Hank's MEGABUSA Project

[Hank]

It has begun!

 

http://www.henry-bell.com/megabusa/images/111408/crate01.jpg

 

http://www.henry-bell.com/megabusa/images/111508/01.jpg

[11Budlite]

Congrats Hank, you must be thrilled! :hurray: Keep us updated on your progress.

 

Bruce :7drive:

[Ian7]

I remember that point in the build...

 

... you'll be done in a matter of days

 

[powderbrake]

You are truly at the fun part of seven ownership. Congratulations !!

[Hank]

I think my Megabusa was built on a Monday. Lot of missing parts. Either that or a pretty large box o' bits fell off in the Atlantic.

 

It's a helluva good time building it though!

[Hank]

Very good day. I actually have a pretty good system going to find bolts for the specific task at hand. A lot of empty boxes to throw away now, but I'll hold them until I'm done in case something is lost in one of them. :ack:

 

Things I completed today:

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Rear Differential

Rear driveshaft

Reverse Box

Steering Rack

 

I am still constructing my build website. It has not been released yet because I'm having too much fun building the car! =)

[Kitcat]

Is yours the only Westfield Megabusa in the states?

 

What are you doing for reverse?

 

Should be an awesome car when done!

[JohnCh]

Congratulations Hank! Sounds like you are off to a great start. If you are looking for inspiration, this site lists about 50 Westfield-related sites, many of which have detailed build logs. Very good resource.

 

Kitcat, there is at least one other Magabusa in the States. Dennis Palatov, of dp1 fame, built one several years ago (build blog here). Last I heard it was in the San Diego area, but not sure where it is now.

 

-John

[Hank]

I'm going to use the Westfield reverse box, and WHEN it starts leaking (I give it five minutes *laugh*) I will replace the drive shaft/reverse box assembly with two driveshafts and a CV joint. I will attach a ring gear to the crankshaft hub and fabricate a bracket for a starter motor sliding assembly. Louisiana doesn't have strict laws for "stratch built" vehicles. I could have a slide plate and move the car ala Fred Flintstone if I wanted to.

 

Click here for my inspiration on the electric reverse.

 

Bailey Morris is a UK source to fab the new driveshaft assemblies, but a local fab shop offered to do it in exchange for website work. I can't argue with that!

 

I really can't wait for the Pro Shift paddle setup. That and the turbo kit next summer. 300whp and 875lb total weight. WOO WHOOO! I'm ordering "POWR 2 W8" or "POWR2W8" as a license plate.

[Hank]

Ton of work over the past few days.

 

I put together a quick website:

 

http://www.hanksmegabusa.com

[Hank]

I've been updating the website in lieu of posting here.

 

Comments are always welcome.

 

:ack:

[11Budlite]

Looks good Hank! The quality of the suspension, uprights, etc, looks pretty impressive! When do you hope to have it finished?

 

Bruce :7drive:

[Ian7]

In your photo titled "front shocks inverted..." the angularity of the steering links relative to the AArms looks odd. Arms are almost parallel to the ground, yet steering link points downwards quite alarmingly. Maybe its a photo optical illusion, but suggests potential for wicked roll and/or bump steer. At first thought, the outer tie-rods might be inverted, but these usually have tapered fits so they can't be put on 'upside down'.

Just curious...

[JohnCh]

I think it is an optical illusion. The links look parallel to the arms in this photo.

 

-John

[Hank]

I hope to have her done by Christmas.

 

Thanks for the comments. Please keep in mind NOTHING has been torqued other than the driveshaft, differential, and engine mounts.

[Ian7]

I think it is an optical illusion. The links look parallel to the arms in this photo.

 

-John

 

yup, sure do, quite a difference that perspective makes

[Hank]

I can now say I own a racecar. I fit the rollcage today.

 

http://www.hanksmegabusa.com "The Build" for pics.

 

WOO WHOOO!

[WestTexasS2K]

Hank that thing is flyin together. You shouldnt belong before you are terrorizing someone.

[Kitcat]

He doesn't seem to be following the build instructions (I don't see any empty Guiness bottles in the garage:)).

[Hank]

Unfortunately my wife and I have been on a diet for 2 months. I haven't had any alcohol since. The good news is the longer I'm on this diet the lighter my race weight will be.

 

I used to be 6'1" 201 lb, but I'm down to 185 lb now.

 

I bet it's going to be expensive to get the MEGABUSA down to 899 lb. I think I set an unrealistic goal. We'll see...