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Bigdaddy's Socal 1964 Tuxedo Park Resto-mod.

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Bigdaddy13, Dec 9, 2019.

  1. Oct 8, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    Triangles are good. They keep rectangles from parallelograming. I would recommend diagonals either forward or backward in the rear side areas like this:

    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    That will greatly improve the cage strength. Then do away with the proposed low horizontal bar, It's really not doing anything to strengthen the cage.

    Also, your additional horizontal link at the top is redundant with the one that's already there, but it's definitely nice from an aesthetics standpoint.

    The diagonals up top are a good idea.
     
    Bigdaddy13 likes this.
  2. Oct 9, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Nov 19, 2019
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    Ok, thanks for the suggestion. I took a bit of time and fishmouthed one of my small pieces and i really like your diagonal suggestion now that i see how that connection works.

    8DEDAA34-0659-47C4-A6D4-FDD7A8929FBC.jpeg

    02939CC4-5121-462F-9BE0-A00C6D4B557F.jpeg
     
  3. Oct 10, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    That looks nice and will definitely make the cage stronger. (y)
     
    Bigdaddy13 likes this.
  4. Oct 11, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Nov 19, 2019
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    Everything is just tacked in for now but i think this def. the way i’ll go for the sides. I might just call it good and add some non structural flat/round stock on the rear family cage roof to help the canvas not sag, and forego any more heavy stuff in the rear.

    F19DA221-4BD7-40C6-AAE7-D2C82D9F8387.jpeg
     
    Buildflycrash and Fireball like this.
  5. Oct 11, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Nov 19, 2019
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    Celebrating my birthday today since later in the week gets a bit busy for everyone. Got some gifty’s early from my girls, including new synthetic winch line and an aluminum fairlead. Should add a safety measure to winching:

    26F53EE0-0FC0-4160-AE22-3FF020F8B889.jpeg

    B803EF08-E247-41C6-B699-131E4064A579.jpeg

    i’m digging that the tux bumper is so smooth. It should let the rope slide easily over it.
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2020
  6. Oct 15, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Soooooo, there's an idea in my mind, a 4.3L TBI V6 in my pickup bed, a SM465 bellhousing on my workbench, and a glow in my heart. :D :D

    I'm calling it a side project for now...[evil laugh]
     
  7. Nov 9, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Well, after a lot of hemming and hawing, I have a solid plan. Gonna havta push out my planned trips in 2022, - need to allow funds to build up (even though, some of this has already been ordered) As far as I can tell, my jeep won't be off the road until Summer 2021. If I can grab a trailer in the midst of all this, I could get it out for some easy desert cruising.

    Chief Financial officer AKA SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) gave got an enthusiastic thumbs up and don't worry, we've been transparent on what her long-term, big-budget plans are, too. :) ( Happy wife, happy life) Here's the general plan:

    4.3l engine assessment (winter 2020)
    • Tear down the 4.3L - Check for overall condition. If good-to-go: install new oil pump, new gaskets, paint job, few other new bits and seal back up.
    • This engine has provisions for a mechanical fuel pump - very tempted to just run a mech. pump/carb/manifold.
    Transmission/Tcase (Feb/March 2021)
    • SM465/Big Hole TeraLow Dana18 - built and assembled together by Herm.
    • I was thinking of doing this myself, but recent family events have reminded me that my family time is worth more to me. Farming it out allows this, and also allows me to be doing some other "lighter" winter projects on the Jeep. (costs were almost identical in the end)
    • My ratio pencils out to 88:1 (6.55 x 3.15 x 4.27) with my current setup, which should be great on technical trails, and will allow for axle changes in the future if I decide to go to full-width 44's or 1-tons. (doubtful, but again, buy once/cry once)
    Rear Fuel tank swap (Winter 2020)
    • Going to be swapping in a 78-up tank/skid
    • This opens up the front underseat area for A) new plastic tank dedicated for water only (10 gallons of on-board water for showers/washing/cooling system) or B) tool/parts storage.
    Steering upgrade (winter 2020)
    • I have a brand new Speedway motors hot rod column, Sweets u-joints, collapsible shaft and mounting brackets on my bench ready to remedy my sloppy steering and my "bit too close" steering wheel.
    Engine/trans/tcase install (spring/summer 2021)
    • I'm planning on this install during the warmer part of the year, because here in so-cal that's when we have ZERO wheeling trips planned (desert is hot!) and my girls tend to take "girls only" vacations, which means mucho garage time for me...
    • Burn in/bolt in engine mounts (Novak/AA likely), fab crossmember mods, reposition cooling system, floorboard/dog house cover fab, take driveshaft measurements and send out for modification, etc., etc.
    Axles (TBD, 2021)
    • I'm going to be on the lookout for NT D30 and flanged D44 axles. I'm not going to run a full-floater kit at this time. Wanting to keep my wheels/tires as-is.
    • This likely means I'm going to be selling my 19 spline Detroit that I have, so keep an eye out.
    • These axles will be both be locked, and I'm hoping to stick with 4.27's, but I might consider other options, too, like 4.88's, but that would mean I need to run an OD. (I still haven't decided If I want an OD or not)
    • For lockers, I'm undecided. I don't know if i can afford ARB's or Eaton E-lockers, so it might be a normal detroit rear and lockright up front.
    Suspension (TBD, 2021)
    • I'm sticking with TomTom's approach of a refreshed 0-1" stock suspension system. Not only for Tcase clocking with the SM465, lower COG, u-joint life, etc. ...I have a REALLY small garage opening currently AND I potentially still might get a toyhauler trailer, so I'm trying to keep my rig low.
    Tuxedo park Resto-mod (continued) (TBD, 2021)
    • Hood Emblems/V6 Emblems
    • Rechroming my hood/windhield hinges
    • Re-imaging/shaping my front tuxedo park bumper for trail use
    • 60/40 front seat re-upholster and install once gas tank is gone. (I have a few idea's on this)
    • I love the way my jeep looks, and I want to include as many pieces of the Tux park trim that I can. These are also easy projects that my kids could definitely get involved in.


