Today with most of the welding complete and all gussets tack welded in place, I did a final fit check. There were a few last clearance issues. Since this was the last fit check, I checked it with both new and used (totally shot) engine mounts to get the clearance extreams. I ran out of Argon so the finish welding will have to wait until next week.

The end result was that I can get all the clearances I need with the current setup except for the area arround the alternator. With some die grinding into the 3/16" side plate, I should have about 1/4" clearance. This is not enough clearance however it is enough for me to go on to other tasks. Like plumbing and getting it running. The fix for the problem will be to use smaller urithane subframe mounts and rebuild the area. There is no sence screwing with this any more until I'm ready to put some real power to it.

My plan for this is actually to make a second subframe with all of the stuff I have learned. Now that I have a subframe with everything positioned correctly I can take measurements and make a second one with a lot less difficulty or exploratory removal of metal. Ultimatly I would like to make my own subframe out of 4130. I have purchased a surface plate and height gage and I am ready to start measuring.

The next time I put this subframe in, It will be painted and it will stay in untill the car is running.

John Roncallo

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