AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 18, 2020 Author Share Posted November 18, 2020 4 hours ago, mustang1989 said: It's all in the details Francis. Well done so far my friend. Well done. Thanks Joe, many more details to come buddy, some parts of the build are starting to take shape! Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 18, 2020 Author Share Posted November 18, 2020 Hello everyone, The fall tasks are behind me finally, so I have a lot more free time to progress on the truck. Before I left for work, I wanted to show you some of my latest progress if I can call it that as these are mostly modifications of parts already made. Few weeks ago I had a very constructive discussion on this thread with my friend Claude Thibodeau about the triangulation issue with my 4-link set-up. I'm not an expert so I relied on the experienced man and made major adjustments to the rear portion of the frame (position of the 4-arm brackets) and the bottom 4-link arms, I went with something as suggested so I really hope this fixes the problem for good. I am now over 4 major surgeries on this frame and may have more to do to get all drivetrain components positioned as intended. I have already started other parts for the suspension and rear end, so I will try to update the thread with the almost final configuration next week. Comments are welcome and very appreciated as usual! Take care, Francis Modified bottom 4-link arms with braces added (0.047" brass rods welded to the main arms). Test fit for parallelism and clearance with the driveshaft. 4-link brackets moved, note the additional opening for the exhaust pipes even if I do not plan to put any (just a cool feature I think...). View from the other side. Viewed from the side, the 4-link brackets are now approximately 0.160" lower than before. Picture (12/2019) of the previous set-up for comparaison. the 4-link brackets were positionned too high in the frame arches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoatGuy Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 Francis, WOW. I finally took time to catch up on the forum and builds. What a great experience seeing your updates. I envy the guys that have seen your work in person. I have had the luxury of seeing Tim's work in person and Dave Comp and hope to see their work again soon. I need to dust off my bench and utilize the inspiration from you guys. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 19, 2020 Author Share Posted November 19, 2020 21 hours ago, GoatGuy said: Francis, WOW. I finally took time to catch up on the forum and builds. What a great experience seeing your updates. I envy the guys that have seen your work in person. I have had the luxury of seeing Tim's work in person and Dave Comp and hope to see their work again soon. I need to dust off my bench and utilize the inspiration from you guys. Dave Thanks for the kind words Dave, It's been a while since I had your visit and your comments are greatly appreciated! I also dream of the day when we can all be together again in the same showroom, discussing our experiences and contemplating each other's work! Yes please dust off your bench and join the parade, it's good for the spirit! Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Colmer Posted November 20, 2020 Share Posted November 20, 2020 Excellent work, Francis! Both the distributor and four link are works of art. Very clean! Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobthehobbyguy Posted November 20, 2020 Share Posted November 20, 2020 This is definitely progress. At this point fine tuning is necessary for this outstanding project. Always a pleaseure each step of this wonderous journey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 20, 2020 Author Share Posted November 20, 2020 15 hours ago, Scott Colmer said: Excellent work, Francis! Both the distributor and four link are works of art. Very clean! Scott Thanks for your kind words Scott, coming from a great builder like you is an honor! Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 20, 2020 Author Share Posted November 20, 2020 3 hours ago, bobthehobbyguy said: This is definitely progress. At this point fine tuning is necessary for this outstanding project. Always a pleaseure each step of this wonderous journey. Thanks for the support Bob, having the approval and guidance of knowledgeable people is invaluable in getting a construction done right. I have a few more parts made for the rear suspension set-up so I'll probably be able to show you a temporary assembly next weekend, it looks promising... finally some substantial progress... ? Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claude Thibodeau Posted November 20, 2020 Share Posted November 20, 2020 Hi Francis! This triangulation is exactly what you needed. Some Funny-Cars are happy with just ONE transversal link between the lower bars, with 6000+ HP, so... your double triangulation is about 40% stiffer than that. I would dare say that it passes with flying colours! And the clearance for the driving shaft yoke is a nice feature. Way to go! CT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott8950 Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 Everytime i come back and look I'm more amazed. Francis you are very talented without a doubt.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang1989 Posted November 21, 2020 Share Posted November 21, 2020 Kickin' a$$ and takin' names the whole way on this one!