North Rockies Design – Project: Hummer

I got back out to the shop on Saturday and got more of the frame built. Anyone following the Tremor MUV plans would recognize that I’m not following them exactly as prescribed.

I’m changing things a bit–the Tremor plans don’t give directions on a wagon build, and I’ve made the floorpans true to the 7-inch tall door-sills as found on the Hummer. I’m also not going through the series as outlined, I’ve started with what I could afford and had steel for and continued on from there. This latest work completed the two floorpan frames that will eventually house the seats for the driver and passengers, along with mounting the rear fenders, finishing the rear wagon door frame, starting the center tunnel frame, and repositioning the rear body in proper position over the wheelbase.

The hardest part so far has been keeping it all level and square. The problem is my front right tire is flat. Because of this, the frame tilts down that direction. I’m not going to weld the assemblies together until I know the chassis is level and true. Actually, I may end up doing it anyway and wheel the chassis outdoors to save space. My shop is kind of small. But that would mean constructing another assembly on which to roll the Tremor frame out in order to combine the two later. It would also mean finding some way to lift the completed frame onto the chassis. Neither of these sounds like much fun or possible without more money. So, I planning to keep as much of the frame level and square as possible before welding these major assemblies together. You may notice this as you see cinder blocks and paving blocks holding things roughly in place.

On to the build diary:
Here’s a wideshot of the rear of the wagon. As you can see, I’ve put a chair in about the placement of the driver’s seat… I know it’s not exactly right, but I had to try it out. Also, you may be able to see the rear driver’s side fender had to be chopped. I mistakenly cut the wrong angle on the two pieces that come down to the floorpans on this side. They were both square to each other, but not to the passenger side. I’ll redo these before fitting to the floorpan.
Rear of the Wagon
Another few shots of the mock-up of the assembly.
Assembly Mock-up
Driver's side looking forward
Rear wagon assembly

This is a shot of the passenger’s side floorpan. Also visible is the temporary assembly to keep the tunnel level.
Passenger's side floorpan

From the front, i began placing the firewall pieces, not welded, or even tacked because the floorpans need to be in place first, but just for a guess as to the finished position. Also clamped the windshield on for looks.
Firewall placement

With the progress comes silly photos time. Here’s our three crazy drivers’. The older kids have become less enthused with the length of time this is taking. The younger ones are just happy to be part of it.