NXTFab first shop build! FC lq9 / th400

[NXTFab]

Hey guys, been on here for a wile and you guys have been awesome. Starting a fabrication company with a good buddy of mine. Nothing huge but something to get all us DI"Y" guys by without having to break the bank. and i say DI"Y" because one of the things we will offer is SHIP TO WELD. witch means you send us a pipe or item you want welded, mark the item up all you want with what you want cut and welded or a flange and location and we ship you back a complete assembly! Quick run down of our project car

87 Fc rx7 (gxl model i believe):
05 lq9 - stock block
l92 heads - stock ports
ls3 intake and injectors - stock
brian tooley valvesprings retainers
custom TIC performance cam
rossler T2 th400
PTC 10" converter
295/55/15 mickey thompson drag radials
... and more!!

RUNNING LOG OF WEIGHT REDUCTION STUFF:
Fuel tank, straps, brackets, fuel fill neck, and other associated misc tubing: 40lbs
Carpet, foam under carpet, 80% sound deadening: 50lbs (+ / - 5lbs there was random wires in the bag also)

[N2v8fcs]

granny's rear set up?

[NXTFab]

custom but based off of digital solo's rear / fox body rear and a couple random stuff peppered in to see how it reacts 

The upper and lower arms will be longer then foxbody, upper mounts on diff relocated and adjustable etc.

[NXTFab]

small update. got my fuel cell, radiator, fan, fuel hardlines, fittings, pump, filter, fuel rails and some other odds and ends in. got about 90% of the parts i need ready to be installed just waiting for the car to show up at the new shop.    its killing me!!

[NXTFab]

Home sweet home

[NXTFab]

Some before pics before we start realy tearing into it.

[NXTFab]

So me and my buddy decided we are going to try to lighten up the car a little andddd one of the things ive been debating is taking the sunroof out. Its not crazy heavy but there is some weight to be saved there but me thinking about how hot it might get and the fact that it has no a/c decided i didnt want to totally delete it... SO what do i do you say? TARGA TOP STYLE!! Using factory studs and spring latches or dzeus fastners!!  will have more info as i go!

[speed_monkey]

You just gave me an awesome idea... Dzus faster mounted sunroof skin? Hell yes, I need to make this happen.

[NXTFab]

pretty much where going to make 2 cross bars and were going to use 2 spring tension latches. keeps the cost down, you can get them at the hardware store, there very light and no welding. just 4 rivets and your set and since there spring loaded they have a little flex to them and apply pressure at all times.
 we are thinking of selling a kit for around $100-$150 with bolt on cross bars and stuff all out of aluminum.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/LAMP-SPRING-LOADED-DRAW-LATCH-5CRU5?Pid=search
 
 

[speed_monkey]

I was thinking just have some little L brackets on the inside of the roof with the nutplates and put some captive zues fasteners in the sunroof skin. That way I can pop it out pretty quick and have a nice open sunroof without having the heavy tracks and motor.

[zbrown]

will be interesting!

[NXTFab]

Ya man. We need to compair ideas. Maybe come up with a new trend Lol. "Targa" rx7

[NXTFab]

Got some front end work done. Precious owner cut a bunch of stuff and it was just ugly so we cut it all out and replaced it

[NXTFab]

got the radiator mounts tacked up and ready to be fully welded and cleaned up. Put the radiator in to see how it sits. The bottom piece is going to get a tick rubber strip put on top, and between the 2 mounting bolts on the top support.

[zbrown]

much better!