Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum (#/f/index.php)
-   Builds (and builds only) (#/f/forumdisplay.php?f=131)
-   -   Street Factions's "Spirit of Fortune" S13 Vert (#/f/showthread.php?t=573579)

matts13vert 08-01-2014 06:33 PM

Street Factions's "Spirit of Fortune" S13 Vert
 
Same car. Same owner. New skills. New wheels. New build thread.
You can see the old build thread here: #/f/showthread.php?t=358251

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/..._5477398_n.jpg
2009: 17x8 / 17x9 Volk/Manarays, Cusco Comp-S Coilovers

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...2bf8bb30_b.jpg
2010: 18x10 XXR 521’s, PBM Pro Coilovers, Sleeper KA-T (210 WHP)

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...2ce4cd6b_b.jpg
2011: 18x10 AME TM02 Tracers, Fully Built KA-T (350 WHP)

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...13vert/437.jpg
2012: 18x10 Work Bersaglio, Fully Built KA-T (350 WHP)

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

Introduction
I've always wanted to learn how to fabricate, so I learned the basics at Cerritos College in early 2013. By the end of my first semester, Richard and I started Street Faction. Within a year and a half, I managed to stay at the top of each of my classes and became a certified Aerospace TIG welder. With this experience, I'm going to be doing all the fab and welding work on my s13 vert. The goal for my car is to be a drift & grip car by the end of 2014. I’m hoping to take it to Formula Drift Irwindale and All Star Bash in October.

I'm finally at the point where I'm proud of the quality of work that I put out and I pride myself in everything I do. I have one more semester of Aerospace TIG welding, then I will pursue engineering.


Contact Information (since my inbox is full)
[email protected]

www.facebook.com/streetfactionengineering
www.streetfaction.net

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

Enough of the chit chat. Time for the tear down.


http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...htoneHDR-1.jpg
April, 11 2014: Pulled my car into the driveway to start the tear down. I will be using a KP GT1 kit for the build.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
I started on the prototype 50mm aluminum overfenders a month prior. I will be styling the body lines similar to those of the FC because they are both aggressive, yet stylish. Expect to see more progress on the aluminum wide body towards the end of the build.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...411_204331.jpg
I picked up some doors from a friend and proceeded to completely gut them.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...411_204401.jpg
Even went as far as removing the brace behind the skin.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...411_212133.jpg
S13 convertible doors are 100lbs each before gutting. After gutting coupe doors, they’re only 20lbs each.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...411_212306.jpg
Some people may not fully understand just how heavy the vert doors are. I saved 160lbs of weight by swapping to the gutted doors.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Next step was to pull the fully built KA24DE-T featuring an awesome KAMAK Dynamics TD06-20g at 15psi.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...121304nopm.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...520_134103.jpg
After a while, I started getting lazy, so I needed some motivation. I got an insider tip from Cosmis Racings that a new wheel was coming soon, so I waited and purchased one of the first sets of the 18x11’s in black chrome. Needless to say that shiny wheels make me happy, so back to work I went.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Looks like my prototype fenders fit on point with the new wheels just as I planned.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...24131453-1.jpg
I ordered over 120ft of DOM tubing to build the cage and front end with.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...523_203146.jpg
I removed the sound deadening using dry ice and isopropyl alcohol.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Main hoop time. This is my first time building a cage so I’m learning as I go. The hoop is made of 1.75”x.120” DOM, The set back harness bar and diagonal brace are made of 1.5”x.120 and .095” DOM tube all TIG welded together.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...608_195026.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...162937nopm.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...609_163115.jpg
I began laying out the dash brace. I won’t be running forward-down tubes off the main hoop/halo, so I tied directly into the A-pillar area/bulkhead for strength.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Since I won’t be running forward bars off the hoop, it is very important that I make the main hoop is rigid as possible. I incorporated a To-and-Thru support box design to brace the main hoop in more than one structural plane of the chassis.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...611_185830.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...611_201246.jpg
More weight reduction! Since there won't be any rear passengers, I removed the rear seat brace/seat belt assembly and also removed the boxed strut brace because it’s ugly and heavy.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Next is the intricate door bars. Here I used regular mild steel ERW tube to practice the upper door bar, good thing I did because I had to revise the design before I made the final DOM version.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...712_184450.jpg
Triangles! Since I won’t be utilizing forward down tubes, I need to make the door bars as strong as possible to successfully join the front of the chassis to the rear of the chassis. I’m trying to compensate for the lack of a roof by doing this.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Here you can see the additional tubular braces that I added to the front and rear of the door bars to tie the entire structure together.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Welding outdoors sucks because slight breezes can cause these crazy looking colors after welding.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Driver side door bar is a mirror image.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Just a rad picture.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Close up of the tube merge.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...727_182248.jpg
Now that the door bars are pretty much done I can move onto the fun part. The front end.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...727_202219.jpg
With the help of my friend, Zach, we pulled off the upper cowl panel to better route and access the upper frame tubes into the dash bar.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Fully welded and completed driver side door bars.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...731_170949.jpg
It’s nice to look at it every now and then. My vision is finally becoming a reality.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...132958nopm.jpg
Turns out that my friend needed a clean front clip for his s13 hatch so why not give him mine. He came down to help with the removal. I’m always trying to produce quality work so even when it comes to stuff I remove and cut out it isn't half assed.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...133011nopm.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...801_133026.jpg
We spent a couple hours removing the entire front clip by cutting all the spot welds and placing two specific cuts to the upper rails. It all came of in one clean undamaged piece.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...134902nopm.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...801_141012.jpg
This is the car’s current state as of today August 1, 2014.

