Project Frankenbird - 1968 Pontiac Firebird - Page 13 - Lateral-g Forums

bdahlg68 · #**121** 09-30-2013, 07:23 AM

Made some more progress on the frame rails... Welds are getting prettier as I get used to reading my welds and adjusting wire speed and output. Also getting used to the plasma cutter. Roughed out the first spring pad, cut for the angles, and partially welded back together. I ran out of wire (doh) so I just need to finish welding and clean up the edges. Probably going to need to cut back the leading edge to clear the upper control arm attachment to the subframe as well. I have another one rough cut, but I'm not super happy with how it came out. It was the first one I made. So I might need to make another one. These are made out of 3/16" plate, so it's not the easiest to cut. The rear spring rates on these cars is 400-500 lb/in, so I just want to be sure it's stiff. It will be framed in and capped as well - but will probably drop to 1/8" or 11g for that.

I've had a few issues with the plasma unit, but Eastwood has been great. Need to replace the air control solenoid as the plastic lines seem to just keep popping out of it. They sent me a new one so just need to install. Hope that takes care of the issues.

bdahlg68 · #**122** 10-05-2013, 08:00 PM

Getting closer on the rear frame. Ended up having the spring pads CNC plasma cut (thanks for the cad help Aaron). So those are done and tacked on the frame. Time to see if I can use the threaded inserts out of the BMW rails I have. Then I just need to fab up the shock towers.

**WSSix** · #**123** 10-06-2013, 06:42 AM

Cool. Glad to see progress being made on the car, Brian. Good luck!

65_LS1_T56 · #**124** 10-06-2013, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdahlg68

Getting closer on the rear frame. Ended up having the spring pads CNC plasma cut (thanks for the cad help Aaron).

hey no problem. You need to download Draftsight...it's free. http://www.3ds.com/products-services...ight/overview/
It would work great for making plasma profiles quickly.

RussMurco · #**125** 10-07-2013, 06:46 AM

Oh, I so want to see this installed! Keep rolling!!!

bdahlg68 · #**126** 10-21-2013, 07:57 AM

Slowly but surely.... the subframe now bolts to the frame rails at all 4 corners and I starter to box in the spring pads. Goal is to have this done including the shock towers before it's too cold in the garage. Feel like my welds are getting better even though they still aren't super pretty. Any suggestions for continued weld improvements are welcomed (besides just practice - which I am trying to do).

**GregWeld** · #**127** 10-21-2013, 08:24 AM

Brian -- Some of what you're seeing is that your metal is not super clean -- and that means INSIDE and out.... and when oil/grease etc gets hot - it's gets sucked into your weld puddle and will cause holes and discoloration etc.

bdahlg68 · #**128** 10-21-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Brian -- Some of what you're seeing is that your metal is not super clean -- and that means INSIDE and out.... and when oil/grease etc gets hot - it's gets sucked into your weld puddle and will cause holes and discoloration etc.

Cool. Thanks for the tip. Definitely ignored the inside. Will research cleaning tips and techniques for inside if tubes.

RussMurco · #**129** 10-21-2013, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdahlg68

Goal is to have this done including the shock towers before it's too cold in the garage.

I'm feeling for ya! We got our first snowflakes this morning and I just got the darn car in the garage but new radiant heaters and new lamps are on the way so I may be able to salvage some winter work out of it!

**geberhard** · #**130** 01-27-2014, 02:45 PM

Brian, how are things going? Any updates on the project?

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