I was a little optimistic about getting the frame completed this week!
I've worked on it a few hours a day and skipped Monday altogether. I don't have the stamina that I use to. This is suppose to be fun, so, I'm taking it a little easy.
The frame is constructed mostly out of 1.5 by 1.5 by .083 square tubing. The Vette trailing arms are centered on the the rear, angled vertical uprights. The inside dimension is 43 inches, 46 outside to outside. The frame is 46 inches wide up to the engine mount cross member. From there it narrows to connect to the front suspension.
The sides are 18 inches tall. This works out to the height at the bottom of the door. The body is much wider than my 46 inch tub. To the outside of the tub I will attach supports for the body at the bottom and at the door height. This will be strong enough so that the door opening will feature a step that will assist in getting in out of the car.
The seats are set well back, in between the trailing arm mounts. The original Cheetah had the engine so far rearward that the trans bolted to the diff. To create enough room for me I moved the engine forward and am running a driveshaft. That is what Mr Bruce did as well when he created this body.
The engine sits tall enough so that the carb/air cleaner will protrude through the hood. This was common on the original Cheetahs. I'm thinking of molding in a cowl induction hood scoop or the scoop from the 1966 Corvette 427 Stingray.
I think that I'm going to be molding in an opening rear hatch. And, sculpting double head fairings. The hatch will give access to the fuel tank and some storage.
Here is some progress frame pictures. Keep in mind that I'm not finished building it out or bracing it.
Having fun.
