Plastic Fantastic 2

[SuperBuickGuy]

I accomplished something


​​​​​​​no, that's just a picture.... what I accomplished was I only threw my tools across the shop once bending them.....edited

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

so most of the day was spent on stuff like painting deck rails and mowing my dirt bike track.... however, things were accomplished
soft lines for the efi





I really need to set this back on the frame and actually bolt it down... so some pads needed anti-rust protection



also opened up the steering shaft area

and a touch of black to keep the rust worm away

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[69427]

......

I'm interested in more details here. I like the looks of the stock aluminum link, but (way back when) I couldn't figure out a decent way to get the correct length and u-joint to fit to the column.

Thanks.

this falls under the "use what you have" moniker. I splined the 2004 C5 lower, aluminum shaft to fit the borgeson 'conversion' joint for a C3.... didn't even have to cut it, just splined the end.

Help the less talented here. What tools are involved in splining that shaft?

 

[rtj]

Use a DD joint, no splines, just flat sides.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

fuel line done


O2 for EFI placed (not welded)

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

......

I'm interested in more details here. I like the looks of the stock aluminum link, but (way back when) I couldn't figure out a decent way to get the correct length and u-joint to fit to the column.

Thanks.

this falls under the "use what you have" moniker. I splined the 2004 C5 lower, aluminum shaft to fit the borgeson 'conversion' joint for a C3.... didn't even have to cut it, just splined the end.

Help the less talented here. What tools are involved in splining that shaft?

Just the basic hand tools - a lathe, a mill, a divider and a fly cutter... you know, what you'd find in the most basic of a DIY's shop

and yeah, I know, I'm showing off by mentioning the lathe, you could turn the shaft down on the mill as well

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

did this

 

[phantomjock]

Been working on my front suspension and will bring my build thread up to speed in a few. Just enough update here to ask a question.

I'm stuck on my front brakes. I've been all over the interweb trying to find the combination I'm looking for. But the interface challenge is putting the package into 15 inch wheels--on C7 front uprights! Now, I've done the CAD and found it is possible. I even lowered the chassis to the floor off the stands -- the car is SLAMMED.

Given they "should" fit, I've taken the plunge on new wheels and tires - should be shod later this week.

So, now I'm wanting to help a forum buddy out here. And I've been all over the forum(s) chasing brake/wheel combos. Now I'm just wondering what these:

...nice, new brakes that will never be used

Way back in post #309 on 4-16-18 are doing? What are/were they? Still have them? Want to unload them if haven't already? I know you were looking at Camaro brakes for a bit, and I haven't been down that rabbit hole--yet. But there are a lot of C5 Brakes to Camaro adapter threads to get lost in (sort of my reverse.)

PM as you have time. Include price, etc - shipping to 32547 if interested/available.

Cheers, Jim

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Been working on my front suspension and will bring my build thread up to speed in a few. Just enough update here to ask a question.

I'm stuck on my front brakes. I've been all over the interweb trying to find the combination I'm looking for. But the interface challenge is putting the package into 15 inch wheels--on C7 front uprights! Now, I've done the CAD and found it is possible. I even lowered the chassis to the floor off the stands -- the car is SLAMMED.

Given they "should" fit, I've taken the plunge on new wheels and tires - should be shod later this week.

So, now I'm wanting to help a forum buddy out here. And I've been all over the forum(s) chasing brake/wheel combos. Now I'm just wondering what these:

...nice, new brakes that will never be used

Way back in post #309 on 4-16-18 are doing? What are/were they? Still have them? Want to unload them if haven't already? I know you were looking at Camaro brakes for a bit, and I haven't been down that rabbit hole--yet. But there are a lot of C5 Brakes to Camaro adapter threads to get lost in (sort of my reverse.)

PM as you have time. Include price, etc - shipping to 32547 if interested/available.

Cheers, Jim

they were stock brakes and sold awhile ago.

I can tell you that the 2010 SS Camaro brakes would never fit under anything less then an 18 - and really that means a carefully selected 19" * wheel.... okay with all that said, C5/C6 brakes can fit under 18s any smaller would be just conjecture.... except

what else do I know? umm, the C5/C6 spindles are adapted to a bunch of other cars - which brings up some pretty good choices in the aftermarket. Hot Rod Garage wanted 15" wheels on Project X (57 Chevy that was Car Craft's). They achieved it on Hot Rod Garage by using a Wilwood drag race package for the C5. The problem - my opinion - is that is a non-vented rotor, so on a street car that could be a huge issue...

