Update!

So I was taking a closer look at the plates for the Rear-Main hoop I had in-laid into the indentations built into the Miata unibody. I really liked the way everything was laying-in, but wanted to be triple-sure that the three plates were all fused together as one unit - and I had removed (in my estimation) 50% of that fusion when grinding the top flat (as shown in the previous post)

So I fired up the welder, and lined up my setting for 3/16" (the plate is 1/8") - lots of heat, lots of filler - it helped a lot - I then made the top surface smooth (again):

[img]https://i.imgur.com/sbacfjE.jpg[/img]

With the rear reinforcement all lined up I moved onto the front!

The box-section was already very strong - so I flattened it out, started laying on plate! (Also - don't hate on the Bessey wood clamp - my set isn't very expansive yet, so I worked with what I've got!)
[img]https://i.imgur.com/lNtAOca.jpg[/img]

 

Update (cont'd)

After I got the top plate and the side plate all lined up, I turned my attention to the curved door-bar plate. My door-bar design will essentially be an "X" shape, so the lower left and right points each needed base-plates.

I put the torch set to this piece - heated the crap out of it, then hammered the crap out of it to get the shape correct - seen here:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/xSxkvfG.jpg[/img]

All cleaned up

[img]https://i.imgur.com/cyao4SL.jpg[/img]

This is the front mounting point, all cleaned up, ready for the hoop!

[img]https://i.imgur.com/lokhTqj.jpg[/img]


At this point, I turned my attention to the rear again - time for the "actual" base plate - with the reinforcing pieces I had inlaid (previous posts) I was able to use full-heat when welding this plate - without ricking burn-through.

Seen here:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/Ter9lr3.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/tzCme5g.jpg[/img]

And now the obligatory welding close-up for all that online flaming "shoulda-done this!" comments!

[img]https://i.imgur.com/8Az5OQv.jpg[/img]

Self critique - I had a weak corner-finish, had some undercutting (moving too slow), had a bit too-tall of a welding bead profile (also moving a bit too slow) - however I was able to get good heat and good penetration - it will hold

 

Well, it was a productive weekend!

I was going to finish this plate last weekend, but ran out of C25!!! (I think I left the valve open)

So... I moved on to the seats! I need to establish my head ht. based on using the stock sliders (I'm 6'3", my wife is 5'2" - sliders are needed!)


So, using cardboard, I made some templates, and using the plasma cutter and some grinding, I thought I was all set!

[img]https://i.imgur.com/H17heu9.jpg[/img]

Nope.

Something went crazy wrong - they didn't fit up at all. So - remove - replace.

These were much, much better - within a 1/16" on all contacting surfaces:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/0yIpnMr.jpg[/img]

Seat fit in great - left it unbolted for now so I can adjust side-to-side (steering wheel centerline) until I get a dash bar in and secure the steering column:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/vLvlTih.jpg[/img]

I then proceeded to clean out the shop - HOLY CRAP - there's SO MUCH dust! It was EVERYWHERE - the photo doesn't do it justice:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/QD0urUs.jpg[/img]


Next - trim the legs for the main front/rear hoops - tack them in place - start ACTUALLY working on the rest of the cage!

 

Well - it's been over 6 months since my last post - a LOT has happened!

Bought a house.
Bought 4 vehicles
Remodeled a the new house (extensively)
Sold some vehicles
Built (mostly) a garage workshop
Removed over 60" of snow this winter already

Here are some of the highlights!

(Bought / Sold) 1979 Chevy C30 4-door with a 454 and 14-bolt rear-end:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/jbBl7gX.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/FoVEpSB.jpg[/img]

(Bought / Sold) 1981 Chevy K30 4x4 w/ 350 V8, dana 60 front, dana 70hu rear end

[img]https://i.imgur.com/inSPHbc.jpg[/img]

(Bought) 1989 Chevy C30 1-ton w/ 350V8, 12' flat bed

[img]https://i.imgur.com/vjgFIUw.jpg[/img]

(Bought / Sold) 1977 Dodge Ramcharger

[img]https://i.imgur.com/rK4R21A.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/FguW79v.jpg[/img]

 

The garage workshop!

