FIREBUG spy pictures...

The FireBug takes shape…
Last updated 27/4/2006

The FireBug chassis is progressing well… Pip from ABT Fabrication (/Just Customs) has welded the frame out, and the laser cut brackets will start going on over the next few days. Most of the components have arrived and are waiting eagerly for fitout... not as eagerly as I am though! 

For the train spotters amongst you, there are quite a few changes (some more subtle than others) in the FireBug chassis compared to the ABT buggy chassis:

• Wheelbase a couple of inches shorter to help miss those all important cones, front and rear lower control arms are the same length (less spares required)
• Extra cross brace on the top of the roof and at rear of cab
• Radiator water runs through the 2 tubes in centre of floor (from front to back)
• Side bars around the engine are higher (close to the height of the top of the engine)
• Different lines on the side profile… if you look closely from the side the lines flow very nicely from the ‘doors’ all the way back through the rear of the chassis, and forward through to the shock hoops
• Slightly higher roof, and more leg room (I am a tad taller than Pip!)
• Front track bar mounting changed, rear also changed a bit

Weight of the chassis up to this point is around 105kg’s.

What’s going in the FireBug?? Some great new stuff, and some of the performance proven and reliable components from the FireTruck (with some tweaks and upgrades!):

• 260kW LS1, 5.7L aluminium V8
• Aluminium radiator and thermo fan from Gondwana racing
• 2 speed Powerglide auto transmission built by Autoboss
• Atlas 4.3:1 transfer case from the FireTruck, with a new heavy duty 32 spline front output, new shorty rear output, and new 27 spline input (new parts from ABT)
• Rockcrusher D60’s with alloy shafts and CTM unis, 4.88’s and Detroit lockers, disks and chevy callipers all round
• 40” stickies on alloy rims?? Details to come…
• PRP suspension racing seat (from ABT)
• Full hydraulic POS steering (from ABT)
• CNC cutting brakes and brake pedal assembly (from ABT)
• 16” Fox airshocks (from ABT)
• Currie Antirock off road swaybar in the rear (from ABT)
• Old faithful Brawn 9000lb low mount has been cut down around 100mm for the front (mid-mounted), and the Brawn 4000lb will go on the rear

Stay tuned over the coming months for more updates as we kick the tires and light the fires on the FireBug, and for information on where and when you can see us in action…

Shane and Zach.
Team FireTruck

(Click on pictures for larger versions)

New pictures - 01/08/2006

New pictures - 03/07/2006

New pictures - 07/06/2006

New Pictures - 22/05/2006

Older pictures below