*there are anti-rattle weights on the SS calipers aren't needed on a car with a solid roller cam and sidepipes.... remove the weights and 18s 'just' clear... that said, a cheap wheel probably won't because they use more aluminum in the cast.

** the other issue - the biggest problem fitting large calipers is the rear, not the front. The rear has the e-brake in it, so that moves the caliper further out from the center... thus the need for the larger tire .....

 

[phantomjock]

Thanks Heaps!:thumbs:

I was pretty sure you'd have those insights and thanks for sharing them. Mike (69427) has packaged some good brakes under the 15" wheels so listening there too.

Thanks again. When I get something solved - I'll be updating the BNuild Thread.

Cheers - Jim

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Thanks Heaps!:thumbs:

I was pretty sure you'd have those insights and thanks for sharing them. Mike (69427) has packaged some good brakes under the 15" wheels so listening there too.

Thanks again. When I get something solved - I'll be updating the BNuild Thread.

Cheers - Jim

glad to help, good luck

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I learned something... I'll share. This is not a complaint - simply knowledge so that you can make informed decisions on suppliers.

I ordered parts from an ebay vendor who claimed the part was in stock and ready to ship.
It wasn't, matter of fact, after 2 weeks of waiting, I sent an email to them saying "whatzup"
They responded with "oh, that's out of stock, did we not mention this to you? our bad" they then opined that it might be in stock in 1-2 weeks (now their ad says 3 weeks from today).
I responded that they had a more expensive part (an additional feature) and I needed the part now - so I'd pay the difference I just need it now.*
No response.
Finally the last day for them to deliver passes. I ask for a refund.
Crickets.
Send a note to Ebay....

okay so here is the warning point....

Ebay makes you wait another week before they will intervene... if they do, it's another week to get a refund through them.

If you can wait or if the deal is awesome - fantastic, however, that fine print may cause you to need to look at other options.

Again, not complaining - I'm certain that neither the vendor or ebay wish to have an annoyed customer.

*sidenote to vendors - if you're sending a 'whoops' or 'don't have' email, offer a refund because it's not going to get better from here.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

and then I had a few minutes to work on this


sleeved the inlet so the hose fitsedited

and there we go

next up....
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[SuperBuickGuy]

so this is happening... maybe... I may have messed up the threads so made more work for myself


anyway, I pushed it off to the side for a moment because I'm not having luck finding a 2 into 1 brake line T.edited I need 1/4" line flared into 2 3/16" line fitting.... all I've found is either soft line (regular thread not pipe thread) into 2 3/16 flare fittings.... I could machine it, but in a last ditch effort, I figured I'd ask here.... part number and/or link would be cool ... thx.

Once the fitting is found, I can finish the brake lines and get the body back onto the chassis then push to the end.... but for now, I'm stumped.

 

[BBShark]

I have had good success in finding non standard brake line fittings at pegasusautoracing.com I called them once and they found an adapter that I couldn't find anywhere. Also, someone on here recommended clarksvillefastener.com and they seem to have a lot of unusual stuff and will even make something for you.

 

[rtj]

Jegs carries a lot made by Earl’s.

I think I used a tee with equal ports and an adapter on one line. I don’t see your combo.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I have a part coming next week, if that doesn't work - I'll build one, this is getting ridiculous. I need this car to run and seriously this is the last part that I need to make that happen.

 

[phantomjock]

Wish I was that close! Getting the steering sorted out. Not to mention setting up the front brakes with C7 uprights and 15 inch wheels is a treat for the problem solving and CAD systems!

Need to take/post some pics - but my bank here is full - or won't load more. Thread without pics is no good.

Any clues - anybody?

Cheers - Jim

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Wish I was that close! Getting the steering sorted out. Not to mention setting up the front brakes with C7 uprights and 15 inch wheels is a treat for the problem solving and CAD systems!

Need to take/post some pics - but my bank here is full - or won't load more. Thread without pics is no good.

Any clues - anybody?

Cheers - Jim

I use Imgur mostly because it's about the only one that you simply click the right link and post it in the blog post. The only cautions are: it uploads slowly, and unless you post them as "large thumbnails" - it will slow down the blog site ....

