Register now to get rid of these ads!

Hot Rods Picked up a 1929 Ford Roadster altered with an injected olds motor

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by wheeltramp brian, Nov 24, 2021.

  1. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 9,291

    jnaki

    upload_2021-12-12_3-47-54.png

    Hello,

    Wow, that two piece scattershield brings back memories of installing our two piece shield on our 1940 Willys Coupe build. It was fully approved from all associations and tech committees. The installation was simple as it bolted together. Ours was purchased at Reath Automotive in Long Beach, CA (similar to the ad below)

    upload_2021-12-12_4-12-1.png

    The curved, metal scattershield would bolt on to the bellhousing, while the lower plate would go underneath the housing with the provided brackets. When it was installed, it looked like it would withstand a hand grenade explosion. The modified, floorboard was neatly attached back in place and we were almost ready to go racing.

    The your scattershield was 1959-60 model that was the standard protection unit for drag racers at the time. A year later, the full 360 degree complete scattershield was made by Joe Shubeck for better protection and safety.

    Jnaki

    Great find and rebuild…
    https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/scatter-shields.1020013/page-2#post-11774328


    Note:
    Our approved two piece scattershield was part of our build. It had protected us from any problem as installed.


    But, the power of an exploding clutch from extreme horsepower, 292 c.i. 671 powered SBC blew that shield to bits. When we looked inside of our 40 Willys , the next day at while it was still wedged into the fence, that shield was nowhere to be found. The drag strip surface cleaner guys said they did not find any big scattershield parts. There was a huge hole in the floorboard of the Willy’s blackened interior.

    What we found were bits and pieces of the original bellhousing and other unknown chunks of metal wedged into the dash, the door panels, and other parts of the interior. The discovery was also in addition to the melted seat frame, the now, gone Moon Tank + Foot Pedal and cracked glass and frames.

    Did the scattershield do its job? Well, my brother wore a Bell Helmet that protected his head on the jump and rolling in the gravel after the timing lights. So, if the scattershield was not there, it probably would have been worse than it was that evening.

    NOTE 2:
    upload_2021-12-12_4-24-15.png
    My brother was in front of Tom Sturm’s race car by 2 car lengths when the clutch let go. We turned a 12:60 e.t. and exploded. Even though we went through the timing finish line first, they gave him the trophy and win. (notice his time slip is recorded at 13.26 to our 12.60) The Gas Class information was mislabeled in the Drag News weekly paper. It should have been C/Gas, not B/Gas for the trophy. The article also said it was a C/Altered that exploded, but it was our Willys, in C/Gas. The events need to be correct all of these years later.

    (notice the above listing of Doug Cook’s win in A/G, not B/Gas. During this time period, he ran the 37 Chevy in B/Gas and it was not until the SWC days that he ran in A/G.)

    There was all kinds of commotion after our Willys was on fire, heading for the spectator’s fence. The whole dragstrip was closed for the early evening at 9:30 pm with tons of elimination races to go, including the win streak of the Albertson Olds, gas dragster, of 12 straight wins. My brother was loaded onto the white ambulance and was taken to the LB Memorial Hospital.




     
    winr, deadbeat, catdad49 and 4 others like this.
  2. Please restore this to it's former glory including finished paint. Killer car. I like all the details. If anyone tries to tell you it is patina kick them in the balls. Ha!
     
  3. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    16394333830372046808742870905868.jpg thanks to Eddie here on the hamb I got some pieces to the puzzle
     
    Torkwrench, winr, Tim and 11 others like this.
  4. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 12,286

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Incredible! I'm without words...and that that doesn't happen often.
     
  5. Brian I used a universal GM boot 64-72 from the help rack at a parts store for the housing. A little mod of the the metal bracket and it appears to be a factory piece.
     
    bchctybob, catdad49, Thor1 and 2 others like this.
  6. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    Thanks I'll check out that boot
     
    loudbang likes this.
  7. leave as is just to drive this guy nuts ! lol
     
  8. unclescooby
    Joined: Jul 5, 2004
    Posts: 4,993

    unclescooby
    Member
    from indy

    So kick ass. My dragster is Olds/LaSalle and so is my A coupe. Both raced in Detroit also. Th roadster is killer
     
  9. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    An update of sorts on parts. I ended up getting a stock 1958 Oldsmobile starter from the starter rebuild place here in town for a hundred and ninety bucks that's looks like has never been used. Also figured since I don't need to clear a steering box and don't want to Dent up the oil pan I might as well just get the stock lower bell housing for the Oldsmobile. So that is on the way with a oil filter assembly and housing.Also Mario from Mario's vintage clutch in Fontana set me up with a clutch and pressure plate for the setup.pics to follow
     
