Chassis Modifcation Proceeds

Work continues on the chassis modification, which is being strengthened as well as elongated. Before the 3L engine and gearbox is mounted to the chassis, the opportunity to recondition it is being taken (though the engine is in working order). This involves a good deal of hunting for spare parts - some from generic suppliers and some from Toyota dealers. The donor vehicle continues to be stripped of anything useful, including engine mounts, a vacuum reservoir, and electrical parts. The steel carry frame for moving the engine is now finished. While planning construction yesterday, the idea of adding some small wheels arose. The carry frame will only be used once, but parts of it could also be modified into a mobile jig for the cabin body. There are sound logistical reasons for wanting to separate the body from the vehicle chassis, lift and move it about the workshop without distorting it. That also allows work to continue on more than one component of the system at a time. A good deal more work is expected to get the vehicle engine and gearbox fully functional once inside the chassis; this will require all available volunteers at several working weekends if we are to maintain momentum.