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

FOLLOW FOR UPDATES
Instagram: @StreetFaction
www.facebook.com/streetfactionengineering

ONLINE SHOP: www.streetfaction.net

DanielS14 08-05-2014 03:07 PM

looks awesome SF, cant wait to see what your tube front looks like

smokescreen240 08-06-2014 07:05 AM

this thing is fuckin' sweet!

STL240SXDRIFT 08-06-2014 07:41 AM

Your fab skills have taken off man! Keep at it!

EvilEgg13 08-06-2014 07:44 AM

In for the fab work, the cage looks really nice

ray_dizzle33 08-06-2014 03:13 PM

This looks promising.. Keep up the good work man!

TheRealSy90 08-07-2014 02:26 AM

Any possibility of selling a set of those front fenders once you get them worked out? Definitely want something in that style.

dftsilvia 08-08-2014 09:06 AM

all that hard work and you didn't even use base plates where the cage connects to the car?

Onevia177 08-11-2014 08:30 PM

I'm with Sy90, any way I can get those front overs once they're done being R&D'd? And the car is coming out fantastic man!

OBEEWON 08-12-2014 12:53 PM

You weld really good.
Are you tracking this car or is a show car?

KoukiMonsta 08-12-2014 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dftsilvia (Post 5696901)
all that hard work and you didn't even use base plates where the cage connects to the car?

i know i am blind and cant read for shit, but im seeing base plates? i mean its boxed in right

dftsilvia 08-13-2014 07:01 AM

I dunno I only see them on the main hoop and no where else? the dash bar deff doesn't have base plates

eastcoaststeeze 08-13-2014 09:51 AM

so sick, cant wait to do my bashbar with you

Primo's Silvia 08-13-2014 10:15 AM

Just awsome mad props!!!keep it up!!!

[email protected] 08-14-2014 12:47 PM

Awesome build thread from a fellow Vert owner! Subscribing

matts13vert 08-14-2014 09:19 PM

UPDATE!!

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...802_183051.jpg
August 2, 2014 - After removing the front clip, I went ahead and removed all of the lines and parts from the engine bay along with the wheels and coilovers.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
I wasn’t done removing the rest of the front clip. I spent about half an hour cutting out all the spot welds in tight locations that I wouldn't be able to remove easily after the next step.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...802_211534.jpg
Now it was time to make a jig that would support the strut tower tops in the exact OEM locations as I build the tubular structure around them. The OEM tops will be thrown away after they have served their purpose. I will be using custom made tops once I design them in Solidworks.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...803_122507.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
I continued to cut spot welds and placed two specific cuts to remove the rest of the front clip.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...804_143756.jpg
Now we get to the fun part, the new front end. I spent about an hour taking all the measurements I needed to make a prototype upper strut support for the passenger side.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...804_151456.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...804_151508.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...804_151518.jpg
My goal is to gain as much clearance as possible while maintaining better than OEM structural rigidity.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...804_152314.jpg
If you are familiar with the previous stages of my vert, then you know that I love to run it low. This factory upper frame rail has always been the limiting factor. But not anymore because I easily gained 1.5” of clearance above the tire!

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...804_161637.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...804_161707.jpg
Here you can see how it ties into the dash bar, vertical tube, and upper door bar.


☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

FOLLOW FOR UPDATES
Instagram: @StreetFaction
www.facebook.com/streetfactionengineering

ONLINE SHOP: www.streetfaction.net

matts13vert 08-14-2014 09:20 PM

UPDATE!!

