Lakster or Dirt Track ???

Current wheels work for me.

 

I thought I'd post some pictures from behind the scenery (Whippet shell)... first it is an optical illusion... Ford suspends the radiator on mounting tabs off of the vertical tank side straps... from what I can determine the Whippet lays directly on the sheet metal... so we did it a little differant... a formed 10 Ga support becomes an extention of the Model A front crossmember... the radiator sets above the support and the shell below it... so if the axle wouldever come in contact with the frame it would protect the radiator... the frame horns were then cut off and visually all you see is the shell

Additionally, thanks for the critical eye and comments... it doesn't pay to miss anything that wasn't thought of during the construction stage... and if ya look close you will notice that the center of the three point suspension is inline with the crank and the frame center is the water pump/fan shaft... gotta love those Y-Blocks

 

More Pixs

 

Thom, I'm really liking the Whippet shell . Car is really coming together. I like the combination of parts. Looking foward to more updates.

41 Dave

 

Thanks for the comments... I need a radiator cap and would like a vintage helmet...

 

I am really liking this build. The fabrication looks great, and I dig the Whippet shell. I've never actually seen one of those on a Whippet, though.

Can't wait to see it at Detroit!

 

The Whippet shell on the car is a 27 and they still used them on the early 28 four cylinders... one of the books I was doing research on stated that there wasn't a Whippet in the L.A. basin that still had its grill/radiator... seems the demand was so high during the early Lakes years that they were being lifted without the owners consent...

 

Yippie-yi-aye Melon Farmer (PG version from Die Hard)... I have arranged transportation for both cars to Detroit Autorama... if your gonna have the opportunity to do ya gotta go for it... but, being laid off and facing double trouble (transporting issues) has been a issue... but I'm glad to say it is one more item off the check list with less than three weeks to go!

 

Thom, Congrats on your trip to Detroit. I will enjoy it on the HAMB and in the mags. Have fun.

41 Dave

 

I started an album for those that would rather look through pixs than read the history channel

 

Thanks Dave... I'll just be glad when the deadline is over... Carey formed the hood side panels yesterday (no pixs - forgot the mem stick)... now more louvers and finish the lower firewall... hopefully next week we will be lowering it 6" (reinstalling the belly pan)

 

Thom, Looking forward to the new lowered stance. Could you take some pix of the belly pan ? Did it come with the car or did you build it ?

41 Dave

 

The belly pan is visable in a few shots... the Essex frame is cantilevered so it is actually 4" lower along the radius rods and follows the frame taper... then as the frame becomes narrower again the belly pan continues in at the same angle as the front which makes the back 6" lower... the frame work is shown in detail and the louvered bottom is also visable... we need to finish the side panels on both sections... there is a pan that encloses the motor and follows the radius rods to the bell housiung and the back section picks up behind the radius rod and stops where the frame is Z'd... thats why I can have louvers in the floor because the belly pan is below it

 

Thom, Boy all I can say is "WOW , WOW ! !" That is some really super neat fab work going on. Hope to be able to see this car in person some day. Bet that Y-Block will have a neat rumble !

41 Dave

 

Side panels and lower firewall in... now back apart to hammer weld the firewall and louver the side panels

 

Thom, With each new picture my mouth hangs out a little further. There is more than a trace of drool as I check it all out. Keep on a posting ! I am hooked.

 

Well it back apart so it will just be detail shots for awhile... here is the unfinished front Belly pan section leaning up against the backside of the shortened 18 T turtledeck... a overall shot to give a perspective of size - 95" wheelbase and it sets pretty low for untilizing a three point suspension and non-dropped axle... then we have guard dog checking out todays progress!

 

I'll be about 95" in my T roadster, as well... but the Y block will make your car a hair quicker than my 1930 banger...

Looks great. Love all the details.

 

More Pixs... Hey Brent if the T is as nice as the A your putting together is will be a nice ride

 

Detail shots of the front Whippet radiator support and side view

 

Made some progress on the firewall

 

man i gotta tell you i've loved reading this.. I'm gonna be putting a warmed over Y in my 47 Ford, but my absolute dream rod is a 27 roadster with a dual-quad 312.. you're livin my dream

 

Anyone know of a radiator cap that will fit a 27 Whippet... 2" inside fine thread... nothing like waiting to the last minute - I've only had the radiator a year so why worry about a cap until a week before I need it...

 

When you find a source, post it. I need one too.

 

Been to busy to post pixs... I'll try to catch up

 

Starting to rework belly pan

 

The louvered center panel were welded in which wasn't the best way to go... the side panels were formed, drilled/tapped, and attached with button allens... more work better finish, future access, and repair if someone gets crazy

 

Pixs showing floor in relation to the pan... plenty of ventalation...

 

Lower view

 

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