04-22-2014, 02:39 PM | #1 |
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P38 Belly Tank
Beside working on my 1931 Track T Roadster I knew I needed another project. I bought this tank from a good friend as you can see in the pictures last weekend I split the tank at the seam and also cut out some rust panels. I build a dolly to fit it to make it easier to work on. I will be posting pictures as I go along to show progress. I am sure I will be getting some negative comments on the power plan I will be using. Here a few pictures to start.
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04-22-2014, 03:12 PM | #2 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
How cool is that?! You gonna give us any hints Frenchy?
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04-22-2014, 03:18 PM | #3 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
V Dub power… cool. I was afraid you were going to say SBC.
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04-22-2014, 03:40 PM | #4 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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04-22-2014, 04:01 PM | #5 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Nice, I got a friend that has two of them, and plans on putting a v8 60 in one of them.
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04-22-2014, 04:15 PM | #6 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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I've wanted to build one of them so bad, be a fun project. A buddy is building one with a hitnmiss motor! |
04-22-2014, 05:48 PM | #7 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
The tank is all metal. My original plan was if it would of fitted installing a V12 Lincoln Zephy Flat Head which I have an extra motor to build but decided to go with the VW which I have plenty of.
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04-22-2014, 05:56 PM | #8 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
If you were closer, I have a fresh rebuilt VDub 1600DP for it that I am not going to use... Looking forward in watching this build. Neat to see them built again using actual belly tanks..
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04-22-2014, 07:35 PM | #9 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
That would be a wing tank
I have one They are very small compared to belly tanks |
04-22-2014, 08:20 PM | #10 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
How fitting to have air cooled wing tank. looking forward to more pictures. Paul
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04-22-2014, 08:34 PM | #11 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Needs a flatty, but an air cooled VW tank car is WAY better than the rat rod Beetles I have been seeing the last few years. You must have pistons sticking out of the tank though.
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04-22-2014, 10:53 PM | #12 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I will have the valve covers sticking out on each side of the Belly. I am planning to use one squirrel cage for fan to cool the heads another word no fan housing. I have many good ideas for this project including using a magneto etc ....
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04-22-2014, 11:08 PM | #13 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I'm diggin' it!
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05-28-2014, 01:00 AM | #14 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I will be posting pictures here soon doing a lot of modifications.
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11-03-2015, 10:23 PM | #15 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I have started to work on both of my projects now that we are somewhat settled in at the new house. Working on my 1929 track T and on my Belly Tanker I will post pictures as soon as I make a dent in them. Thanks !!!!
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11-04-2015, 03:05 AM | #16 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
You were scaring us for a start on motive power, but an air cooled VW is odd enough to be in the realm of cool.dare to be different Please keep us updated on progress . For the great unwashed that don't get it, they don't need to understand . Any plans as to the potential first run?? I am subscribed to this thread.
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12-18-2015, 11:15 AM | #17 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I am planning going to El Mirage California for my first run I will post pictures as soon as I have some good pictures to show the progress stay tune.
Thanks for your interest Frenchy Dehoux |
12-18-2015, 11:40 AM | #18 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I just love it, Good luck.
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12-18-2015, 01:24 PM | #19 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Did you stick with VDub power for the tank?
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12-18-2015, 03:48 PM | #20 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
That looks more like a Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star tip tank.
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12-19-2015, 11:08 AM | #21 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Yes it will have a VW mid engine to start a 1500cc and later 2165 cc. At first a smaller engine to see how the car will handle than proceed with a bigger engine.
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12-19-2015, 06:27 PM | #22 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Let us know when you're going to El Mirage and I'll keep my eyes open for you. I usually just drive down for the 2 day meets. Wayno
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12-19-2015, 07:59 PM | #23 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
It sure does. Whoops, not so sure now as looked up some P-80 pics and looks like they had two styles, one mounting under the wing tip and another type mounting on the end of the wing tip.
