work has been going pretty steady enough on the car to start a page for it. Ill try to summarize as much as possible here 1929 Ford model A. Started off with a factory frame, ended up being a basketcase, so I ended up getting a new frame from Spirit Industries. Body came from Colorado. Pretty decent shape 5W for the price. 1957 Yblock ford from my friends garage floor. swap meet score, went with a Edelbrock 553 tripower with 3 94s, and a 67 C4 trans. Rear is a Ford 8 inch Front axle assembly is all speedway and super bell. tires are temporary. We mounted the motor pretty low for a comfortable floor and better handling. I didnt want to kick in the firewall. Im not a fan of seeing the valve covers shrouded by the cowl. so once we placed the body on, we decided to stretch the frame 5 inches. I ordered a set of lake headers and plan on using a reversed Corvair steering box. once the headers are mounted, we may need to bump the motor up to clear the box.
yes, unfortunately its a jigsaw puzzle of sheet metal in the roof area mainly. the quarters seem to be original, along with the subframe. but, the important part is that its all there.
Things are still moving on. We installed the radiator and shell, and used some all thread for upper radiator supports. Both headlight/shock mounts are installed as well, they're Pete and Jakes. I used an electric fan for now, i may work in a truck water pump with a high mount mechanical fan in the future. I received my lakester headers from lakeheaders.com, and mocked up the reversed corvair box in place. looks like theres about 1 inch of clearance from the exhaust to the box. Were currently lining up everything to install the rear. We have ladder bars from S&W, and coil overs from QA1 are on their way. once the shocks are welded in I can figure out what panhard bar configuration I want. <a href="http://s1135.photobucket.com/albums/m640/Rpmratrod/?action=view&current=headers1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m640/Rpmratrod/headers1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s1135.photobucket.com/albums/m640/Rpmratrod/?action=view&current=headers3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m640/Rpmratrod/headers3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s1135.photobucket.com/albums/m640/Rpmratrod/?action=view&current=headers2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m640/Rpmratrod/headers2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
thanks man! were not exsactly sure what rate spring to use yet. We should get the QA1 shocks in this week. once the mounts are installed, the fabricator helping us with the chassis has various test springs for the QA1s. from there we'll do the math and figure a good street spring for it.
So we finally got the rear axle squared away. We used some rod stock to keep the ladder bar mounts true. bars and shock mounts fully welded we used 250lb springs with QA1 non adjustable shocks i couldnt help but roll the car around, took her out for some sun Once we finish the rear with a panhard, we can get moving on the steering. I just installed a dog leg steering arm on the drivers side spindle. so after some measurements we can start connecting the dots...
Finally got enough work done to update this. Craigslist score; found this 1997 Dodge caravan middle seat.. Fits like a glove!! When the body was shipped to me the doors hinges were pinned by wood screws and didnt come close to closing. About 6 hours of persuasion and heat got the doors closing well. We then mounted the body to the frame. I had an original 40 ford wheel, but the steering configuration I had in mind didnt leave enough room for a big 17 inch wheel. I went with a repop 15 inch 40 and an Ididit shorty column. Im using the factory upper column drop, and a SBC aluminum rod for the lower Steering box mounting points Corviar box Stainless shaft connecting the two Brake pedal assembly installed Started running brake lines. GM metering valve and Wilwood RPV's. the metering block comes with 2 front outputs, so I used one for a brake light switch, then Tee'd the front line after the left side caliper. After all the steering links were installed, just a quick alignment set point. Things are really coming together! too bad the weather isnt going to make it easy, but if I can keep up this pace, I may have a car to drive soon! ...wishful thinking..
Nice progress, I really gotta get going on mine after christmas. Mind if I ask what you used for ladder bars? I'm debating bars or hairpins, I'm running a ford nine out of 69 bronco. Sent from my Vortex
Im using ladders from S&W racecars. I debated using hairpins or split bones for the rear, but I felt these bars played the part for this car.
Hey thanks, guess i missed reading that in your previous post. Do you know off hand any negatives with rear hairpins? I'm assuming a strength issue between them and ladders.
Ive never heard of anyone having issues with rear hairpins. When I was reviewing my options for the rear, I felt safer using a ladder bar system with poly bushings for drivability. I liked these S&Ws because they're race quality gasser style ladder bars. I guess its preference. To me, I think a strong suspension for a street driven car is never a bad thing.
Just a quick update. Finally got the car back home! Ripped the old seat riser out to make room for the seat sliders and risers. Once the seat is in, I can find the resting place for the Tanks inc. fuel tank. I also roughed in the Gennie shifter for when its time to trace the floor out I installed my tail lights, they're from a 62 comet. I dont think they make housing to body gaskets for these anymore, but untill I make some rubber for it there will be a gap between them. I threw my intake together just to take a look Slowly but surely, work shall continue...
Little update: After some minor fuel and electrical bugs, I finally got the motor up and running, heres a short video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1vNZp0uzqs This week im focusing on getting the floor pans trimmed down and in place. hopefully ill snap some photos for a proper update.
Thank you. What I believe the story is, the body originally was a sport coupe (considering no belt line between the trunk and the rear window). Then someone at some point threw a special coupe top on it. I think its neat to not have that belt line between the top and trunk. Leads into interesting conversation having a frankenstein roof.
Another quick update. I had my tires mounted and balanced last week and was chomping at the bit to get them on the car. My setup is firestones 5.60-15 in the front and 7.10-15 in the rear. The rake looks great right now.. but is subject to change once I add more weight inside the car. <a href="http://s1135.beta.photobucket.com/user/Rpmratrod/media/DSCF0001_zps3cfbff96.jpg.html" target="_blank"></a> <a href="http://s1135.beta.photobucket.com/user/Rpmratrod/media/DSCF0005_zpsdb3c6cfe.jpg.html" target="_blank"></a> Im currently pulling apart the front axle assembly to paint things Ive missed. Also sheet metal to cover the giant hole in my floor is on its way.
great work! I like how you built the frame. Are the front frame horns an off the shelf piece or did you make them?
Thank you. The frame was originally built by Spirit Industries. I believe they're off the shelf pieces.