Monster Garage Season 3 Episode 13 Belly Tank Lakester
- TV-PG
- December 13, 2004
- 50 min
In Monster Garage season 3 episode 13, titled "Belly Tank Lakester," the crew takes on an ambitious project to transform a vintage WWII-era belly tank into a high-speed racing machine. The team, led by expert mechanic Jesse James, decides to turn the tank into a lakester, a type of race car designed specifically for setting speed records on dry lake beds.
The episode opens with the crew inspecting the tank and noting its impressive aerodynamic design and sturdy construction. Jesse explains that the tank was originally used to store fuel for fighter planes, and that it has the potential to become a serious land speed racer with some modifications. However, the team quickly realizes that there are some major challenges to overcome in order to transform the tank into a functional race car.
One of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to fit a powerful engine inside the cramped space of the tank. After some brainstorming, the team decides to use a Chevy V8 engine and mount it on its side inside the tank. This requires some creative engineering, as they need to create a custom transmission and a driveshaft that can handle the extreme speeds that the car will be capable of.
Another challenge is designing a suspension system that can handle the unique shape and weight distribution of the tank. The crew determines that they will need to create a custom frame that can support the tank and provide a stable base for the wheels. This involves a lot of welding, cutting, and testing to ensure that the frame is strong enough to handle the stresses of high-speed racing.
As the build progresses, tensions begin to rise among the team members. Some of the crew are frustrated with the slow progress and the constant setbacks, while others are concerned about the safety of the car and whether it will be able to meet their ambitious goals. Jesse has to step in and motivate the team to stay focused on the project and push through the challenges.
Finally, after many long weeks of hard work, the car is ready for its first test run on the lake bed. The crew loads it onto a trailer and drives out to the dry lake, eager to see what the car is capable of. They spend hours testing the car, fine-tuning the engine and suspension, and making adjustments to the steering and brakes. Ultimately, the car proves to be a success, reaching incredible speeds and setting a new land speed record for belly tank lakesters.
Overall, "Belly Tank Lakester" is a thrilling episode of Monster Garage that showcases the ingenuity and creativity of the show's talented crew. It's a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance, as the team overcomes numerous challenges to transform an old piece of military hardware into a cutting-edge race car. Fans of the show will love seeing the process of turning the tank into a high-speed machine, as well as the dramatic moments of tension and excitement as the team tests the car to its limits.