Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series

[Dragsinger]

One of my goals with the Super 10 building series is to show other's what can be accomplished at home or shop with common tools and making do with what you have.

Yet, at the same time, no compromise in strength, accuracy or performance. It is my hope other racers will be encouraged to take on a home built project.

The S-10 presents at least two helpful construction advantages.

[1] It has a beefy full frame.

[2] You can remove the bed for easy access to the rear section construction.

Of course, in no way to limit the options because there are many choices. The idea is, step out of your comfort zone and go for it, the rewards are many.

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Your work must be accurate. In addition, you will try something and it will not fit as expected. Do not be discouraged. Walk away, take a break, give yourself time to think about the options.

The first pic shows the front wheel base measure point. It is simply a screw into the plywood top that allows hooking a tape over.

The next two pics show the rear axle center ref on table and square bring center line up to housing

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In the above third pic you can see a temporary strap holding rear housing in position. Also note housing center is 16" off table for 32" tire.

Next we see the shop built four link bracket assembly on the welding table.

It is an option to buy this assembly completely welded with frame rails. However, I built it in house for at least two reasons.

[1] money saved
[2] experience with fabrication and welding

The bar through the brackets is a temporary jig to help align the assembly

[Dragsinger]

speaking of learning and experience; my MIG skills are good, but TIG is new to me. I bought a new Miller 200 Dynasty DX with the goal in mind of learning to TIG weld.

It takes practice and patients but I am coming along OK. This is an example of on-going lessons.

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these photos show to keep an eye on your setup. Frame level, cab level, front crossmember blocked to ride height. The front springs are removed so frame can be blocked to ride height.

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these pics show a temporary crossmember, center line string, shock setup bar, and rearward piece of new frame.

Next week will bring more rear section progress. Please stay tune and post any thoughts.

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Friday afternoon Super 10 update.

There is good progress since the last post. This photo shows the new in-board frame tack welded in position. This is version "E" [ versions A - D were experimental mock ups ] That is my story and I am sticking to it

Notice LPW heavy duty rear cover for the 12 bolt. I have run the LPW with several other cars and I think it is a good idea that helps gear life.

Also notice the trusty center string. Measure, measure, measure, be patient, take a drink of water, measure, measure. I am now satisfied with the new frame rails and ready to finish weld all joints.

Other things to notice, [4] temporary crossmembers. All four will be removed after finished welding. And notice shock mounds and ride height jigs. All measurements check good, frame square, shocks same height, front four link brackets same height off table, rear housing at ride height, wheel base correct. Whew!

Did I talk about patience and measuring?

[Dragsinger]

The next two photos show more details. You can begin to see how the outer factory frame will be cut away once the new frame is finish welded. Also there will be several outrigger braces. In addition, an anti-roll bar crossmember will locate approximately above the rear housing.

It is a good feeling to see the plan begin to take shape as expected.

I expect next week will show more progress. Stay tuned.

[chris ok]

thanks for taking us along the build Larry. This is really great.
Chris

[Dragsinger]

Saturday morning progress;

this morning the anti-roll bar crossmember and tabs to mount the bar went in place. You will see one of the R J Race Cars bushings for the bar mount setting on it's tab.

Also, one of the temporary crossmembers has been removed.

These beautiful fall mornings are a welcome change from our Texas sweating days !

More soon.