Last edited by 36tudordeluxe; 12-19-2015 at 08:08 PM. |
12-20-2015, 09:38 AM | #24 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Awesome. Good luck with it. I'd love to see a fully dressed 2165 with dual Webers or the like.
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12-20-2015, 12:35 PM | #25 | |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Quote:
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12-20-2015, 12:55 PM | #26 | |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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Quote:
Thanks Frenchy |
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12-21-2015, 01:51 PM | #27 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
There were more than a few different tanks made for all of the WWII fighters. There were different sizes too. Some were aluminum but many were made from materials that were less of a drain on the war effort. Some were even made from non-metalic materials due to there throw away design. The one pictured looks to be a 150 gallon unit made of steel due to the corrosion evident there. Some had skirting where they connect to the pylon and some don't. It definitely may be for a P-38 but there were some P-80 tanks that looked just like that and they were also skirted where they attached to the bottom of the wing tip. These aircraft were manufactured by the same company so I wouldn't be surprised if there was some interchangeability.
The best ones to find are the aluminum ones that bolt together but they are also the most expensive if you can source one. Most folks now days just opt for the fiberglass copies in order to get one that is the right size for their application and ease of modification. A good original should be hanging from a wing in a museum. Last edited by rotorwrench; 12-22-2015 at 01:17 PM. |
12-21-2015, 03:37 PM | #28 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
That is what it is rotowrench, I seen a bunch of them on T33s(2 seat F-80 trainers) at Webb AFB, Big Spring Tx in the early 1950s. I expect the old scrap pile with 4 or 5 of them in it, is long gone. Just an old mans memories.
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12-22-2015, 08:22 AM | #29 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Neat project! I have seen one like that race at a road course over on the West side of Michigan. Fun to watch.
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12-22-2015, 12:04 PM | #30 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Here is a fun photo of a "very early" belly tank car.
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12-22-2015, 07:31 PM | #31 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Here's a funny photo of a funny-looking man having fun in a funny ol' tank. DD
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09-23-2018, 10:58 PM | #32 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Sorry everyone i have been busy more than i had imagine since i have retired. Building a lot of VW and Porsche 356 engines. But today I took the belly tanker to a friend that is going to do some patch panels repairs from the rust you see in the first post. I will keep everyone in the loop what is going on with it .
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09-23-2018, 11:40 PM | #33 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Here what i am trying to see how i will fit the engine and transmission with a low profile fan shroud to fit under the tank. I also have a Ford front drop axle to see if I can fit it etc ...
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09-24-2018, 11:39 PM | #34 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
That is definitely the small P-38 tank. They are made of steel and seam welded together. The larger aluminum P-38 tanks bolt together and are worth a fortune if you can find one. You can fit a V8-60 in the small tank and a full size flathead in the big tank.
My next door neighbor built the third bellytank at El Mirage in 1949. He just turned 88. He also ran it at Bonneville in 1950. Here is a rare Kodachrome color slide of it at Bonneville in 1950. He towed it from CA to Bonneville with his '41 pickup. I too have the smaller version. I'm getting ready to hang it from my garage ceiling. I needed this like a hole in the head but I couldn't live without it. The large aluminum tanks halves were stamped by Ford so we can officially talk about them here. I have a photo to prove it. Last edited by Flathead Fever; 09-24-2018 at 11:48 PM. |
09-25-2018, 12:09 AM | #35 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
this is so nice. looks fun.
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09-25-2018, 01:03 AM | #36 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I really appreciate the pictures here and the story you had mentioned. I am building mine for the street . I will post pictures as soon as I get it back from my buddy that is doing the patch repairs.
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09-25-2018, 10:14 PM | #37 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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09-26-2018, 12:39 AM | #38 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
The way the engine will be laid out only the valve covers would be sticking out and for that I can always make some covers to hide the valve covers so they cant be seen. I am building this for the street to.
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09-26-2018, 03:25 PM | #39 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
This has to be the only one left. Its the original trailer for my neighbor's bellytank he built back in 1949. He had owned a mini storage until a few year's ago and this stuff was piled up down there along with his '40 Ford junk yard. He was going to scrap these frames. I said oh no your not! I'm saving that bellytank trailer. Thank god for that little forklift, the bellytank trailer is that one on the bottom.
