Pirate 4x4 banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

90's throw back....Manche build

Jump to Latest
781 - 800 of 1,658 Posts
Discussion starter · #781 · (Edited)
Front clip is finished. Fenders tabbed, header panel done, front bumper done- with race ready push bar and ends capped. Once I get the radiator shrouded, I can pull the front body parts back off to finish all the under hood items...but I had to bolt the grill back together just for a satisfying piktuure!

-I'm not sold on the push bar yet, it will do it's job; push, protect the grill and a little bit of help in a roll over. Fortunately it's a disposable item, and can be changed in an afternoon if I get tired of looking at it. It does have a matching roll to the body. Plus the heims are spares for the steering...



Image




Image




Image




Image




Image




Image




Image




Image




Image



The clear forward marker lights must be modified; the tire will eat them up on the back. I will make a false back and put a couple led lamps behind the lens.

Matt
 
Discussion starter · #782 · (Edited)
Forgot, and the radiator is mounted...mudpro light bar tabs on the flexalite extruded tank sides, works fantastic.



Image



And a shot of the bumper from profile; you can better see the distance it covers.


Image


Matt
 
#787 ·
I think the push bar would look better if the top tube was narrower (width of light bar plus room for uprights only) and the uprights mounted wider out on the main bumper, I would say just inside the turn signals.

Like this:
Image


Other than that I think it looks great, I like the use of Heims to make it removable and I like how you brought the upper mounts through the grill instead of through the header panel itself.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #788 ·
DutchVDub said:
I think the push bar would look better if the top tube was narrower (width of light bar plus room for uprights only) and the uprights mounted wider out on the main bumper, I would say just inside the turn signals.

Like this:
Image


Other than that I think it looks great, I like the use of Heims to make it removable and I like how you brought the upper mounts through the grill instead of through the header panel itself.
Click to expand...
Thanks Dutch, that's a design I'm considering. I will say, my son and I have been playing around in the shop this afternoon...and the more I walk around checking it out at distance and different angles it's growing on me...kinda race-y. The pictures don't translate well. I will still make another shorter one at a later date.

Yes the heims worked out great. I can pull the entire header, (after the corner marker lights are removed to access fender bolts) in one piece; completely stock front clip, easy to replace once trashed.

Finally feel like I'm in the short rows. Every accessory that requires plumbing should be here tomorrow, (trans cooler, steering cooler, weld in AN bungs, radiator caps and necks, fuel filter/reg and fittings, fuel pump, fuel filter, quarter turn fastener parts for inner fenders and rad shroud. ) So, I can finally build the coolant expansion tank, overflow, and washer reservoir. Then I get to build the exhaust (already have exhaust parts here) ...that will be fun...[emoji481]

Matt
 
Discussion starter · #789 · (Edited)
Let the fun begin....

All items that require plumbing are here. (Except heater)
Time to make some stuffs...
Surge tank, overflow, washer fluid, catch cans, mount trans cooler, steering cooler, weld on AN bungs for- radiator and above mentioned tanks, fuel filter/ regulator, fuel pump, exhaust parts, dzus fastener parts for- rad shrouding and inner fenders, etc, etc...Lots to do.



Image




Also spent a many hours in the last week honing my tig work, playing with different tungsten and cups. I'm pretty much a rookie, so be kind or offer advice[emoji41].



Image



Image




#6 gas cup for AL

Image





Big ass pyrex gas for steel

Image




Testing different tungsten


Image



Couple different fillers


Image



I've made progress in tig, this was from my last practice session...

Image



Image



Will have some photo worthy progress through the weekend.

Matt
 
#790 ·
I hate to give advice because your practice looks better than my work. (I don't practice, LOL) The only thing I can say is back when I was good at TIG, (20 years ago) I used a bigger dia. cup for al. It would go straight out from the gun. It may or may not be the right thing to do for you.
 
Discussion starter · #792 ·
MaddogXJ said:
Wow, awesome fabrication/build. I'm going to bookmark it and read through it once I have more time, maybe this thread will convince my buddy to get an MJ.
Click to expand...
Thanks xj

My first completed workpiece with tig welding aluminum...or basically period for that matter. Finally got a rhythm, there are a couple hiccups, but that's why I started on the sides that will be unseen... There will be another unit for overflow with the same dimensions as this surge tank, just less weld bungs. If these two pass pressure testing, I will make a couple more at a later date once my skills become more fluid. I appreciate everyone's advice!



Image



Image



Image



Image



Image



Image



Image



And my little helper joined me in the shop for a bit today.

Image


Matt
 
Discussion starter · #795 ·
1TFROT said:
cool build. very nice work :smokin:
Click to expand...
Thanks!
waterhorse said:
I think the aluminum looks great. Is it 6061? If it's 2024, you are a welding god. Actually, you are a welding god. But if it was 2024, you would be a welding magician. LOL

Also, you look a lot younger than I imagined. LOL.
Click to expand...
Honestly couldn't tell you what it is. I've had this 4x4x .125 sheet since I built my buggy in 2010. It has a few scars and the finish was a bit oxidized, that's why I gave it the brushed treatment.

I appreciate it. I'm actually very proud of this little bit of work. Considering I've only got about 8 hours of hood time behind my little miller diversion...and at least 100 hours of you tube viewing, lol. There are a couple of bird turds that I intend to sand down and wash over with the torch, (before I pressure test), just for aesthetics, but all in all I'm quite happy with the finished product. The overflow should be even better!

Matt
 
Discussion starter · #796 ·
waterhorse said:
I think the aluminum looks great. Is it 6061? If it's 2024, you are a welding god. Actually, you are a welding god. But if it was 2024, you would be a welding magician. LOL

Also, you look a lot younger than I imagined. LOL.
Click to expand...
Mattix definetly makes me feel old...

Image


He was 3 in this pic, nearly 5 now...

Matt
 
Discussion starter · #798 ·
bdkw1 said:
1 piece of advice, your getting sugaring between your weld sections when you reposition or move your rod in your hand. Don't back out of the pedal so fast when you stop.
Click to expand...
Thank you! Don't let the advice stop, I'm certain I still have much to learn.

Matt
 
781 - 800 of 1,658 Posts
About this Discussion
1.7K Replies
215 Participants
Last post:
midwestracer
Pirate 4x4
posts
19M
members
378K
Since
2000
A forum community dedicated to custom off-road vehicle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about trail reports, builds, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, fabrication, drivetrain, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General 4x4 Discussions Toyota - Truck and 4Runner Vehicles & Trailers Classifieds Axles,Tires & Wheels Classifieds Jeep - Hardcore Tech