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What is everyone working on in the off season.

We want the trans and pinion C/L to be parallel under power. The rear axle rotates upward at the nose under acceleration. This is the reason we add extra pinion angle. Leaf springs move the most. Adding traction bars, Cal Tracks, etc limits this movement. Ladder bars limit it even more, 4 links more yet. It's very possible that the trans is angled down at the rear. In some cases if the trans angle is enough, the pinion could actually point upwards in relation to the ground. Remember parallel pinion/trans. Then add what ever extra angle your suspension type requires. read more here;
https://www.dragzine.com/tech-stori...-angles-increase-torque-and-improving-hook-2/
Doug

Exactly right!

Bryand
 
We want the trans and pinion C/L to be parallel under power. The rear axle rotates upward at the nose under acceleration. This is the reason we add extra pinion angle. Leaf springs move the most. Adding traction bars, Cal Tracks, etc limits this movement. Ladder bars limit it even more, 4 links more yet. It's very possible that the trans is angled down at the rear. In some cases if the trans angle is enough, the pinion could actually point upwards in relation to the ground. Remember parallel pinion/trans. Then add what ever extra angle your suspension type requires. read more here;
https://www.dragzine.com/tech-stori...-angles-increase-torque-and-improving-hook-2/
Doug
thanks for the reply,,,very helpful..i think i might try a 6 degree shim since it seems to be close,not looking forward to torching the pads off,,,,,anyone ever heard of a problem applying max power to car using shims? r u guys torqueing the u-bolts to 50 ft lbs?
 
I know people run low 5's in the 1/8 mile using spacers. I've used shims at low 11's in the 1/4 as well.
Doug
 
The B body is in storage and the A body got it good today. Check it out.

Laid a couple of good coats of epoxy primer on the Dart today. I couldn't imagine laying underneath to do this. Although I have, about 29 years ago..
IMG_0041.jpg

Lots of sanding ahead..
IMG_0038.jpg


Trunk turned out pretty good. Fuel neck delete. Will be opening the trunk to fill the 16 gallon fuel cell, which will reside in the raised spare tire tub.
IMG_0034.jpg


Epoxy primer from the roof to the floor on the inside.
IMG_0032.jpg


Doors will be finished and trimmed out off the car.
IMG_0031.jpg


The RB is going to fill the space up pretty good.
IMG_0030.jpg


Sides will block out good. Raised wheel wells turned out great, no regrets.
IMG_0037.jpg

IMG_0035.jpg


Exterior body sprayed with Evercoat Max Build. A DTM product that has extreme build qualities. Very short pot life though, get it mixed and sprayed out asap. Poly paint booth did the trick once again.
IMG_0029.jpg


Gonna take a day or 2 off now, Body is saying ouch. Lol. I can't remember this being so damn hard to do..
 
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just wondering what all the guys are up to over the winter... post them up.

For me, I got this old Dart to keep me busy till the track opens in a few more months. Yeah I know it's an A body but I do bleed B-body..

Got the bottom ready to epoxy prime. Mini Tubs, Springs relocated, frame connectors, front floor boards, rear spare tire tub, etc. Raised the tub 3" too so it doesnt hang down like a donut.
View attachment 697099

I continue to work on my '64 Dodge 330,chasing vibration over 20, found what was obvious, the former owneres welded on the spring perches and it has 14 degree's down attitude, that will make vibration,I'll fix it. on the other end I instaleld the max qedge exhaust manifolds and I've been getting the edelbrock crossram dialed in although the throttle pressure linkage will be a bear. but it keeps me at home -broke, tired and bleeding a lot.
dodgecrossram.jpg


Fuel cell and battery located.
View attachment 697091

Roll bar installed and left quarter removed.
View attachment 697092

The Superstock look.
View attachment 697095

Tub to wheel opening work happening.
View attachment 697096

Tire mock up. Heater delete, radio delete, fuel filler delete.
View attachment 697094

Stripping remaining old paint off. All metal work done. Next up, finish body work.
View attachment 697097

That's what's going on over at my place this winter. Work by day, ache at night.
 
