1980 Liquifire Project

johnnycyclone · Post by **johnnycyclone** » Sun Aug 07, 2011 10:19 pm

Just thought I would share a couple of pics from my latest project. The goal is to complete the project by Sept. 17, in time for the Toledo show. Initially I was going to restore a 1982 Liquifire. But because of the low build numbers for the 82 model year, I wanted to keep the build stock. Now this poses a problem, as I don't have the correct engine to go with the sled. The engine that came with the sled was in pretty bad shape, and so I sold it off in pieces to help fund last years Spitfire project. Well, I decided to proceed with the build anyway, with an engine that I had sitting on the shelf. The engine is already rebuilt, and ready to go, but it is not the exact model that came with this sled. But I figured that would be ok for now, I could always change them out later.
So in assessing the bulkhead, I noticed the left side bracket missing. I immediately sent out a request looking for a bracket, or a complete bulkhead. Tom from this site came to the rescue, and donated a pretty nice 1980 chassis, complete with the bracket I needed. The right side of the bulkhead where the spindle goes was bent, but the bracket on the left side was good. But I started thinking, if I took the bulkhead from the 82, the bracket and tunnel from the 80, and put in the engine already on the shelf, I would then have my next project. So the plan is to get started on this most likely tomorrow, and if you would like I can keep posting my progress as I go. I don't think time will be the issue in completing the project, but the lack of funds may slow this project down. I am hoping parts sales will begin to pick up in September, and we can get this one done in time for the show. Enjoy.....Terre

nick80lf · Post by **nick80lf** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 5:38 pm

trailfire runner · Post by **trailfire runner** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 6:47 pm

I like now if only there were to of them being done

johnnycyclone · Post by **johnnycyclone** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 8:53 pm

trailfire runner wrote:I like now if only there were to of them being done

Just keep digging Clay and soon enough one will turn up. I will keep an eye out around here for one, and if I find one I will let you know.

Here is a pic of the right side on the 80 bulkhead. Someone definitely hit something pretty hard with this one.

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Got the bracket off of the 80, and welded onto the 82. I will probably take it over to the powder coater on Thursday. I talked to him today and he said he was swamped, but I hope he can do a quick turnaround. Also removed the bulkhead from the tunnel on the 80 and got it cleaned up. I hope to have the decals removed by tomorrow night so I can start prepping it for paint.

: rsz_img_3780.jpg (64.37 KiB) Viewed 4436 times

More updates later.....

johnnycyclone · Post by **johnnycyclone** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 8:55 pm

Got the decals off, and rough sanded the tunnel. There is a little damage to the right side footrest so I'm going to rework that a little bit tomorrow night. Spent a little time working on the dash also. Got it cleaned up and installed the gauges. Tach, and speedo are NOS, and the temp gauge is a re-popped unit.

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johnnycyclone · Post by **johnnycyclone** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 9:02 pm

Got the tunnel in primer tonight, sorry no pics as of yet. I also took some time and dug out a hood to use on the project. The hood is in real good shape only one crack on the right side, back corner. This will be an easy one to fix up, unlike the one for my 77 project. Had enough time to remove all of the hardware and decals also. If any one has a spare vent for the side send me a pm, it looks like I'm going to need a new one.

cledussnow77 · Post by **cledussnow77** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 9:38 pm

Hey Clay Sent ya a pm

johnnycyclone · Post by **johnnycyclone** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 9:45 pm

cledussnow77 wrote:Hey Clay Sent ya a pm

Just checked, nothing there.

Post by **WinnipegStPaul9** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 7:09 am

Might have the vent. Let me check.

DA

GenIILiq · Post by **GenIILiq** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 7:15 am

Just curious, how are you removing the decals? Heat or a decal removing product of some kind? Thanks. Jason

johnnycyclone · Post by **johnnycyclone** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:56 pm

GenIILiq wrote:Just curious, how are you removing the decals? Heat or a decal removing product of some kind? Thanks. Jason

I just use a razor blade that is shown in the picture. I insert the corner edge of the blade at an angle, and then run it along the decal lifting about a 1/4" strip. Just keep removing a 1/4" at a time until the decal is removed. This works really well if you are not concerned about preserving the paint. As you can see on my hood some of the paint came off with the decals, it also puts a lot of scratches in the paint. For me it's not a concern, as I plan on sanding down the hood and repainting it any way. You can heat the decals which helps to preserve the paint, but then you have to be very careful with the blade, it can dig into the paint pretty easily. I have heard the wheels that are sold for removing decals work pretty good, but I have never tried one. To remove the remaining glue I use the product in the pic, my local Ace hardware carries it. It works really well, and it's 100% biodegradable. It smells like oranges.

johnnycyclone · Post by **johnnycyclone** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:59 pm

Not much progress today, I did get the bulkhead over to the coaters for sandblasting and powder coating. He said he hopes to have it done the first of the week. I will be working on my other sled for the next few days, but hope to have the tunnel painted by Sunday, so it's ready when the bulkhead is done.

427cobra · Post by **427cobra** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 10:39 pm

Nice Work...

Looks like it will be pretty nice when your all done!!

Post by **WinnipegStPaul9** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 7:16 am

Don't know if it's cheaper or not but "Goo Gone" is a good product too. Found most places. By the looks of your product they both come from the same barrel LOL.

DA

johnnycyclone · Post by **johnnycyclone** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 8:34 am

Eric....follow along and we will see, but I think it's going to be a sweet looking sled.

Don....I used to use Goo Gone, but I actually prefer to use products that don't have an MSDS (material safety data sheet) associated with them. Since Goo Gone is a petroleum based product it shouldn't actually come in contact with your skin, and it's not safe to breath the fumes. The ingredients in De-Solv-It are biodegradable and non hazardous. It's safe to the skin, and they claim you can even use it in your hair

, although I don't know why you would. The fumes are not supposed to be harmful, clean up after is pretty easy, I usually just use water, and I believe the cost is about the same.

Terre

1980 Liquifire Project

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