S197 3V Fabman's build; How did we get here? Build Thread

[Fabman]

Got to beat up an old stock car this weekend for nostalgia sake.

 

[racer47]

Details, how'd it feel, track size, did you push it, did it make you miss it, anybody else out there to play with???? I'm jealous.

 

[Fabman]

Details, how'd it feel, track size, did you push it, did it make you miss it, anybody else out there to play with???? I'm jealous.

It wasn't a regular race day so it was mostly just fun and games.
The power steering burned up so turning this thing was a real bear.
Had I let it get out of shape there would be no way to save it so I ran well under the limit, but was good enough to be fastest of the weekend.
Yes, I miss it, but I'm not willing to start a new project at this time.

 

[racer47]

Congrats on fast time, that never gets old.

Being back the track with my kid sure gives me the urge. I've even talked to a couple guys selling their late models.

But I'm just not up for amount of effort required to be up front. And running mid pack with little chance of winning would drive me nuts. So I just let the kid play and live somewhat vicariously thru a crappy 4cyl. BTW his summer ended up with 2 heat wins, 1 feature win and 6th in points. That includes missing 3 races due to a late season start. Not bad for his first w2w racing.

But I'd still like to hot lap a super late, both for the thrill and to see just how far off the pace I am.

 

[Fabman]

I am definitely getting too old for this sh*t.

 

[Ludachris]

Very nice! Those welds look great.

 

[Boone]

Talent. Pure talent. What a shame it would have been if you'd never pickup up a stinger. It would be the same as if Stevie Ray Vaughn had never picked up a guitar.

 

[Fabman]

Talent. Pure talent. What a shame it would have been if you'd never pickup up a stinger. It would be the same as if Stevie Ray Vaughn had never picked up a guitar.

You are too kind...

 

[Frank.JD.Perez]

Hehe, i know that half cage

 

[Fabman]

Hehe, i know that half cage

I prefer the term: Stage 1 to half cage. Half cage sounds like half ass job.
Stage 1 sounds more like "in progress".
I realize its just semantics....but hey, there's a lot implied in a name.

Now come get this thing so I can get the next one in here.

 

[Fabman]

Done.
Bring on the next victim.

 

[Fabman]

Time to start back up on old Frankenstang, he's been sitting for way too long, but I really needed the break.
Figured I'd update some of my aero pieces so today's project was to make some spacers to lower the splitter down 1" and add a pair of tunnels.
The round spacer goes between the splitter and the nose and the clevis attaches above it to the supporting splitter rods (to be made tomorrow). The blocks lower the whole splitter mount and serves as an attachment point for the radiator support to K Member brace and also the tie down loops for trailering the car. (Will be clear in future photos).

More in the works....

 

[TMSBOSS]

You sir are an artist.

Glad to see you knocking the dust off of your beast!!!

 

[Fabman]

You sir are an artist.

Glad to see you knocking the dust off of your beast!!!

Thanks! Got some exciting updates planned. Stay tuned.

 

[Fabman]

Here is the round spacer that goes between the nose and the splitter.
I replaced the headlight bolt with a longer one so it threads all the way through and out the back.
Then I just slipped my rod end over and put a nut on it. Boom-done.
It even has a nice little threaded bung that spaces out the rod end just right.




Had to make all new longer splitter rods to accomodate my new @AJ Hartman Carbon fiber spoiler.
It has a slick little flange on the bottom that mates nicely to the splitter and prevents air from leaking under it.
Very nice piece.








Here you can see the blocks we made that lower the splitter 1".
I did a fair bit of carving down the aluminum pieces to save weight.
The splitter is .150 Thick 6061 Aluminum.



More soon....

 

[Boone]

 

[Fabman]

LOL...all I have to report at this moment is that I purchased a used stock Coyote motor out of New Jersey and it's in route as we speak. It will just be a bolt on stock motor but it will have to be good enough. I also purchased most of a Raw unpainted SLA from Cortex with D/A JRI's. I am currently fabricating some spindles and awaiting the balance of my Cortex pieces. This whole covoid/riot thing going on at the moment is hampering businesses from being able to do business (Including mine) so progress is not what I would like it to be but it is what it is. I have a spec corvette in the shop for a bunch of work including a cage and it is parked under my car so until that is completed I wont be able to easily access my car for further upgrades.
There, the cat is outta the bag. Happy now?

 

[Boone]

Actually... yes. I'm glad to see you're healthy and moving forward. Are you going to cut the inner fender wells out and build a tube frame for the SLA? I know you've sure got the skill, and I love what Johnathon Blevins did with his Optima GT500.

I'm looking forward to your updates.

 

[Fabman]

Actually... yes. I'm glad to see you're healthy and moving forward. Are you going to cut the inner fender wells out and build a tube frame for the SLA? I know you've sure got the skill, and I love what Johnathon Blevins did with his Optima GT500.

I'm looking forward to your updates.

Naw, just gonna bolt it on and go.

 

[Boone]

Can't say I blame you. Wouldn't be surprised if you do go that route someday. You dont really have a good track record with leaving things alone. Which, of course, is one of the reasons I keep checking in with you.