Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Been trying to finish up the 4-link. I get an hour here, an hour there these days. I was able to tac three of the four housing brackets with the rear in place/centered/at ride height. But the last one is lapping on to the housing because it's so far off-center (the housing). So I decided it would be much easier to do that one out on stands since it involves trimming/fitting etc. I realize that welding on the cast pumpkin is not ideal, but I have achieved good results in the past by gringing the area clean and pre-heating it prior to welding. As can be seen in the pics below the left bracket will be welded to the tube and the housing. I will then add gussets on the tube side.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1238113909

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1238113972

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

WOW that is some offset. i 'm guessing the shortness of the housing and width of the car doesn't help. i feel you with the hour here, hour there work. that's how my swap is going now, but i'm hitting it all day tomorrow. still it's awesome work, keep us posted. i love the CORN :D

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

You can see how offset it is in this pic. The pinion is actually not too bad though.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1236485166

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

kinna makes you think about using a 8.8 out of a mustang or a 7.5 from a G body so you can have the mounting ears. but then again i think the Dana 44 is sweet.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

How hard is it to determine the angles on the 4 link set up? I have a Mopar I want to do the same thing on I just wouldn't know where to start.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

It's an Art Morrison kit. The instructions call out all the specs that they have developed. I can attatch it if you want to see it.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Mike,

The whole project is Looking Sweet!!

I'm going to have to come see it in person soon. Maybe I need to talk you into helping me with the finish welding on Project 50th..:lol:

Drew

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Sounds great Drew! I'd like to see that project of yours. Could be dangerous though, I already have a weakness for Blazers...:o

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

I've attached the tri 4-bar instructions. Let me just say that Art Morrison is top quality all around. They don't just sell stuff to take your money either. They didn't want to sell me the kit until we were sure it could be made to work for my application. That means installing it with the correct lengths and angles. I will certainly be a returning customer.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Welding to the cast like that won't be a problem on a dana axle, I've done it a hundred times. If it were a GM corporate axle, I wouldn't say the same thing (different cast). Pre-heat and grind it good like you have mentioned, and the only thing I might suggest is find a buddy with a big 220 MIG to weld it on.

Looks great!

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

It sure is nice to find a company like that these days. This car is turning out great.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

I know you are using the Honda S2000 rotors on the D-44, but what calipers and what mounting plates are you going to use? Also,how many bolts do the retainers use?

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

that 4 link is giving me ideas for my morris build. it's probably the same width as your minx....

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

It sure is.
I will make my own brackets to adapt the S2000 calipers. The theme here is to use as many mechanical parts from one donor as possible. That way future maintenance will be simplified and the huge selection of aftermarket upgrades are a simple bolt-on affair. I'll have to check the retainer bolt count.
Be sure to post a build thread when you do!

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

that is the key, totally. with my project 20V swap i already have that problem. motor was only made in japan and Australia so i had to order a replacement timing belt from Australia before i get the motor in.

and yes once i start the morris i will be posting pics.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

I would have a hard time fitting in it! At 6'1" and 250 I would look like a whale in a sardine can! Besides I have too many other projects right now. I still dream a lot but have learned to tell myself no.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

I'm 6'2" but weigh less. It's not roomy but I'm comfortable in it. It's good to excercise some will power on the project acumulation. Maybe I can take some lessons from you? :lol: This one is the last "addition" before I start working back through mine (minx, tahoe, then 61).

No updates recently. Work, school, kids, etc... But I hope to get out there tomorrow!

