That bending the frame rails is awesome.
So Alston isn't able to make custom frames if dimensions are given??
So Alston isn't able to make custom frames if dimensions are given??
CK5
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The Willomet Charger
- Thread starter AgDieseler
- Start date
A desecration to Mopar nuts everywhere, this is my protouring, LS-powered, 1970 Dodge Charger; built at my shop, Willomet Motor & Fabrication.
I'm a little cornfused.....
I've been lingering on this build for a while, and I thought the purpose of all of the main body, rocker, and subframe beefing was for strength... But now it's getting a full frame also...
I missed something somewhere lol
I'll catch up though, carry-on with the awesomeness
I've been lingering on this build for a while, and I thought the purpose of all of the main body, rocker, and subframe beefing was for strength... But now it's getting a full frame also...
I missed something somewhere lol
I'll catch up though, carry-on with the awesomeness
If I didn't know any better I'd say the rails look hydroformed to me.
As far as I can tell, that was the original lead filler. With the new quarters, the plan is to build a section that will bridge the gap and eliminate or minimize the need for that fat seam of filler. I've never been fond of it.
The Baileigh 4x2 mandrel bender is a very nice piece of gear, specifically designed to make frame rails.
Oh yeah. There has to be some stretching, just like there is with any mandrel bend. The radius is relatively fixed at 7.3"CLR, and you have to run .120 tubing (not .125, not .110) to make it all work right.
Unfortunately not. He's kind of the ORD for pro-touring - more of a systems and components manufacturer than a builder. Most of these components are on a shelf in a warehouse, so custom is not in their business plan. Without modification, the chassis would have required me to push the engine forward a minimum of 9" before accounting for an exhaust crossover or x-pipe, and I'm too stubborn to give up on my mid-engine. All good, and I'm still using their front and rear suspensions.
All the work up to this point was the build of the first revision of the frame/chassis. These rails are the next revision. A quick summary of the journey so far:
- Rev0 - factory rails and unibody, plan for subframe connectors, day-2 build: found a bunch of rust, and that plan died
- Rev1 - my take on a Roadster Shop center section, while maintaining front and rear factory rails with overlay plates to add strength: ditched this build when I learned the benefits of 33" wide front rails and a more structure tunnel to manage a torque arm
- Rev2 - my final version, probably, and what you see in the sketches to this point
One of the rockers getting bent.
David
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So I know it's usually a rare topic to talk about. But a major redesign and adding of awesome features makes one wonder. How is it being funded. I'm guessing a sponsorship of sorts?
Fair question, and you’re right about a sponsorship. There are a few other details pending announcement, but it will all be on YouTube, and I’ll share the links when they post. I’m kicking in my time, money for the new frame, and all the editing. It’s a good opportunity.
David
Seeing framerails bent both the easy way and “hard way” makes me tingly all over!!! Love it.
-G
-G
Same. All the bent stuff should get here tomorrow, but it’s not like I’m checking UPS daily. Totally cool about it. Cool cool cool.
David
Unpacked, cleaned up, laid out, double checking measurements, and it all looks right.
David
David
Did you keep that crossmember you had all fabbed up?
Looks like the front half of that is gonna be fairly stiff torsionally, what are you doing w/ the back - or just using the cage to tie it all in?
How are you running the exhaust past some of that framing?
Looks like the front half of that is gonna be fairly stiff torsionally, what are you doing w/ the back - or just using the cage to tie it all in?
How are you running the exhaust past some of that framing?
I have to fab a new crossmember - changing framing widths. The exhaust pass throughs will be structural, and that ties it all through to the torque arm mount. I haven’t fully figured the rear crossmembers, but there are at least two for the torque arm and shocks. Those are from the Chassisworks catalog.
Meanwhile, both quarters are now fully removed.
David
Chipping away.
David
David
Looks like you have part of a car...
If cutting up your car is cool, consider me Miles Davis.
David
David
“Okay, let’s go.”
David
David
That was well done! I really like how cool and unhyped you talk. Some videos are just annoying...yours is good. I will watch them for sure.
Thank you! I just want to be honest and candid, verbalizing the writing style I’ve developed here and on IG. It is a bit odd, too. Talking to an inanimate object is an interesting skill to learn.
Really glad you liked it. Next episode is being built, now.
David
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Very nice presentation of the shop. Brings back memories of 2016, when that car was significantly heavier...
You did it well. It's just sounds like talking, which is another way of saying it seemed natural and comfortable.
