don't know if it is because you needed to swap sides with the stanchions to get enough layback ? but the top "pins" should point forward and there is a bulge on the lower section of the stanchion that would be in the rear as a stop... also the tapped holes to mount the side curtain pins would be on the front side... . i post this in case a guy sees your pix and doesn't know they are swapped... my $0.02
I saw this coming and I am glad you are pointing it out. Yes I wanted the stanchions to lay back but because of the locking tab it doesn't allow that. Swaping sides then causes the ears to point the wrong way. This could cause the top to fold up while driving. Not sure what to do about it other than removing the tab and place the stanchions back. Can't be the first guy to encounter this. Any ideas?
My solution was to drill a hole thru the pin or ear and drive the thumb screw into it. Just like it is originally but on the other side. One other thing that plays in my favor is the top is completely ridged when installed. By that I mean both bows can't move unless I unbolt them. The folding irons are fixed in the extended position when in place by a screw so they will not collapse either. This keeps a lot of tension on the stanchions.
Well it folds up behind the seat. I didn't expect that. This project is finished for now. Ready to start priming everything before it gets humid and my bare metal starts rusting.
Went to a swap meet this morning and sold some spare model A parts. Hopefully I will not regret it. Anyway I scored an aluminum pressure plate 10" for a flathead. I believe it to be a Schaefer unit. To cheap to pass on being brand new and with a special sindered surface.
Feel your pain re tire prices Even sourcing them is becoming problematic with common sizes being back ordered. I ended up buying mine from this guy as Coker and Speedway were out of stock. https://www.ebay.com/usr/3910pplus If you are still trying to resolve the fuel tank the Bishop and Tardel book used a 1920-25 Mode T tank located to the left side and ran a battery box next to it. Apparently a perfect fit. Sorry about the sideways pic.
remember that a round tank goes from 1/4 tank to zip in a hurry... a rectangular tank the same length and width will have its gauge level drop evenly from full to empty... hight times width times length... divided by 231 gives you its volume in gallons... HIH.
I called Speedway last week and they had the big and Littles in stock As far as the tank goes I just wanted a little more volume than the T. This would not take up so much floor space ahead of kickup in the trunk.
Ordered my Firestone tires from Speedway Motors Thursday. Already received the fronts and all 4 tubes today. No backorder for the 4.00/4.75-16 or the backs 7.00-16. Should have them mounted this coming week. Then we will really see how it looks. Meanwhile I welded in a fill in from the quarter to the package tray. I am sure this was covered with the interior but I have no plans for an interior other than the seat.
Well here it is with its new shoes. It's going to take a little time getting used to. 450/475 x 16 front 700 x 16 back. 4" kickup in the rear with T rear spring 4 leaves removed. 4" drop front reverse eye 2 leaves removed. I think the stance is pretty good for the first try. The rear is a little tight to the fenders at the fender brace and the front tires look too far inboard for my liking.
I moved the front tire out 1.5" closer to the fender. I like the look better. I might have followed the Vern Tardel book too closely. Being an open wheel roadster it wouldn't be an issue. Also the 4" wires are not helping any. Not sure my next move or just live with it. Any thoughts.....
I think it looks great narrow like you had it, but also looks good spaced out. I’m struggling with this now as I’m using a 32-36 axle with wishbone, so narrow like you had is out of the question. As for the rear, I did a spring behind setup to Model A wheelbase and it looks exactly like yours. Everything was just tacked up, so I cut the crossmember loose, shortened the TT (again) and I ended up taking close to 1” out of the wheelbase.
I guess that is why we mock this stuff up early on. My options would be a wider dropped axle or do I dare say spacers?
Well it had to happen. I blew the car apart and finished welding a few things. Body finishing and priming will begin. Boring stuff really. I enjoy a good challenge in fabrication but it is coming to an end. Maybe I will build a gas tank cause I can....
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