Rapid Rabbit #112 Build Thread

[64 DODGE 440]

Well, the time has come to put this out here and give the rest of you something to giggle at.

We finally have enough parts to start laying out the car and making it creep towards reality.

Looking to have a shot at having the oldest pile of parts competing when we get it up and running. Feel free to try and be more vintage.

Chassis: Model T Ford, year unknown

Engine: 1934 Dodge 218ci flathead 6

Transmission: 1934 Dodge

Front axle: Lincoln Zephyr, year unknown

Steering box: Small aluminum, unknown parentage

Progress will be slow, but the build has started.


Shot at 2007-08-06

[Joe Hamby]

With that frame and engine combo, will you go with ford mechanical brakes or the plymouth hydrolic brakes, a small aluminum steering box, if it has a big S on it, it might be a saganaw, corvair. Maybe you can just use that band brake on the tranny.

[Godzilla]

Don't worry, we won't laugh. We have all been there. Here is Rodan at that stage. Looking good.

[Old6rodder]

She already has a "feel", looks like a well balanced layout.
Nice to see another "frame" job going up too.

Didn't waste any time before playing house with the new parts did ya? I see you have a selection of seats, that tall stool would make for one "unique" ride.

Tranny brake? You trying to sneak in a disguised slush pump, boy? (If so, that's gotta be the ugliest one I ever saw. )

Good start, Tom.

[REJ]

Ain't no way we are gonna laugh, we all started that way, at least I think everyone started that way?
Looking forward to a bunch of progress reports on this one.
How many of you guys in California are planning on the HAMB drags?
It would really be great if a bunch of you could make it.

[GMC BUBBA]

Light years ahead of those that havent started. You know they made a factory two one barrell for that engine in a truck?

[Mr. Mac]

You have to start somewhere,and I think you have a great start.

[64 DODGE 440]

Originally Posted by Joe Hamby

With that frame and engine combo, will you go with ford mechanical brakes or the plymouth hydrolic brakes, a small aluminum steering box, if it has a big S on it, it might be a saganaw, corvair. Maybe you can just use that band brake on the tranny.

Right now the rear axle seems like its going to come from a '60s Dart, at least I have a friend who has offered one from a car that's being upgraded to an 8 3/4 and a 360, so the brakes will be "modern".

The steering box appears to be Fiat or such. definitely metric sized bolt holes in the mounting flange, and about 2/3 the size of the Corvair box. Very light weight.

The band brake on the tranny will probably go away to prevent it turning into a "smoke generator" as I have seen in previous old Mopars.

Thanks for the kind words and support, we're definitely having fun.

[moparsled]

YAY!!! somebody I can have an even race with!

I can see that it's time for me to "come out" and post some pics of mine.

cool start- I was looking (not real hard mind you) for T rails for mine, but ended up going tubing.

[Rand Man]

I'd like to see the old Dodge run. I like the T rails.

[Ryan]

LOVE the choices you are making here... This thing is going to be RAD.

[64 DODGE 440]

I'm trying my best to keep the spirit of The Bug alive. Looked it over many times at the NHRA Museum when we have gone to the cruise there and love the concept of the early rails.

[ThingyM]

REJ.. As it stands right now, We have about 6 cars in the planning stage, A couple that the chassis are done. and another couple that are close to running.. And yes, I would love to go to the HAMB drags next year. And might drag another one along.....Dick....

[64 DODGE 440]

Here's our latest progress shot. got a pair of vintage 1 3/4" SUs to feed the flathead 6 and did a rough mock up of the frame taper that I'm looking at. The white tube down the back side of the picture approximates how the frame rails will taper, front to rear. The front crossmember will be about 8" wide.

Also have the fuel tank mocked up to make sure it will fit. Should hold about 2 gallons, it's being fabricated from a couple of vintage military aluminum food cans.

Damn, this stuff is fun.


Shot at 2007-08-06

[Old6rodder]

A carb named SU ?

Them side suckers sure look purty on the flattie ............. (though I think your "manifold" might require just a skosh more porting).

'Course I may be just a bit prejudiced.

[64 DODGE 440]

Here's another picture from the rear that shows the frame taper better. The rear will be wider allowing a bit more room in the cockpit, and the seat will be offset to the left.


Shot at 2007-08-06

[sgtlethargic]

So you're gonna widen the rear of the frame and narrow the front? As in, if I imagine a 2nd white tube on the opposite side. Why is your chair gonna be offset?

Thanks,
Kurt

[64 DODGE 440]

By offsetting the seating to the left, (as the original "Bug" was done), and spreading the rear of the frame, it allows for more room in the cockpit and the shift linkage can offset to the right rather than being directly under the steering.

It will also allow the steering drag link to run down the left side of the engine without needing to extend the steering box shaft.

The triangle is an inherently strong shape and the overall layout will help in my goal to keep the car as light as possible.

[Old6rodder]

Now that's just far too rational.

[64 DODGE 440]

Originally Posted by Old6rodder

Now that's just far too rational.

I'm sure I'll get quite a ration before I'm done.