'71 RSR Interpretation - Project Update # 4 - w/ Pics ZINC plated REAR susp Bling

[DW SD]

Esteemed Pelican Members-
It has been a while since I've had an opportunity to post an update. I've added some pics for your viewing pleasure. Things are coming together nicely.

Here's what's been going on:
1. Had suspension hardware zinc-plated. I used Midwest Plating in Grand Rapids MI. They did a good job for $50 (21lbs worth), but lost one bolt. Of course, the bolt was one of a hundred, but one of two unique ones, which is a PITA! I guess you get what you pay for. Aethetically, their work is good. I did not prep as well as some have done, it seems. I used a heavy wire wheel on a bench grinder for all of my prep, but no media blasting. Overall, the zinc plating is VERY nice and more than acceptable.



2. I installed Elephant Racing's monoball in the rear trailing arms. Pretty straightforward, though the bore was too large on one side. I used this product to lock them in place. Loctite 638 is specifically tailored for bearing surfaces and will take up as much as 0.015" of an inch of difference between OD and ID. I had no where near that amount.



3. Next I installed ER's spring plate bushings. Personally, I have been frustrated by the use of the shims (both front and rear), though I realize they are an integral and necessary component of the design. They always seem a PITA to install properly. But, hopefullly, I just have to do it once! To ensure a long-term tight fit and make sure things stay where I put them I again relied upon the Loctite 638 Bearing Compound, using dribbles between each layer in the shim stack. Installing the springplate bushings into the torsion tube was quite straightforward, once I VERY carefully ground the torsion tube down to a uniform depth. The bronze bearing fit uniformly about the circumference of the Torsion Tube Opening. Proving that things are lined up properly, the springplates swing freely. Cool setup! If you look closely, you'll see where I scribed a line on the body for installing the torsion bars (Thanks Thom F. and Wil F. for your spring plate angle calculator!!)


4. Another VICTIM of "while you're in there", I beefed up the rear sway bar mounts. My thoughts were, while I've got FREE and EASY access RIGHT? Anyways, I added 1/8" plate to the bottom of the flimsy rear sway bar mounts. AND most importantly, I added a tri-angular gusset from the same material. I discussed this approach with IRA from TARRETT Engineering (maker of sway bars, front monoball camber plates, etc, etc) some time ago and he confirmed this as a good approach and shouldn't have any problems. WOW it was tought to get my MIG welder in there (as well as my HEAD with the mask on). Not the prettiest of welds, but they should hold just fine. Basically, I was welding by Braile.



5. Finally, I added a heavy ground strap between the chassis and the transmission. My starter was intermittently working. Doing some troubleshooting with my trusty FLUKE, I found the voltage at the starter would drop to 1.5V when the key was in the crank position (solenoid click only, no cranking). I ran a temporary ground back to the battery and found 12.4V in the same condition. Clearly, a bad ground at the starter. With the new ground stud welded in and the 2Gauge strap installed, IT cranks like a BEAST! BTW - I added a mini starter at the same time. Saves another 7lbs and offers higher torque cranking to boot! Found a new one on ebay for $120. SCORE!

This weekend, I hope to install the trailing arms and have the car on the ground. I also need to re-grease the CV joints, complete installation of my rollbar and begin installing the harness.

Things are coming together. Will be on the ROAD soon!!

Thanks for looking!

Doug

[mpwrcpe]

Wow, car looks sweet! Can you give the info on the color please My R project is almost ready for paint, and I need another silver car!

-Dave.

[DW SD]

Dave-
Thank you for the kind words.

I chose BMW titanium silver (base + clear). The color has been around a while, so you could look at any newer silver BMW and see a sample. Not period correct, but it is a very nice silver. Probably the lightest in color that you'll find. I compared MBZ two stage and liked this slightly better.

Doug

[kenikh]

My bimmer is that color; it is quintessential german silver and I don't think there is a finer color.

[TRE Cup]

nice detailing Doug! Can't wait to see it up close

[luvndasun]

Hi Doug - your car looks great! Looks like you are just up the road from me in Encinitas. I am in Sorrento Valley. Keep the pictures coming.

[DW SD]

Dave & Luvn,
Thanks for your kind words.

Look forward to seeing you both at some upcoming SoCal events.

Doug

[mpwrcpe]

Ha--I thought so. My M-shoe is the same color I love the silver & blacked out trim.

[Craig 930 RS]

Nice.

Perhaps it is too late, but you ought to beef up those sway mounts even more. I've had major mount rippage with the mounts @ that reinforcement level -

[DW SD]

Craig,
It is never too late. Good advice! What size sway bars were you running? What would you suggest? A gusset on the outside?

Doug

[Craig 930 RS]

I answered your question via PM, but for theis thread:

For track use, you should run the improved Porsche mounts that have also been beefed up with approx 1/4 plate on the sway mount points - along with additional gusseting.

I have (had, the 3.6 which is now sold) TRG bars and I was ripping mounts off like there was no tomorrow.

Got old when a track day was cut short in the first 1/2 hr - done for the day after the sway drug on the ground and piece$ were lost -

[Kmatts]

WOW, that car is STUNNING!!! wonderful job on the paint!

[Cory M]

Wow, that silver looks great with the satin finish on your wheels.

[DW SD]

All - thanks for your kind words! It is definitely encouraging and motivating to keep going. I hope to have all four wheels on the ground by this weekend.

Doug

[svonkampen]

Damn Doug ;-)

SvK

[ted]

Looks awesome Doug, I'll take you up on your invitation this weekend.
Can you have it ready for a Sunday ride!
OK, if we can't drive it maybe just as well/safer if I bring along some cold ones.
hhhmmm is there anything else I can sell you???
Looks great can't wait to see it in person.

[Jack Olsen]

Beautiful! Look into the Wevo swaybar mounts.

[klaucke]

Do you have a thermostat on the oil cooler?

[DW SD]

Jack and Mike -
Thanks for the kind words! I have reviewed the WEVO mounts. Maybe I'll take a second look and talk to Hayden for a discussion. I'm assuming the need for the beefier mounts is directly proportional to forces on the mount, which is related to stiffness of the sway bars? The tarrett ones are bigger than stock, but not too big. Is there a diameter that absolutely requires more heft than I've added (1/8" plate to the bottom bracket and 1/8" gussets?) I know no one can say absolutes. Rule of thumb would be helpful.

KLaucke-
Yeah, I have an aftermarket mocal thermostat on the cooler. I went with that due to the complete AN solution. I believe update # 3 shared some nice photos and details - not that you've memorized my posts ;-)
Pictures of thermostat and front suspension, interior, fuel lines, etc in this thread:
UPDATE # 3 ANOTHER RSR CLONE IN SOCAL (bit o' suspension bling)

One of the previous updates:
RSR look Project Update - wiring + mb911 exhaust

Finally, thanks for your interest!

Doug

[Ira Ramin]

Doug,
The car looks great! I can’t wait to see it running.

The gusset you added should help, but it’s not exactly what I was trying to explain. See to picture below. The mount is a little different, but you should be able to do a similar gusset.

Ira