Honey Badger's Completely Off-the-Rails Race Car Build and Track Adventure Thread

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Cage is mostly welded - just need to add the gussets that strengthen the a-pillar supports and attached pillar bars to the car body.

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Overall, I am pretty happy with how this came out. While I'm no expert welder, I am happy enough with the quality of my work for this round.

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It was a metric - ton of welding. Probably about 8.5 hours into the cage itself so far (not including the game of legos putting it together). So much welding.
 
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That’s the route I’ll be going. Have you already thought through which slicks/compounds you expect to like the most? Spring rates with slicks?
I haven't put too much thought into it just yet. I have a few more experienced Mustang racers I need to connect with - primarily targeting the Michelins and Pirellis in the 300-310mm width range. I've used the Pirelli DHs pretty extensively and they're amazing.

For Spring rates, I am going to rely on Anthony to help me spec those when I order the dampers
 

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Cage is mostly welded - just need to add the gussets that strengthen the a-pillar supports and attached pillar bars to the car body.


It was a metric - ton of welding. Probably about 8.5 hours into the cage itself so far (not including the game of legos putting it together). So much welding.
Crazy how much easier it is to weld with clean material. I hate body welding - especially old rusty cars. I think the work looks great - there are some tough angles for welding on that cage! Kudos.

Have you used a mile of wire yet? Haha
 

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HoneyBadger you've been at this for over 6yrs now. Help me feel better about the small fortune I've spent by sharing a ballpark figure on your "Off the rails" adventure. You're my hero.
 
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Crazy how much easier it is to weld with clean material. I hate body welding - especially old rusty cars. I think the work looks great - there are some tough angles for welding on that cage! Kudos.

Have you used a mile of wire yet? Haha
It’s not too bad with the roof off. Can’t even imagine trying to do it with the roof still on - even dropping the cage down it would be tough. But probably doable. Trackspec cage makes it easy.

I think we’ve run through 23lbs of wire so far. It’s pretty nuts. Haha!

HoneyBadger you've been at this for over 6yrs now. Help me feel better about the small fortune I've spent by sharing a ballpark figure on your "Off the rails" adventure. You're my hero.
ha. I don’t actually have a much of a number. I deliberately stopped counting after I’d crossed the 100k mark (car, engines, etc.). I’d say I’ve spent over $200k on the car and associated activities over the years (not including truck/trailer). My estimate is about $150k into the car when it’s done - not accounting for engine rebuilds. A good chunk of that is the last couple months.

I plan to provide a build out when I’m done so others can get a rough idea of costs. All I’ll say about that is be ready for pain and suffering. :crackup:
 
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It’s not too bad with the roof off. Can’t even imagine trying to do it with the roof still on - even dropping the cage down it would be tough. But probably doable. Trackspec cage makes it easy.

I think we’ve run through 23lbs of wire so far. It’s pretty nuts. Haha!



ha. I don’t actually have a much of a number. I deliberately stopped counting after I’d crossed the 100k mark (car, engines, etc.). I’d say I’ve spent over $200k on the car and associated activities over the years (not including truck/trailer). My estimate is about $150k into the car when it’s done - not accounting for engine rebuilds. A good chunk of that is the last couple months.

I plan to provide a build out when I’m done so others can get a rough idea of costs. All I’ll say about that is be ready for pain and suffering. :crackup:
Madness, sheer madness...... with a hint of genius, lol
 
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People lose way more in Vegas and with other pursuits of their choosing. No shame.
 
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Last night I mostly finished up the last bits of the cage - all the various gussets.

Door bar gussets

DOOR GUSSETS.jpg


Main hoop
BIG TACO GUSSETS.jpg


a-pillar support bars

TACO GUSSETS.jpg



B-pillars
B PILLAR GUSSETS.jpg


A-pillars
A PILLAR GUSSETS.jpg


These all came with the kit, so super easy install. Really impressed with this kit. Also VERY happy to be done with it. ha

Getting much closer to painting time
 

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Finished editing the fuel cell video finally for those interested

Fuel cell install: Mustang gets a 22 gallon ATL tank


Here are a few separate pics

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HoneyBadger you've been at this for over 6yrs now. Help me feel better about the small fortune I've spent by sharing a ballpark figure on your "Off the rails" adventure. You're my hero.
this is just mean :) If you ask how much you can't afford it pal :)
 
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this is just mean :) If you ask how much you can't afford it pal :)
I don't personally mind these questions. There was a time not long ago I was always thinking/asking the same and I always appreciated when people were willing to share. Knowing the cost makes it easier to dream - or a reality check ha (had plenty of those)
 

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I don't personally mind these questions. There was a time not long ago I was always thinking/asking the same and I always appreciated when people were willing to share. Knowing the cost makes it easier to dream - or a reality check ha (had plenty of those)
Yeah I understand that which still make it mean we try not to thing about the money we spend chasing lap times or trophies. I do keep a very detailed spreadsheet for everything I spend money on but I just try to ignore the money spend on the S550.
 
 
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