No suspension, it must have beat that bellytank to death on the way to Bonneville. Looks like they built it strong enough. As you can see it will also will haul an aerodynamic '33 coupe. This photo is proibably taken in 1950. That coupe belonged to my neighbor's friend. That was a neat coupe. They spent all that time putting the hood on it to see if it would make a differenece and when they got to El Mirage, the dry lake's meet was cancelled because of high winds. He doesn't remember what happened to the bellytank's engine in this photo? |
09-27-2018, 01:04 AM | #40 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Thank You so much for this cool story about the trailer and the belly tanker I have enjoy reading about it .
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10-03-2018, 01:54 PM | #41 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Anyone knows of the where about of this Belly Tanker who build it and the owner if it is still around. I notice he is running a VW engine with a supercharger on top. I would like to find out more about the build. Any leads is appreciated .
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10-05-2018, 07:52 PM | #42 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I have a friend helping me with some patch panels been replaced as they were rusted out.
Frenchy |
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10-06-2018, 08:14 AM | #43 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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10-06-2018, 08:17 AM | #44 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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10-06-2018, 10:09 AM | #45 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Thank You very much for this info. I have a friend that just posted on Facebook that knows of him and he still races at Bonneville.
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10-08-2018, 11:06 PM | #46 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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10-09-2018, 01:11 PM | #47 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
ha! theres something I never thought of! I raced VW powered midgets in the late 90's to the early 2000's. how hot is the motor?? I ran all autocraft stuff on mine.
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10-10-2018, 01:56 AM | #48 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
This tanker will be registered for the street here in Arizona and it will have a1600 cc engine to start and later a 1776 CC with the 42 dcnf Webbers dual set up .
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10-21-2018, 10:04 PM | #49 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
This past week I had cut a portion of the rear of a VW pan to see if I could use the main frame horn to install the transmission and the engine and to build my chassis around it as it will be a mid engine.The seat I will be using is all aluminum so i will have to modify it to fit in the tanker .
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10-22-2018, 10:57 AM | #50 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
You are correct Rotowrench, I was stationed at Big Spring AFB Texas, later Webb AFB in the early 50s.It was one of the early Jet training bases with a bunch of T33s, 2 place F80s. I picked up a couple slightly damaged tanks from scrap heap but had to give them to a buddy since I couldn't figure a way to haul them to next assignment on my 1940 ford tu-door.
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10-22-2018, 11:28 AM | #51 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
cool!
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10-22-2018, 11:47 AM | #52 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
The pictured plane is a single place F-80. As I remember the T-33 ( Two placeTrainer ) had larger wing tanks..
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10-28-2018, 04:01 AM | #53 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
As of today progress on the belly tanker !!
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10-28-2018, 04:06 AM | #54 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Here a few pictures showing the progress .
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10-28-2018, 04:08 AM | #55 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Today progress !!
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10-28-2018, 08:19 AM | #56 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Frenchy, some very nice metal work!!!! She's coming along!!!
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10-28-2018, 10:03 AM | #57 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
A friend is doing the rusty spots patch panels .
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11-11-2018, 12:39 AM | #58 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
As of today making progress !!
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11-15-2018, 10:32 PM | #59 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
As of today I pick up the tanker last night and my buddy did a great job repairing the rust panels.
Frenchy |
11-15-2018, 10:34 PM | #60 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
A few more shots .
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11-15-2018, 11:11 PM | #61 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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.
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11-15-2018, 11:37 PM | #62 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Thank You I will post pictures as more progress is underway .
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11-16-2018, 07:18 AM | #63 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Looks to be some very nice work . . . good "buddy" to have! But Oh, I'd sure like to see a flathead in the beast!
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11-16-2018, 09:50 AM | #64 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Everyone put flat head V8 but i want to be different ! And have it more reliable with an air cool .
