Going KA-T
Moderators: notoptoy, S Allen, Solex68
- Mattk
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 679
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
So I got some stuff done.
I got her off the frame and in the air. Kinda a bitch to do as I'm in a single width garage and not the two of the old house, but its mine so I'm not bitchin'
I pulled out the RX7 rear-end and decided to do the scary bit of narrowing
The very first thing I did is check my numbers and then recheck and recheck again. My desired width is that of the original rear end. I got this from when I put the new wheels on and found that the 205/50-15's fit perfectly, enough room in side and out, doesn't even rub when the suspension is bottomed out. One thing Im doing is taking and additional 1/4" to 1/2" off (maybe more I can't remember). The reason for this is in this instance it's better to be to narrow rather than to wide. Because once everything is welded up I wont be able to narrow it up, but I will be able to put in spacers to push the wheels out.
I don't have my notebook next to me so I'm approximating
The original axle is 48 ish wide and the RX7 is 57.25 ish wide. So i'm pulling 9 - 9 1/2" out of the axle, ya know... not much. I'll get the numbers later.
So pulled axles out and set them to the side to get trimmed at Moser but I'm going to wait to send them so I cant measure when the rear end is done to get the right trim. Pulled the 3rd member and put it off to the side. I'm going to rebuild it while its out, the LSD disks are supposed to be still available from Mazda...at least I hope they are.
I then installed the cut down Miata third member I acquired for this project, with the alighnment bears I have. I then fit the rest of the alingment jig on to see the fit (sorry forgot to take pictures )
Took it all apart and got to cutting...well measuring some more and some more. Lets face it I was nervous!
I first cut off the axle ends These axles ends have been machined to slide on to the ends of the axle housing tubes that have been machined to fit accurately...I dont have those kinds of tools so I'm going to wing it . I was able to extract the remanent of the axle tube from the axle end with surprising ease. Then I measured some more and then just cut. I now have to get the tubes into shape, mount the ends, weld, get the axles back...
cheers
Matthew
I got her off the frame and in the air. Kinda a bitch to do as I'm in a single width garage and not the two of the old house, but its mine so I'm not bitchin'
I pulled out the RX7 rear-end and decided to do the scary bit of narrowing
The very first thing I did is check my numbers and then recheck and recheck again. My desired width is that of the original rear end. I got this from when I put the new wheels on and found that the 205/50-15's fit perfectly, enough room in side and out, doesn't even rub when the suspension is bottomed out. One thing Im doing is taking and additional 1/4" to 1/2" off (maybe more I can't remember). The reason for this is in this instance it's better to be to narrow rather than to wide. Because once everything is welded up I wont be able to narrow it up, but I will be able to put in spacers to push the wheels out.
I don't have my notebook next to me so I'm approximating
The original axle is 48 ish wide and the RX7 is 57.25 ish wide. So i'm pulling 9 - 9 1/2" out of the axle, ya know... not much. I'll get the numbers later.
So pulled axles out and set them to the side to get trimmed at Moser but I'm going to wait to send them so I cant measure when the rear end is done to get the right trim. Pulled the 3rd member and put it off to the side. I'm going to rebuild it while its out, the LSD disks are supposed to be still available from Mazda...at least I hope they are.
I then installed the cut down Miata third member I acquired for this project, with the alighnment bears I have. I then fit the rest of the alingment jig on to see the fit (sorry forgot to take pictures )
Took it all apart and got to cutting...well measuring some more and some more. Lets face it I was nervous!
I first cut off the axle ends These axles ends have been machined to slide on to the ends of the axle housing tubes that have been machined to fit accurately...I dont have those kinds of tools so I'm going to wing it . I was able to extract the remanent of the axle tube from the axle end with surprising ease. Then I measured some more and then just cut. I now have to get the tubes into shape, mount the ends, weld, get the axles back...
cheers
Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 679
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
Got outside for a couple hours on the last day of 2017.
Ground down the ends of the axle and got the bearing ends mocked. The jigs is working out pretty well. Just need to clamp the ends better before I tack and weld. Yet another trip to Lowe’s.
So my target measure ment was 43 3/16†for the width. I firgured a tolerance of an 1/8†inward on each side.
I think I did alright. Gonna get some clamps, square out the ends and tack. I’m also going to pull apart the actual 3rd member with the lsd and just make sure it all lines up. I’m planning on rebuilding the lsd anyway so it’s no big deal.
More to come
Happy New Year
Matthew
Ground down the ends of the axle and got the bearing ends mocked. The jigs is working out pretty well. Just need to clamp the ends better before I tack and weld. Yet another trip to Lowe’s.
So my target measure ment was 43 3/16†for the width. I firgured a tolerance of an 1/8†inward on each side.
I think I did alright. Gonna get some clamps, square out the ends and tack. I’m also going to pull apart the actual 3rd member with the lsd and just make sure it all lines up. I’m planning on rebuilding the lsd anyway so it’s no big deal.
More to come
Happy New Year
Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 679
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
I received one my x-mas presents finally.
