Ford Meets Toyota
Probably not the best thought out idea, but certainly the most inspirational! Observe: When we last left our heros, they had cut a perfectly good '65 V8 Mustang in two, and a '82 Supra into several small bits. Let's watch them pick up the pieces!
Note: Captions are on top of photo renditions
I thought putting an example engine (3.8L Ford V6) between the Supra
strut towers would show how much room there was. Not only is there room
for the 3.8L, but there's more room for an FE than my '68 Mustang has!
Apparently, there's room for junk mail storage too. I later opted for the
mighty 289 V8.
After getting the level and plumb bobs out, I measured what would have to
be cut to make a tab A and a slot B. Not wanting to get too far into
a hole, the match has an organic feel: Where parts naturaly match, I
merely assisted in the mating. Other sections are matched with minimal
fabrication.
I had to notch it a bit (see arrow) but it mated up pretty well.
Even the floorpans meet up pretty well (see arrows)
You can see my Cougar and the mighty 443 Mustang in the background, but the subframe channels of the supra meet almost perfectly to the channels for the Mustang, except the Supra channels went all the way to the rear subframe. Methinks this was a good idea.
The arrow points to the vehicle centerline (on a string). I painted the meeting surfaces to show where I should grind with white paint.
I put the fenders on, just for grins!
Tee-Hee!
Check out my leveling dohickey
I clamped up a piece of 2X to add strength to the torque box and a good mating surface for the front of the Supra. I'll tie these together on each side for more strength
I welded it to the inside too.
Now it gets complicated... yet simple. It's a zen thing. I am one with the Toyota. I am one with the Ford. Yellow arrow points at the Ford driver's side door sill (main structural member for the entire car, as far as I can tell). Blue arrow points at the remains of the Toyota door sill. White arrow points at a 2X steel square pipe, that just happens to fit exactly, but for the grace of god! Green arrow points to the Supra frame rail.
Here it is on the passenger side. Agle iron is welded to the new torque box, and the Supra is welded to the angle iron. Voila! We have a Suprang!
A full on view, with bonus details of my messy garage!
Turn a 2X steel tube into a 2X4 steel tube. The bind that ties.
Here's my 2X4 tube after hammering it between the Mustnag and Supra frame rails; and welding upon therein.
