P38 Belly Tank

[GB SISSON]

I agree. This has been a lot of fun to watch. Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us sitting on our couches.

 

[frenchy dehoux]

Thank You I will post pictures as more progress is underway .


Frenchy

 

[Bored&Stroked]

Looks to be some very nice work . . . good "buddy" to have! But Oh, I'd sure like to see a flathead in the beast!

 

[frenchy dehoux]

Everyone put flat head V8 but i want to be different ! And have it more reliable with an air cool .


Frenchy

 

[frenchy dehoux]

Today I decided to primer the tanker and added the engine block and transmission with the driver seat and the engine shroud to see how everything will look keeping in my this is just a mack up. The seat may have to be trimmed at the top or I may have to use a dune buggy seat instead as it will give me more room . I also had cut all of the baffles from the inside and not needed. You can see at the rear where I am pointing in the black lines this will be trimmed to pull all of the running gear back to give me more room.


Thanks
Frenchy

 

[frenchy dehoux]

And a few more shots !


Frenchy

 

[frenchy dehoux]

And last few pictures !


Frenchy

 

[frenchy dehoux]

I would like to Thank everyone who is reading my post and been so positive with my project and you all have given me my 5 stars for this post !! As soon as I have more pictures to share and post Ill be back !!


Thank You !!!


Frenchy

 

[40 Deluxe]

Seeing the cooling shroud makes me wonder: Do you need it? If you were to run methanol, it's cooling effects ('high latent heat of vaporization', or something like that) will go a long way to cool the engine, plus some duct work to get air past the cylinders and oil cooler. Years ago I was out at the cinder hills north of Flagstaff on a busy weekend. One sand rail I saw was powered by a Corvair with no shrouding at all, cylinders exposed to the air. He was running methanol. I don't remember what he had for an oil cooler.

 

[Flathead Fever]

WWII training film on a P-38 releasing its drop tanks. I never realized how big a P-38 was until I stood under the tail of one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amArAMx-Eec

 

[frenchy dehoux]

Thank You for posting this video !


Frenchy

 

[frenchy dehoux]

I found the pan head to use on my front beam and to start building the chassis.



Frenchy

 

[frenchy dehoux]

Sorry I have been busy building a few motors for customers the last few months Vws and Porsche 356 and 912 !! Took some time this week to work on my belly tanker here are a few pictures where I am with it .


Thanks
Frenchy

 

[frenchy dehoux]

A few more pictures showing where I had made my cuts for the rear axles and front beam . Next building the chassis .


Thanks
Frenchy

 

[Flathead Fever]

I got tired of tripping over my P-38 tank. A couple weeks ago I decided to hang it from the ceiling. I got it up there by myself, which was a little iffy. Stuck a big eyebolt through a piece of heavy angle iron that is laying across four 2"X8" ceiling joists so that should hold it. Hooked a cuma long from the eyebolt to the tank and got it lifted high enough to roll my drywall jack under it.

 

[oldbugger]

Looks cool, four speed reverse, one forward. haha. Paul

 

[frenchy dehoux]

I am going and flip the ring and pinion on the opposite side because been a rear transmission the same as the 914 !!


Frenchy

 

[frenchy dehoux]

I decided to have the tanker extended 24 inches in the middle so that I can fit the engine and transmission better as well as more leg room since this will be for the street.
My buddy just called me yesterday and he is ready to do the add on.


Frenchy

 

[frenchy dehoux]

This is the only picture I have of the tanker after it was cut in the center to add 25 inches to give me more leg room and to be able to have the engine located further down in the belly. I should be getting more pictures in the next weeks to add to this story. Next will be to build the frame to except the VW mid engine.

 

[frenchy dehoux]

I have decided not to use the original frame horns that were part of the original vw chassis as it will take to much room on the side so instead I will build the frame around it with its own transmission mount as well as the engine mount to support the engine and trans this will give me a better way to have the trans and engine mounted.