SHENANIGANS

Updates, we need updates
 
Just waiting patiently for my turn. COVID threw a big ol monkey wrench in everybody’s lives. It’s definitely still happening though. @mcutler and I have talked it through several times and started writing down the punch list. We’re on the same page and think it’ll progress pretty smoothly once it hits his shop floor.
 
Last I heard he was lowering a 2wd truck!! Slipping to the other side!! Lol
Hey, that’s just me getting back to my teenage roots. I’ll always have a soft spot for the low life.
 
Knocked out the last of my punch list today in the shop. Took several hours to assemble the fuel cell. Started out with the blank plate from GoatBuilt. This is a result of using the Holley kit that isn’t the same mounting plate as an OEM fuel pump for an LS. Very tight tolerance for bolt clearances and an overall PITA. Lots of trimming! If I had it do over again, a stock LS fuel pump assembly would be my choice. Also added the rollover vent.
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Next up I needed to configure the package tray behind the seats. Mounted my ARB compressor, a set of rubber straps for holding down the JBL speaker, and I also repurposed a set of JK hood latches to secure the first waterproof box from HF. Very pleased with how well this latch setup works.
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That’s it for things at my place. Next update should be from the real fabricator.
 
The time is near... lying in wait. And the photo bombing wife approves!
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UPDATES!!

Class was in session today at @mcutler Cutler Fab. Brought my truck and trailer full of all my crap and left with just a few empty totes. Spent the day getting it mocked back up on a table. Power train is in! Oddly enough, a set of engine mounts on the shelf, bolted right in. Not so lucky with the trans.
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Drug the axles in next and ball parked the wheelbase. This is how we left her. For me, this is hour 31 awake and I’m getting kinda loopy. Night shift last night, off at 4AM, and hauled straight to Mayberry. Just now bout to crawl in bed.
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I’m one happy MFer right now :rockon:
 
This is probably trivial to most and definitely not the “update” you’re looking for, but I geeked out over this idea and I’m pretty damn proud of myself. Everybody knows that dry storage on a buggy is a challenge. I wanted to have a box to store the typical LS engine repair parts. Here’s what I came up with. HF waterproof storage box will be mounted in the corner of the engine bay just above my battery. Inside I have 2 spare coil packs, 4 fuel injectors, 4 spark plugs, fuses, and a fuel pump. All bagged in orange baggies with these gel silica packets throughout to guard off any moisture. 1 month planning and acquiring the pieces. Mapped out the orientation to take into account the heavier stuff staying on the bottom of the box. BOOM! You’re welcome!
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Reminds me of the kits Danzio sends with their TT engines. Looking good !
I'd say loose the coil packs (rarely seen one fail) but add a belt and plug wires.
definitely a couple of plug wires, the belt we can fold and ziptie to chassis.
 
After watching a few interweb/youtube folks discuss tool/spares storage... planning to try vacuum-sealing my joints/bearings (after repacking) electronic spare with small desiccant bags inside.

Appears to be working well with some .22 I broke down 15 years ago... albeit, it's just stored, isn't being jostled/bounced around, not anywhere near moisture.
 
Everything you have in there I have seen fail on others buggys at one time or another. Might throw in one of those cheap lazer temp gadgets. If you have a plug or plug wire fail, it really aids in finding out which one. Ask @mcutler If you have room, maybe a length of hydo line and some screw in/non crimp style fittings.
 
add a belt and plug wires

definitely a couple of plug wires

throw in one of those cheap lazer temp gadgets

maybe a length of hydo line and some screw in/non crimp style fittings
I’ve got 3 HF boxes going on the buggy. The smallest one in the engine bay, a medium size one mounted behind the passenger seat with ARB stuff and recovery gear, and the largest on a rear rack full of tools and other repair parts. I’ll definitely pick up a spare belt once I figure out the right length (ain’t got that far yet). There is already a temp gun in that rear box. I hadn’t thought of the plug wires or hydro line yet. I’ll put them on the list. I also picked up one of those 6 quart fluid racks from Trail Gear the other day. I’m pretty sure I already know right where it’ll go too. Keep the ideas coming!
 
3 solid days in @mcutler shop. Let’s start with the easy stuff. Trail Gear 6 quart fluid rack welded to the fuel cell straps.
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Repurposed some older tabs to mount the Hi-Lift jack under the radiator, behind the seats.
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Got the battery box mounted and added some tabs to mount the small storage box for spare engine parts.
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There’ll be some additional bracing to come.
 
Next up... @mcutler worked his magic on the 14 bolt. Artec Industries add on trusses. Good bit of cutting, grinding, shaping to get it all adapted to the BTF truss. Mix of TIG and MIG to make it all happen. Photo dump:
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Transmission crossmember...
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Powertrain all mounted.
 
Little love for the Dana 60. Artec hydro mount mocked up with the PSC ram.
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Quick and dirty alignment to measure for tie rods.
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Mount is welded out ready for it to be welded to the axle.
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Got that ugly ass hood cut down into it’s new shape. This part will stay attached and we’ll make a new structure that opens like a car hood down the road.
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Took these 2 shots right before I left. Current status really makes me smile.
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Nice! When do you estimate to be out beating on this thing?
 
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