Re: Building a 900 for hillclimbs
Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2015 11:45 pm
One of my planned project for before the start of this year was to upgrade the radiator. I've been using a new stock Nissens unit, which did the job, but by the end of a run at a hillclimb temps are always in the "mmmm, a bit hot" range on the stock gauge. At Mt. Washington where a run is over twice a normal hillclimb, temps climb pretty close to the red bit at the top of the gauge. As you can see, I'm very aware of what the stock gauge indicates in terms of actual temperature. This is with one or both fans running constantly. Anyway, I never worried too much because they drop quickly with the fans on at the end of a run.
So, my upgrade started with a reasonably priced generic radiator from Griffin. It had the ports all roughly in the right spots, although they were for a slightly larger hose. I cured this with some aluminum tube I already had. I then welded the bung it had for a cap shut. Now it was ready for install, but being a taller(although not as wide), thicker, core, it didn't fit in the stock radiator support.
So I bought some thin wall tube in various sizes and set to work. I wanted something fairly easy to remove. I added some tube with a weld nut inside to act as a receiver on the inner fender well for the top mounts, and then a folded sheet metal tab on the bottom. This lets you shove the whole thing in place and it self align's so it can be bolted in. If Im honest, it needs a slight re-work to be a bit smoother, but its ok for now. Here is the basic frame done.
Bolted in.
Once I had this done I added mounts for the radiator, intercooler, headlights, grill etc.
Also, added some new aluminum brackets to tie the inner and outer fenders. Hood pins are in these as well.
Here is the start of my hood pivot points. I was surprised how quickly I was able to get the hood fit. I essentially copied the stock design, but needed to shorten the arms on the hood to get the alignment correct in the closed position.
And pulled back out so I can finish welding the last few brackets that are tacked at the moment.
Speaking of welding, my brother recently purchased a nice gas lense kit. Really amazing difference compared to a standard nozzle. On the shorter welds, or tacks, it was neat to have the metal not discolor at all until after the post flow stopped. I also liked the ability to use more stick out for going around the small tubes. With some of the recent welding talk, I figured I'd mention this, and recommend trying one out if you like TIG welding.
Im also just about finished with some pin stands. Grabbed a pic with all the individual pieces.
So, my upgrade started with a reasonably priced generic radiator from Griffin. It had the ports all roughly in the right spots, although they were for a slightly larger hose. I cured this with some aluminum tube I already had. I then welded the bung it had for a cap shut. Now it was ready for install, but being a taller(although not as wide), thicker, core, it didn't fit in the stock radiator support.
So I bought some thin wall tube in various sizes and set to work. I wanted something fairly easy to remove. I added some tube with a weld nut inside to act as a receiver on the inner fender well for the top mounts, and then a folded sheet metal tab on the bottom. This lets you shove the whole thing in place and it self align's so it can be bolted in. If Im honest, it needs a slight re-work to be a bit smoother, but its ok for now. Here is the basic frame done.
Bolted in.
Once I had this done I added mounts for the radiator, intercooler, headlights, grill etc.
Also, added some new aluminum brackets to tie the inner and outer fenders. Hood pins are in these as well.
Here is the start of my hood pivot points. I was surprised how quickly I was able to get the hood fit. I essentially copied the stock design, but needed to shorten the arms on the hood to get the alignment correct in the closed position.
And pulled back out so I can finish welding the last few brackets that are tacked at the moment.
Speaking of welding, my brother recently purchased a nice gas lense kit. Really amazing difference compared to a standard nozzle. On the shorter welds, or tacks, it was neat to have the metal not discolor at all until after the post flow stopped. I also liked the ability to use more stick out for going around the small tubes. With some of the recent welding talk, I figured I'd mention this, and recommend trying one out if you like TIG welding.
Im also just about finished with some pin stands. Grabbed a pic with all the individual pieces.