    I'd honestly love some input on how you phased your project for the least amount of down time. I think the biggest hurdle will be the drivetrain install/fitment, so I'm planning on allowing at least a month or two for that part.
     
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2020
    Fireball likes this.
  8. Nov 20, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2019
    Messages:
    556
    SM420’s just came onto my radar as something that might just work with my current motor, 225’s and my potential future 4.3l project.
    (My wee buick motor runs great. Zero reason to get rid of it. But, i like the idea that i have easy choices if i install a 4 speed and the mill takes a dirt nap.)


    78CAAE79-4698-4975-894E-1D5EC462D7EC.jpeg


    to that end i did some digging around and documentation tonight:

    9769C641-159D-4B06-8B05-5B145322EACE.jpeg
    EA6A6142-DF6E-4345-9851-B4B93BA954C9.jpeg
    182C93DF-58C5-4A80-BE63-B819961165A7.jpeg

    The previous owner did some good work replacing parts and rebuilding a few systems. Clutch parts looked like they might be in fairly fresh condition.

    73C9B5A5-7D86-4C7E-9543-D2B1B3AB9C14.jpeg





    long story short,
    • Bellhousing is 6” deep,
    • T90 to 198 Buick Bellhousing is 2 5/8” deep,
    • Spacer looks to have standard GM pattern on bell side (i measured bolt spacing and compared it to my sm465 bell.) That, for me, confirms that the stock 198 V6 bell has a gm pattern.
    • Bearing retainer bore on adapter spacer looks to be the standard t90. Unknown clutch/flywheel setup. Can anyone identify? Looks like stock T90 parts to me on a 225 style flywheel?
    • I wasn't able to look at the bell side bearing opening, but I'm guessing it's the standard 4.680" bore opening that the sm420 would slide right into. To use a sm465, I'd have to open it up to the bigger 5 1/8", I think?

    would the sm420’s 6.5” stickout work with this 6" bell? Does the .25-.5” remainder fit into the pilot bearing opening on the crank?
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Dec 27, 2020
  9. Nov 20, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Last edited: Dec 27, 2020
  10. Nov 22, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Made some progress on my steering upgrade last night.
    Old column removed.
    New column assembled and attached temporarily to the steering links.
    FB1F3F59-048C-47D8-89CF-507748A36CEE.jpeg

    this moves the column about 2.5-3” away from me and gives me quite a bit more comfort. I still might notch my fender-well to get a bit more space.

    5E27BEB8-9DFB-4193-B52E-D517F2E5DBE4.jpeg

    Question: does the collapsible steering rod have to go one direction or another? This is how i have it to clear the jeepster manifold:

    C817C2E0-B2A4-4399-B0DD-53867D86ACCE.jpeg


    Question: i am likely going to have to trim the shaft, is one end better than the other?
     
  11. Nov 22, 2020
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
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    As far as trimming the shaft, the hollow end already has a hole pre-drilled for one of the set screws doesn't it?
     
  12. Nov 22, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    I don’t think so, but i can check.
     
  13. Nov 23, 2020
    Steve's 70-5

    Steve's 70-5 Active Member

    Louisville, Ky
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    Call the suppler and see what they say
     
  14. Nov 23, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    i actually looked back at the listing, i forget, Ididit or borgeson...and it specifically says that this shaft is trimmable.
     
  15. Nov 27, 2020
    BadGoat

    BadGoat How High Can You Climb?

    Northern Virginia
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    I have trimmed them on both ends, depending on your needs. The outer shaft (larger diameter) will have a drilled and tapped hole for the set screw. Avoid this end. The inner shaft should have groove in part of it, along with a small spring to keep the shafts tight. Be aware of the impact any cuts might have on the groove and the spring.

    Mike
     
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  16. Dec 28, 2020
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Filing this for later - Motorcraft 2150 carb upgrade.

    My 2GC is somewhat finicky and has had off/on problems lately. I noticed the tube from the carb to the PCV valve that plugs into the valve cover was collapsed. I shored it up with some hose clamps and it seemed to solve the issue?? Wasn't expecting that.
     
  17. Jan 23, 2021
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    My dad gifted me with his Hi-Lift. Got it mounted on my Dirtworx bumper.

    7790E260-DCBF-4BC5-9E54-15B6924254DB.jpeg A51E4EB5-FFD7-4370-A53D-01BA3D6AC6BA.jpeg
     
  18. Jan 23, 2021
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Glamour shots
    21E28E5A-9EA8-4B27-9977-A9D425B8E1AE.jpeg
    89F62CD5-AA11-41FB-B80B-6A9081137731.jpeg

    B87A6005-0B94-4B8C-A2EF-564766E6DD3E.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2021
  19. Mar 16, 2021
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Rear tank install is going well.

    Need to plumb from the pump to the tank and the tank to the filler. Also need to install and wire up the sender.

    OH, and I HATE dropping full fuel tanks if I don't absolutely have to. The rear deck hatch should allow me to service the tank/sender/fuel lines and worst case, drain the tank before dropping it if need be.

    IMG_3590.r.JPG IMG_3595.r.JPG filler2.jpg filler.jpg IMG_3417.r.JPG CBWA7728.r.JPG
     
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  20. Mar 16, 2021
    Bigdaddy13

    Bigdaddy13 Member

    So.Cal
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    Quick engine warm-up clip (mostly just trying out uploading to YouTube and embedding video here). :)

     
    montanacj, ojgrsoi and bigbendhiker like this.
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