It's been a long time coming and I've changed my mind and directions more than a few times, but I'm finally on the path forward.

Picked up a Stalker frame from Berrien +6" roof height w/ custom torsion in a side by side tacked configuration.


IMG_0310 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0313 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Got it all laid out.


IMG_0315 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0318 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Figure it was a good time to get a new welder. Picked up a Miller 211.


IMG_0328 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Anyway, started by laying out the floor and sides. Tacked into place.


IMG_0373 by kobetime247, on Flickr

After some fine tuning, cutting, and re-welding, the floor is in the right spot.


IMG_0373 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Then squared and tacked the rear torsion.


IMG_0378 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0385 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Floor is level as it gets.


IMG_0384 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Moved on to the front cross bars.


IMG_0386 by kobetime247, on Flickr

My welds aren't the prettiest, but I'm getting better.


IMG_0389 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Got the floor done and all square.


IMG_0390 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0391 by kobetime247, on Flickr

At this point I had about 4 hours into it. Next was trying to get the roll bars even and tacked. This was my first attempt, which proved close enough.


IMG_0392 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Berrien 'scribes' the metal where the 'a' and 'b' down tubes go. This really helps line the roll bars up but really helps in getting the angle right.


IMG_0393 by kobetime247, on Flickr


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I used my second set of hands and prepared the front crossbar.


IMG_0402 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0403 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Next was to place and tack the 'c' down tubes.


IMG_0407 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0409 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0411 by kobetime247, on Flickr

_________________
http://www.alphafabindustries.com

Specializing in EFI systems engineering, design and tuning for the GM Ecotec Platform.

Moved onto the rear cross bar which essentially finishes the top cage.


IMG_0412 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0413 by kobetime247, on Flickr


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IMG_0418 by kobetime247, on Flickr

I called it a night at this point. I had about 8 hours into it. I moved to the rear cage and down bars on Sunday. I started with the torsion frame horn supports and cross bar.


IMG_0419 by kobetime247, on Flickr

Then moved to the rear cage fitment.


IMG_0420 by kobetime247, on Flickr


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I decided to flange the cage like Berrien intended. I'm going with a Ecotec so I don't think I will have any issues putting it in or pulling it out in this configuration.


IMG_0425 by kobetime247, on Flickr


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Rear cage came out pretty good I think.


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Spent the last half of the day finishing up final welding...


IMG_0438 by kobetime247, on Flickr


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I've probably got 4-6 hours of final welding left! It's coming along and it finally looks like a buggy. I'm going to try and get my trans mounted and my rear suspension setup this weekend!

_________________
http://www.alphafabindustries.com

Specializing in EFI systems engineering, design and tuning for the GM Ecotec Platform.

Moving right along!! Looks good, You plan on doing an x brace etc?

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"IT IS WHAT IT IS"

Looking GOOD.

Thanks! I do plan to do an x-brace behind the seats and possible on top... Is that a Stalker frame you have?



Appreciate it!

_________________
http://www.alphafabindustries.com

Specializing in EFI systems engineering, design and tuning for the GM Ecotec Platform.

Nice ! I love those frames

Nice work man!

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WTFO
We ride together, We die together, Bad Boys for Life
Loud pipes save lives.

Sweet! Doing a fine job. Chad

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NOW GAS IT!!!!!

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"IT IS WHAT IT IS"

Looking Good Man!!

Awsome bro. Great work

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Life is not about reaching the grave in a well perserved body but rather to slide in sideways yelling "HOLY S@#: what a ride"!

Great job !

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Theirs no replacement for displacement !

Nice. I love these frames. realy happy with mine. Keep the pics coming.

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Turbocharged Ecotec,vanogon midshift,Berrien WoodsBuggy wagon.

Appreciate the input guys! I'm going with a built 5 rib trans from Mark @ Mark Sands Trans. Mark is super knowledgeable and has set the gearing up to accommodate my tires - 1300 Plus' I will be running in the sand... I'll try to scan the gear ratio sheet in - its pretty cool. Anyway, specs on the trans are: Full weddle gearing and 091 super diff + all the other bells and whistles. It should handle the 260 HP just fine (I hope) or at least Mark tells me it will. I'll be running 930's on this sucker.


sand_trans_2 by kobetime247, on Flickr


sand_trans_1 by kobetime247, on Flickr


sand_trans_3 by kobetime247, on Flickr

What are you guys painting your trans with? I have been told to use Hammerrite because it's pretty durable and withstands gas/oils... But, I can't find it anywhere around here.

_________________
http://www.alphafabindustries.com

Specializing in EFI systems engineering, design and tuning for the GM Ecotec Platform.

My power plant comes from a 2008 Pontiac Solstice. It is a 2.0 LNF turbo Ecotec.


turbo_ecotec by kobetime247, on Flickr

Should put out decent power lol.

_________________
http://www.alphafabindustries.com

Specializing in EFI systems engineering, design and tuning for the GM Ecotec Platform.

That garage is cleaner than my kitchen... Looks great..

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Woodsbuggy forum is now on the Tapatalk Mobile app... (iPhone, iPad and Android devices)

going to be sweet and i bet sears love you!!!!

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Air cooled forever,i hate rusty tools!!!!!!!

lookin great! makes me wish I still had a garage to work in!

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Maybe you should chug on over to mamby pamby land....

Coming along nicely. I highly reccommend you add 45 degree 1 1/2" tubing braces from the lower main frame to the torsion now as you will be adding them later if you don't ! This area will crack!

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Water cooled Dry Sumped Subaru Powered Turbo Charged Fuel Injected 2500CC Tank. Oh Rah! He who dies with the most Toys not only wins, He also wears them out!

$400 just to relfash the pcm. Ouch

You can usually find me cleaning the garage before I start to work lol...



Do you mean where the frame meets the torsion - floor side? I planned on gusseting this area...



Yea, it seems expensive, but when you look at the cost of a custom setup $2000-$2300 its relatively inexpensive...

_________________
http://www.alphafabindustries.com

Specializing in EFI systems engineering, design and tuning for the GM Ecotec Platform.

buggy looking good. whats the floof of the shop, impressive
dale meeks

Thanks man. The floor is Race Deck. http://www.racedeck.com Absolutely love it, would recommend it to anyone looking for a quality/durable floor... I beat the crap outta mine.

I've just about got the welding complete... Hopefully will be able to get to my rear arms and mount the trans for mock-up.


IMG_0330 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0331 by kobetime247, on Flickr


IMG_0334 by kobetime247, on Flickr

-Shaun

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http://www.alphafabindustries.com

Specializing in EFI systems engineering, design and tuning for the GM Ecotec Platform.

If you break those trailing arms. i will be amazed

Yea lol - they should be overbuilt for what this buggy will be doing!

Small update: Got the welding and clean-up done this weekend. Haven't has a chance to work on the rear mock-up, but will have some time in the next few days!

_________________
http://www.alphafabindustries.com

Specializing in EFI systems engineering, design and tuning for the GM Ecotec Platform.