TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Nov 28, 2012 1:13 pm

I'm gonna start an official build thread. I already started posting some pictures under a different topic so I will continue from where I left off. I'm building a 1970 Baja. When I picked it up was all stock minus the wide eye glass kit. So here are my plans
6in wider beam
4x1 trailing arms
Tweed Combo Spindles
Tatum 2 piston front brakes
pushing the front end forward about 8in
CNC reverse hanging brake and clutch pedals
CNC single lever cutting brake
RaceTrim seats
002 Bus Transaxle
3x3s
rear disc brakes(gonna upgrade to Tatum 4 piston)
Fuel cell (still haven't decided a brand)
debating between fox coils or ADS triple bypass shocks (all 4 corners)
For now a 1600dp (picked suspension over motor for now)
I'm sure I missed some other details

Wed Nov 28, 2012 1:17 pm

This is the last picture before the build began

Wed Nov 28, 2012 1:41 pm

Got all the glass minus the door removed

Starting the front end cage

Sizing up spindles and trailing arms

Wed Nov 28, 2012 1:51 pm

Front Bumper

Bracing the beam

Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:04 pm

Lifted the body so I could start fully welding the cage

starting cross bracing

Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:09 pm

Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:15 pm

Great start. in off road it is better to start with the suspension , having a large motor and no suspension you end up breaking stuff. I have a retired 5/1600 and I leave large motored bajas in the dust all the time due to the fact they have little to no suspension. keep us updated.

Wed Nov 28, 2012 2:22 pm

Thanks, That was kinda my thinking on it. If I hav ethe motor I would push that stock suspension to its limits and like you said it would be broke in the shop.

Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:52 pm

I like to see the look on peoples face when after following me in the desert for awhile and we stop and they see a single port motor with a 30 pict.... suspension rules !!!

Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:52 pm

where the heck is Sahuarita ?

Wed Nov 28, 2012 4:58 pm

lol ya makes them feel bad about spending all kinds of money on a motor. Sahuarita is just outside of the Tucson city limits

Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:37 pm

Both will work great together.. I run a 1600 in my retired 5/1600 car and a healthy 2180 in my Thing. Most would agree it is better to have a car with suspension and a stock or near stock engine then a big motor and little to no suspension.

Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:05 pm

Ya i think im gonna start with a health 1776. Then save up some money and build a bigger motor down the road.

Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:32 pm

Hey, if you get bored, or have excess materials, you can always do the same treatment to my 73 Baja. LOL Looks great so far, would love to do that to mine (one day when funds are more readily available)

Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:04 am

LOL thanks, I don't think I have to worry about being bored for awhile. I'm lucky to get out and work on it once a week right now.

Wed Dec 12, 2012 10:38 am

Very very nice work!

Wed Dec 12, 2012 11:02 am

Thanks, Got my tatum brakes in monday. Just trying to find the time to get out in the shop and start setting up the rack and the front end

Fri Dec 21, 2012 12:55 pm

With any luck I will have a roller by christmas day. Now I just have to get out in the shop

Thanks to my buddy at Unlimited Fabrication and ADS for the coil overs

Mon Dec 24, 2012 11:22 am

Nice start. Cool looking rotors!

Tue Dec 25, 2012 10:05 pm

Got a little work done on the baja today. Gotta pick up some spindle nuts so I can bolt the hubs on and start stetting up the steering.