Introduction: I purchased this project off of here back in 2013, I started the build July 2015. This is my first true car build, prior to this I have only done light mechanical and restoration/repair work. I am here to document my build and hopefully get some advice from y'all along the way. I have limited tools and am working in a 2 car garage on a tight budget. Starting point: Drove to Dallas to pick up the car stopped by Gas Monkey on the way back to Houston. Pickup by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:46 AM Got the car home and unloaded Starting Point by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:46 AM
Fast forward to July 2015: Moved the car inside and start to disassemble: Body off the frame. 54643 by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:09 AM Rear end removed. WP_20150614_12_11_17_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:21 AM Front comes out: 12564 by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:09 AM Now to start working on the bare frame. WP_20150614_15_39_01_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:32 AM Lots of floor space lost to all the parts. WP_20150614_15_39_09_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:32 AM
Wanted to build a true AV8 using the factor frame. Started with removing all the fender/running board supports and filling the misc. holes in the frame. Ordered a set of drilled boxing plates for the frame. WP_20150801_10_07_47_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:32 AM Had one bad spot near the rear cross member to repair. WP_20150801_17_45_15_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:37 AM All better now. WP_20150802_18_04_14_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:37 AM Continued boxing the rear half. WP_20150801_17_11_45_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:37 AM
At this point I was going to build a banger due to the engine looked fairly fresh once I pulled the head. I ordered the free float mount kit installed in and added frame mounts for the split bones: WP_20150614_14_16_25_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:32 AM WP_20150614_14_17_12_Pro__highres by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:32 AM WP_20150716_001 by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:40 AM WP_20150725_15_02_09_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:40 AM
Had a change of heart, I had a good running 8BA rebuilt in my F-5 COE. 965831_596090903742752_1838693689_o by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 10:21 AM Trans is locked up had to cut the drive shaft to tow it up to the shop. 425175_596370797048096_1171636176_n by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 10:21 AM Pulled the front clip. 485421_596888886996287_1086082521_n by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 10:21 AM Out came the flattie. 200032_596888530329656_2009864705_n by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 10:21 AM
Next I did a preliminary mock up of the new drop axle, round back spindles and juice backing plates. Front Mock Up by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:21 AM After I liked the way it all fit up I took it back apart and started on the motor mounts. Test Fit 8ba (5) by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:13 AM Test Fit 8BA (3) by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:13 AM The 8BA looked at home in the A rails. So I moved back to the front and took my round back spindles and installed new bushings. King Pin Bushing Replacement by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:13 AM King Pin Bushing Replacement (2) by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:13 AM Picked up a reamer NOS with original box of ebay for $15 worked great. InstagramCapture_0e03ce0a-f37c-4518-868e-691d3c63094e by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:13 AM
Forgot to take pictures by I boxed the frame horns and the rails back past the new motor mounts. Installed my new Pete and Jakes hubs and wire wheels. 1 by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:46 AM Pulled the 8 inch out of my Fairlane (to be replaced with a 9 inch later) DSC_0089 by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 10:34 AM Tacked up the buggy spring mounts. Welding Buggy Spring Mounts by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 9:21 AM
Started mocking up the 8 inch rear in the frame with the triangulated 4 arm kit I purchased. I am not sure I like the length of the arms and the orientation, what do yall think? Arms look too short. Nothing is welded yet just a few tacks and clamps. WP_20150830_18_03_27_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 11:28 AM WP_20150830_18_03_16_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 1, 2015 at 11:28 AM
How did you decide where to place the front motor mounts? Looks farther back than where I put mine. Neal
They are a little further back in appearance the front cross member is moved forward as far as possible in its current configuration. Using the factory fan hub assembly and recommended radiator clearance it is 10" from CL of motor mount holes to the radiator. This will require a 2" recess in the firewall, and a slightly large opening in distance from hood to radiator/grill shell. I did this because i was going to run a 38 truck grill shell modified and slanted back but changed my mind and will run a model a shell. Unfortunately I am too far along to fix it now so I will deal with 2" recess.
Sounds like you have a plan. I will be following your build with interest. Always like watching a build with a different take on how to get it done. Neal
I think the rear hangers are way too close together for the spring. The hangers are vertical now with a bare frame...where are they going to go with weight on the frame? Better rethink that one. Speedway parts right?
I guess I forgot to mention, that is correct, that is only the main leaf from an A spring. I put it in that way to mock up it up because it is suppose to be at the correctly height (hanger to frame) as the T medium arch spring I ordered. It should be here this week and we will see how it rides. I cant move them any closer to the backing plates due to interference with the wheel cylinders. I will post and update when the spring gets mounted. The mounts are "MR Roadster" brand. they seem good 1/4" plate and welds seem ok on them, not sure if they are USA made of not it didn't say. EDIT: They are roughly 42.5" between CL of the spring eyes now, unstretched the spring I ordered is suppose to be 38.5" so they should be ok, just have to wait and see.