    Tim, AHotRod, catdad49 and 5 others like this.
  10. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    Had some time today so I fabbed up the missing exhaust flange for the headers so then when I get all the parts for the motor and I can build a set of headers for the thing or if I can make it back over to the guy's house where I think the rest of the headers are 20211231_125936.jpg 20211231_125920.jpg
     
    Deuces, Tim, bchctybob and 6 others like this.
  11. catdad49
    Joined: Sep 25, 2005
    Posts: 6,397

    catdad49
    Member

    Another awesome piece of early Drags history! Thanks for sharing this and it can only get Better no matter what direction you go with it. Happy New Year, Carp.
     
    Stogy, Thor1, loudbang and 1 other person like this.
  12. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    I've collected everything I need to put the motor back in the car. Was going over to the guy's house yesterday but he cancelled so maybe I'll just build a set of headers for now and if I can get back over there maybe the headers that I think are for the car hang on the wall. If they are the right ones for the car I can swap them on no problem. Looking for a used set of front and rear tires. I've got an ad in the wanted section in the classifieds but if anybody has any shoot me a p.m.. the rears are 900 by 15 M&H racemaster but something close would work. The fronts are 500-16 Firestone ribs
     
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2022
    catdad49, bchctybob, Stogy and 3 others like this.
  13. Rand Man
    Joined: Aug 23, 2004
    Posts: 4,860

    Rand Man
    Member

    A lot to love about this one. The engine setback is sweet.
     
    Stogy, Thor1 and loudbang like this.
  14. brianf31
    Joined: Aug 11, 2003
    Posts: 937

    brianf31
    Member

    Awesome find! I love coming here for hot rod archaeology.
     
    loudbang, Thor1 and Stogy like this.
  15. I'm liking everything about this..thanks for sharing.
     
    loudbang, Thor1 and Stogy like this.
  16. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    Another update.threw a hose at 20220326_092814.jpg 20220326_101040.jpg 20220326_101536.jpg 20220326_121507.jpg 20220326_132511.jpg 20220326_122527.jpg 20220326_124306.jpg it and got all the pine needles and leaves out. Ended up having some time Saturday so went to work and got the new clutch ,pressure plate ,throwout bearing installed I got the motor in the car. It was a pain as it did not want to go in but I called the guy next door and we got it into place. Didn't realize how much engine set back this thing has, its awesome. I've got to Fab up some headers which are very tight and one motor mount that's missing 20220326_124328.jpg 20220326_123704.jpg .enjoy the pics.
     
    EVL401, Fordors, cretin and 18 others like this.
  17. Way to go! Looks awesome and you remembered the gasket on the bell housing too boot:rolleyes::):)
     
    Stogy likes this.
  18. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    And as you can see I unbolted the doors to get access and they work perfectly haha. This really is the nicest roaster body I've had at the shop ever no rust anywhere
     
    Tim, Stogy and Thor1 like this.
  19. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    Tacked up some zoomie pipes after work.figurrd I'd cut em even at the exit.its a tight fit between the cowl and engine.i rushed the front two pipes so I gotta redo those and get some more bends . 20220329_182214.jpg 20220329_182200.jpg 20220329_182247.jpg 20220329_182227.jpg 20220329_182259.jpg
     
    EVL401, Fordors, catdad49 and 12 others like this.
  20. SS327
    Joined: Sep 11, 2017
    Posts: 2,463

    SS327

    So, when is the first pass? July? :)
     
    Stogy likes this.
  21. This is a great find. I have to follow along. This car is from the era of beautiful race cars. Think, Tony Nancy, Big John Mazmanian, Bones Balough… I hope you can give it the treatment it deserves. Make it as nice as it used to be. Race it at Eagle Field.
    If I had that car and you had feather up your ass, we’d both be tickled…
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2022
    Stogy and Thor1 like this.
  22. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    Finish welded up the driver side header and cut it how long the frame rail. It's not perfect but it'll definitely work for now. Got to build the motor mount for the passenger side in order more pipe than I can start on that side 20220330_171816.jpg 20220330_171838.jpg 20220330_171827.jpg 20220330_171849.jpg
     
    EVL401, Fordors, 40FORDPU and 9 others like this.
  23. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    I got the passenger side header done today. Now what to do with them. Was thinking of painting them white might be cool or just leave them for now, what do you think? 20220412_165826.jpg 20220412_165815.jpg
     
    EVL401, Fordors, catdad49 and 7 others like this.
  24. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 9,291

    jnaki





    Hey WTB,

    Nice work. If the color of the roadster is going to be the original Blue, then either Silver paint, or dip, or chrome to give it some contrast. it always looks nice when one can see the pipes doing their quick exit job.
    upload_2022-4-12_17-31-17.png

    Jnaki

    Keep up the great job... take your time and do it right.

