New Volvo c304 owner new engine swap/ camp rig project

[tmoney]

After I got everything mounted and the frame was holding its new power plants on its own, It was time to check and make sure nothing interfered with the new power plant.

[tmoney]

She sits in there nice and snug but still plenty of room to work on!

Next I decided to tackle the steering as I couldnt move her around the shop without getting steering functional.

I removed the clutch pedal and modified the brake pedal assembly to hold my steering drop box. I did this for two reasons. One was to make it clean and simple in the footwell so I didnt have many rotating parts that my feet could get in the way of... Also I wanted as much room as possible in the cab for my feet and to be comfortable. I used the power steering gearbox from a RHD postal jeep. I used a custom short steering column based on the chevrolete steering columns and I mounted it to the dash. And with a couple ujoints the 3 components were connected! I had to lengthen the drag link bar and build a custom pitman arm. I also removed the big round crossmember and added a rectangle tubing crossmember a little further back.

[tmoney]

More pics

[tmoney]

I then decided how I would mount the cab so i could finish the last of the steering components and make sure it all functioned properly.

[tmoney]

I am now working on getting the intake made up to where it will fit. I have also decided to go with an air over hydraulic setup on my brakes. I will already have an onboard air system for air lockers and 3rd axle disconnect.

This is where we are today!

I have ordered a bunch of parts that should be showing up within the next 3 or 4 weeks and then I can make another update! I am designing the cooling system now and the fuel system is already designed and installed but I do need a new fuel tank or to cut mine open and clean it out.

[tmoney]

DISCLAIMER!


I know im not the best fabricator out there! (yet) But its mostly all meant to be functional and easy to fix. Its not a show truck it will be used!

I should invest in some extra tooling like a proper welder (not flux core) and maybe a mill instead of an angle grinder. The pieces that have mattered I make sure I use the right tooling. The other pieces I have been doing with what I have. Working out of my small 2 car garage as well. I know I can probably do a bit better job if I take more time but I also dont settle for something that will fall apart or not work down the road (or off road)

I have enjoyed working on this project so far. I am hoping to have it running and driving by the end of this year!

[roobar_and_custard]

Nice progress! Steering looks good - never seen the drop box you used before, certainly frees up foot space.

Sitting the body up on rubber mounts is something I also plan to do (once my Volvo makes it back onto the "to do" list) - what mounts did you go with?

[OUTBACK]

What a great update! Keep the pictures coming in.

[geckoadventure]

You cant even do a chassis extension here in Belgium.....they will take your rig of the streets and it will never pas MOT.

YUp same here in Malaysia legally cannot even weld stuff to the chassis it's confinscATED on registration or ownership change inspection.

[ormandj]

How's this c304 coming along? It sure looks like a fun project!