another day, another spent more money on the Pinto confession.
I bought 20 feet of 2x2 14 gauge tubing for the subframe connectors. I would have liked to have gotten 1/8th thick, but just too much money. This should be plenty strong for this purpose. If not it will be a good practice session.
I also bought 20 feet of 1x1 1/8th inch thick angle steel for the fuel cell and battery mount. This might be too small.
I thought it would be big enough, but after seeing it I was like "oh shoot, that might not work." Probably should have gone 1.5 inch, but hopefully this will be usable. I didn't want the mounting to be the thing that catches the eyes.
The angle was only 68 cents or so a foot, so not too bad if it doesn't work. I can always use it for welding practice.
$70 total for all the steel counting the cuts I had to pay for. Having an enclosed vehicle limits the sizes I can transport. Had the 2x2 cut into two 7 foot lengths, and then a 6 foot leftover piece. Figured that 7 is probably too long for the connectors, but it is a lot easier to cut off than to add on. Plus I plan on going as far forward in the front subframe as I can. I am planning on these being one piece from front to back. The angle is cut into 5 foot sections. That is more than any one single length will be, so should be fine. I'll be able to cut them with the next paragraph.
Then I bought a 14 inch 3.5hp cut off saw at HF for $100. It was on sale, normally $150(prices rounded off). I can't do the connectors free hand. My metal cuts have not been very straight.
I also bought a face shield there. Not the best quality I am sure, but better than nothing. The saw is rated for over double the sizes I am cutting so hopefully it won't be a strain for it. It comes with one cutting disc, I need to get some quality ones. I don't like buying grinding or cutting discs at HF. Heard a lot of horror stories.
Now I am really done spending on the Pinto for a while. Unless I find a really good deal that is. OOPS, did I say that out loud?
The fuel cell should be here by Friday if not sooner. So I hope to get started on mounting it and the battery during my next weekend, which will be Sunday-Tuesday. I think I need a different fuel gauge, pretty sure the one I just bought last month is a Ford style. I need a GM one now for the sending unit that comes with the cell.
Only a 3 day weekend this next time, then work 4 and off 4. I am going to be on my own at work starting this Thursday, so that will be a big relief.
The trainer I had is very nice and very good, but has a hard time letting me work on my own, so it has been stressful at times. The job is too simple, but I think he has had some real idiots come through there. I came up with an analogy. Take an F1 driver. Set him on a kids tricycle. Then don't let him pedal or move without supervision and instructions. Really, it is that bad. But I keep trying to tell myself it is a paycheck. Problem is I need more than that to feel satisfied. And my career certainly needs more than this.
Oh, almost forgot. I ran the new to me compressor until the tank was up to 120psi, and the breaker never tripped. Looks like I got lucky with that.
Thanks,
Russ