Set up the subframes to ride height on clamped on some heavy angle iron to square up their orientation to each other.
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Set up the subframes to ride height on clamped on some heavy angle iron to square up their orientation to each other.
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From the first post "don't expect any rapid progress on this, im only collecting parts". Lol
I LOVE THIS. The forum needs more micro-car content.
Mr. Modified seems to work in a different space-time continuum than I do. Can you imagine if he did a "Quick" build?
I think it has to do with him not being afflicted with analysis paralysis.
He puts together parts from (entirely/wildly) different vehicles with such matter-of-fact-ish-ness-ity it's like it's supposed to be an obvious choice.
"Duh Derek, you didn't think of chopping a DJ-5 down the middle and making a mid-engine Mitsubishi Hi-Jet with a 383 Stroker with direct drive and no transmission?"
chandlerGTi wrote: From the first post "don't expect any rapid progress on this, im only collecting parts". Lol
JamesMcD wrote: I LOVE THIS. The forum needs more micro-car content.
NOHOME wrote: Mr. Modified seems to work in a different space-time continuum than I do. Can you imagine if he did a "Quick" build?
ebonyandivory wrote: He puts together parts from (entirely/wildly) different vehicles with such matter-of-fact-ish-ness-ity it's like it's supposed to be an obvious choice. "Duh Derek, you didn't think of chopping a DJ-5 down the middle and making a mid-engine Mitsubishi Hi-Jet with a 383 Stroker with direct drive and no transmission?"
Thanks guys, I appreciate the encouragement!
JamesMcD wrote: I think it has to do with him not being afflicted with analysis paralysis.
You have a point there. The Minion who hangs around my shop is a "Get 'er done" person, while I like to ponder the possibilities. The Minion claims that I am more in love with the problem than the solution!
NOHOME wrote:JamesMcD wrote: I think it has to do with him not being afflicted with analysis paralysis.You have a point there. The Minion who hangs around my shop is a "Get 'er done" person, while I like to ponder the possibilities. The Minion claims that I am more in love with the problem than the solution!
This. I don't see the solution - I see every possible solution, regardless of how berkeleying absurd they may be, or at least the ones I can identify. Then I work out the risk/reward for each iteration.
Got a Miata e-brake handle and cables
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Also got my hands on an Limited Slip Diff
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Cut the mounting ears off the housing
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Trimmed off the part I don't need
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And a blurry photo of the new mount locations
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Underside view of the diff in place
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The leftover bits will be used for gusset material. Just needs to be welded together now. The plan for the missing torque arm is to rubber mount the nose with a custom bracket using the torque arm bolt holes. If I need extra support I can make a bracket which you utilize the chunk mounting bolts. From what I have read, these pre 94 lsd are not the most reliable but my hope is that based on the fact that it will be propelling 800 fewer pounds with similar engine torque, that it will hold up. So yes, going with shaft drive and sideways mounted engine.
I dug the Bianchina out of storage today!
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Under the hood
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With a mid engine setup, the car should have a good sized trunk
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The initial welding is done on the revised diff mounting. Next, cut gussets from the leftovers and weld in.
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Turns out the replacement upright had a very worn wheel bearing. swapped it out with help of a friends bearing press
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Was all the alloy welding done with the spool gun? Did you pre-heat the casting before welding?
spool gun, yes pre-heat, no
but we did tack in various locations then welded in the small gussets in the center first. By the time we got to welding in the large gussets the entire piece was good and warm
progress
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In reply to Ben_Modified:
Wow, amazing work, as always! 
petegossett wrote: In reply to Ben_Modified: Wow, amazing work, as always!
Thank You!
I pulled an old project apart today to get to this
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It was powering an old reverse trike. The wiring harness is already lengthened and it has a geo metro radiator and built in electric fan
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It is only a 600cc but it will do for now. The plan is to mount the engine on a cradle that can be unbolted from the tube chassis so that a larger engine later will be easy. The bike has 100 hp @ 12,000 rpm and 46 tq @ 10,500. It is free at this point and complete so it only makes sense to use it for now. The diff is nearly completely mounted, photos soon. Also found the perfect set of tires, 165/50-14. Same overall diameter as the oem 12's and V rated for $48 each! Achilles Economist ATK r
Wow. Terrific project!
jimbob_racing wrote: Wow. Terrific project!
Thanks!
Today I finished up the rear subframe mods and diff mounts. I used a couple of leaf spring bushings and thick wall tubing to make up a front diff mount
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View from the underside
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Had to trim the retaining plates for the large carrier mounts
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Complete
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View from the front
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I added a collar and some extra plating to the carrier mounting bolts along with making the (new) bolts removable. The collars will also serve as a point to tie in tubing.
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Also, started on the frame. Both rocker panels are completely rotten and as the fenders are not removable and are rotten on the bottom, I am using a section of 14 ga 4x4" square tube to replace the entire section. The square tube strongly resembles the shape of the rocker!
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Rocker from underneath
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Shaping the sq tube
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I am going to incorporate a 4" inch body drop while I'm at it.
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Tires came in! Also got a great deal on some new but slightly wider factory style Miata wheels. 14 x 6.
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165/50-14....same overall dimensions as stock Bianchina tires..20 1/2"
Ben, you build some awesome stuff! Do you ever sell off the completed projects or just have em piled in a shop?
Lof8 wrote: Ben, you build some awesome stuff! Do you ever sell off the completed projects or just have em piled in a shop?
Thanks, I do sell them from time to time. The V8 Bug Volksrod will be sold when it is done and road tested for a couple months.
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