Spitfire hits the floor

[ThingyM]

The HA/GR racer, The California Spitfire. Is on all four. Front and rear axels, Steering. Brakes, Seat Etc are in. Now I have to wait for the Block to get back from the machine shop.
Will try to take some pics tomarrow.. This is starting to get exciting..Takes time with just me working on it...

[64 DODGE 440]

COOL......Looking forward to the pictures.

[Mr. Mac]

Yeah! Lets see them pic's Thingy. To bad your in Calif us Okies would help you out.

[ThingyM]

Hi Mac:: Yea I know you would, But this way I can say "I built that car" he he he... I'll take the Pics today, Then find someone to help me post them..I'm what is called"computer illiterate".. I do know how to type with ONE finger though.... Thanks, Dick.

[Rand Man]

Can't wait to see it. If anybody needs help with pictures, PM me.

[Old6rodder]

Sounding good Thingy,

That's about where we are as well except we're still looking to get rubber on the rims as yet. We are getting the engine mounts in this weekend though.
I really get into this part of it too, fortunately I'm also the principle builder on ours.

If you need any help with mule work you're only about half an hour away when the freeway's rolling and I could make the run if needed.

Hope you can get some pictures up soon, we've been looking forward to seeing'er.

[ThingyM]

My New rear rims and rubber should be here next week. Just got some left overs on the rear now. I'll be sending Randman an E-mail on Monday and he can post the pictures then. Thanks Randman,,,Dick Moseley...

[alteredpilot]

screw the engine! when are we painting it???
what do you mean...'just me working on it'?...put that flunky retiree to work...

glad you're coming along...

i'll drop by the shop when i get a chance...or i'll see you in palmdirt.

[ThingyM]

My wife sent the pictures to Randman last night,Maybe he can get them posted soon.....

[recycler]

Rand man is in Houston on business. I think he'll be home tommorrow night and I'm sure he'll post them. Brad

[ThingyM]

Hi Brad.. Yea he sent me an E-Mail and said that,, Thanks. Dick Moseley

[Rand Man]

Just got back in town. Sorry it took soo long. Very good build quality on you rail.

[Rand Man]

more

[64 DODGE 440]

Looking good. Bet it feels like progress is finally becoming visual.

[Mr. Mac]

Way to go Thingy! Man that thingy is looking so goood.
You should have it runnin in no time.

[GMC BUBBA]

Looks great i can smell the tire smoke already.......:)

[QQMOON]

Whoo Hoo looking GOOD

[bob hindman]

Niccccces

Whats The Wb?????

Hineyone Of The Hornets...

[ThingyM]

Thanks guys for all the kodos..I hope to have all the aluminum work finished by the end of the month. Building the fuel tank now which will sit all the way up front. I'm hoping for a sub 1100 lb car.. Bob, the wheel base came out to 128 and change. The problem is, I've been making all the parts instead of buying them, and it takes time. But sure saves money. Thanks again Guys. See ya at the races..

[bob hindman]

What Is The Eng..

Hiney..

[ThingyM]

Bob,, I have a choice of a couple.. It was first the Chrysler Industrial/Marine block. with a little over 260 cubes. Alum. headed, Alum pistons etc.Chrysler3 speed stick.. But there might be a GMC/Chev waiting in the wings..

[Joe Hamby]

ThilngyM that sounds like the flathead Chrysler 6 that was also used in the dodge truck, if so thats the first that I have heard of an aluminum head for one, that would be a neat one

[ThingyM]

I hear ya Joe.. "SUPPOST TO BE" one that was used for Marine use.They made only a few by some small Co. up in Northern Cal. My Son in law has it in his shed.I told him to start digging for it.. We shall see...I do know they made them for the smaller Plymouth/Dodge engine. For hop up use By Clifford Eng.

[Old6rodder]

Making the thing yourself is where the fun is. :cool:

That's some good looking work, nice indeed.
Appears as if you may well make your weight goal too.

I'm guessing you're going to make Palmdale, think you'll have the project along with you for show & tell?

[Racerb]

I swore I would never post on here again but I have watched ThingyM from the start of this project, he builds a quality car and I would feel good having him do anything on my car. (Hint Hint) looking good will pull the motor next week after the Palmdale race.

[ThingyM]

After Old6 brought his car out to the races, Looks like I better get my fanny in gear and get to work on mine. Got my new wheels, But still no tires for the rear. Maybe today. Now I have to take it to Bakersfield...

[sgtmcd42]

Looking Great!!!!! Keep it up. the first time you run it down the track it will all be worth it!

[Skip Pipes]

Fine craftmanship. What did you use for the steering box?

[ThingyM]

Its a VW Bug box that I extended both shafts on; I drilled into the original shaft then turned down the extending shaft to press fit, Beveled both, Then Heli-Arced together, Then drilled3/16 hole thru both, Then drove in a steel pin.. I don't think it will go any where. The steering shaft(with steering wheel) Is a piece of 1/2" id 3/32" wall tubing that I heated and pressed over the splines. That way the splines cut into the tube for a good fit. Then also Heli-Arc welded,drilled and pinned it together..

[Old6rodder]

:eek: I'd bet THAT assembly'll still be together following armageddon.

One would guess you don't really want it to come apart, eh? :D

[ThingyM]

Hi Dick:: Ive built 3 others like that. One in the "T" roadster, and one in the Fiat. And one for a friend of mine.. They are all still together. Very good gear boxes.

[Skip Pipes]

I like your ingenuity! Excellent work. You must have applied the same ingenuity with the front rims?

[ThingyM]

NO Skip, I can't take any credit for the front wheels. As they were originally on the front of a "T" bucket roadster. Then to my Fiat altered, Now the HAMBster. They have been around for a while. They are 18" Akront rims, with 300X18' Z rated tires. But after seeing a photo of the Fiat at 150mph and what the tires looked like. I decided to put some front runners on it and religated the spokes to the HA/GR car.

[Ron Golden]

Thingy,

The construction looks good. It looks like you've given a lot of thought to the details. I wish I had your wire wheels!!!!

Does anyone know where I can get a pair of wire wheels that will fit the 49-53 Chevy spindle?

Ron

[ThingyM]

Ron: Check in on E-Bay. Ive found alot of wheels on there..But I will bet you, They won't be cheap. At least for a good pair. The Chev. spindles are quit common on street rods... Good Luck !! Dick M

[ThingyM]

I just saw in Full throttle News, Where a Co. in Carona Ca. is producing new spoke wheels. But like I said: THEY AIN"T CHEAP....18" like mine, with tires.$850.00... 17" steel rims and tires..$680.00.. Hayden Ent. (800) 664-6872 or haydenent.com

[Ron Golden]

DAMN....my steel wheels look better all the time.

Ron