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...807_123100.jpg
You can see the final DOM versions of the new outer strut supports. They are made of 1.5”x.120” DOM tube.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...170847nopm.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Next up was to make a wrap around type inner support, which is braced in numerous locations. You can see two of the three braces in this photo, the third brace for each side will be made later on for a specific reason.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...809_204711.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...809_204646.jpg
Since the OEM upper frame rail was cut off at the firewall I decided to box it up with a ⅛” plate and add another brace to tie into the original structure. Just a close up of the 65 degree notch and the compound angle miter with no gaps on either end.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...809_211300.jpg
Trying to get as comfortable as possible.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
So proud of these beads although I still have much to learn!

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...810_214111.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...810_214123.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...810_214145.jpg
After some precise measurements and angle readings I went ahead and cut off the ugly factory rails. I will be replacing them with 2” x 4” x 3/16” steel rectangular tubing. Stay tuned this week for how I splice them into the remaining factory rails.


☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

FOLLOW FOR UPDATES
Instagram: @StreetFaction
www.facebook.com/streetfactionengineering

ONLINE SHOP: www.streetfaction.net

matts13vert 08-14-2014 09:21 PM

UPDATE!!

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆


http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...812_124203.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...124314nopm.jpg
So I recently decided the factory firewall looks ugly with all of the useless holes for the climate control system, and old brake and clutch pedal assemblies. That will be removed soon, for now I removed the steering column support and other small miscellaneous brackets that are spot welded to the upper cowl area.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...811_132540.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...ichtoneHDR.jpg
Here you can see one of the three relief cuts that I made in order to insert the new frame rail in an inch. I then reshaped the old rail to match the new rails profile and tacked it in place.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...143150nopm.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...812_174027.jpg
I then triple checked all of my measurements and the angles on the new frame rails to ensure they are exactly in the same position as the old OEM rails. After it was all in spec I went ahead and welded them permanently in place, you can see a Rosette weld in the second picture along with the temporary Jig/brace to hold the width of the rails.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...813_121451.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...13_1444171.jpg
Next up I plotted and precisely drilled the holes for the temporary OEM crossmember. I was even able to drop in the OEM paired bolts through with no binding or any fitment issues.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...812_185502.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...812_185435.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...812_195441.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...812_195454.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...812_205123.jpg


Now I put my 3D design skills to work. I came up with 3 designs, from complex to simple, for the strut top plates. Each one was tested at the max load they would take if the coil over was fully compressed (6" compression 10k springs = 3360 lbs of force). I over engineered these top plates to take over 10,000 lbs of force.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...813_195309.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...813_195321.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...194700nopm.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...194740nopm.jpg
These top mount designs will incorporate a .75” offset to widen the front track and allow for more angle. I made an exact model of the PBM Pro camber/caster plate to make sure I won't have any interference with my design.

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

FOLLOW FOR UPDATES
Instagram: @StreetFaction
www.facebook.com/streetfactionengineering

ONLINE SHOP: www.streetfaction.net

matts13vert 08-14-2014 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielS14 (Post 5694990)
looks awesome SF, cant wait to see what your tube front looks like

Check out the new updates! I didnt see that this thread was approved.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokescreen240 (Post 5695450)
this thing is fuckin' sweet!

Thanks!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by STL240SXDRIFT (Post 5695464)
Your fab skills have taken off man! Keep at it!

Thank you, I improve every time I weld!

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvilEgg13 (Post 5695467)
In for the fab work, the cage looks really nice

Thanks check out the new update!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray_dizzle33 (Post 5695776)
This looks promising.. Keep up the good work man!

Thank you I definitely will!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRealSy90 (Post 5696109)
Any possibility of selling a set of those front fenders once you get them worked out? Definitely want something in that style.

I'm contemplating making a production run of the full wide body for the car, I will keep you posted through the thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dftsilvia (Post 5696901)
all that hard work and you didn't even use base plates where the cage connects to the car?

Thats where you're wrong. Any of the tubes (that appear to be missing base plates) are welded to factory added boxed or plated sections made of .120" thick steel featured only on the vert chassis. If this were the typical s13 hardtop I would have made base plates since the sheet metal in those areas is equal to or less than .063" thick. Thats the reason the main hoop is braced so well, because the sheet metal on the floor is thin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onevia177 (Post 5699095)
I'm with Sy90, any way I can get those front overs once they're done being R&D'd? And the car is coming out fantastic man!

I'm contemplating making a production run of the full wide body for the car, I will keep you posted through the thread. Thank you!!


