your builds, I like this honesty.....
So I've decided to offer 2 ride heights for this, the C4 version. The problem with our C5/6 frame was final price and body modifications. Because of the required body modifications and the really high price because of all the special parts no one could afford it so we halted development of that frame for the time begin. People would call wanting one but after 3-4 hours of walking them through the project the call would end with "thanks for your time but I can't afford that" and I would be out hours of time explaining it.
We got the scanning done. We've been slamming out TriFive Frames and working out nicer instructions for it in the processes and that's taken up a ton of time but it will all cross over to the truck project.
I'm getting the data sorted into the computer then I can start with the frame design.
Got the data mostly sorted and I've been deciphering the factory assembly manual for what each model is, like a model 3104 is your basic short wheel base 2WD truck but change that 0 for a 5 making it 3154 and now its the 4WD model. 3105 is the panel truck but a 3106 or 3116 is a Suburban with different rear doors. You basically have to memorize all of these because a random body mount or hole will be on the blue print but have a number next to it.
So to make it simple. Our frame will only be for the Short Wheel Base cars or the 3100 series. You will have a nice place to cut the frame and make it longer for guys wanting to do custom wheel base cars (I'm going to make a shop truck with a 16" flat bed on this frame) and we might make a kit for it later on or your just going to have to put on your big boy hot rodder pants and just cut it yourself.
Now onto this car. I send these a few days ago to a few people when I just
So I wanted to check the motor clearance as well so I dropped the LQ4 in as well to see how it looked. The goal is to make sure you won't need mod the firewall and it looks like we're going to have plenty of room.
So I'll go over some of the ascetic choices. First I'm moving the wheel base out from 114 to 115. I'm moving the front wheels forward to fill the well better but I'm moving them forward by 1.00". The back wheels always look fine but the front always looks to far back and this makes it look correct with the lower body.
Feel free to ask questions and I'll start answering so I can send people here instead of writing the same email over and over again.
Nice work Russell! Just a quick question, will the battery be on the firewall or will you be putting it some where else?
Thanks!
There will be room on the frame in the bed as well as room under the passengers seat but people who want to run their battery in the stock location will be able to as well. We might make a kit to mount it down there but we'll probably just leave that to you guys.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick D
Russell what other frames do you plan on building?? 2nd gen??? just a thought.
Right now we do the 55-57 Passenger cars and we're devolving the 55-59 Trucks here an now. My plans are more trucks, A-bodies and C2/3 Corvettes. I'm not really planning anything for the F-bodies because I feel that the market is hugely over saturated but if enough people beat on my door I might change my mind. I'm always listening and making tally's on my list here at the shop. I've even got a few requests for 57 Cadillac frames on the list. But C10's have the top spot closely followed by the A-bodies. I feel the Corvette will be a good place as well. 63-83, 19 years in one frame, that's a hard market to overlook.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottieB
Can't wait to see this build unfold. We will have to talk when my Nomad is finished as I want something for my 61 bubble top.
NICE! They are longer at 119 but you might be able to mod one of the TriFive frames to fit with some work. Y'all should check out Scott's 55 Nomad project, https://lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=41965
So I just got a little more data into the computer about the bed and then I remembered. For a no body modifications frame the floor board of the cab and the motor aren't the biggest problem...... Its the bed and the rear suspension. Turns out at 6" off the ground the bed hits the differential pretty badly. So we're going with 8" off the ground as your "I want corvette suspension but I don't want to cut my body period!" option seen here. This will give you miles under the hood and a completely stock bed as well for guys who just want to buy everything OEM stock ish for finish out.
And 4" off the ground, seen here. The frame will be shaped as such that even this low you won't need to cut the bed steel braces just the wood to clear.
And just for you guys who didn't know this is 14" off the ground or STOCK!
And for it to all make more since here's a cool animation. Click to see the 1080 version with more detail, Warning the image is huge by computer standers so it might take a few to download.
I'm going back to work, you kids keep those question coming. Its egging me on!
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
just a thought.
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