Always start with a plan:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/O54Ubha.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/t8aqMkE.jpg[/img]


Overview:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/XdiFdSA.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/PZ43wP1.jpg[/img]



Before Starting:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/P5GB5OS.jpg[/img]


Started building - used old bed frame rails for the framing, 3/4" ply for the shelving

[img]https://i.imgur.com/9c7Ao6N.jpg[/img]


Everything installed, started painting:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/7amhYJk.jpg[/img]


(Skip a bunch of time)


Primary work bench:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/FbFQTYY.jpg[/img]


Overview:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/5aBZkL8.jpg[/img]


[img]https://i.imgur.com/waKtZFr.jpg[/img]



Gotta have the tunes and the whiteboard (insert 'Dirt-Everyday' or 'Road-Kill' joke here):

[img]https://i.imgur.com/hgfm7RC.jpg[/img]


I used 16ga hot-rolled steel for the door panels. They're hinged on top and swing out of the way (and my 6'-3" head) with gas struts:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/nC339LJ.jpg[/img]

Before building the shelves, I added:
(2) 220v, 60amp circuits (one plug by main bench, one by engine hoist)
(12) 110v, 20amp outlets on (2) new circuits along the walls and up in the shelving (for battery chargers, stereo, etc)
(2) 110v, 15amp outlets and in the garage ceiling
(2) 110v, 15amp outlets and (2) switched lights in the attic space above the garage

Obviously, I had to hack up the drywall to install all these boxes / receptecles. After the work was done, instead of repairing the drywall, I cleaned up the cuts and installed 8" wide 16ga steel plate along the cuts - seen here - and yes, the mteal plate is grounded

[img]https://i.imgur.com/L7n4CoW.jpg[/img]


PHEW - back to the project!

 

Started cutting tubes - FINALLY!!!

After 3 or 4 cuts this bit gave up the ghost - bought a 'Diablo' Bi-metal bit - INSANE difference

[img]https://i.imgur.com/aDyVHAP.jpg[/img]


First tube in 6 months!!!

[img]https://i.imgur.com/nLy9Xww.jpg[/img]


Some really nice and tight tube intersections:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/1XIHeC3.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/gEE29oy.jpg[/img]

 

Your use of photobucket means we can't see any pictures you just posted.

 

Yep

 

I'd love to see this, can you move to something like Flickr?

Yall can laugh, but I really wanted a Polaris slingshot for a time, but not for $20K+. This would be a far better vehicle for way, way less money.

 

Wow - I even viewed my posts after uploading / linking / etc.

Flikr? I'll give it a shot - photobucket is crap anyway - half the time I have to kill the browser window due to all the adds

 

If you're on chrome, you can use https://chrome.google.com/webstore/d...er-info-dialog

Switching to a better photo hosting site is the best option, but this works for me.

 

Awesome extension - I am using Chrome, I'll give this a shot.

 

Got some more work done last night - 1 hour = 1 good tube

[img]https://i.imgur.com/UmSmNe5.jpg[/img]

Two On!

 

Nice vintage Kenwood. I got a Marantz 2238B Silver Face.

 

Thanks man - my folks bought it new and I inherited it when they upgraded.

I enjoy working on home and car audio - I very recently I finished a very large home subwoofer cabinet - it's a 18" driver, 275L subwoober cabinet (this was one of the projects that delayed me from working on the Miata!)

Here's the link to the build (notice the older Cerwin Vega mains) :
MJ-18 - Box / Amp specs? - AVS Forum | Home Theater Discussions And Reviews

 

Don't be like me and make it a 2+yr build!

 

Hey man, I took inspiration from your new building half-way through your build! A lift is on the list of upgrades, but I've only got 8'3" headroom - so I might have to bust into the attic (trust me - I'm an architect )

BTW - When are you going to get your final / finished photos up? How about that front splitter?

 

Good question. I'll be wrapping everything up once I get the Elim back - including the front wing and splitter. Other plans include flat bottom undertray and diffuser. Since it'll be an aero drag beast, might as well try and maximize downforce and overcome the drag with moar power!

 

PHEW - Been a BUSY couple of months since I last posted - as in... wow - just OVER a year - lots has happened!

Going against exactly what Genesplicer warned against, looks like it has become a multi-year, multi-house project!

Here's some of the recent distractions:


Italy:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/xlzjA6D.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/9bhpnzE.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/6fX8Rsa.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/jPRYExQ.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ts5X9nr.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/HRmX8rM.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/qXczUCp.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/pZCE3AN.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.imgur.com/umoPuwd.jpg[/img]

 

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