Chief_Wannabe
09-18-2009, 09:48 PM
I've been hanging around HAMB and MOKAN the last couple of years and have decided to build an HA/GR. This is not an impulse decision as I've spent quite a bit of time trying to define the car and what I want to build. I have looked at a number of the HA/GRs in person and talked to a few of the owners. I had the plans for a car pretty much lined out, but several conversations recently with people "in the know" have me questioning what really makes a true HA/GR car. I'm not trying to stir the pot or cause a great debate or knock anybody's car, I'm just looking for opinions and sage advice. BTW, I may be new to HAMB, but I've been around hot rods and raising hell for a long, long time.
1.) Engine - Got it covered. Not gonna say because you will laugh. I will say I'll be running the smallest displacement of anyone. It's a pre-62 inline - you'll have to use some imagination after that. My first choice was a Hudson, but there a couple of guys that are talking about running one so I'll step aside on the 308.
2.) Front suspension - Covered.
3.) Transmission - Was planning on running 3-speed Toploader or M-13 out of my GTO. Here is where I question what are true HAMB cars. These boxes are 60s-70s vintage. I see a lot of 60-70-80s truck transmissions and other later stuff. Are these considered in the spirit of "The Bug" ? It seems kind of wrong actually. If a guy was going to use a pre '62 gearbox what would you suggest? It has to be heavy-duty, available and cheap. Sorry, not interested in automatics.
4.) Rear End - Ford 8" seems to be the weapon of choice. Yet, I believe these weren't in production until the mid 60's. I'd like to run a 58-64 BOP big car, but too heavy and too wide. What would be some alternatives to the 8" from the 50s ?
5.) Rear Suspension - My biggest problem area. I need a working suspension because I'll be down on cubes. The single transverse buggy spring doesn't work for me. 4-links and coil-overs seem too modern and nobody seems to like my idea of the early 60s BOP transaxles. Comments?
6.) What's your opinion on vintage vs. reproduction ? I don't want to buy a car from the Speedway catalog. Although there are a few things obviously that are safety related where it should be a new part. On the other hand, if I wanted to spend half my life looking for overpriced, unobtainable parts I'd still be building muscle cars.
Haven't decided on a frame yet, but square tubing just seems too easy. I'm on lookout for the right set of vintage rails. I know the cons of using vintage rails, but sometimes I can be a slow learner.
Input and comments welcome. Thanks for all of your help and I look for to seeing you at the track.
1.) Engine - Got it covered. Not gonna say because you will laugh. I will say I'll be running the smallest displacement of anyone. It's a pre-62 inline - you'll have to use some imagination after that. My first choice was a Hudson, but there a couple of guys that are talking about running one so I'll step aside on the 308.
2.) Front suspension - Covered.
3.) Transmission - Was planning on running 3-speed Toploader or M-13 out of my GTO. Here is where I question what are true HAMB cars. These boxes are 60s-70s vintage. I see a lot of 60-70-80s truck transmissions and other later stuff. Are these considered in the spirit of "The Bug" ? It seems kind of wrong actually. If a guy was going to use a pre '62 gearbox what would you suggest? It has to be heavy-duty, available and cheap. Sorry, not interested in automatics.
4.) Rear End - Ford 8" seems to be the weapon of choice. Yet, I believe these weren't in production until the mid 60's. I'd like to run a 58-64 BOP big car, but too heavy and too wide. What would be some alternatives to the 8" from the 50s ?
5.) Rear Suspension - My biggest problem area. I need a working suspension because I'll be down on cubes. The single transverse buggy spring doesn't work for me. 4-links and coil-overs seem too modern and nobody seems to like my idea of the early 60s BOP transaxles. Comments?
6.) What's your opinion on vintage vs. reproduction ? I don't want to buy a car from the Speedway catalog. Although there are a few things obviously that are safety related where it should be a new part. On the other hand, if I wanted to spend half my life looking for overpriced, unobtainable parts I'd still be building muscle cars.
Haven't decided on a frame yet, but square tubing just seems too easy. I'm on lookout for the right set of vintage rails. I know the cons of using vintage rails, but sometimes I can be a slow learner.
Input and comments welcome. Thanks for all of your help and I look for to seeing you at the track.