A sneak peek at the mocked up driver side wheel tub.

I then decided to add two more gussets on each side of the car. One is a simple 45-degree gusset made from 2x3 that ties the main 2x3 dropped cross member directly into the steel plates previously attached to the rocker panels. I figured this was as good as of a place to have extra bracing as anywhere and only added a pound. Then I made some 1 ¼” tubes that attach to both four-link brackets through the factory stamped holes and intersect my 45 degree gussets and the rocker panel. This will keep the four-link chassis brackets from ever even thinking about flexing.

The last thing I did was make a pie shaped piece that ties the bottom of the four-link brackets that were hanging below the dropped cross member into said member to finish off the setup. Overkill? Maybe. Don’t care, it looks better and it’s stronger.

Wow! Where did the time go? I actually did get the wheel tubs installed along with making the custom floor section to meet NHRA Super Stock rules along with a few other things. But, that will have to wait until next year!

In closing, let me get on my soapbox for a minute. I am one of the people that are more than glad 2008 is about over! For various reasons that need not be mentioned 2008 has been a very trying year for my family as it has been for many people in the country. I always end my articles with the saying “ there is always hope”. Perhaps at this time of the year that is something we all need to remember more than ever. With so many natural disasters this summer and then the loss of so much money and peoples’ life savings in some cases, recently it has become at times almost too much.

My grandmother always used to tell us that God would never give us more than he knows we can handle. I find that hard to believe at times but deep down I know it to be true. Some of us just seem to have to handle a little more than we want. Sometimes things can get so frustrating it is hard to keep in mind the things that are truly important in life. My family is the single most important part of my life. Without them I would be nothing.

Do yourself a favor and give everyone in your family a extra hug this Holiday season. That is all that really matters. Thanks for listening and MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone! I will see you in 2009!

Remember, there is always hope, and, when in doubt… DO A WHEELIE!