Will follow your build with great interest. Seems you have made a real strong start. In middle of similar build with friend. Good luck!
I'm in on this one to see where it goes. And maybe pick up a tip or two on putting the flathead in mine.
Got a good bit of progress done on the holiday, didn't take a lot of pictures but here is the list. 1. Mounted Model t Rear Spring 2. Installed Lower Bars for 4 Bar 3. Test Fit 8BA in Mounts 4. Bolted T5 Behind Motor in the Frame 5. Began Fab of trans mount 6. Test Fit the Radiator / Grill Shell The rear tires are about 4" shorter then the ones that I will be running, but needed to make a roller so I used them. Plan for this week, make a 1/2" rear spacing centering device for the T spring in the rear cross member. Mount upper 4 bar links and square rear end up in the frame. Finish the trans mount and start building the structural cross member / pedal box. 12002992_1051350671550104_1126574934063987490_n by texag09 posted Sep 8, 2015 at 7:55 AM
Got a little bit more done this last week. Fabricated a trans cross member. (will be gusseted for additional strength after final fit up and alignment.) WP_20150916_15_56_19_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 23, 2015 at 4:18 PM WP_20150916_15_56_46_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 23, 2015 at 4:18 PM Began undoing the previous owners patch job. the bottom patch ran the length of the car across to door opening. Lots of grinding will need to save the quarters and the cowl but the door skins will go. WP_20150921_19_28_32_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 23, 2015 at 4:17 PM Starting to see how bad it really is and it looks better than expected. WP_20150921_19_28_39_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 23, 2015 at 4:17 PM WP_20150921_19_47_52_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 23, 2015 at 4:17 PM Once the bottom patch was off the doors are welded to the body, so I sacrificed the door skins to save the quarters. WP_20150922_19_03_33_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 23, 2015 at 4:17 PM WP_20150922_19_03_35_Pro by texag09 posted Sep 23, 2015 at 4:17 PM
It has been a while since I last updated, things are continuing to progress with the build, including some major changes to the project. Engine Change: As previously stated I had pulled the 8RT from the truck to use in the build with the T5. Once I got it tore down to replace the water pumps (that I knew leaked quite a lot) I discovered a crack in the block from the rear of the water pump to the oil pan lip. As this is a budget build and in true hot rod fashion I had to use what I had on hand, went to the back forty and pulled the smallbock ford out of the Fairlane. Body Change: I started with the rear quarters from a 28/29 Sports Coupe the cowl of a 30/31 roadster and the doors of 30/31 sedan. I picked up a set of 28/29 roadster doors and a 28/29 sedan cowl, and began working the body together with the sports coupe quarters. Delay: While working on the frame I encountered a small delay due to an injury. While grinding the boxing plates smooth with the tiger paw, the blade slipped and hung up in one of the speed holes. The grinder was ripped from my hand and I did not move the hand that was holding the handle quick enough. Right through my glove and six stitches later I was moving a little slower.
Finally finished the final weld out and frame modifications. Fabricated a new trans cross member for the C4.
Update: It has been a fast and furious few months. The goal was to get the car ready for my wedding on 1/23/16. Spent 6 months building the frame and suspension only had 30 days left to put the car together. So here are some photos by date of the progress leading up to the big day. 12.27.15 12.27.15-1 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:25 AM 1.10.16 1.10.16-4 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:20 AM 1.10.16-1 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:20 AM 1.15.16 1.15.16-2 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:21 AM 1.17.16 1.17.16-1 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:21 AM 1.17.16-3 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:21 AM 1.18.16 1.18.16-1 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:22 AM 1.22.16 1.22.16-1 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:22 AM 1.22.16-4 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:22 AM 1.22.16-3 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:22 AM 1.22.16 - 1 Day to go, final adjustments at the wedding venue. 1.22.16 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:22 AM 1.23.16 D-Day It was missing a few things: No floor boards, not interior aside from the seats, only ignition and starting electrical was run, no exhaust past the manifolds. It ran and drove and made it. 1.24.16 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:23 AM 1.23.16-6 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:23 AM 1.23.16-1 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:23 AM 1.23.16-8 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:23 AM 1.23.16-7 by texag09 posted Mar 7, 2016 at 10:23 AM
Now its time to take the body back off replace the cowl with a roadster cowl, floor boards, and wiring to follow in the next few weeks.
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