Projects 1917/1928/1938 American Lafrance Plymouth V12 Speedster

This is going to be good.

 

Aha! Thanks!

 

Animal, have you found a good source for the chain/sprockets?
I'd look for something that is understressed (overkill) to prevent any issues, even if it meant loosing a few HP in drivetrain friction.

Found this sizing chart...
https://www.usarollerchain.com/roller-chain-size-chart-s/4869.htm

That #160-1 is 6.3 pounds per foot! I couldn't bring myself to look at the pricing!
I wonder how often they get calls from guys wanting to outfit a chain drive vehicle?

 

I have some #120 chain from an original American Lafrance Chain Drive. No sprockets.

 

looks like they have a selection for those too!
https://www.usarollerchain.com/roller-chain-sprockets-s/2432.htm
I have no connection with that company or experience with them.
However, I'd suggest calling and picking their brains for what solutions they can offer.
Remember, the torque is multiplied through the trans and diff, so it's BIG!

 

Rolled it outside today

 

Hate to say it, but you may want to consider adding 12-16 inches to that wheelbase- with the size/width of that radiator, your body is gonna look pretty stubby- almost like a caricature?

 

I don't mind them short and thick

 

Got my master mounted. Next up mounting rear brakes and figuring out sprockets

 

I was thinking 24-36”...

 

Surprisingly 1928 Plymouth Brakes arn't exactly bolt on for the rear axle on my speedster.
No bother have lathe, can weld

 

Great job!



Enviado do meu iPhone usando H.A.M.B.

 

Looks great. The jack stands are an improvement over the concrete blocks and bits of wood but larger stands would be better. Those are maxed out. Be safe bro and be careful. And...I'm sure we would all love to see some video of the engine running
Andy

 

Here's it's test fire from a few months ago Chiro

 

^^^Awesome. Love it!!!
Andy

 

Thanks. When I started the project I swore I wouldnt try starting the engine until final mockup was complete because if there was anything wrong with it it would take the wind out of my sails. ...........
Obviously I have no self control and am lucky that the engine was in damn good shape.

 

Got one side of the rear brakes tacked together. Tommorow i'll knock out the other side and burn the mounts in with some 7018 stick welds.
Note the trimmed backing plates. This is so I can mount the sprockets to the drums.

 

Any plans for a body or just a hood and cowl?

 

Awesome! You won't see another when you finally get it drivable.

 

No way i'm covering up that V12. No cowl no hood no body

 

Brake brackets are done!

 

Started my tank design.
It's gonna hang around 2 inches over the mounts on each side. Have leather traps holding it to the mounts with beads rolled on either sides of the straps. The end caps will be inset about half an inch with a soldered seam
I'm debating between copper or steel.

 

Wow, very cool!!

 

Thank you

 

I don't know about structural integrity but polished copper sure would be beautiful.

 

Super Nice Young Man - Bad Ass Machine

 

I must ask: why the drive chain ?
....u joint technology was not there in 1917
.....slack chain allows for vibration dampening
.....some other reasoning

 

Great question.
I went with chain drive because it's cool as all get out, and to run the short wheelbase I wanted a normal drive shaft configuration would be super short and have super extreme angles to the point that i'd have to limit the rear axle travel.

 

I decided to get sprockets 3d printed for mock up because i couldnt find any affordable steel ones that might work and think i'll have to get them custom made.
I think I have the rear figured out and am starting on the differential sprockets.