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Wow, cool project! when I was a kid, we had A sunbeam wagon. I think it was a 66 as well. My Great uncle was a Dealer in Los Gatos CA. I used to love to go work in his shop as a kid. He always had an Alpine or Tiger in his shop to give me a ride in. I would love to find one in as good as shape as yours some day.... awsome job.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

You do not want to take lessons from me. 3 suburbans, 3 pickups, 4 chevelles and a 96 Impala SS.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

? Progress pics???
Love this project.:metal::metal:

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Slowed over the past month or so due to a demanding class and lots of OT at work. I managed to get out there twice in that time including a few hours today. I'll be back out there tomorrow and my next post will include an update/pics.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

i know the feeling. been slow on my projects too. work changed up my schedule. but if i had the opportunity to get OT i would be all over that as well. especially in this time of economic hardship you have to take what ever is offered to you. i've only been able to swing 3-4 hrs here and there on my swap. should be updating that tomorrow hopefully.

Keep us posted FF.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

subscribing to this unbelievable awesomerrific project.

one thing I would do differently though is the wheels. I would go with some plain steelies to thwart off suspicion at stop lights.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Eventually I'll get some 16-17" Steelies and run the OG hubcaps with WWW's as my street shoes.

Here's what I've been up to. With three of the four brackets tacked to the rear end as mocked up in the car I chose to do the fourth one out on the stands due to the more difficult fitting required by the overlap onto the diff housing. Here's that tacked in place:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

Rear back in place and "frame" marked for C-Notches:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Then, since my degree finder was loaned out, I moved back to the front.

This is a template of the S2000 frame rail with wheel center and rack center positions marked. The rack center is pretty far back and requires the engine to set back further than I had initially expected:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

This gave me a good excuse to get the engine set back as far as possible. I had a couple inches left at the firewall but the intake was the limiter:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

Intake plenum cleaned up a bit (unused mounting bossed removed):
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

Spacial conflict resolved. You can see that the throttle pedal arm shape works out perfectly for this:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

The engine went in and back out again and more material was freed:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

As much as I like footbox cooling air I decided to put some metal back:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1240759723

There's a little more clean-up to do on that piece and then I'll fill in the section below it.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

so I doubt they have pre made C-notches for that car right??? :lol:

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Cool. Looks like progress.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

wow......

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

This is one of my favorite builds. I am in awe, very cool.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Thanks for the updates!
You are awe inspiring!:metal::metal:
Can't wait to see the finished car!

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

i have seen some newer dodge rentals running 17" steelies. i think it was a nitro or something of that nature. 5X125 bolt pattern i think. that got my mind turning about being able to cloak some performance rubber under something with steel wheels. total sleeper. AWESOME work FF. can't wait to see more progress.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

i wish i could edit my last post. but here's what it is. it's a dodge caliber. one on ebay for the look. 17x 6.5 wheels.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-...3A1|240%3A1318

also there are durango wheels same size, but wider at 7.5
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/17-DO...3A1|240%3A1318

some of the 1500 trucks are 7" so if your bolt pattern are the same then that might be up your alley. a good score would be craigslist or local wrecking yard.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Yes, it's called DOM tubing ;)
Thanks guys!

Thanks for the info. My current wheels are 8" wide with a 5x114.3mm pattern. I'll keep an eye out for some.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

hey FF,

here's one in your neck of the woods ;)
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/1136154529.html

sorry i have a habit of checking out craigslist in areas i have friends living in. i saw a nice plasma cutter in portland that i had my friend go check out for me.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Test fit With about 3/8" clearance I will definitely need poly mounts:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

FF the fabrication skills you have just amazes me. I wish I was half that good, you are truly an artist with metal.

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Got the rear links done (shown tacked but they are final welded):
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

I also discovered that the pumpkin was hitting the body at the same time as the axle tubes were hitting the pinch welds. So I chose to simply shave the pinch welds for now, which gave me about +3/4" clearance. Later, if I need more room I can C-Notch it and add a dome over the pumpkin.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...g?t=1241118678

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

coming along awesome FF. i would figure you would go with solid mounts for the engine? do they make poly mounts or are you going to fab some up?

also your SIG needs updating... shows updated 3/26 on the sunbeam

Re: '66 Sunbeam Minx Project - F20C/6sp/4-link/Discs...
 

Poly bushings. Funny thing about the sig; when I try to update it it wants me to cut it way down :waah: vbulliten...