The B body is in storage and the A body got it good today. Check it out.

Laid a couple of good coats of epoxy primer on the Dart today. I couldn't imagine laying underneath to do this. Although I have, about 29 years ago..
View attachment 706054
Lots of sanding ahead..
View attachment 706053

Trunk turned out pretty good. Fuel neck delete. Will be opening the trunk to fill the 16 gallon fuel cell, which will reside in the raised spare tire tub.
View attachment 706050

Epoxy primer from the roof to the floor on the inside.
View attachment 706049

Doors will be finished and trimmed out off the car.
View attachment 706048

The RB is going to fill the space up pretty good.
View attachment 706047

Sides will block out good. Raised wheel wells turned out great, no regrets.
View attachment 706052
View attachment 706051

Exterior body sprayed with Evercoat Max Build. A DTM product that has extreme build qualities. Very short pot life though, get it mixed and sprayed out asap. Poly paint booth did the trick once again.
View attachment 706046

Gonna take a day or 2 off now, Body is saying ouch. Lol. I can't remember this being so damn hard to do..
great work,
 
The B body is in storage and the A body got it good today. Check it out.

Laid a couple of good coats of epoxy primer on the Dart today. I couldn't imagine laying underneath to do this. Although I have, about 29 years ago..
View attachment 706054
Lots of sanding ahead..
View attachment 706053

Trunk turned out pretty good. Fuel neck delete. Will be opening the trunk to fill the 16 gallon fuel cell, which will reside in the raised spare tire tub.
View attachment 706050

Epoxy primer from the roof to the floor on the inside.
View attachment 706049

Doors will be finished and trimmed out off the car.
View attachment 706048

The RB is going to fill the space up pretty good.
View attachment 706047

Sides will block out good. Raised wheel wells turned out great, no regrets.
View attachment 706052
View attachment 706051

Exterior body sprayed with Evercoat Max Build. A DTM product that has extreme build qualities. Very short pot life though, get it mixed and sprayed out asap. Poly paint booth did the trick once again.
View attachment 706046

Gonna take a day or 2 off now, Body is saying ouch. Lol. I can't remember this being so damn hard to do..
Nice job

looks great :bananadance:
spring relocation & rear sliders :thumbsup:

good luck
 
Nice job

looks great :bananadance:
spring relocation & rear sliders :thumbsup:

good luck

---
Sir Budnicks! How are you!
Thanks for the compliment too. Yes I think the Dart is going to look pretty good when it's done, looking at trimming it out on Thursday. Lots of painting though so I may break it up over 2 days but I picked up my B5 blue pearlcoat and that put a tiger in my tank. It's the exact hue I was after. Will post after it's done, take care Sir.
 
Always liked the 67-69 Darts for racecars,
especially the 68's (looks like a mini 'lightweight' RR's)
B5 Blue is a great color choice too :thumbsup:

I look forward to seeing the final product
much like your 64, very nice/clean racecar
 
Always liked the 67-69 Darts for racecars,
especially the 68's (looks like a mini 'lightweight' RR's)
B5 Blue is a great color choice too :thumbsup:

I look forward to seeing the final product
much like your 64, very nice/clean racecar
---
Got some B5 blue on the Mopar today. As usual, the weather was frigging cold today, -42 with the windchill, I got-er-done anyways but I sure feel it.. I think this is going to be the last one. Maybe.


IMG_0152.jpg

Those who have painted in a trunk knows that it's the worst bloody thing to paint ever.. Being on the rotisserie made it easier though, still, major blow back.

IMG_0155.jpg

A shot of the rear pkge tray area and trimmed out window ledge.

IMG_0154.jpg

A little extra work to spray the interior but oh well.

IMG_0153.jpg

Used up the last of the mixed clear coat and came up a little shy under the back seat. It's covered anyways.

IMG_0149.jpg

Bottom view. Tubs are smack against the frame rails and outer wheel lips are 1/2" wide. Plans are to fill the tubs with a lot of tire.

IMG_0151.jpg

The driveshaft hoop will be built in later on.


