Projects '23 Ford Roadster build aka The Incredible Hulk

Just get the regulator rebuilt, it's much cheaper than replacing it. That will leave more to spend on the hot rods!

 

Yes but, the hoses and torches are getting worn out too.
I dream of a nice new complete set.

In the meen time I think I do have a rebuilt regulator somewhere...

 

Made a little progress over the weekend.
Started the turn ins toward mufflers..
And played with possible collector block off caps..

 

welded some glass packs in and ran short straight tail pipes under the rear axle,
not enough room to run them up and over.
two hangers on each pipe.
tail pipes exit at a similar angle as the collectors.

 

block offs for collectors made of 1/2" aluminum plate,
cut with hole saw on drill press.
made some wing nuts similar to Cal Custom valve cover wing nuts
but steel and with 7/16 bolts,
polished.
welded flat bar to coupling nuts,
drilled the collector tube for plug welding tube to flat bar
and welded, filed, sanded and bolted them together.

to get a close to tight fit I rubbed the tube end with a sharpie
turned the plate in the tube by hand to locate high spots,
filed the tube where ink rubbed off
Repeat until when the plate was in place and turned it wiped the ink all the way around.

 

Short and simple. Looks good to me. Love the sound of an Olds through glasspacs.

 

The header plugs came out great! You ideas and craftsmanship keep me anticipating each of your posts as ther eis always something to learn. Thanks for sharing!

 

Couple pix of plates,
used a 3" hole saw to cut a groove for the 3" tube to fit in,
Drill again with 3-1/4" hole saw
turning the groove into a stepped edge.

 

So slick.

 

Thanks all,

I'm curious to see how well the bolt system holds up.
It's a pretty harsh environment in there.
Hoping with periodic reapplication of anti seize to the threads it won't become an issue.

 

Paul,
I sure admire your skills and vision.
Your T and the craftsmanship it displays are an inspiration and education to me.
Thanks for taking the time to share it with us .

 

Thanks man.

 

Upping the 'like' again...Fabrication extraordinaire @Paul

 

I was wrestling with an ugly tail shaft leak on the project this week. found myself saying " crap, what would Paul do with this!" Had a vision, no more leaks now. Love this build thread. Keep it up Paul, great job, as always.

 

Ha! Now that's funny!

 

This is the one build that deserves everything to be chromed!

 

you are going to need space inside for a welder's glove or oven mitt and a place to stick those when they are hot!

 

coming along nice Paul ! nice work

 

That would be nice, maybe after I win the lottery..

Oven mitts and a tea cozy?

Thanks Rob!

 

I did the same type of plugs for my '27T with similar bolts holding them in. I did mine on my lathe but I really like that you did yours using hole saws. Now that's creative.
You're right about the harsh environment. It didn't take long for the bolts on mine to seize so I had to break them off to remove them. That's with anti-seize. I had uncapped them once or twice for a cruise and reapplied the anti-seize too. I ended up going to a six bolt round flange and having the headers chromed. I hope you have better luck.
The whole system looks great! Looking forward to the running video.

 

just leave a threaded bolt in the tube and use a winged nut for holding the cap on

 

Thanks guys,
I really don't want a bolted flange here,
and I don't want a bolt sticking out when the caps are off.
Maybe something other than plain automotive anti-seize.. something specific to this type of environment.

I know just the person to ask.

 

The copper anti seize seems to work a lot better than the alum based stuff in my experience. Also if you make the bolts just long enough to just fully engage the threads that probably helps so there aren't any exposed threads inboard of the nut to corrode. My old neighbor swears by white lead for flathead or knuckle harley exhaust spigots. I came across an old can of Dutch Boy white lead and he was thrilled! Just don't bring any finger foods to the garage when the can is open. Lol

 

Firewall
3/16 aluminum plate
Paper pattern
Rough cut
Sand with DA, 180, 220, 500, 1000 grit
red Wenol polish
Install with 3/16 stainless carriage bolts

 

Looks great! Plus you'll be able to clearly see any oil leaks at the back of the valley should they ever happen! ;-)

 

Yes, one more thing to keep clean..

 

Looking good!

 

Reassembly continues...

 

Man that’s far out

 

super short clip with sound of glass packs.
best played through speakers