I’ve been working on the buggy, and work has been very busy so the updates have been slow. As of now, I’ve got the seat in the correct spot, the brake pedal mounted and the orbital valve with steering column and removable steering wheel. The radiator mounts have been made, and all of the links are tacked in place.
Following are some pictures, just so my friends know I’m actually working on this.
The engine hoist is now not a required piece of the chassis! We fabricated some plate steel and tube engine mounts. The plates are 5/16″ and the tubing is .188 wall 1.75″ tube.
The transfer case mount is 1.75″ .120 wall tubing with a 5/16″ plate for attachment to the transfer case. As you can see, all of the mounts have rubber bushings. I still have to attach some gussets and finish weld them.
I got the transmission back from the rebuilder and assembled my small block chevy to that rebuilt TH400, and then bolted up the Atlas 4-speed transfer case. I picked the entire drivetrain up (with the help of my wife) and set it in place. I may move it forward about three inches yet, but it’s pretty close.
It’s a lousy picture but at least it is here. This is a brand new Atlas 4-speed transfer case. It has a 2.7:1 front reduction box, and behind that a 2:1 transfer case. You can go slow (2:1), slower (2.7:1) or really slow (5.44:1). Also this transfer case allows you to select only the front axle or only the rear axle in addition to the normal four-wheel drive mode.
So here is approximate ride height, maybe a little lower, but we’ll see how all the parts fit. The next week is full of wait. I’m waiting on the new transfer case and the transmission to be rebuilt.
