Levi Zoesch Pro-Touring 69 Ford Maverick MEGA Build

Hopefully I can explain this properly.

Inside rocker panel to inside rocker panel is 52.5", this is where the 2x3 tubing will be welded to (pic below). There will be a flat sheet of metal bent 6" High, 2 1/8" wide" with a 1 1/2" lip. This will be plug welded, onto the existing rocker panel, and the "chassis" will be welded to that panel as well as plug welded on top. I think you will get more of a idea of what I am trying to do when I do it and show progress pictures.

Edit; I believe by doing this I will have more of a "contact" weld rather than doing a "fillet weld". Also think it would make it more sturdy and more rock solid than just having the edge welded to already thin/old metal. By do plug welding in inside of it, then plug welding the 2x3 tubing to it as well as bead welds on the edges for additional support. (idk if that makes sense or not)

Hopefully this will give you a visual of what I am trying to say above. The circles represent maybe a 1/4" hole to plug weld onto the 2x3 then ground flat with a bead weld on the edges.





The rear end has not been measured for the wheels, I left the back half section even with the front rails, but realistically this will not be the case once finished.

Everything front of the trans loop is exact measurements, and will be placed into the car prior to the rear end. Front frame rails will be ordered at the end of the month, and everything will be tig welded by a structural welder that works for the family company to ensure safety and done properly.

I am set on the wheels that I want, I just need to purchase them. Once I am more set in stone/I have purchased one/or the fronts I can get the measurements to complete the backhalf so that when I do get the wheels/rearend shortened I can simply install and its a plug in play install.


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First and foremost I want to get this clear and open to everyone's understanding.

I extremely appreciate all of the advice, and the ideas that everyone has given me through this thread, through pm, and other threads that I have made on my thoughts.

I have NEVER done this before. I am teaching myself everything, literally, everything. I have tried things and failed, and have learned from those mistakes. I respect, and acknowledge everyone's ideas and concerns of what I am doing. So, I apologize if some of my ideas are not rational, arent the best way to do it, but this is why I am giving my thoughts on the thread/forums to get YOUR opinion on the idea. Help me open my eyes so that I can do this properly. Many of you have told me things I never knew I had to take into consideration. I do not have the local old guy helping me and guiding me though out the build, but I have the forums and that's the information I am seeking from everyone. So PLEASE SPEAK UP!

Originally, I was simply going to do paint -- Then it went to interior -- Then I totaled my mustang and figured ok, power plant too -- Over the past 2-3 years I have changed my mind more than I should have. After some thinking of what I really want, My dream build, and where I want to go with the car I have made a plan which hasn't changed much other than doing a full chassis. I was going to just box the torque boxes ect. I have spoken to dozens of people, a few engineers who work for the family company in their ideas of what I should do. The thing that came back everytime is MAKE A PLAN.

I have taken the time, and drawn up the plan I want to do, and how I want things to look by drafting the chassis dimensions. Some of my plans in the past may have urked a few nerves with experienced people and want to bang their heads on the desk. I appreciate that, and I want to hear that from people. I am begging for critics and ideas.

I have 85% of the body work is complete, 100% of the brackets, and misc stuff need has been sand blasted and powder coated. I have done all of the 'cheap' stuff.

I am not sh*tin hundreds, but over the past few years I have had more liquid money to go to the project -- this is why I have changed the plan so much.

The rims and tires are the most expensive things that I have to purchase, second to suspension parts as well as the chassis that has been supplied by Chris Alston Chassisworks.

Please forgive me as I do not have the experience, or knowledge in doing particular things, but one thing I would like to say is I am doing my best. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.

I hope this all makes sense... and please forgive my ignorance

 

You don't have to apologize for anything, I think we're all interested, and want to help where we can.

 

pro 69

Your ok I understand you. I Build all the time without a plan just like Architects who draw plans and never built anything in their lives.

 

again nothing to apologize for.

you have been very open with your project and in asking questions and adapting it to the answers you've received. as you well know this project has evolved substantially from your original concept and i feel it has gone it the right direction.
you are doing it in a very safe manor. ive so many cars built that are so unsafe its scary just pulling them into the shop.

you've done a great job in surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people both online and in life that you should end up with an amazing car by the end of the build.

i look forward to following the rest of your build.

 

you may want to make the body removable from the frame. this way will make it easy to make changes down the road. if you need to add bars to the roll cage it will make it very easy to do and to get full 360 degree welds.

 

Thanks guys

Today I trimmed up the 4dr quarter panel and placed it on the car. Currently waiting on another member to send me the 2dr quarter, but wanted to get it out of the way and get a little working experience on how to do it. If push comes to shove and this is my last option then it will work. Would feel more comfortable doing a 2dr entire panel than trying to stitch weld them end to end.

Here's some pictures.





Overall I am pleased.

I may 'practice' on doing this panel so when I do get the 2dr quarter I should have 'less' issues. Thoughts? Few people probably would rather have the panel than me waste it.

 

Looks good, I have seen worse before . Me .lol

 

I would be in that camp.

 

All the old pictures of your car, it looked pretty good?

 

Ill dig up the photos, but the entire rear portion of the quarter was shot.

 

section 1 was about 3/4" thick bondo caked onto the panel
second 2 was bondo flaking off in a giant cookie. Looked like someone threw a bowling ball at the quarter. Also right above the circled 2 section you can see a bunch of hammer work that looks bad. I tried to dolly it, but the metal got super thin in sections and it looked like crap. So I tried to skim coat it and 'blend it' as if it wasn't there (originally was going to paint only lol). Now that I am doing things right the first time...

I dont have any pictures of it cleaned up. I just always avoided taking those pictures lol.


Craig, I doubt I will waste this panel, I'll wait to get the 2dr quarter/or until I can find one and go that route. Its tempting though

 

Looks a lot like my left quarter which is why I replaced what was needed but not the entire panel

 

i probably would have spent a few weekends trying to hammer and dolly it near perfect hate cutting when i dont need to! but like you tried & said..sometimes she just gets TOO thin.

on another note..looks like you have made alot of progress with everything. keep up the good work.

 

Thank you.

 

i saw you question in another thread about axles.
i dont remember but i think you were planning on a 1000hp motor?
if so you dont want cut to fits. you will want some quality built axles from a company like strange, mark williams, or summers brothers. you should get 35 spline ones. the you will have options for either a torque biasing limited slip like a true trac, strack etc.. or you can get a detroit locker or lenco locker, or a spool. check with the axle manufacture you choose on spline angle compatibility with what ever carrier you choose.