Projects Replica of the Ivo's Showboat dragster

That's Aces! I've been following along for awhile but not closely so, I didn't know until today that it wasn't a full size tribute. That's how good I see your work.

 

I follow your work on this project and you must have the patience of a saint. The whole project is simply unbelievable.
outstanding !

 

Scratch building at times requires some detective work and while studying various pictures from the original build I noticed a notch cut into the frame rail and welded shut with an inner wall. So as I went back and forth on pictures I finally realized it must have been cut to allow the rear end to be moved as far to the right as possible so out came the jeweler's saw and dapping tools to replicate the notch.
I then moved on to building the rear end using brass and basswood. The rear ends were modified from the originals for adapters. Here is a series showing the build process with the next step being the adding of ribs to the cover plate.










Perhaps Bruce can add more comments about the original build.

 

Beautiful work there, Ken.

 

Thanks!

 

The wife had her second surgery on Friday so I had a little time to work on the rear wheel mounting hubs with the disc brakes while she slept a great deal. The hubs were turned with a relief cut for the tapping of threads. These tiny taps (00-90 & 0-80) tend to break real easy when tapping into a blind hole so I have learned to do the relief cut so the tap goes through the material. This detail will not be seen anyway once assembled onto the wheel. The real trick was making sure the 0-80 bolt holes on the hubs matched those already in the wheel. The disc was cut using 1/16' sheet stock to press fit on the hub and soldered in place and trued up on the lathe for a perfectly round disc. The end of the hub was taper cut and drilled to receive a bolt head cut from hex bar.

Here the hub is test fit into the 1/4" axle tube. The bolt holes are tapped 0-80 and I need to order some 0-80 size bolts to trim for the mounting studs.

This shows temporary 3/16" 0-80 bolts I had a few of just to show the wheel bolted in place. The hubs in the mean time were plated.

Here is looking through the frame at the left hub and wheel in place showing the clearance for the disc brake assembly which on the left is bolted to the axle while the right side is mounted to the frame and rear end.

Here is an overall view with the wheels just set in place.

Next I may move on to the front axle and start with the quick change assembly much like the rear end.

 

Having finished the rear axle to a point I decided to move to the front one and like the rear I started with the forward "rear end" that would have had the ring and pinion turned to change drive direction. Here is a sequence showing the build similar to the rear using both wood and brass materials.












Having built this and test fitting it to the front of the frame it became very apparent that the forward shield was too short. I built it very early on and guessed at dimensions from photos before receiving the great build pictures from Bruce. After checking through all of Bruce's pictures I decided to rebuild the shield now having more accurate information. I decided to make a cylinder that will slip fit right over the original. Here are a few picture showing the build process. Will have to order more plating material as well.










Now back to building the front axle.

 

After getting the front shield place I moved on to the front axle parts. The axle shafts had the mounting plates soldered in place and bolted to the differential. I then turned the wheel mounting units drilled with 1/4" hole for the axle tube locator to align all the parts. I then used my old CAD (cardstock aided design) to develop the left and center axle mounting brackets. Once the axle was bolted in place the mounting brackets for the front shield were made along with the steering gear support arm with mounting flange. Needless to say a great deal of close tolerance work. Then the engines were bolted in place front and rear for the first time; a new milestone.

 

very kool ken!

 

WoW!!!!!......

 

I moved on to the front axle spindle housings and after some detective work I think I sorted out how they are to work. Here is a series of still in progress with the left side front showing the parts being made so far. My understanding is that these are from a 1 ton truck and I could not find a clear image of them other than Bruce's photos.













Now to work on the right side.

 

May I ask how much time you have invested in this project (engineering, acquisition of information, labor)?
Amazing workmanship.

 

I machined the tube ends off the MOPAR housing and pressed & welded to the front QC housing tubes. The shaft coming off the back of the "ball" was flanged and bolted to the stock ends

 

This is the assy that bolts to the front axle just to the right of the pic. Part upper right is the hub spindle (with Timkins) that bolted to the knuckles and the wheel hub attached to that

 

Cropped the picture

 

extra views

 

I really do not keep track of time since it is so much touch and go with care giving for my wife with cancer. I also do model kit design for Model Expo and when tired of CAD drawing or ship building I use the car for a break and change of pace. I started model building way back when as a form of pain management for disintegrating discs. the focusing required in building allows the diversion from the pain.

 

Bruce great pictures and I have used some of them already in building, just wish that pan was not laying on top hiding the arm with the ball socket. Once I get the housings built and positioned correctly per your pictures I will then add the arms and linkage. I can only imagine the challenges you had to overcome when building this the first time. My hats off to you!

 

Yeah sorry about that, The ball end/arm was for the steering link and it was removed

 

I received an email from Mecum Auctions they are selling cars from the Don Wallace Collection at their Kissimmee Auction and the 2007 Ivo Showboat replica is being sold at no reserve.

 

I showed the announcement to Debra--- She said NO !

 

My wife said no as well! She said to be happy with the model and keep building it.

 

I agree with her Ken. There are two unbelievable Showboats. It doesn't matter WHO the owners are.. Your build is unbelievable too.

 

Wow that build is incredible, well done..


Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.

 

Wow that build is incredible, well done..


Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.

 

Ken, I've learned to never question my wifes judgment. Look who she married.

 

Man, I need to win the lottery. They need to specify that it's a non-runner though. Although, if you were in a position to drop $100k on a car, you'd probably ask if it ran first.

 

Finished up the ship kit commission and back to working on the Showboat for a bit. I sorted out the components for the front spindle assemblies to enable the front wheels to turn. Just fabricating a bunch of small parts with a left and a right arms. I also decided to add set screws to the underside of the axle ends so that I will be able to establish the front end wheel track once the wheels are added. Still more parts need to be added but getting the new year off to a good start. Happy New Year to all!

 

I started with the grease fittings which are like the cherry on the sundae.















I then moved onto the steering box which is cored out to receive gears if I can find a set of bevel gears .20 in diameter. Any sources would be appreciated.
Next came the tie rods to be able to adjust the linkage.





This end is double bolted for the steering link and the lock nut is in place.

Next came the steering box which was a little challenge to make allowing room for bevel gears.


I need to turn some small bolts to the box caps. (the four smaller holes.)

Here is font axle that I have completed so far and turns great. The open holes in the steering gear box are for gear shafts.

Based upon photos from Bruce it looks like I need to move the support arm of the steering box forward a bit which will only impact the steering arm hole location making the arm shorter.