Build My Own Aluminum SB Oil Pan

[64 SRT8 Dart]

So, I may try and build my own small block oil pan and have a few questions.

What would be a good thickness to use for the sump/body...1/8", 3/16"??
I have a sheet of 1/8" 5052 on hand but can order whatever.

Will be using 1/2" for the rails but they will get machined down somewhere between 3/8 and 1/4" after welding. Already have a guy at work that said he'll write a program for the cutting/machining of the rails for next to free if anything at all.

Need to know if the oil pan in my car...66/early A....is the same as what would be in a later A body as far as sump/pickup location is concerned?

Any help is very much appreciated!!!

 

[inkjunkie]

Subscribed

 

[BigWhip]

You may be interested in using one of these as a foundation for your project.
Chrysler made aluminum oil pans for both small and big blocks for boats. I have one and plan to make it into a road race pan. They are thick and heavy and should be easy to weld.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHRYSLER-31..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item3a7122e99c&vxp=mtr
.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHRYSLER-36..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item3a7122e7e7&vxp=mtr
.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrysler-BB..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item53f715925e&vxp=mtr

Post photos as you make progress.

Michael

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

So, got started on this project yesterday

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

More

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

The main body will be bent tomorrow hopefully by a friend at work.


The small rolled piece is the front piece that goes over the K-member. Still have to make the rear rolled piece but it will have more of a 90* on the driver side transitioned to a roll....to compensate for the pickup tube.

 

[66340SEDAN]

Sweet :glasses7:

 

[mopardrt]

I know it gets said all the time, anyways, not to hijack your thread, but how much modification is needed to put one of those marine pans in a passenger car?

You may be interested in using one of these as a foundation for your project.
Chrysler made aluminum oil pans for both small and big blocks for boats. I have one and plan to make it into a road race pan. They are thick and heavy and should be easy to weld.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHRYSLER-31..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item3a7122e99c&vxp=mtr
.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHRYSLER-36..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item3a7122e7e7&vxp=mtr
.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chrysler-BB..._Accessories_Gear&hash=item53f715925e&vxp=mtr

Post photos as you make progress.

Michael

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Those pans look like theyre cast. Wouldn't be fun welding sheet alum to cast to make the mods and would look hideous IMO. Plus you have to heat the cast to weld...sheet you don't.

 

[BigWhip]

I know it gets said all the time, anyways, not to hijack your thread, but how much modification is needed to put one of those marine pans in a passenger car?

It is not a easy project. The marine pans are very thick and huge. I am waiting for my band saw to be repaired before I start on it. I also have a spare K frame and motor to do the fitting. No it will not be easy welding. To me making front and rear sealing areas would be the issue. Moroso did make a weld on "kit" for a steel pan. I also want a pan that would be difficult to knock a hole in. Do to my mothers health many projects are on the back burner. Hopefully she will get better and I can fire up my welder.

Michael

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

A little more progress today. Will do more next week sometime.

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Some more progress. Startin to look line something. lol

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

More.

 

[mopardude318]

wow. nice job!!!

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Thanks! That nasty gap won't be fun to fill, lol. I did the math right, just used the wrong number to lay out the cutout, lol. It was late and I was tired.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Very impressive. You have skills.

 

[nothingbutdarts]

very impressive. You have skills.

x2

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Thanks guys!
Got it all welded, minus putting the drain plug piece in, two "seal" gussets, baffle, and seal saddles. lol
The main body is all welded. Held water full to the brim for about 50hrs without a single leak, lol. The rust is contamination from the brake press die.

 

[mopardrt]

Wow bad *** man! good job!

 

[BigWhip]

Looking good!

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

Made a little more progress today, lol. Got the drain plug in and the inner gussets for the end seals. Also, got the baffle piece cut, just need to open up the middle of it for the pickup.
I also had to do some straightening as welding the rear half up it dumped pretty good, so just made a slit about half way down on both sides and welded them back up...worked like a charm
Tomorrow I hope to get the baffle in and the rails cut and welded on!

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

More

 

[BigWhip]

That may be too nice to put on a car.

 

[64 SRT8 Dart]

That may be too nice to put on a car.

Thanks! lol It's going in whether it likes it or not! lol

Got the baffle made up, fit and welded today. Also, got the rails cut...just need to tranfer dimensions over and do some cutting, drilling, etc.

 

[Tbone416]

Very cool this is what true hot Rodding is about if you can't buy it Make It!