     
  25. Corn Fed
    Joined: May 16, 2002
    Posts: 3,278

    Corn Fed
    Member

    Yes white!
     
    Stogy and SS327 like this.
  26. wheeltramp brian
    Joined: Jun 11, 2010
    Posts: 2,551

    wheeltramp brian
    Member

    Wish the halibrands on the rear in the video came with the car. Hey jnaki do you remember if this car was a push start car as there's no spot for a battery no evidence of cables
     
    Thor1 and Stogy like this.
  27. neilswheels
    Joined: Aug 26, 2006
    Posts: 1,213

    neilswheels
    Member
    from England

    liking the way this is going
     
    Stogy likes this.
  28. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 9,291

    jnaki





    Hey WTB,

    It would be safe to say that over 90-95% of modified drag racing coupes, sedans and dragsters were push started. For us old folks, it was a shame to bring the rollers into play as all of the spectators had some pretty good anticipation in watching those modified drag racers get pushed down the track in front of the stands. The fire up on the return trip was something to witness and if/when you were standing on the fence or in the staging area, the sound and action was right there.

    This edited version is one of my favorites of original film from 1959 and original sound from a month later in Detroit, via a recorded LP album.
    The Sidewinder sound 1959


    So, yes, it would be a safe thing to say your blue roadster was a push start race car. Lion’s Dragstrip had a push starting area directly from the pit side locations. It was on the Eastside of the Class Lanes and for most, it was fine. Check out the film clip at :43 sec. The Altered Coupe/Competition Coupe was being pushed to fire up moving to the starting line.
    Purple Competition Coupe/Altered Coupe at :43


    We were in the A/Stock lanes and then in late 59-1960, the B/C/Gas lane. No “push cars” allowed, but, “tow” trucks and cars, on slow days, were allowed in those class lanes for rope/tow bar tows back to the pits after a run or race.
    upload_2022-4-14_4-22-50.png
    A panorama view from the actual pits area at Lion's Dragstrip circa 1959, facing the orange timing tower. the "Class Lanes..."

    But, sometimes, a top level gas dragster did not want to go down the dragstrip for its fire up. So, they timed it perfectly to get a clear push, where the Competition Coupe is just starting, and the dragsters fired up in time to be warm enough to reach the starting line and go.

    "Here's coming at you"... Kenny Lindley/Don Hampton


    Leading right up to the starting line:
    Kenny Lindley/Don Hampton sound 1959

    Jnaki

    To keep it in its original state, keep it simple. But for your upgrade and rebuild project, that is up to you. The headers look wonderful, now a silver or chrome color coating of some kind. Great job…


















     
    Rolleiflex, catdad49, AHotRod and 3 others like this.
  29. bchctybob
    Joined: Sep 18, 2011
    Posts: 5,190

    bchctybob
    Member

    Nice job on the pipes. I would probably paint them white or if you’re going to restore it, have them chrome plated. That’s what they did back then.
     
  30. jnaki
    Joined: Jan 1, 2015
    Posts: 9,291

    jnaki

    upload_2022-5-14_4-31-55.png
    Hey WTB,

    I was recently reading an old Drag News edition from November 7, 1959. Doing some research for another project and found this fairly clear (for an old Drag News photo) photo from the San Fernando Dragstrip.
    upload_2022-5-14_4-33-2.png
    From the pin collection of Jack Gillette, current owner of the famous Sidewinder in So Cal.

    I thought you might like the Drag News page for your files. Saturdays are always a good time to remember those "all day into the night" drag race days...
    upload_2022-5-14_4-33-41.png

    upload_2022-5-14_4-38-7.png

    Jnaki


    You are moving along nicely in your fabulous project. As I continue my weekly reading in my old files, I always seem to find a “goodie” or two, gems. I will pass those along.
    upload_2022-5-14_4-38-50.png
    The Clay Smith Cams Shop was located on W. Gaylord St. It was about three blocks from our last Westside of Long Beach house. (A bicycle ride away.) The old Tom McEwen/Ron LeGrand shop called “Speed Engineering” (Junior Thompson 41 Studebaker’s home ) was right around the corner.
     
    Rolleiflex, catdad49, AHotRod and 2 others like this.

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.