Thats it! I'm gonna build a speedster!

[hillbilly4008]

So I've had the idea kicking around in my head for almost a year now, I've got all the parts so I'm going for it. Gee, thanks Speedster photo thread

The plan is for a Model A based, aluminum bodies boat-tailed speedster. Let the karnage begin![

I just mocked up the drivetrain a little while ago. My steel for the frame will arrive tomorrow.

 

[JeremyL]

Definitely gonna follow this.. I've always loved speedsters.

 

[sgtpontiac]

Like Jackie Gleason used to say...

So I've had the idea kicking around in my head for almost a year now, I've got all the parts so I'm going for it. Gee, thanks Speedster photo thread

The plan is for a Model A based, aluminum bodies boat-tailed speedster. Let the karnage begin![

I just mocked up the drivetrain a little while ago. My steel for the frame will arrive tomorrow.

"And a-wayyy we go!!"

 

[earthman]

Who dosen't love speedsters Hope yours gets built faster than mine has.

 

[Tripper]

Sweeeeet... can't wait! [cl[dr

BoB

 

[hillbilly4008]

Who dosen't love speedsters Hope yours gets built faster than mine has.

I just hope I can stay interested in it. Lately I haven't been following through with projects. I actually had all this stuff up for sale for a long time. No bites, so I'll build it. Beats having it all collect dust.

 

[hillbilly4008]

I ran into a hiccup. I can't remember if there was some kind of spacer/block where the wishbone mounts to the trans. I set the ball in place on the trans, and put the cup up in place. Then I realized that the studs are WAY to long, and something must be missing. Advice anyone?

 

[Sniper]

Here's a picture from "Bratton's Antique Auto Parts" catalog showing the parts required.

 

[hillbilly4008]

Shoot, I don't have that top block. I suppose I could make one from steel plate if I knew the thickness. I doubt its thicker than 1/2"

Edit: that picture may be a little deceiving. Is there a top spacer above the cap, or is that just shown as a "cut-away" It looks like the nuts are not suppose to get tightened down all the way.

 

[Sniper]

Picture of a repair/replacement ball, but it shows the heavy spacer as well. Picture maybe a bit small, but it's all there was.

 

[hillbilly4008]

Thanks snipe! I'll most likely be ordering the cast replacement parts, they are only $8.

I found 3 19" wire wheels so far, and I know where the 4th can be found. The plan is to run some dirtbike tires. I really don't see this speedster being destined for highway driving. It is going to be more of an off pavement toy. I'd love to take it to the Jalopy showdown and run it on the dirt/mud track.

I'll have to post some more pics tomorrow, I don't have any of them on this comp.

 

[riverrat44]

You have a good plan working. Wish I had parts like those just collectin dust
I'll be watchin for more updates,,[P

 

[hillbilly4008]

Nothing much to report. I now have all the parts to get the frame started built. I am disassembling the front are rear frame stubs that I have. That means using my 4 1/2 grinder w/cuttoff and cutting the heads off of all the rivets, then heating the rivets cherry red and punching them out. I'm still not done popping all the rivets out, I have about 6-8 more on the rear crossmember.

These frame pieces came from a '31 5-window that had a VERY rough life. It was converted to a truck AND someone installed a snowplow on the front. There are stress cracks all over the crossmembers.

 

[hillbilly4008]

I finally got some time for myself tonight. I'm hoping to get this frame done.
Heres my re-assembly of the front frame stub. Lined everything back up and bolted it togeather using the original rivet holes. Squared it and welded her solid. The first weld picture is of my first real life weld using my TIG. The second weld picture is when I woke up and realized TIG welding on this rusty frame was a waste of time, out comes the MIG to finish the job.

 

[Johnson]

Any pictures of the 5-window plow truck? That has to be interesting.....

-Jake

 

[hillbilly4008]

Here she be. I still need to make tranny mounts and put some gussets on the rear crossmember.