Projects Model a banger sport coupe to 8BA

@winduptoy I already got the broken studs out and installed the new chromoly studs. The head is bolted on and ready to rip. I'm really looking forward to getting this baby on the road soon.

 

No need for a spreader, just 2 good clamps and some all thread. I've been taking apart my springs that way for awhile. Let us know how it works out, on my Tudor I used a T rear spring and a stock front (minus a few leaves) both tapered and rounded.

 

@1oldtimer Would a 5" C-clamp jaw be wide enough to disassemble the spring? You can see the type of clamps I have in post #54. I have plenty of long grade 8 bolts that I can put through it. That spring scares the sh*t out of me. I can only imagine the damage it would do if anything let go.

 

I use 8" old made in USA ones so 5" might work. If you want to you can also wrap a chain around it for add security. Only picture I have of the spring semi apart.

 

I figured I would post this since I didn't see any pictures a spring being taken apart. Not too bad, just had to be patient and careful.
This is the spring with no load on it. You need strong 8" clamps to keep a safety blanket in case the 5/16" all thread lets go.

These are toast. Time to order new ones or find some NOS.

 

Along with the tapered ends of my springs I'm going to use slip plate in between them, I've read it makes them ride smoother.

 

Worked out good, as I see. I built myself a tool to do this when the body is still on it. Pulled the body up, put my own tool on it. The I pulled out the centerbolt and just opened the nuts on the tools slowly till the spring was completely without tension. Worked pretty good. You can see it in the pics.

I put an 8 leaf Model T spring in it and removed the third leaf. The first leaf I replaced with the original Model A leaf to use it as a spacer in the crossmember, cause the T spring is smaller.

 

Started with this.
Widdled a little bit off the backing plate with the poor-mans mill...
Mismatched backing plates.

Painted them, rotated them forward, drilled a hole, bolted it on, drilled the rest.

Assembled.

Now looking for a drivers side radius rod. Mine is Swiss cheese.

 

Finally!!! After getting the run around with the machinist and balance shop, I finally have my flywheel back 20 lbs lighter, and balanced with the 9" V8 clutch. Ready to get this old banger reassembled!
Before...

After...

 

looking good, you are a work a haulic when it comes to this build.will follow this like I did on the ford truck build.doing a fantastic job !

 

Great progress! Any luck finding radius rods?

 

Thanks @jkski I appreciate it! @Binger I found a really good pair at the GN Roadster Show swap meet for $40. They have surface rust but are otherwise mint. I should have grabbed a radiator shell and hood while I was there, saw tons of them. I'm hoping to get the trans reinstalled this weekend, and perhaps someone in my area will let me borrow their hydraulic shop press so I can reverse the eye on my rear spring. Then I can bolt on the front and rear brakes after I install the drop axle. Then plumb it, wire it, drive it.

 

Flywheel bolted up and safety wired.

9" V8 clutch bolted up.

About to lift this heavy sumbitch into place...

Yep. Looks about right.

That's probably it for today. Might get a second wind but my garage is like an oven at the moment.

 

Glad to see you sticking with the banger. I did and having a ball with it. My build could run mirrored to yours except only broke 1 head stud...looking forward to more on this build. Ron

 

Lookin good I'm seriously contemplating dropping the A trans and going early V8 Trans

 

Thanks @Ron Brown Now that the trans is back in and the clutch is adjusted, the radius rods will be cleaned and painted tonight. Still need to order a reverse eye spring for the rear, or sack up and buy a shop press and do it myself. @ROCKER77 I would love a synchro trans, but funds are limited. It seemed like the conversion would be close to a grand, so I'll just drive it as is for a while until I can afford it. Then I will order everything needed and can swap it out in a weekend. Really itchin to drive this thing!

 

A good spring shop should be able to re-roll the eyes on your spring. I had mine done at Atlas Spring in City of Industry a couple years back for somewhere near $50.
Nice build.

 

A V8 box only makes it a bit easier to change down a gear, if you really want to make it a driver put a T5 in .
Save very little more and get a Crazydaddyo T5 conversion for torque tube.
Go for a ride with Crazydaddyo in his T rpu , to see what its like to drive a five speed banger

Have you checked out the monthly banger meets here on the HAMB?
Here's the latest one , the index to the past pages is on page one.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/august-2015-banger-meet-august-already.985613/

 

Raced home from work today to get some work done. Cleaned up the radius rods and got them painted.

 

@97 I look at the banger meet when I have time. That transmission is awesome! Looks like it drives perfect! I'll definitely be sending @Crazydaddyo some loot for the adapters in the future. I still need to re-assemble the rear rods, spring, bolt the assembly in, build a master cylinder mount/linkage, plumb the brakes, wire the car, and install the dropped axle, then have the dents taken out of the rims and put new tires on it. Then the chassis is done. From there I will mount the body, align the doors and panels and possibly chop 3" out of it. All of this will keep me busy for a while.

 

I have the Torque tube adapter. I cant wait to get my Coupe done so I can try out the 5 speed. Driving my stock roadster around I understand how much of an improvement the 5 speed will be. The biggest thing with the stock trans is the huge gap between 2nd gear and High gear. The 5 speed will fill that gap and give it an overdrive in 5th.

 

Getting closer.

 

Thanks to @100% Matt at NE Speed Shop I got a reverse eye rear main leaf and got it all reassembled today!

 

Prepare for insertion...

Back on its wheels!

 

Read a good thread written by @NealinCA about how to remove the spring perches. Heat them up and give em hell.

 

Cleaned and painted the wishbone, this time very thoroughly and started assembly of the dropped axle. I have to clean all the gunk off the spindles and tie rod in the morning. I'm waiting on the new shackles to arrive.

 

Question about post 86. Will your carb and air cleaner clear the hood?

Charlie Stephens

 

Hey if I want something from Crazy , I would have to send him the loot, but you just gotta PM the man and take a short trip down the 405...he is only in Orange. I wish it was me that lived in Long Beach.

 

It should clear with no problem. If you look at the height of the head, it is barely above it. If it doesn't, I will get a different air cleaner.
Kevin