I know its not a Bridgeport or anything like that but itll be good for learning and playing with. Ever since my design days I've been fascinated with the production side engineering...so why not ! The lathe will come next month
cheers
Matthew
I know its not a Bridgeport or anything like that but itll be good for learning and playing with. Ever since my design days I've been fascinated with the production side engineering...so why not ! The lathe will come next month
cheers
Matthew
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MattK
- BBF Roadster
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- Location: Houston TX
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
Nice addition to your tool box.
I'm curious what the axle work at Moser will cost.
I'm curious what the axle work at Moser will cost.
67.5 1600, U20 Swap
69 GTO
70 Barracuda
70 Roadrunner
70 Mustang FB
71 GMC Sprint SP 454
72 El Camino SS 454
69 GTO
70 Barracuda
70 Roadrunner
70 Mustang FB
71 GMC Sprint SP 454
72 El Camino SS 454
- theunz
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
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- Joined: Sat May 02, 2009 1:54 pm
- Location: Catoosa Ok.
- Model: 2000
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Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
So my target measure ment was 43 3/16†for the width. I firgured a tolerance of an 1/8†inward on each side.
I think I did alright.
9CD72D77-03C0-4077-A475-962573B8B94D.jpeg
Measurement
Gonna get some clamps, square out the ends
I don't understand, I cut it three times and it's still too short! Always happy to get within 1/8 inch on any of my projects
PS digging the mill and lathe, would love to have them, of course than I'd have to learn how to use them!
I think I did alright.
9CD72D77-03C0-4077-A475-962573B8B94D.jpeg
Measurement
Gonna get some clamps, square out the ends
I don't understand, I cut it three times and it's still too short! Always happy to get within 1/8 inch on any of my projects
PS digging the mill and lathe, would love to have them, of course than I'd have to learn how to use them!
Mike M
Old enough to know better, too old to remember why!
1969 2000 solex mine since 1972, under resurrection. (Finally resurrected as of spring 2019!)
1969 Porsche 911s -worth more, but not as valuable! Gone!
2017 Lotus Evora 400 - Oh my!!
Old enough to know better, too old to remember why!
1969 2000 solex mine since 1972, under resurrection. (Finally resurrected as of spring 2019!)
1969 Porsche 911s -worth more, but not as valuable! Gone!
2017 Lotus Evora 400 - Oh my!!
- Mattk
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 679
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
So I went to the web site and it said $125 for the pair which I thought was low and maybe they ment per axle; but the quote I got directly from Moser was $125.00 to cut and respline the pair . So I figure that with shipping it should be around $200.00. Which is not bad IMHO
Really think I just got lucky or it might be the fact I stared at it for almost a year cause I was to much of a chickenshit to cut it
Cheers
Matthew
MattK
- Mattk
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- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
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- Model: 2000
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Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
Well I went and done did it...I welded the ends on. Now mind you my welds look like Trumps presidentencey....an embarrassment!!!! But at least I can grind them down and make them pretty-ish
Just got to press of the bearings and ship the axles out.
Cheers
Matthew
Just got to press of the bearings and ship the axles out.
Cheers
Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 679
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
Stopped by a local miata shop and was able to pick up some Miata na door handles.
This is the only picture I got I have also started to get the rear end set for fabbing. I’ve cut off the leaf spring mounts cause they are in the way and so now there’s no going back. Cheers
Matthew
They’re going to need some cleaning up; maybe a rebuild but I got em. They came off of a monster miata that...as the story goes, had a fuel leak that was ignored and as a result it caught fire and burned as the owner and passenger looked on. This is the only picture I got I have also started to get the rear end set for fabbing. I’ve cut off the leaf spring mounts cause they are in the way and so now there’s no going back. Cheers
Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
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- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
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- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
So I’ve had almost zero time in the shop as of late. But I have been reevaluating the rear end set up. So because I have nothing else to do late at night I’ve been running the numbers on different set ups. I’m think of changing the set up to reversed on the bottom links. I think it’ll be easier to fad and gives the same performance..win win.
I did manage a little time last Sunday and was able to cut some mounting tabs and drill the bolt holes. Used the mill for drilling and not my drill press, what a difference. I really like the mill, look forward to using it more in the future. I was also able to mock up one of the links.
Hoping for some time this weekend but not counting on it.
Cheers
Matthew
I did manage a little time last Sunday and was able to cut some mounting tabs and drill the bolt holes. Used the mill for drilling and not my drill press, what a difference. I really like the mill, look forward to using it more in the future. I was also able to mock up one of the links.
Hoping for some time this weekend but not counting on it.
Cheers
Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
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- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
So time has been limited as usual. I did however get my axles out and cut done. Moser did the work with a one week turnaround and they look great.
Matthew
I’m going to press on a set of spare cheep bearing and finish the 4 bar. I hope! Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
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- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
Just added a new tool to the shop.
Now I understand that the lathe is not a precision machine but it’s great for learning and I had one of the big coupons so why not.