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

so it's back in place.edited Hot Rod Garage is doing a BBC, 4 speed, flared, conversion to metal bumper C3 ... the cynic in me wonders wherever they got such an odd idea... that said, I'm going to make this run next.edited I have all the brake stuff and while it won't even be done I am going to bolt the body to the frame and make this run.... with no doors, figure if I can inspire them then I'll take a page from their book too and just make it go.... Sunday is my goal....

while I was waiting for parts, I spent some quality time on this.... it looks identical to before but now everything under it is new along with a 12 bolt


and before you wonder... Lucky (of HRG fame) is doing a wagon too with a Malibu... thankfully mine will be 100% cooler because GNX motor.... :amused:

and I need to be crystal clear - I'm in no way upset or flattered either... I blog to inspire others and people following my path with their own version is pretty darn cool.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

back to brake lines
first was replace the boogered fitting

then drill the T out so that it's 1/4 3/16 3/16

then put the wrong fitting on the next line

but now, 4 lines of brake


tighten it up, fix one body mount then put the body on forever

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

This 80 degree weather is killing me
tank vent

something like this


but alas, must weld
ah ha, that's where I put that Iron welding rod





and finish brake lines


and rebuild rack

 

[rtj]

Nice progress. They make a roll-over valve for the vent (I can’t tell if you have one already).

Just a somewhat related comment, I see Duntov just posted pics of a c3 they did with front and rear c5 suspension. Unfortunately, no details.

 

[phantomjock]

Haven't seen the Duntov pics - looked, but no joy (hint-hint).
BUT, they're going to have to go an extra mile to look better than this effort! :clap:

Cheers - Jim

 

[rtj]

Haven't seen the Duntov pics - looked, but no joy (hint-hint).
BUT, they're going to have to go an extra mile to look better than this effort! :clap:

Cheers - Jim

Yeah, the Camaro rear swap was priced right and Superbuickguy installed it nicely. Too bad the price jumped once word got out.

Do you have Facebook? Just follow Duntov. Unfortunately, the photo they show has no chassis details, just a finished car. If I find more I’ll let you know.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Nice progress. They make a roll-over valve for the vent (I can’t tell if you have one already).

Just a somewhat related comment, I see Duntov just posted pics of a c3 they did with front and rear c5 suspension. Unfortunately, no details.

it does have the ball in the valve - problem is (because it's the breather) dust gets into the tank along with getting a gas smell as the liquid expands and contract with temp. This doesn't eliminate it, but it actually helps....

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Haven't seen the Duntov pics - looked, but no joy (hint-hint).
BUT, they're going to have to go an extra mile to look better than this effort! :clap:

Cheers - Jim

Haven't seen the Duntov pics - looked, but no joy (hint-hint).
BUT, they're going to have to go an extra mile to look better than this effort! :clap:

Cheers - Jim

Yeah, the Camaro rear swap was priced right and Superbuickguy installed it nicely. Too bad the price jumped once word got out.

Do you have Facebook? Just follow Duntov. Unfortunately, the photo they show has no chassis details, just a finished car. If I find more I’ll let you know.

I wonder who came first - there was someone in Europe (maybe Russia) who did a full C5 suspension in a C3, he reached out to me on CF and gave me the dimensions of a stock C5 frame (that is attached here). I dismissed the C5 idea because early on someone (CF again) said there wasn't enough room behind the seats to put the C5 trans in place... that isn't true... however, even knowing that now - the Camaro suspension came after the C5 suspension and was made with what they learned from the Corvette racing program.... my hypothesis continues to be this will outhandle the C5 based upon the development and what Motor Trend said about the Camaro v. Corvette suspension... but who knows, it's bench racing now and a great deal of this will be tuning once complete - something I may hand of to people with far more racing talent and experience then what I possess...

and to close this loop - once that is done, the frame may be available to purchase from a company who manufacturers frames and be competitive with the other options (price-wise)

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

body back on frame - this time without a nose support bar
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[SuperBuickGuy]

Evaporust a nut and cage


and fill the rear with oil

which wasn't a lot of fun - but was quite messy
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[SuperBuickGuy]

thread cleaners arrived (and got used)


now I can put this together forever
I took advantage of the body off one last time to put the sidepipe headers on



starting the bolt down process.... all the bolts are loosely in place, I'll build stands then shim and tighten it down
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