CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
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.
It’s all about energy flow. Also, Amazon says my beret is on back order.
I worked at a friend’s to take advantage of his two fixture tables.
Also, as you can see, Erika’s stack of shiplap is large and squarely in the way of progress.
Everything is back at my place. I still have to do all the cap passes, T plates, engine mounts, tunnel hoops, and more things I'm forgetting.
David
Big milestone for the car.
Friday night setup.
Good day of steady work on Saturday.
Where we called it that night. One day, and everything is trimmed and (mostly) tacked.
Minor adjustments Sunday, and just a day of welding.
Strategy is hot root passes with just a tad bit of undercut, and I’ll even up and make it pretty on the cap.
Two days, a good plan, and some skilled friends. That’s how this junk got built.
I’m still kind of shocked that my idea from 6 months ago is now rendered in steel and sitting on my shop floor.
David
Friday night setup.
Good day of steady work on Saturday.
Where we called it that night. One day, and everything is trimmed and (mostly) tacked.
Minor adjustments Sunday, and just a day of welding.
Strategy is hot root passes with just a tad bit of undercut, and I’ll even up and make it pretty on the cap.
Two days, a good plan, and some skilled friends. That’s how this junk got built.
I’m still kind of shocked that my idea from 6 months ago is now rendered in steel and sitting on my shop floor.
David
Definitely the neatest car frame I've ever seen.
Back home after SEMA, and wrapping up the final bottom side root passes.
All that (temporarily) stored shiplap makes me realize how spoiled I am. We’re in the middle of renovating the front half of our 1916 bungalow, and the harvested material and refinished bathtub have to store in the dry. There’s a double hung window just out of frame. Most folks’ garages serve multiple functions on a daily basis, and I’m just taking a minute to recognize how fortunate I am that all 576 sq ft are usually reserved for my own purposes - fab work, various bits of hotroddery, and the occasional breaking down of a whitetail.
I wrapped up the evening with some TIG practice; getting ready for the cap passes. I had some leftover coupons, and got the pulse settings dialed for that phase.
As is the norm lately, I’ve got a busy week of (day job) work. I’m planning to get back on this mid-week.
David
All that (temporarily) stored shiplap makes me realize how spoiled I am. We’re in the middle of renovating the front half of our 1916 bungalow, and the harvested material and refinished bathtub have to store in the dry. There’s a double hung window just out of frame. Most folks’ garages serve multiple functions on a daily basis, and I’m just taking a minute to recognize how fortunate I am that all 576 sq ft are usually reserved for my own purposes - fab work, various bits of hotroddery, and the occasional breaking down of a whitetail.
I wrapped up the evening with some TIG practice; getting ready for the cap passes. I had some leftover coupons, and got the pulse settings dialed for that phase.
As is the norm lately, I’ve got a busy week of (day job) work. I’m planning to get back on this mid-week.
David
The episode covering measurement, design, and basic construction of the birdcage is up.
David
David
The house remodel is pretty much done. Deer season is done. Time to get back to work.
I snagged a rotisserie for the frame.
Now the car can park and charge, like normal.
It’s actually very easy to move around with one person. That might not always be the case, but it’s good right now.
Glad to be back in the shop.
David
I snagged a rotisserie for the frame.
Now the car can park and charge, like normal.
It’s actually very easy to move around with one person. That might not always be the case, but it’s good right now.
Glad to be back in the shop.
David
The volt looks good in there too!
I’m really excited to be able to weld joints in a flat position. It’s a luxury good for sure.
I thought that might perk you up. We’d trade it for an ELR, but there aren’t many out there.
David
After weeks away, I’m dialing my brain back in; practicing for the cap welds on the frame.
I’m going to include more prep posts, and show my in-process steps. Said another way, I’ll show the junk I make before the finished product.
David
I’m going to include more prep posts, and show my in-process steps. Said another way, I’ll show the junk I make before the finished product.
David
Last edited:
Totalled mine in September
Getting the frame’s cover passes underway (finally).
Lots of welding to go.
David
Lots of welding to go.
David
Cap passes are done, and it’s all still square. It actually does take all day for me to do this - all 150A pedal pulse.
Next up: probably enclosing the torque boxes to create jacking points. Maybe engine mounts.
David
Next up: probably enclosing the torque boxes to create jacking points. Maybe engine mounts.
David
If you weren't a good TIG welder when you started..... you certainly will be by the time you're finished!!! 
-G
-G
This project affords one much practice. Also, I built some lower links for a jeep right before, which further calibrated my brain.
David
David
Rev2 engine mounts are off to the laser shop.
David
David
Mid chassis crossmember is off to the laser shop. I'm trying to design one a week, and keep the pipeline for assembly fully loaded. Also, I get to multi-task while traveling for work.
David
David