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11-17-2018, 11:37 PM | #65 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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.
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11-17-2018, 11:38 PM | #66 |
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11-17-2018, 11:39 PM | #67 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
And last few pictures !
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11-30-2018, 10:17 AM | #68 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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 |
11-30-2018, 11:50 AM | #69 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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.
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12-02-2018, 01:32 PM | #70 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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.
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12-03-2018, 11:29 AM | #71 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Thank You for posting this video !
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12-22-2018, 10:45 AM | #72 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I found the pan head to use on my front beam and to start building the chassis.
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02-28-2019, 10:10 AM | #73 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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 .
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02-28-2019, 10:13 AM | #74 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
A few more pictures showing where I had made my cuts for the rear axles and front beam . Next building the chassis .
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02-28-2019, 09:40 PM | #75 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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.
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03-01-2019, 07:30 AM | #76 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Looks cool, four speed reverse, one forward. haha. Paul
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03-01-2019, 10:04 AM | #77 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
I am going and flip the ring and pinion on the opposite side because been a rear transmission the same as the 914 !!
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08-30-2019, 12:48 AM | #78 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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 |
12-10-2019, 11:09 AM | #79 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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.
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12-10-2019, 11:28 AM | #80 |
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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.
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12-22-2019, 08:54 PM | #81 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Queen Creek AZ
Posts: 519
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
As of today added in the center of the Tanker 25 inches to give me more room for the engine and transmission as well as more leg room as it will be driven on the street .
Thanks Frenchy |
12-22-2019, 09:14 PM | #82 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: East Shore of LAKE HOUSTON
Posts: 11,113
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
That new insert is surprisingly similar to the length necessary to put a V-12 in that thing, huh? Sure is nicely-done! DD
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12-22-2019, 10:02 PM | #83 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Queen Creek AZ
Posts: 519
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Actually i have two more V 12 blocks and enough to build one complete but for the street the air cool engine will be more reliable for me and I will not have to worry about the radiator and the system overheating. Maybe later if I decide to install one of my V12 it will be ready for it.
Thanks Frenchy |
01-05-2020, 08:13 PM | #84 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Queen Creek AZ
Posts: 519
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
As of today a few more pictures.
Frenchy |
01-05-2020, 08:16 PM | #85 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Queen Creek AZ
Posts: 519
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
A few more of what i have done today !!
Frenchy |
01-05-2020, 08:19 PM | #86 |
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Queen Creek AZ
Posts: 519
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
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Frenchy |
01-05-2020, 08:25 PM | #87 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Queen Creek AZ
Posts: 519
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
A few more showing the inside .
Frenchy |
01-05-2020, 08:43 PM | #88 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: (Not far enough...) Outside of DC
Posts: 3,387
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Amazing stuff Frenchy! You're always breaking my eyeballs!
This stuff is priceless!
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01-06-2020, 07:24 AM | #89 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Holland Mi
Posts: 641
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
looking good, that will be an exciting ride. Paul
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01-06-2020, 08:44 AM | #90 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Chester Vt
Posts: 8,860
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
The perfect roadster. Nice workmanship. Good luck.
Gramps |
01-06-2020, 10:41 AM | #91 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Marana, AZ
Posts: 1,194
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Frenchy, this could be your new "avatar"!!
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01-06-2020, 10:54 AM | #92 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Queen Creek AZ
Posts: 519
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Thank You everyone for the great comments and positive feedback. Of course the steering wheel will be much smaller and the same style.
Thanks Frenchy |
01-06-2020, 11:43 AM | #93 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: East Shore of LAKE HOUSTON
Posts: 11,113
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Quote:
Funny, as considering my sick attempts at humor, I almost commented that your steering wheel wasn't big enough. DD |
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01-27-2020, 09:49 PM | #94 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Queen Creek AZ
Posts: 519
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Re: P38 Belly Tank
Here is an update on my tanker. Cut the lip of the edge so I can have the chassis even with the top. I have more pictures to add but the system will not allow me to do so not sure why .
Frenchy |
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