More to come
Matthew
Now I understand that the lathe is not a precision machine but it’s great for learning and I had one of the big coupons so why not.
More to come
Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
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- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
So got some time last weekend. I recently received the axles back from Moser , looks like they did a great job, and have been itching to see how they fit. I have a couple of super cheapy bearings that i can sacrifice to the car gods, so I decided to put the narrowed rear-end together. I put my new rotors on and calipers (that are crazy dirty) on with the dust shields (the right side shield is mangled but good enough for maching up for the final construct of the four bar.)
Looks great to me, not to mention the measurements came well within my set tolerance
Hope to get more time soon.
Cheers
Matthew
Looks great to me, not to mention the measurements came well within my set tolerance
Hope to get more time soon.
Cheers
Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 679
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
Just got my long back ordered air compressor. One Eagle EA-6000.
Supposed to be real quite like. Buddy of mine got one and raves about his, the reviews are overwhelming positive, so I got one; which makes 4...well truly more like 3 1/2! It’s rated at 6cfm @ 90 but only has a 6gal tank. I have a 26gal crapsman, that the piston rod broke on....again!, that I’m going to use as an auxiliary tank. I think this will work out great for my needs! Now I just need to spend time on the roadster and not money on the tools for the roadster, at least that’s what I tell my wife there for.
Cheers
Matthew
Supposed to be real quite like. Buddy of mine got one and raves about his, the reviews are overwhelming positive, so I got one; which makes 4...well truly more like 3 1/2! It’s rated at 6cfm @ 90 but only has a 6gal tank. I have a 26gal crapsman, that the piston rod broke on....again!, that I’m going to use as an auxiliary tank. I think this will work out great for my needs! Now I just need to spend time on the roadster and not money on the tools for the roadster, at least that’s what I tell my wife there for.
Cheers
Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
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- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
So Keith stopped by this morning to show off his new paint job. And what a beautiful paint job it is! Wow!
The pictures of the whole car didn’t come out but if you look closely you can see the ghost flames in the paint, just gorgeous!! We went for a cruise and she rides like a dream too! I’m super envious of his roadster. Really want to get mine done!
On that note I’ve been working on the design/plan for the electrical. Been referencing the wiki for diagrams.
I’m sure I’m going to need to do another diagram but this is a good start. I’m building from scratch as my original harnesses were beat. It’s not going to be hard as much as it’s going to be time consuming. But it does allow me to modernize the harness and go all led and new sensors and switches while hiding as much as I can; not to mention I can’t stand spaghetti! Years ago I worked installing hi end car audio (Porsche, Ferrari Bentley ect) which taught me a lot about doing good clean work and what good electrical systems look like and what bad ones look like (f’ing jags!)
More to come.....someday
Matthew
The pictures of the whole car didn’t come out but if you look closely you can see the ghost flames in the paint, just gorgeous!! We went for a cruise and she rides like a dream too! I’m super envious of his roadster. Really want to get mine done!
On that note I’ve been working on the design/plan for the electrical. Been referencing the wiki for diagrams.
I’m sure I’m going to need to do another diagram but this is a good start. I’m building from scratch as my original harnesses were beat. It’s not going to be hard as much as it’s going to be time consuming. But it does allow me to modernize the harness and go all led and new sensors and switches while hiding as much as I can; not to mention I can’t stand spaghetti! Years ago I worked installing hi end car audio (Porsche, Ferrari Bentley ect) which taught me a lot about doing good clean work and what good electrical systems look like and what bad ones look like (f’ing jags!)
More to come.....someday
Matthew
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MattK
- Mattk
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 679
- Joined: Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:49 pm
- Location: DFW, TX
- Model: 2000
- Year: High Windshield-68-70
Re: Going KA... No BEAMS....yet!!
Being a stay at home dad makes summer the busiest time of year for me; but now summer is over and the kids are back in school...thank god
So I’ve got a little time in the shop and I’ve made some brackets for the four link. Now I have pouring over the numbers trying to find the best set up for the suspension for years. Do I want trackable or street or dragster-ish off the line or maybe a highway cruiser. I came to a resounding yes!. So I decided that instead of finding the mystical sweet spot I would instead build in adjustablity. So far I have one inch of adjustment at each rod end point on the top links. This has given me a surprising amount of adjustablility. More on that when I’m done with the bottom links.
The mounts were made using my new mini mill, and I really enjoy playing with this thing.
Welding is still needed of course. More to come
Cheers
Matthew
So I’ve got a little time in the shop and I’ve made some brackets for the four link. Now I have pouring over the numbers trying to find the best set up for the suspension for years. Do I want trackable or street or dragster-ish off the line or maybe a highway cruiser. I came to a resounding yes!. So I decided that instead of finding the mystical sweet spot I would instead build in adjustablity. So far I have one inch of adjustment at each rod end point on the top links. This has given me a surprising amount of adjustablility. More on that when I’m done with the bottom links.
The mounts were made using my new mini mill, and I really enjoy playing with this thing.
Welding is still needed of course. More to come
Cheers
Matthew
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MattK