IMG_0146.jpg


B5 Blue Pearl Coat. Will look lots different once it's outside. Like the picture below.

IMG_5824.jpg
 
---
Got some B5 blue on the Mopar today. As usual, the weather was frigging cold today, -42 with the windchill, I got-er-done anyways but I sure feel it.. I think this is going to be the last one. Maybe.


View attachment 709813
Those who have painted in a trunk knows that it's the worst bloody thing to paint ever.. Being on the rotisserie made it easier though, still, major blow back.

View attachment 709816
A shot of the rear pkge tray area and trimmed out window ledge.

View attachment 709815
A little extra work to spray the interior but oh well.

View attachment 709814
Used up the last of the mixed clear coat and came up a little shy under the back seat. It's covered anyways.

View attachment 709811
Bottom view. Tubs are smack against the frame rails and outer wheel lips are 1/2" wide. Plans are to fill the tubs with a lot of tire.

View attachment 709812
The driveshaft hoop will be built in later on.


View attachment 709810

B5 Blue Pearl Coat. Will look lots different once it's outside. Like the picture below.

View attachment 709821

me likey :thumbsup:
 
Block is back from machine shop. Removed old rings, cleaned pistons, rods, bearings, etc., installed new ring packs, and 8 pistons back in block. Installed new solid roller cam. Degrees bang on.
Test fit the stroker windage tray and it needs some trimming to clear the oil pickup tube.

IMG_1204.JPG
 
Just got done restoring this 1961 Ford falcon futura spent a ton of money on it but sure is a cream puff to drive.
20190105_152850.jpg
20190105_134959.jpg
20181123_163325.jpg
 
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---
Got some B5 blue on the Mopar today. As usual, the weather was frigging cold today, -42 with the windchill, I got-er-done anyways but I sure feel it.. I think this is going to be the last one. Maybe.


View attachment 709813
Those who have painted in a trunk knows that it's the worst bloody thing to paint ever.. Being on the rotisserie made it easier though, still, major blow back.

View attachment 709816
A shot of the rear pkge tray area and trimmed out window ledge.

View attachment 709815
A little extra work to spray the interior but oh well.

View attachment 709814
Used up the last of the mixed clear coat and came up a little shy under the back seat. It's covered anyways.

View attachment 709811
Bottom view. Tubs are smack against the frame rails and outer wheel lips are 1/2" wide. Plans are to fill the tubs with a lot of tire.

View attachment 709812
The driveshaft hoop will be built in later on.


View attachment 709810

B5 Blue Pearl Coat. Will look lots different once it's outside. Like the picture below.

View attachment 709821

-----
Keeping busy in the off season. Some progress:

IMG_0241.jpg

Finished up the Dana. Narrowed, spool, 35 spline axles, billet yoke, 3.54's and Wilwood E-brake kit.


57238730157__36287188-3620-4B96-830D-81311C339380.JPG

Installed and centered. Calvert, Cal Tracs, QA1 and sliders all parts that came off of the 64.


57237774571__FBC3E32F-795A-4DD2-98E5-E71C00946B6A.JPG

Wilwood brakes went on up front.


IMG_0272.jpg

Front suspension all in place. Parts all finished with endura paint, extremely durable paint.
K Frame allows lots of room for the 526. Or a hemi. Motor will be supported with a motor plate.


IMG_0275.jpg

Pedals and brackets going in.


IMG_0266.jpg

Using tires from the 64 for fitment purposes. These are 15 X 12 rims with 29 X 12 Hoosiers. Tires need to come outward an inch. Need a 4.5 BS, these rims are 5.5BS.


IMG_0274.jpg

Fuel cell, battery, shut off switch all going into place. Got to come back out though, forgot to install the deck lid hinges and rods..


IMG_0269.jpg

Side shot.

The 64 will be coming home in a few weeks and the Dart will get put away till next off-season.
Been a fun winter!
 
Took out the Hemi and putting stroked 340 in. Factory non RT shaker car. Bought in 1978 for $325.

