I think I want to Play

[Dick Dake]

I have never built a car before due to lack of time and money. I might actually be able to afford this one. I have a 51 Lincoln rear end, a Muncie 4 speed and a Studebaker Champion 6 in a heap at my neighbors place. I have a welding friend, a painter and me. How do I even start, as in chassis design, brakes, all that stuff. Could some of you experienced guys give a little intro to the HA/GR class. Thanks.

[Hudsonator]

Yeah, I need to shut up with the engines and ask this same question and let the experienced speak.

I need the same guidance.

Hud

[Ron Golden]

Guys,

I think a thorough review of the forum will answer most of your questions as far as frame/suspension is concerned. There are several ways to design the car. I personally went with no front or rear suspension to get the car as light as possible. Others like the look of either/both, front and rear suspension.

Most of the cars have a wheelbase around 120 inches. It seems to work well and looks about right. Some of the guys emphasize low dollar builds without any regard to the performance while some of us are pushing the envelope.

The overall concept of the HA/GR is to have fun while following the rules. Now all of us have different thoughts about what's fun and this has caused a few hard feelings in the past, but I think all that is in the past and there is a level of support between the guys that's very rare today.

Take a look at the different cars, ask questions of anyone and build what you think you will enjoy.

If I can be of help, let me know.

Ron

[348chevy]

Go to the Austrailan site and they have some really good frame builds weld by weld. They do a really super job down under. Simple as it sounds get the rules from this site and lay out your rails making sure you fit the cockpit to your size. It is no fun when you are humped up like the monkey on the football. There are several build threads going on here look in and copy the pictures. Enjoy the build that you did yourself, that's the way it used to be and all the joy is gone from the crate engine and pro built cars. :)Roy

[Drewfus]

Ok.....my 2c suggestions,
* No. 1 - K.I.S.S.
* No. 2 - Involve your family and friends, makes the experience enjoyable, and so much better
* No. 3 - Don't try to be bigger or quicker than the next guy, do it in accordance with the rules, and the way you want.....the rest will follow...

As I've previously mentioned, here's some links...

For some handy hints etc, look here....on the FAQ page
http://www.hot-rod.com.au/hambster/ (http://www.hot-rod.com.au/hambster/)
I need to update the site with some fresh photo's/details etc, but most common topics are covered. If there's anything specific you'd like to know, feel free to ask.

As for photo's and details, most topics have been mentioned either in the HA/GR forum, or photo's on out early build thread. Note: Here in Oz we're required to have the mininmum twin hoop over the drivers head these days, so, you'll note the changes from the early photo's to current.

(http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=38)
Some early inspitation photo's (note: better build quality and safety required these days ;-) )
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=266695 (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=266695)

Some of the Sydney based racers...
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249981 (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249981)

and the early build thread...
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112323 (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112323)

Anyhow, this should get you thinking, and again, should you have any questions at all, feel free to ask.

Cheers,

Drewfus

[Hudsonator]

Thanks for the links Drewfus.

You Aussies Rock, and roll - to be exact.

Hud