Quote:

Originally Posted by OBEEWON (Post 5699482)
You weld really good.
Are you tracking this car or is a show car?

Thanks, school and a lot of weld time has helped improve my skills. This car will be a track car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KoukiMonsta (Post 5699854)
i know i am blind and cant read for shit, but im seeing base plates? i mean its boxed in right

I responded to him in a previous post.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastcoaststeeze (Post 5700139)
so sick, cant wait to do my bashbar with you

Soon! Thanks for your patience!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Primo's Silvia (Post 5700151)
Just awsome mad props!!!keep it up!!!

Thank you, I will!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedobear Run Kids (Post 5700939)
Awesome build thread from a fellow Vert owner! Subscribing

Thanks!

FaLKoN240 08-15-2014 12:22 AM

I followed you back on IG.

You've come A LONGGGGGGGGG way. It's always great to see someone make their passion of cars into a career that they enjoy.

Congrats and best of luck. I know you'll actually finish the car and fucking DRIVE IT. Unlike most posers on here.

Apex Eight 08-15-2014 01:29 AM

Amazing work. Keep it up!

BiG MiKE86 08-15-2014 06:28 AM

Oh wow this is going to be an insane chassis! Loving your work man

OBEEWON 08-18-2014 07:22 AM

What's your instagram? Would like to follow this build since im not on here a lot.
Seriously good welding. I need to get my skill up.

Hoonigan19 08-18-2014 08:07 PM

hey man, Your CRAZY AS FUCK. awesome craftsmanship. Nice tig welds btw!

yetijeff 08-19-2014 06:57 PM

man I remember following the old build thread... awesome work man you have come a long way in a very short time. PROPS!

NISSeAN 08-22-2014 03:19 AM

I was confused with your selling the front clip, now I see you're a boss.

Roc777 08-22-2014 09:45 PM

Amazing work cant wait to see the rest :bow:

matts13vert 09-01-2014 04:08 AM

UPDATE!!

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...818_205639.jpg
Old firewall looked horrible with all of the holes and humps for climate control system and other accessories. I decided to just scrap it and replace it with nice smooth aluminum.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...819_142707.jpg
This won't be much of a street car so the convertible top has no place in this build. Pulled The Entire Assembly out and saved another 80lbs of weight.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...820_125333.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...820_125338.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...125524nopm.jpg
I took advantage of the new space to start on the strut tower plates that will support the permanent strut tower bar. They were shaped with some patience and simple hammer and dolly.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...823_193633.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...823_193648.jpg
Not bad.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...823_225348.jpg
I added another strut brace tieing into the dash bar and it's supporting bracing. Finding and cutting the correct hole to slide the tube through was quite difficult.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...827_113049.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...827_113107.jpg
A local guy posted online that he was selling some 315/30/18 hankook rs2. That was a pretty nice deal to me so I went ahead and picked them up. Too bad I had a brain fart and skipped the 305 size. Oh well I guess I will make them fit. :)

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...829_192708.jpg
Now that I created a nice challenge for myself with the huge tires I went ahead and continued to work on the huge hole I have in my engine bay. I designed and got this firewall cut. Flat sheet can be so boring sometimes so I took it over to my buddy Marlon's shop where I borrowed his bead roller and added the nice step up bead.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...830_181252.jpg
I went with the simple offset strut mounting plate design in the end. Easy to manufacture and more forgiving when it comes to welding.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...830_210442.jpg
Quick mock up of the new firewall, looks so good.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...831_134631.jpg
The following day was spent persuading the factory remaining firewall to move back a bit to clear the 18x11's now wrapped in a 315/30. I can now achieve full 55° lock with 1/2" clearance all around.

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...831_232444.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...831_232459.jpg

http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/...831_233653.jpg
Firewall is now shaped and fully riveted in place using military spec solid aluminum rivets. First time ever installing these types of rivets and it's pretty fun since it requires teamwork with a second person. In this case it was my girlfriend and my friend Lalo. :)

☆ ------------------ ☆ ------------------ ☆

FOLLOW FOR UPDATES
Instagram: @StreetFaction
www.facebook.com/streetfactionengineering

ONLINE SHOP: www.streetfaction.net

aga 09-01-2014 06:56 AM

that rubber is insane. rubber's gonna rub. rub rub rub.

tricky_ab 09-01-2014 08:02 AM

Whoa! I'll be watching this build for sure!

This is amazing fabrication work that you've done, so far.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:15 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2021, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
vB.Sponsors
Copyright © 1998 - 2019, Zilvia.net™