Building "Thor"
Discussion
Steve_D said:
Why do you think it would not be possible to pass IVA.
Noise would be the difficult bit.
Steve
Not with enough silencers Steve.Noise would be the difficult bit.
Steve
They may fall off afterwards though....................
My Ultima GTR was 95db with all track day silencers. It moves about 71% air through the engine at WOT compared with the Meteor so a couple of larger silencers should do the trick.
I will need to spend some time reading the IVA regulations but what else is there to do over these winter evenings!!!
Paul
I still own a RR Phantom II and a Phantom III, but the cost of RR parts just kills the project, as well as it has "been done before".
If I could find a suitable light 6 wheel truck (as above) then I would use it. But the Range Rover chassis has a number of advantages and once it is suitably strengthened it will do just fine.
Paul
If I could find a suitable light 6 wheel truck (as above) then I would use it. But the Range Rover chassis has a number of advantages and once it is suitably strengthened it will do just fine.
Paul
I still own a RR Phantom II and a Phantom III, but the cost of RR parts just kills the project, as well as it has "been done before".
If I could find a suitable light 6 wheel truck (as above) then I would use it. But the Range Rover chassis has a number of advantages and once it is suitably strengthened it will do just fine.
Paul
If I could find a suitable light 6 wheel truck (as above) then I would use it. But the Range Rover chassis has a number of advantages and once it is suitably strengthened it will do just fine.
Paul
The Carmichael weighed over 4 tonnes full of water and I hope my creation will come in at between 2.5 and 3 tonnes.
The use of airbag suspension is a strong possibility but I would like to keep the chassis as original (simple) as possible other than lengthened and a bit of strengthening.
I want to improve the lock on the front axle if possible so may use something else to help with this. It will have power steering and brakes.
The fully dressed Meteor weighs 650kgs. I will be removing quite a few items that get it up to that weight, so hope to end up closer to 550kgs. It will sit behind the front axle and as it is dry sump it will sit low in the chassis. The wheels will be large and the tyres high profile.
This is not planned to be a speed machine. It will probably top 120mph but that's about as much as I want. This is just for fun.
Paul
The use of airbag suspension is a strong possibility but I would like to keep the chassis as original (simple) as possible other than lengthened and a bit of strengthening.
I want to improve the lock on the front axle if possible so may use something else to help with this. It will have power steering and brakes.
The fully dressed Meteor weighs 650kgs. I will be removing quite a few items that get it up to that weight, so hope to end up closer to 550kgs. It will sit behind the front axle and as it is dry sump it will sit low in the chassis. The wheels will be large and the tyres high profile.
This is not planned to be a speed machine. It will probably top 120mph but that's about as much as I want. This is just for fun.
Paul
I will admit that this project is not progressing as fast as I had hoped. This is due to a number of factors mainly business based. A bit of a case of generating the money to fund it as well as dealing with other demands on my time.
I am currently looking for a second site to expand one of my businesses too!!!!
At present my 'spare time' is spent refurbishing some vintage water pumps for our surrounding villages. I am also doing a few winter jobs on my Ultima including a new front clam. Once these are finished I have a TVR Cerbera that needs a chassis repair and a bit of a refresh.
However, my plan is to start on Thor (name may change at some point....possibly) as this is a longer term project. The engine will be ONE of my Meteor V12's (let's not get silly here!!!). The Carmichael Range Rover currently stands outside my workshop waiting for the body/engine removal which I hope to do before the new year.
Paul
I am currently looking for a second site to expand one of my businesses too!!!!
At present my 'spare time' is spent refurbishing some vintage water pumps for our surrounding villages. I am also doing a few winter jobs on my Ultima including a new front clam. Once these are finished I have a TVR Cerbera that needs a chassis repair and a bit of a refresh.
However, my plan is to start on Thor (name may change at some point....possibly) as this is a longer term project. The engine will be ONE of my Meteor V12's (let's not get silly here!!!). The Carmichael Range Rover currently stands outside my workshop waiting for the body/engine removal which I hope to do before the new year.
