Ok, short version. Parting out the Regal since I purchased the Skyhawk. Was looking for pictures/info on full tube chassis on this car along with fiberglass front clip, doors and hatch. John C. (Skyhawk)gave me some really tips but could use alot more insight maybe from Rod (Blown455) Looking at aftermarket front and rear suspension and a full tube chassis since the car I got has "some issues" from sitting for 10 years behind a barn. Spring rates, detailed pictures of header routing with a rack&pinion setup and how much if any you cut the firewall to set the motor back. Looks like I have a long winter ahead of me. Kelly
The one thing I would add is if you are going to build a round tube chassis build it to sfi 25.1e or 25.2 the final weight of the car dictates which cert you will need I think 25.1e is good to 2600lbs and 25.2 is good to 3200lbs.If you are going to go through the work of building a tube car make sure you won't have to redo it when you want to go faster.If you build it to these specs your good to 6.0.The only other thing I would add is build it out of moly don't waste your time with mild steel.I know it is easy to spend someone elses money but spend it now rather than later.
I do agree, build it once. New block eventaully does make 6's more a reality :laugh: Next question is~ I have never needed to have a chassis certified, how do I go about setting up a tech to test the tubes and welds? I am quesssing at only a sanctioned event? And what about a (racing)drivers liscense? Yes, I know it costs. Yes, I know they give it a visual and sonic test. I do have an old NHRA book here (not currently in my hand) to point me in the right direction as far as other needed equipment like fires suits, helmet, nets,ETC... I do carry a welding liscense so that is not a problem. And do anybody know the differences in the requirements between IHRA&NHRA as far as safty? I will build to cover both or what ever is more strict~ only have one life you know :TU: God, I need a new rule book!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All fiber glass parts you can get through Unlimited Products in California... you have to get Chevy Monza parts. My firewall is cut back all the way to the cowling. I have a set of headers for sale for a stage 2,3,or 4 motor in that car. My front suspension is all aftermarket Mustang 2 style control arms. Coil overs with 450 front springs. Rear springs depend on how much power the car makes. Mine is like a pinto style rack, very common. Chassis cert is easy. You can look up on line at NHRA or IHRA and they will list where and when they will have a certification in your area. You just show up and pay the man. If your car is chrome molly it has to be tig welded or it will not be certified. Mig welding ok on mild steel. NHRA & IHRA are for the most part the same rules. Any other questions let me know. Rod
Thanks Rod! And you too Danie! Obviously not ready for headers, but would like a price from you. If I run the motor I have with the N O S, I'm at right around 950hp. But if funds come around, new block with all the goodies ( selling my house$$$) Currently afraid to hit the button with this car main reason is weight verses the brakes, call me chicken but I am already having a problem slowing down at the big end. It's just time to make a big jump with a lighter car and do all the upgrades to it, not the Regal. Any front end close up's by chance? Thanks again. Kelly
Kelly I have a tube Skyhawk w/mild steel ,just got it re-certified last month in Columbus,took only an hour to test.Good to 7.50.Been runnin 9.3's with it.If you want to peek at it I'm only an hour from you. gary
Gary, that is an offer I will take you up on! This Saturday Is out, my brother is law is getting married and my wife and I are in the wedding. Is Sunday late afternoon good? Where did you get the tube chassis from? Jeg's? If you like, Call me 440-342-0952 if it long distance for you, I can call you right back. or my email is eckelmeyer@wideopenwest.com
Brakes???? isn't that what the chute is for, add another one if your having trouble slowing down :laugh: Just kiddning don't do that. Are you going to be adding any lenght to the car? Not sure what your plans are with this car, but if your building it for the long run adding in a few inches might be something to look into. So far out of the little car club, Rod seems to have the shortest one. Big things come in small packages :Brow: Rod's gotten to the point now that the car is working against him. Two main reasons it is short and it sits high(so he can drive it on the street). This being the reason he is buying Scott's car, that and he wants to do 6's. Anyway, thought I would mention it, something that would effect you later.
Now you guys are just making me weepy with all this help!!!! :laugh: Maybe this car will not be as big of a nightmare as I thought. Still have a long, cold road (re: winter) ahead of me and I need to keep moving on this so the wife doesn't gripe and try and make me get rid of it. Thanks a million and Gary, I will be giving you a call/visit. Kelly.
Gary, Thanks a MILLION! Been a busy week, so the pictures I took are not developed yet ( I'll get on it asap ) Can you private message or email me your address so I can send the doubles to you? I have a good idea for material and labor for the addition for you but would like to take another look in the daylight too get a better look. Thanks again~ Gary P. Rod & Danie and Kevin You guys ( and Gal ) are the Best! Kelly
Just putting in my two cents . Put a four link in it . Put as much wheelbase as possible in it . Put struts on it . Set the motor back as far as feasible and dont be shy about making the car as light as possible . The fastest I have seen a door car Monza (Skyhawk ) go is about a 7.30 and I crewed for a Monza in the 80s that was going about 180. Its tough to get them low enough in the back with a big tire. Also , this may sound wierd but even if you are a smaller statured person , make it so a larger person can fit . It makes it easier to sell. Just some food for thought . good luck George
After looking at Gary Paines Hawk I have a better idea on which way I will go. Struts~ check coil overs~ check chromoly chassis~ check engine set wayyyyy back~ check four link~ check parachute~ check new block/heads~ in the works fiberglass bolt on everything~check aluminum/lexan everything else Send paypal donations too eckelmeyer@wideopenwest.com :Brow: BTW I am not exactly 'small', just over 6'@ 245lbs.
I am building a 10.5w car for a guy right now in my shop who is like 5-10 5-11 300#. Im 6-4 280 so I am building it for me --- he should be happy. Good luck with that thing. With the new block available there should be a number of tube cars popping up with buick power--cool. george
I am having trouble finding a supplier for chromoly chassis' One source had them but at two grand, thats a big pill too choke down. Jegs has a mild tube for under $570. http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=4638&prmenbr=361 $1,400 difference does buy alot of fiberglass/lexan/aluminum/nice paint job. Wouldn't be a big deal if the wife didn't have a say in it. Heard crap from her just for getting another project car and having too explain that I'm selling off most of the Regal. Thank again and hope you guys ( and you gals ) have a quick and safe new year.
You can try Jerry bickel or RJ'S they both offer welded frames or kits.This would be your best choice. www.jerrybickel.com www.quartermax.com
Kelly If you want to but chromemoly give Geof Ketchum a call we are direct with a company that sells it My chassis guy buy's from us do to the good price. I have to have some stuff ordered tomarrow so he could get a Quote together for you if need be. I can tell you this our last order was for multipule cars and it was not alot more than your one car. We get hemi joints and chromamloy plate from them also. Finishline Motorsports 1-616-765-5101 ask for Geof
Thanks Greatscat! Latest update, the skyhawk is in worse shape then I thought. (bottom badly rusted ) But thanks to eBay I found a Monza 2+2 spyder for $2.61!!!!!!!!! It's just a shell ( perfect ) and I can rob some parts from the skyhawk. Couldn't hardly believe how light the little car is, almost picked it up with the engine hoist! Now if the weather would warm up, it was 15 F. this morning. I need to thank you again Gary (greatscat) for letting me take up your time and snap some pictures of your fine machines. I am going to follow the lay out of your car fairly close and hopefully have similar results.