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 22, 2020 Author Share Posted November 22, 2020 On 11/20/2020 at 5:13 PM, Claude Thibodeau said: Hi Francis! This triangulation is exactly what you needed. Some Funny-Cars are happy with just ONE transversal link between the lower bars, with 6000+ HP, so... your double triangulation is about 40% stiffer than that. I would dare say that it passes with flying colours! And the clearance for the driving shaft yoke is a nice feature. Way to go! CT Hey Claude, thanks for the comment! I was impatiently awaiting your comments on my latest modifications and your response is like the blessing I was waiting for my friend! I could have lowered the 4-link brackets even more for the clearance issue but it's enough and everything looks fine. I don't want to do anymore major surgery on the frame if possible, it has suffered enough... I will let it heal... I will be posting some pics with some pre-assembly to show the full setup this weekend so I hope to get your feedback on everything. Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 22, 2020 Author Share Posted November 22, 2020 21 hours ago, Scott8950 said: Everytime i come back and look I'm more amazed. Francis you are very talented without a doubt.... Thanks Scott, I'm glad to know you have this kind of feeling rather than being more disappointed with each visit, I'll try to keep going my friend, more to come!!! Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 22, 2020 Author Share Posted November 22, 2020 9 hours ago, mustang1989 said: Kickin' a$$ and takin' names the whole way on this one!! Thanks Joe! Your comments are always appreciated buddy! Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Williams Posted November 22, 2020 Share Posted November 22, 2020 Hello Francis, I've viewed the previous pages, and will gladly write that I'm smiling. Just wonderful! Mike.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragcarz Posted November 23, 2020 Share Posted November 23, 2020 Wow Francis, I’m following but I don’t comment much, I’m just in awe! Amazing work my friend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 24, 2020 Author Share Posted November 24, 2020 On 11/22/2020 at 3:19 PM, Mike Williams said: Hello Francis, I've viewed the previous pages, and will gladly write that I'm smiling. Just wonderful! Mike.. Thanks Mike, it's always a pleasure to hear from you and I must say that your subtle message makes me smile too! Zum Vergnügen mein Freund! Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattilacken Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Beautiful work! Chassis looks like the real deal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 24, 2020 Author Share Posted November 24, 2020 1 hour ago, dragcarz said: Wow Francis, I’m following but I don’t comment much, I’m just in awe! Amazing work my friend! Thanks Roger, don't worry i'm taking what you have to offer... ? Your comments are really appreciated! I really love your latest WIP project by the way, I will following too! Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobraman Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Don't know what to say that has not been said many times but it is a pleasure to see this all come together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 24, 2020 Author Share Posted November 24, 2020 Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay I was supposed to post those pics yesterday but I had a small setback or unforeseen when mounting the rear suspension. I decided to add a rod between the rear shock mounts for added stiffness but the Dana cover was a bit too thick so I had to make another one in order to get the proper clearance. There are a lot of pictures with the wishbone that was made last week, the new Dana cover, pictures of the suspension installed temporarily. I made a little video to show that everything is functional but it seem that the format is not supported by the site. This video is a first for me and it's not very clear, it was done with my Nikon Coolpix and I will have to make some other tests to get better results. I wll try to find the right format and make the conversion if I can. If it works, I will upload it later (sorry for the inconvenience). Hope you like the photos as much as I had fun (in every sense of the word) doing these things... More to come, I am now back on this build with more free time as I enter 'build season'. Comments and suggestions are welcome! Take care, Francis Wishbone component in progress Nut and bolt in progress Wishbone components, main tubes are brass and welded by resistance, eyelet is from RB Motion. Different view Alignment test Wishbone components Different view New Dana cover in the milling chuck Dana cover red anodized The two covers side by side for comparison. The new one is 0.030" thinner and I made smaller grooves. Suspension rear view. I love those fat tires! View with all the components installed temporarily. Different angle View from under Different angle Different angle 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott8950 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Wow thats impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Straightliner59 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Excellent work, as always, Francis! You have a resistance soldering unit, too? I love mine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gasser59 Posted November 24, 2020 Share Posted November 24, 2020 Such precise work Francis! I'm impressed beyond measure. I sure would love to see this in person one day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmericanMuscleFan Posted November 24, 2020 Author Share Posted November 24, 2020 14 hours ago, Mattilacken said: Beautiful work! Chassis looks like the real deal! Thanks Anton, I'm quite happy with this despite the number of modifications made so far! I still have the transmission support to do... I keep my fingers crossed for the steering/suspension fit at the front. Take care, Francis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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