Trailfir tunnel

[80_liquifire]

I have a 1979 trailfire with the metal tunnel in rusted shape , belly pan is nice .

Also have a 1980 trailfire junk/part sled . Aluminum tunnel is nice , belly pan is rusted bad .

So I was thinking of swapping the aluminum tunnel onto the 1979 belly pan , seems streight forward . Would there be any problems with this ?

[JoeRainville]

No, it's pretty much a direct swap, and have been done by several other members. Check out the FAQ on the Trailfire/Sportfire for more info.

Good Luck,
-Rainville

[80_liquifire]

Thanks ,
it looks pretty simple . I did notice the 79 has a lot less rivets on it . Were they spot welded together at points ? Could not see any spot weld dimples from the top .

MIKE

[JoeRainville]

Mike,

The entire 79 tunnel is steel, so there is no real joint between the tunnel and bulkhead. The 80-84 chassis were an aluminum tunnel rivited to a steel bulkhead. So on the 79 chassis, there are less joints, welds and rivits.

I hope this helps,
-Joe Rainville

[80_liquifire]

Well finally got this swap done .It went pretty well, hardest part was busting the welds that joined the 79 tunnel/bulkhead.

Now one more question , on the seat straps on these trailfires.
Is the strap held onto the tunnel with a small carrage bolt that has a acorn nut on the outside ?
OR
Is there a flat carrage bolt going from the outside through tunnel to the inside ?
Reason I ask I am not sure if there is a clearance problem with the track .

Thnx Joe
**** EDIT That question : found the answer in a old post ****
Mike

[mwking]

Hi,

There is a small carridge bolt (3/8" x 1/2" long) going from the inside to an acorn nut on the outside. The square part of the carridge bolt fits into the square hole in the tunnel.

Murray