Build Project - SS Cherokee

[2Greys]

Thanks!

Wow, I've been putting in the overtime in the garage lately! Gotta get stuff done when I can. Pretty much finished tubing the front end - I had to represent with the small chevy emblem - subtle. Also got the engine cage in place - i'll be cutting the tube and taking out some of it to replace it with these interlocking tube clamps I got from TMR a while back. it's looking better then I had envisioned - final welding everything in going to be a pain!

What is your impression on the tube clamps from TMR? That is what I am thinking for my crossmember for the Dana 300. Think they are up to the job?

 

[mucovich]

I've only used them on JP's rig to make the spare tire carrier removable but I've read about plenty of guys using them for their removable engine/tranny skid plates, I think the fact that they interlock makes them strong - you just need to be mindful of how their mounted. you definitely don't want any load/impact solely being taken by the bolts if mounted sideways in reference to that possible load/impact. Mounted correctly I would use them for a crossmember.

 

[2Greys]

So basically have the bolts go in on the horizontal plane meaning removing the bolts and taking off the crossmember would be pulling it towards the rear of the vehicle not dropping it?
Sorry for the threadjack.

 

[junkpile]

So basically have the bolts go in on the horizontal plane meaning removing the bolts and taking off the crossmember would be pulling it towards the rear of the vehicle not dropping it?
Sorry for the threadjack.

Imagine the clamps installed so that the crossmember can carry the load without the bolts installed.

 

[2Greys]

Ah so bolts are vertical but outer clamps are on the bottom.
Got it

 

[mucovich]

yes, make the clamp do the work and let the bolts just hold it together.

 

[mucovich]

Picked up the transmission today - she's ready to handle some ponies! Yesterday I put on some brackets for the front lights and added some trick tabs for some aluminum panels - I also got the interlocking tube clamps in place so the engine cage can come off and on.

 

[dwcjwerfner]

Sweet!

 

[chunkytrunks]

Sweeeeeeet
Upgraded output?

 

[mucovich]

lol, yup - not billet but HD

 

[mucovich]

I was able to get a few things accomplished, motor mounts are in (will probably gusset it vertically too) and transmission crossmember done and in place. I then placed the steering column and positioned the airlocker/air compressor pump and battery cutoff switches.

 

[mucovich]

more...

 

[Loco]

You do some extremely nice work Marek. I really like how this is turning out. Looking forward to the final product. As I'm sure you are too.

 

[mucovich]

Thanks!

 

[Badweld]

Your on fire!
Nice work.

 

[mucovich]

Updates...

I am not planning to mount the orbital on the firewall so I want to run an intermediate steering shaft to move the orbital infront of the headers on the drivers side of the motor. So I modified the Jeep one and welded on a new steering joint to work with the PSC shaft.

 

[mucovich]

I've also added a few of the aluminum panels, some of these will get painted eventually.

 

[mucovich]

I also made a bracket for the ARB air compressor and made it so that the air chuck is accessible through the dash. I'm planning on re-using the Jeep gas pedal but I will of course use a Chevy throttle cable with it, it will need to moved on the firewall, I am planning on moving both pedals up (floor is moving up a few inches) and to the left. Oh, and added a second fire extinguisher that is easily accessible from both seating positions.

 

[junkpile]

Neat! Perfect excuse for a quick connect passenger "holysh#t" handle!

 

[mucovich]

lol, I've really been thinking about doing one - I figure it'll probably happen but i'll want to make it removable, or at least adjustable.