Paul
pdr479 said:
I have read your thread from beginning to end and enjoyed every word and comment well nearly all the comments, any way I rarely post or reply to anything, I just stumbled across this on EBay, I appreciate you have already toyed with various chassis and configurations and presently the Rangey is to be the beast of burden but take a look, what struck me was its tax and mot exempt on a V5 with a nice registration apparently transferable, possibly the best snow plow ever known to mankind:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/201469801095
It's in the classic American category
Listed as:
1942 ford chassis
Hopefully that link works if not I assume the number can be used to search the item or can someone more technically minded than me sort out my poor efforts.
Keep the updates coming and can't wait to see more progress.
Kind Regards Paul. Yet another Paul!
Thanks for the suggestion. There are no bad ideas but some would make the build more challenging or expensive.http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/201469801095
It's in the classic American category
Listed as:
1942 ford chassis
Hopefully that link works if not I assume the number can be used to search the item or can someone more technically minded than me sort out my poor efforts.
Keep the updates coming and can't wait to see more progress.
Kind Regards Paul. Yet another Paul!
Edited by pdr479 on Sunday 22 November 08:59
The problem with that chassis would be finding parts. Car parts are usually possible to find but commercial vehicles is more difficult.
Link was fine BTW.
Paul
JonRB said:
I think that sir might find these illuminating...
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2014/06/cars-with-...
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2014/06/cars-with-...
I would love to build one of them, but can you imagine the look on the face of the guy at the SVA testing station............http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2014/06/cars-with-...
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2014/06/cars-with-...
Edited by JonRB on Sunday 22 November 08:57
Paul
Well the expenditure has started.
Collected these 6.1m lengths of UB from my favourite engineering firm this afternoon. They got it in for me from their supplier. They buy more so get better terms and I get it cheaper than if I went direct (not using enough for good terms!).
A couple of hours in the workshop and this lot is ready for the two lengths in the picture above.
The above collection of parts will hopefully come together tomorrow to create a 'track' for the chassis stretch process. The idea is to be able to keep everything lined up.
Trying to get to a point where I have a few things I can get on with while The Country is closed for Christmas.
Paul
Collected these 6.1m lengths of UB from my favourite engineering firm this afternoon. They got it in for me from their supplier. They buy more so get better terms and I get it cheaper than if I went direct (not using enough for good terms!).
A couple of hours in the workshop and this lot is ready for the two lengths in the picture above.
The above collection of parts will hopefully come together tomorrow to create a 'track' for the chassis stretch process. The idea is to be able to keep everything lined up.
Trying to get to a point where I have a few things I can get on with while The Country is closed for Christmas.
Paul
Steve
I can't believe they build them with no real additional strengthening. Did anybody notice them check the front and rear were square before the welding???
The exact stretch is still to be determined but there is likely to be around 5ft added between front and middle axle and about 6 inches between the rear two.
Robert
There is little chance I will catch you up. I still marvel at what you achieve on such a small spend!!
Couple of progress pictures.
Adjusters for levelling
Upside down of course.
Only tacked at present and some bracing to be added. Need to be careful when doing final welding to avoid distorting the beam.
Paul
I can't believe they build them with no real additional strengthening. Did anybody notice them check the front and rear were square before the welding???
The exact stretch is still to be determined but there is likely to be around 5ft added between front and middle axle and about 6 inches between the rear two.
Robert
There is little chance I will catch you up. I still marvel at what you achieve on such a small spend!!
Couple of progress pictures.
Adjusters for levelling
Upside down of course.
Only tacked at present and some bracing to be added. Need to be careful when doing final welding to avoid distorting the beam.
Paul
I will still be checking the diagonals but my frame should help keep everything in the right place during the stretching process.
Welded on the underside complete with bracing.
I have to make the feet and then tip it over to finish the welding. Weighs about 1/4 tonne so it is a job for my forklift.
Next job is to make a stack frame for three of the Meteor engines that are currently cluttering up half of my 'clean' workshop. It will be more 6 x 3 UB and built so that I can access any of the engines when needed. The running engine on the rig will be popped on top of my paint booth.
