Sj 410 to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

[jack602]

hello all,I have been using wisdom from this forum for a while so thought I had best introduce my build.
I have no previous Suzuki experience but realised that an an would be the ideal donor for my project, a road legal 3/4 scale model of the star of the 1968 film Chity Chitty Bang Bang!
why 3/4 scale- I reckon that the width of the cockpit of the Pembleton I built a couple of years ago is the minimum practical size.
at this scale a 410 is the right width, just needs stretching 27" !

More to follow

jack

[ROBBIE]

Can’t wait to see how this turns out

[jack602]

Transfer Box
I have mounted the transfer box below the chassis instead of above, using a bolt through mounting kit, as am lowering the certain to increase space in the football (Chitty will be 12" narrower than SJ at this point) .
As the prospect angle is reduced the transfer box also needs moving forward 3/8" , using the mount from a 413 Santana echoes this on one side, the other mount needed redrilling forward and at a different angle to keep gearbox and rest scale prospect flanges in line.
I am keeping the 410 back axle to limit too speed to remain within the speed capabilities of vintage size tyres.

Jack

[Anton]

Liking it so far!!!

How are you planning to stretch the wee beastie and keep it road legal?

[jack602]

Anton, as you suggest, with a modified chassis it would not be legal to use the Suzuki identity.
I will register chitty as a special, on a Q plate.
I put my previous project through the SVA registration process a couple of years ago without a problem.

jack

[Anton]

Gocha. That opens up a whole host of options. Now, where's my popcorn?

[jack602]

Propshaft and gearbox x member

l needed a 6" longer centre Propshaft to move the engine forward by this amount to move the bellowing forward of the cockpit but keep the radiator behind the front axle centreline.
Using information on this forum a Jimny prop appeared to be the answer and so it proved, gearbox splines the same and the rear flange from the prop on my 1985 Japannese donor fitted, both vehicles using the same part number uj.

I made a new gearbox crossmember from 75mm x50mm Rectangular steel tube incorporating the original Suzuki bracket, this lowers the gearbox mount by 6",
in the photo the chassis is still inverted on the build stand, and I initially fitted the crossmember 2" out by measuring to the rear of the crossmember rather than the front - thank goodness for 1 mm angle grinder discs!

[jack602]

Front axle fitted

Fitted front axle from a 1928 Morris Oxford.
I bought the pair of Sankey wheels from ebay, when I went to collect them the axle was on the shed roof!

Jack

[jack602]

Fitted Vitara 1.6 engine and sj413 5 speed gearbox

joined engine & gearbox with adaptor plate following instructions on this forum.
craned in place, levelled with spirit level on inlet manifold.
Placed on wooden blocks, fabricated & welded mounts.

[ScottieJ]

This is Amazing! really looking forwards to seeing this build progress. Keen to find out a biit more about what it's like to go through an IVA as well, I've heard it can be very strict over quite small things.