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Technical Period stance on a taildragger

Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by TonyVan, Sep 9, 2014.

  1. TonyVan
    Joined: Oct 15, 2008
    Posts: 120

    TonyVan
    Member
    from Vancouver

    Ok, so I don't want to get over enthusiastic here, but I just measured the stance on my new '41. There's a 3/4 inch fall from front of running board to rear, and I'm thinking of taking a further inch out at the back. But, I don't want to get into a cartoonish taildragger look, so I'm wondering if anyone has any information on what kind of reverse rake would fit on a late 40s custom..? Here's the car as it sits now.
     

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    EVL401, AChopped1950ford and SERPENT like this.
  2. CadMad
    Joined: Oct 20, 2012
    Posts: 876

    CadMad
    Member

    Looks 40s perfect whereit is. I'd get taller conventional whitewalls instead of those radials tho. Thats if my eyes are seeing right on this ph. Nice.
     
    dan griffin likes this.
  3. TonyVan
    Joined: Oct 15, 2008
    Posts: 120

    TonyVan
    Member
    from Vancouver

    I agree - some taller tires might well do it.
     
    dan griffin likes this.
  4. I agree with CadMad. The stance is fine, but if you're concerned about period look, switch tyres to bias wide whites.
     
    Uribe and dan griffin like this.

  5. Make that 4 votes for leaving it as it is aside from the tyres

    sent via classroom note. pass it on
     
  6. U-235
    Joined: Dec 18, 2010
    Posts: 452

    U-235
    Member

    The stance is perfect.....don't do a thing.
     
  7. motoandy
    Joined: Sep 19, 2007
    Posts: 3,334

    motoandy
    Member
    from MB, SC

    Leave as is. PERFECT.
     
  8. TonyVan
    Joined: Oct 15, 2008
    Posts: 120

    TonyVan
    Member
    from Vancouver

    Ok, that's $40 saved on lowering blocks and added to the new tire fund.
     
  9. Torchie
    Joined: Apr 17, 2011
    Posts: 1,099

    Torchie
    Member

    Agreed with all of the above. But if you must........
    The pic of Jesse Lopez standing next to the car you can get an idea of stance. His car rode on 15" wheels.
    But to get it that low required flattening the rear cross member and I believe a dropped axle up front.
    For more details on tire size ect. check out the Lopez clone thread.
    Torchie.
     

    Attached Files:

    EVL401 likes this.
  10. TonyVan
    Joined: Oct 15, 2008
    Posts: 120

    TonyVan
    Member
    from Vancouver

    The Lopez car is a great advert for dropping the back another inch....but the 26 pages of taildraggers confirms what we all already know - some are higher, some are lower; they always were, and always will be...
     
  11. oldsman41
    Joined: Jun 25, 2010
    Posts: 1,556

    oldsman41
    Member

    i like the stance the wide whites and bias tires would do the look i think.
     
  12. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 17,389

    Squablow
    Member

    I agree with the majority here, the stance is great, and while the current tires aren't bad, bias tires would be even better. Beautiful car, very nice roofline, and that's not easy to achieve on the 41-48 coupes.
     
  13. Here's my 41 - it is as close as I can get it to the look my Grandpa hopped her up prior to and right after (46-47) WWII - the cars then were more restrained and in some ways makes them more useable.

    I think your 41 sits perfect as is!
     

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    sodakmini and Scooterville like this.
  14. Gotzy
    Joined: May 21, 2005
    Posts: 494

    Gotzy
    Member

    taller 16" bias plys for me also

    Oh and a big log to throw in the boot when you feel like going lower like most of the early customs did during photo shoots back then...
     
  15. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 17,389

    Squablow
    Member

    Not to hijack the thread, but what are those caps? They're neat!
     
  16. TonyVan
    Joined: Oct 15, 2008
    Posts: 120

    TonyVan
    Member
    from Vancouver

    I love your/your grandad's '41. And the point about it actually being useable is very true. I mustn't forget that I'm already massively lower than a stocker. And I like the idea of temporary lowering with a log!
     
  17. Or a bag of concrete mix. :)
     
  18. NashRodMan
    Joined: Jul 8, 2004
    Posts: 1,989

    NashRodMan
    Member

    I agree also, looks good as is and needs bias ply www.
    <-----see avatar! :)
     
  19. barfers
    Joined: Feb 11, 2007
    Posts: 382

    barfers
    Member
    from Florida

    yes its there just need the right tires
     
  20. stanlow69
    Joined: Feb 21, 2010
    Posts: 7,348

    stanlow69
    Member Emeritus

    For the late 40`s look, I`d lower the rear or raise the front end up. But I always tend to have different opinions than other people.
     
  21. Martin Harris
    Joined: Aug 3, 2014
    Posts: 328

    Martin Harris

    Looks great, don't lower it to the point of impracticality if you intend to drive it!
    If you're really pedantic about period details go bias ply, and if you prefer your car to stop, go and corner better, the modern whitewalls are just fine.
    Fat fenders aren't usually my cup of tea, but your '41 is real nice.
     
  22. Smack021488
    Joined: Jan 25, 2011
    Posts: 150

    Smack021488
    Member
    from Chicago

    haha love this yeah throw some sand bags in the back!!
    I just came across this because im looking to do the same and I also agree a taller tire up front would work for ya?
    but i like the big log in the boot idea! ha
     
  23. AChopped1950ford
    Joined: Sep 5, 2018
    Posts: 240

    AChopped1950ford
    Member

    I really love your 41 Ford custom, a lot !!!!
     
  24. Sweet & Low
    Joined: Feb 13, 2014
    Posts: 300

    Sweet & Low
    Member

    I was always told if your running skirts you don't want to see the wheel.
     
    'Mo likes this.

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