Current thinking is that I will use the newest engine I have. It is one of the last Meteors made and is designed to produce 700hp at 2800rpm but is good for 3000rpm. Engine modifications will be a while away as I need to get it's positioning, power shaft, transmission and rear axles sorted first.
All the components on the chassis will get refurbished or replaced with new. The chassis will be sandblasted and primed prior to the stretch and repaired if/where necessary.
I am about half way through making another front clip for my Ultima which will be receiving most of my attention once the Meteor engine stand is complete.
I have to get everything I will need delivered by the end of this week as most suppliers shut for at least two weeks............ Bah Humbug.
Paul
Welded on the underside complete with bracing.
I have to make the feet and then tip it over to finish the welding. Weighs about 1/4 tonne so it is a job for my forklift.
Next job is to make a stack frame for three of the Meteor engines that are currently cluttering up half of my 'clean' workshop. It will be more 6 x 3 UB and built so that I can access any of the engines when needed. The running engine on the rig will be popped on top of my paint booth.
Current thinking is that I will use the newest engine I have. It is one of the last Meteors made and is designed to produce 700hp at 2800rpm but is good for 3000rpm. Engine modifications will be a while away as I need to get it's positioning, power shaft, transmission and rear axles sorted first.
All the components on the chassis will get refurbished or replaced with new. The chassis will be sandblasted and primed prior to the stretch and repaired if/where necessary.
I am about half way through making another front clip for my Ultima which will be receiving most of my attention once the Meteor engine stand is complete.
I have to get everything I will need delivered by the end of this week as most suppliers shut for at least two weeks............ Bah Humbug.
Paul
king)....I would be interested to see pictures of the rear of the engine to see how the adaptor plate is mounted as there is very little material to bolt to.
In the Centurion tank there is a short shaft between the gearbox/steering unit and the engine which fits into the splines inside the crankshaft. There is a bit of play to allow for small amounts of movement between the two.
Charlie's Broomfield Rover has a step up box designed an built by himself. I suspect the Petersen Bentley has something similar built in house or to their own design. It is highly unlikely you will be able to get any drawings for one.
There will be a number of pieces you will have to 'engineer' for your design as it will be a 'one-off'.
The Allison box could be a good solution as it is designed for low a revving diesel engine in busses/trucks. It should also be stronger.
This reply may not seem too helpful but a big part of a project like this is the 'one-off' engineering. Charlie Broomfield wants his car to do 200mph. I suspect the Petersen is good for about 125mph (They are built on 1930 - 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II chassis).
Mine will be geared to run at about 800 - 1000rpm at 75mph in top. I have yet to decide on wheel/tyre size.
Paul
In the Centurion tank there is a short shaft between the gearbox/steering unit and the engine which fits into the splines inside the crankshaft. There is a bit of play to allow for small amounts of movement between the two.
Charlie's Broomfield Rover has a step up box designed an built by himself. I suspect the Petersen Bentley has something similar built in house or to their own design. It is highly unlikely you will be able to get any drawings for one.
There will be a number of pieces you will have to 'engineer' for your design as it will be a 'one-off'.
The Allison box could be a good solution as it is designed for low a revving diesel engine in busses/trucks. It should also be stronger.
This reply may not seem too helpful but a big part of a project like this is the 'one-off' engineering. Charlie Broomfield wants his car to do 200mph. I suspect the Petersen is good for about 125mph (They are built on 1930 - 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II chassis).
Mine will be geared to run at about 800 - 1000rpm at 75mph in top. I have yet to decide on wheel/tyre size.
Paul
Fabulous cars. Those guys have the right take on life.
Trouble is that cars like that are now serious money and most things have been done.
I am hoping mine will be a little different.
I am still in the information gathering stage.
I think I have found the tyres that will look right with what I have in mind. They are 285/45 x 24 - nearly 900mm tall!
Why tyres first? It is about getting the proportions right (I hope). Because I am stretching the chassis so much the wheels will need to be a lot bigger to look right.
But........... they need to be acceptable to the IVA man, speed rated to 150mph to keep insurance Co happy.
Another car has taken my eye as a design inspiration too.