79258B33-2A2A-48F8-9BC7-1D9D9D5BB3E2.jpeg
 
Got my wife's 67 Jeep Gladiator tore apart. Needs a valvejob, timing chain, oil leak repair. 327 AMC engine parts are heavy.
Doug
20190217_130648.jpg
 
Still... Working on the Dart.
Installing electrical, brake lines, fuel lines, etc, these days..

Starting to come together.
IMG_0300.jpg


Electrical run, wiper linkage back in place and shifter located and mounted. This is an old Hurst Auto Stick II from back in the early/mid 70's. ratchet up and down from Neutral, no back up light provisions. It didnt matter almost 50 years ago...
IMG_0315.jpg


Brake lines run, line lock plumbing complete. Master cylinder removed, was in the way to install the line lock.
IMG_0318.jpg



Voltmeter panel fab'd, gauge and switch installed. Fuel pump relay mounted, easy test / replacement.
IMG_0313.jpg


Dana got slapped with a chrome cover. Notice the spare tub doesn't hang down, Aeromotive pump installed.
IMG_0319.jpg


That's it. Dash makeover next.
 
Still... Working on the Dart.
Installing electrical, brake lines, fuel lines, etc, these days..

Starting to come together.
View attachment 729111

Electrical run, wiper linkage back in place and shifter located and mounted. This is an old Hurst Auto Stick II from back in the early/mid 70's. ratchet up and down from Neutral, no back up light provisions. It didnt matter almost 50 years ago...
View attachment 729113

Brake lines run, line lock plumbing complete. Master cylinder removed, was in the way to install the line lock.
View attachment 729114


Voltmeter panel fab'd, gauge and switch installed. Fuel pump relay mounted, easy test / replacement.
View attachment 729112

Dana got slapped with a chrome cover. Notice the spare tub doesn't hang down, Aeromotive pump installed.
View attachment 729115

That's it. Dash makeover next.
Did you cut out the spare tire well?
 
Looks like great progress, Malex.

Little update on my progress.....

  • My shop space is done and is getting good use!
  • Valvetrain on the Satellite is done! As I had expected, 1.6 rockers on my Stealth heads required some clearance work at the intake pushrod reliefs. That was a little nerve-racking at first, but I got through it and it turned out good. I also stepped up to 3/8” chrom-moly pushrods (vs the old 5/16” hardened steel ones), so the valvetrain should be more rigid in addition to offering more lift to help make better use of the headwork I had done last year.
  • Rear suspension is still in pieces.... no big deal here, just a day in the garage will get this project done.
  • The wife is happy.... house interior is freshly painted, and floor project are in process (contractor handling that).
I’m getting pumped for race season! Been hitting the practice tree regularly, and I feel prepared and ready to improve my performances!

View attachment 697294 Well seeing this post made me take some inventory on what I currently have going on, and now I’m thinking it may be too many things at once. I’m normally a fan of finishing one project before starting another. Right now..... not so much.
  • Project #1 is my shop space. A couple of years ago I punched out a 10x12 space behind my garage, but ran out of motivation and time once the walls were finished. This winter I’m finishing it out by adding a work-bench with shelving, pegboard wall, and appropriate lighting.
  • Project #2 is my rear suspension which is just a simple tear down, inspection, and re-assembly. Its a full Calvert deal that runs aluminum bushings and is street driven, so I just want to inspect and re-grease where appropriate.
  • Project #3 will be the valvetrain in the Satellites 452” bullet. I just purchased some new 1.6 rockers and once I measure will also be ordering new pushrods as well. Normal maintenance would be a valve adjustment, so this won’t be too much more work than that, but a little more expensive. My hope is that the extra lift and slight gain in effective duration will unleash more of my heads potential, after having them CNC ported last winter.
  • Lastly, but certainly not least is project #4. My wife wants to update the house with new hardwood flooring (which I’m hiring out), new baseboard molding and doorcase trim, and a repaint of the entire house interior. This one will take a lot of my time this winter
I hope the car doesn’t fall to the back burner. My winter free time is full.
 
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