Drag Car Project -- Chapter 3

Drag Car Project Chapter 3

June '98 to ---- August '98

After the decision had been made to go full tube frame, progress has actually been much faster.

All new exterior sheet metal was ordered (and received) from Mazda. A Pinto steering rack, heim-joint tie rods, steering u-joints, etc. were also purchased. Extensive measurements were taken, using the old body as a template, for camber, caster, inner control arm pivots, etc. The points were then changed to the locations we wanted for better front geometry. These were then mocked up in 3-dimentional free space using an incredible array of square tubing scraps and every c-clamps we had. Measurements were taken many times during every step of the process. The front section of the tube frame was then constructed and welded to the center section.

June '98		Front with steering clamped in place.
		View of left side with pedal box hanging in place.
		Shows our intake manifold (half done) and headers/pipes back from coaters.
June 14, '98		Took a LONG time to bump steer the front for correct geometry. Rack placement is extremely critical!
June 14, '98		It served its' purpose well. We kept it around for a little while, and then scrapped it.

June 27	First time on the ground as a tube frame car


	First fitting of bodywork (C-clamped on)

		Trailer is the background for the above shots. Here is what it looks like inside. The seats fold up, the tables store away - and just roll the car in.
We have been working a LOT during the last 2 months, but it's doing things that don't really show a lot. The above shots were with the new bodywork just clamped on -- there is considerable time needed to actually mount it all, and modify EVERYTHING so it fits right, and comes off right.
Aug. 21		View with most of bodywork temporarily mounted. Lexan rear hatch lid made.
		-- 3/4 front -- Lexan windshield made, and it pops off with a bunch of dzus fasteners.
		Interior bracing added to locate interior sheet metal panels. Good shot of exhaust. Thing by steering wheel is where shifter will mount.
		After MANY hours of work separating bodywork spot welds, building mounts, and installing dzus, the rear quarters come off !! That way we can get the tires off.
Aug.21		The hood is functional, but the nose is designed so it comes off in one piece.
		This shows the aluminum frame work we built to hold the nose pieces together, and to slip into the receivers on the chassis.
		This shows one of the four receivers on the chassis. The nose will detach with four pip pins, and four dzus.
More Aug. 21	Below are just a few random shots of the work in progress.


Next up: Continuing with the billions of little things to do Continuing with intake manifold Locations of major electrical components Wiring and hose routing decisions Interior sheet metal panels Parachute mount