'46 Chevy Shorty

[Tango]

Like I said...30 is my "target" and I actually hope to get to it or real close. I have heard from a number of 4BT transplanters who swear to have documented 30+ in larger vehicles that outweigh mine by 4-5000 pounds. The trick is to tune for mpg, gear it right and stay in the engines "sweet spot". In my case that is 1800 rpm which will yield 63mph in 6th gear. Of course the proof is in the pudding so I'll just have to wait and see how all the theories come together. The RPM/speed and estimated mpg are all consistent with the read out I got from Allison on this engine/tranny/gear & tire combo so I remain hopeful. It would be easier to pull off using a newer, computer controlled engine but they are really twitchy to keep up and many times more expensive to maintain so I went with the older "two-wire" motor. It will never be a hot rod but that's not what I was aiming for.

Been scouring Craig's List, Ebay and the local sources but haven't seen a single rolling gantry anywhere nearby for under a few grand. Looks like I may be welding up a home-built A-Frame rig next week. I just don't trust my cheapo harbor Freight/Chinese hydraulic engine hoist with this package for some reason. Not very maneuverable anyway.

Onward!

[bansil]

in reality 30 shouldn't be a problem as soon as you find that combo's "sweet" spot

hell I got 35 mpg in a "chipped" 6spd 99 camaro at 63/65 mph that didnt happen often tho

When you have enough torque to cruise at a fast idle at 60/65mph anything is possible

I bought a 69 firebird from a guy that had it overseas on the autobon,it was a 400 4bbl with 2.90(?) rear gear it wasnt the fastest off the line but it "idled" at 65 and would run 145 mph all day long; anything quicker made the frontend float scary shiat

[Tango]

Happy Easter All! --- spent mine putzing around with a variety of things on the bus. Most notable was altering the rear wheel cutouts. Just was not happy with either the factory (way small and funky looking) or my first try (just not Art Deco enough). I scaled it down and gave it more sweep and I much happier with it. It will also mean a lot less work when it comes time to seal things up and keep the outside out.

After being away from it for so long, I'm having a hard time remembering where the heck I was on so many things. Hopefully it will all start coming back.

Below are a few pix comparing the original, the first try and the final on the wheel opening. Next challenge will be to convert the "concept" to metal.


The original cutouts...


...the first (big) cutout pattern...


..the Easter solution. Bigger than original but smaller & more swoop than the first try.


Only a tiny amount of the actual wheel well well needed trimming.

Still plenty to keep me busy if I can just remember where I left off on so many things so many months ago.

Onward!

[ol trunt]

Hey Tango. Most definately the Easter solution--more of a tear drop look, way nicer. Sure glad you are finally able to spend some time on your bus. I can't wait to see daily pics of your doings as you install that engine/tranny!

[sdwarf36]

Spats!

[bansil]

X3

[Tango]

Right now I'm onto building a rolling gantry before I can get anything done on installing the engine. Even the Chinese junk versions were so overpriced I decided just to make one. I already had a set of four 1500# casters and about half the steel, so instead of a couple of grand plus the trolley & hoist, it looks like I can bring the whole thing in for about $400 bucks total. And if I get really lucky, there may be a chunk of 6" I-Beam in the cutoff/scrap area that is about the right size. That would save me another $100 bucks. And... when I'm done I could probably sell it for $800 in a heartbeat and still be doing someone a big favor.

I just love my Miller mig!

Onward!

[bansil]

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You go!!

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[GreyEagle]

------------------------> Onward ---------------------------->

Best of luck on your build.
We'll all be watching...

[ol trunt]

Yup, if it sounds like baccon fry'n and it isn't in the kitchen---its the Miller weld'n!