The Willomet Charger

[Brandy]

It was a full weekend of chassis building.

The Charger will only fit in the suburban this one time.
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Setting up at my friends shop...
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...he has two large fixture tables we made great use of.
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Large rear torque boxes, and that crossbeam is placed at the same spot where the factory floor raises to the back seat - 33-1/2” forward of the axle centerline.
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ChassisWorks from crossmember
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Front torque box detail
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The modified X, making room for the setback powertrain.
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A long and enjoyable day of welding.
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You can really get a sense of scale for just how big this car is.
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Everything is back at my shop, and there’s a load of detail pieces left to work - T plates, cap passes, driveshaft hoops, engine mounts, shear plates, and more stuff I’m forgetting.

David

So, David, where did the pieces come from? Are these the result of your measurements having been used to produce the bent pieces and angles by a second party? Like a steel supply that bent them for you. Or?

 

[1970RT]

So, David, where did the pieces come from? Are these the result of your measurements having been used to produce the bent pieces and angles by a second party? Like a steel supply that bent them for you. Or?

I designed the chassis, though it's inspired by several existing pro-touring and factory setups. Jimmy at MRC Fabrication in NC bent the 4x2 to my dimensions, leaving a bit on each end for trimming and fitting.

David

 

[Brandy]

I designed the chassis, though it's inspired by several existing pro-touring and factory setups. Jimmy at MRC Fabrication in NC bent the 4x2 to my dimensions, leaving a bit on each end for trimming and fitting.

David

Can I ask what that cost? In a PM if you want...

 

[1970RT]

Can I ask what that cost? In a PM if you want...

Happy to share. My design time is a sunk cost, and I made 7 revisions before sending the design to Jimmy at MRC. The rails, bent to spec and shipped, were about $2500. Additional to that is the Chassisworks front suspension crossmember.

David

 

[watermelon]

did I say when I get my car all upgraded and dialed in that I’m sending it over to you for a complete redo?



im signing up on your Fan Club


watermelon

 

[Brandy]

did I say when I get my car all upgraded and dialed in that I’m sending it over to you for a complete redo?



im signing up on your Fan Club


watermelon

Me too! David does awesome work!

 

[1970RT]

did I say when I get my car all upgraded and dialed in that I’m sending it over to you for a complete redo?

There’s a strong chance you finish before me!

David

 

[1970RT]

The episode covering chassis measurement, design, and basic construction of the birdcage is up.


David

 

[Brandy]

Always a pleasure David. Very informative and I like your plan for suspending the car while waiting. I was unaware that a circular saw was available for metal. Very cool. Lovin' your build my friend.

 

[1970RT]

Always a pleasure David. Very informative and I like your plan for suspending the car while waiting. I was unaware that a circular saw was available for metal. Very cool. Lovin' your build my friend.

I didn't know those things were around, either. A friend of mine had one, and it got me going down that path. I'm working an angle to get the chop saw.

David

 

[NoCar2023]

Next, on the Velocity channel, David Willomet in the Bird-cage episode.

Nice work, David.

 

[1970RT]

Next, on the Velocity channel, David Willomet in the Bird-cage episode.

Nice work, David.

Thanks, man. They're a lot of fun to make, and I hope you find them semi-useful.

David

 

[watermelon]

awesome.

but 17min video? you think I have that long of an attention span?

just funnin’. awesome craftsmanship.


watermelon

 

[1970RT]

awesome.

but 17min video? you think I have that long of an attention span?

just funnin’. awesome craftsmanship.

Seriously, I’m always concerned about the length of an episode. Unless you’re paid by the word, just say what you need to, show it, and move on. With the amount of video I start with, whittling it down to the meaningful clips is the toughest part.

The next one, which is 3 days of off-roading, is gong to be tough to contain.

David

 

[1970RT]

The house remodel is pretty much done. Deer season is done. Time to get back to work.

I snagged a rotisserie for the frame.

Now the car can park and charge, like normal.

It’s actually very easy to move around with one person. That might not always be the case, but it’s good right now.

Glad to be back in the shop.

David

 

[Scott Engelhardt]

Anxious to see the future progress

 

[Brandy]

Glad to see your back! Now "git 'er done"

 

[1970RT]

After weeks away, I’m dialing my brain back in; practicing for the cap welds on the frame.

I’m going to include more prep posts, and show my in-process steps. Said another way, I’ll show the junk I make before the finished product.

David

 

[5.7 hemi]

First time I’ve seen twisted tig wire. Can you explain why your doing it this way? I’m always up for learning something.

 

[1970RT]

First time I’ve seen twisted tig wire. Can you explain why your doing it this way? I’m always up for learning something.

I ran out of 3/32. This was just a sub until I go get a new box. I don’t recommend it when doing lay wire.

David