[url]
I especially like the front and grill. I quite like the rear wheel cover - but would need to make it work for two. And wheel discs........
Time for some opinions please.
I am looking at using another car as a donor for the windscreen, doors and roof. I want a drop top or, at a push, a targa.
Why use an existing car. Well it will give me the glass with the markings the SVA will need but also give me decent door shut lines, keep rain out, enable security and the 'off the shelf' purchasing of parts.
BUT WHAT CAR?
I will aim to get a new reg. plate but if it ends up a Q, then so be it.
Paul
Trouble is that cars like that are now serious money and most things have been done.
I am hoping mine will be a little different.
I am still in the information gathering stage.
I think I have found the tyres that will look right with what I have in mind. They are 285/45 x 24 - nearly 900mm tall!
Why tyres first? It is about getting the proportions right (I hope). Because I am stretching the chassis so much the wheels will need to be a lot bigger to look right.
But........... they need to be acceptable to the IVA man, speed rated to 150mph to keep insurance Co happy.
Another car has taken my eye as a design inspiration too.
[url]
I especially like the front and grill. I quite like the rear wheel cover - but would need to make it work for two. And wheel discs........
Time for some opinions please.
I am looking at using another car as a donor for the windscreen, doors and roof. I want a drop top or, at a push, a targa.
Why use an existing car. Well it will give me the glass with the markings the SVA will need but also give me decent door shut lines, keep rain out, enable security and the 'off the shelf' purchasing of parts.
BUT WHAT CAR?
I will aim to get a new reg. plate but if it ends up a Q, then so be it.
Paul
I was looking for some help with a donor for the screen, doors and roof chaps.
I know a split screen would be easier but a Land Rover canvas roof is not my idea of stylish.
I don't think I can replicate the curvature of that screen but maybe get something that at least looks 'right' and has the needed IVA markings.
It is the front grill etc. and rear wheel treatment I really like. That I will have to fabricate but the screen, doors and roof are items I would like to cannibalise.
Put your thinking caps on.....
Paul
PS. Loved the J Leno vid. Thanks
I know a split screen would be easier but a Land Rover canvas roof is not my idea of stylish.
I don't think I can replicate the curvature of that screen but maybe get something that at least looks 'right' and has the needed IVA markings.
It is the front grill etc. and rear wheel treatment I really like. That I will have to fabricate but the screen, doors and roof are items I would like to cannibalise.
Put your thinking caps on.....
Paul
PS. Loved the J Leno vid. Thanks
Remember that I will need the windscreen to have the correct makings for IVA, and I suspect older cars/American cars are unlikely to provide that.
I would also like it to be a drop top (or targa at a push) and want the roof, doors and windscreen to come from just one car.
Worth remembering that it is only those items I mention I will be using, so the rest of the car is unimportant. The finished product is likely to be quite wide and the length will shrink the size of any screen used.
It is also worth remembering that I will be taking an actual car and chopping it up, so I would rather it wasn't a 'classic' or valuable.
Paul
I would also like it to be a drop top (or targa at a push) and want the roof, doors and windscreen to come from just one car.
Worth remembering that it is only those items I mention I will be using, so the rest of the car is unimportant. The finished product is likely to be quite wide and the length will shrink the size of any screen used.
It is also worth remembering that I will be taking an actual car and chopping it up, so I would rather it wasn't a 'classic' or valuable.
Paul
Hi Lefty
I would prefer something that keeps some if not all of the rain out!!!!
Jaguar XJS is a possible or at a push a BMW 3 series Cabriolet. The roof from a 4 seat cabriolet would probably look better balanced. There must be others that would be a possible.
The shape of the door skin is not an issue - it can be changed. I would love to do a completely rounded screen but there is no point if I can't get it registered.
Paul
I would prefer something that keeps some if not all of the rain out!!!!
Jaguar XJS is a possible or at a push a BMW 3 series Cabriolet. The roof from a 4 seat cabriolet would probably look better balanced. There must be others that would be a possible.
The shape of the door skin is not an issue - it can be changed. I would love to do a completely rounded screen but there is no point if I can't get it registered.
Paul
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