traveller body strengthening.

Post by **aussiemike** » Mon May 08, 2006 9:12 pm

Hi all, I am in the middle of modding my 1958 traveller with an engine upgrade, brake upgrade, new gearbox, escort rear exle etc. And i was wanting some advice on what I should be working towards in the way of mods to the structural side of things. The engine will only have about 120hp to start with but I am already fabricating things to turbocharge and am aiming at 200 to 250 hp by the end of the year. So.....basically need to toughen the old bird up a bit.
Any help/advice would as always ne very much appreciated.
cheers, michael.

Post by **Willie** » Mon May 08, 2006 9:28 pm

Jonathon has built a Traveller which does about 300 mph! I'm sure he will
be on the case shortly.

Post by **jonathon** » Mon May 08, 2006 9:45 pm

301mph actually !!!. Thanks Willie, only kidding, but we will have a 200bhp trav at the National so book your test drive now!

Its our experience that you should only strengthen the chassis on the traveller, and do not strengthen the points for fitting the timber. As the wood if a flexilbe member of the car it moves considerably when high degrees of power and torque are put through the chassis. If you strengthen these areas you will end up with split wood, so let it go where it wants, basically. We strengthen the steering rack and inner bulkhead area with our 9 peice chassis kit, this works extreamly well in controlling the movement of the rack on the floor where the rack mounts, giving lighter more accurate steering. Seam weld all chassis joints too.
It is our policy that where we change areas on the minor ie suspension upgrades that the designs incorporate a high degree of strengthening, not just bolt to areas not designed to take the implied loadings.
I can add more as to how we achieve this but it may be prudent to do this via PM's rather than be seen to be advertising our wares

Post by **Cam** » Mon May 08, 2006 9:48 pm

Jonathon. Advice on strengthening is absolutely fine and of use to our members. Offering to sell/fit however (including prices) is best done via PMs.

Post by **aussiemike** » Mon May 08, 2006 10:09 pm

Cheers for the replies so quickly everyone. I have moved the steering rack into the inside of the cabin, using the same mounting holes so will th estrengthening kit still work in conjuxntion with this Jonathon? I would really love a roll cage for the rear, i.e a hoop and possibly 4 rear contact points on the rear floor. Oh and i was also thinking of a cross brace between the rear wheel arches. I was laso thinking about a one piece flip front as I have not been able to track down a fibreglass bonnet. By removing the front wings, front panel etc does thins have any adverse effect on the strength of the frnt of the car?
Jonathan you are as always appreciated with your advice as it has been invaluable. As is the advice of others.
cheers, michael.

Post by **jonathon** » Mon May 08, 2006 10:10 pm

Err ! thats what I said Cam:D

Post by **aussiemike** » Mon May 08, 2006 10:16 pm

Oh and where can I find out more info on the JLH 301mph traveller?

Post by **jonathon** » Mon May 08, 2006 10:20 pm

Yes to the first question. Pm me for the Roll cage as we now have our own tube bender 1" 13/4" and 15/8" and have almost finished our tubular chassis for a V8 minor. Pm me for the rear x-member.
The glass front will not weaken the car , you can, depending on what engine you have fitted still use the inner flitches and inner front panel.
Cheers for the kind words:D

Post by **aussiemike** » Mon May 08, 2006 10:23 pm

Right I will pm you as soon as I have had a bit of sleep. Cjeers, michael.

Post by **Cam** » Tue May 09, 2006 1:27 am

jonathon wrote:Err ! thats what I said Cam:D

paranoia strikes again.

Roughly translated I was not saying: "you're not allowed to say that"

But instead I was inviting you to be a little more free with your advice on here.

Post by **jonathon** » Tue May 09, 2006 7:47 am

Cam
I knew it, I read it two ways, but having my thinking head on at the time, became confused, so thought I'd cover both interpretations with a catch all comment. I was also aware that having written a lot last night that it could be interpreted as a JLH benefit gig.
No paranoia really.