Hot Rods Top Banana Style Slingshot Dragster- Marty Strode-Chris Kopp.

I pulled it from the jig today and rolled it outside. Going to install the cage tomorrow, with luck.

 

Marty, do you have the unique king pin retainers/steering stops for your axle or was it drilled 9/16’s for the typical wedge type retainers? The tube axle kingpins had a radiused notch rather than the angular one.

 

I’m sure that you have everything figured out but my truck is available if you need something towed on Saturday. You know where to find me

 

Hey, Marty looks great can’t wait to see it tomorrow!

 

You are going to have to wipe off all the drool and gray beard hairs after the show!
Looks great!

 

Larry, I am going to contact the guy on here, that makes them in stainless and steel, and order a set.

 

I think we have it handled, Jimmy is hauling the '29, and I am the Dragster. See you there !

 

The Quiet One speaks !!! Se you tomorrow Jim, it will be fun.

 

Marty the car looks amazing you are a talented guy the work is top notch

 

Chris came today and we got the basic roll cage bent, fit and tacked. There will be 2 more bars and the light tube helmet surround . Hope to see some of you tomorrow ! And thanks @wrenchbender !

 

I'll be there in spirit Marty!
I attended the Portland Transmission event for a number of years, looked forward to it because it was the first major event of the season and there was always something new to see, hands down, best one in the NW.

 

P-Tans was a great event, lots of interest in the car, and the best was seeing a friend from Longview, Wa. Rod Brown.
He had a great story about a couple of his buddies in '59 that called him on a Friday night, inviting him on an impromptu trip to Lodi, Ca., he only had time to borrow some money from his Dad, and they drove straight through, It was a week after the Smokers Meet at Bakersfield, when Garlits made his first West Coast appearance. ' In 1959 the first Smokers' March Meet was advertised as an "East-versus-West" showdown, with California drag racers taking on infamous Floridian Don Garlits, who had been credited with record speeds that the California crowd found dubious. That year, Garlits lost early. Art Chrisman triumphed and took Top Eliminator laurels. The loss caused Don to drive to Isky's shop and install a 6-71 with his 8 carbs, set up for Nitro. Rod was able to capture around 16 pictures at the event and these are two he showed me yesterday, of the Top Banana ! It turns out, the two buddies went on to be well known Top fuel racers in the Northwest, Ron Gorans, and Bob McCutcheon. Ron tuned and drove his own cars, while Bob owned and hired drivers, such as Kenney Goodell. I love hearing the history !

 

Marty I seen some pics from the show that Cedric Meeks posted on Instagram his anglia with a Wayne 12 port sounded good but your dragster looked amazing sitting there

 

A couple of things happened. First of all @SamIyam has been looking over my shoulder, and noticed the snout that pooched out on the front wheels of the original car, and quickly located a set near me. I have acquired them, and after I polish the outer faces, and install 1 inner race, I will get the front tires swapped. Also, I have been thinking about a breather/vent system for the car and remembered there was a nice tank and hoses in a bunch of stuff that another member @Alan Davis gave me a couple years back. It is nice to have friends ! Thank you both. Oh yeah, the dropped '60 axle will be here tomorrow.

 

Are you sure? Looks cool!





Wishbones too!

 

I got the axle bolted in, and now I need to bend the steering arms down, so it will turn and the tie rod will pass under the wishbones. Also, I might be in trouble with the front perch height. That's what I have a cutting torch for !

 

Sam, that may have been mine...

 

I think I have resolved the front chassis height problem, by adding more leaves, ( that I knew it would need anyway) and with a little re-work on the removable perch, it should be fine. I also got the 2 extra bars added to the roll cage today. Steering box will get mounted tomorrow.

 

What time does the show start. You know my schedule is incredibly demanding…

 

It depends on when I get done using a weedeater !

 

Mounting the steering box and the DC3 Control Yoke (steering wheel) was a little machine work, but worth it. I started by machining a sleeve to fit the wheel with a 3/4" bore to fit the shaft, then cutting the slots. I will machine the keys next.

 

What’s that gauge cluster bezel looking thing for. Obviously I don’t get out much

 

It just happens to be on my table, I milled the surface to remove ball mill grooves for a buddy.

 

Impressive.

 

Got the keys machined, and turned out a button for the center. There will be a threaded bung welded in the end of the steering shaft, to hold it together, and a cross bolt ahead of the wheel. The quick disconnect will be forward of the wheel around 6", to give the driver more room getting in and out, and allowing the DC3 wheel.

 

I still fit !

 

That’s quite the look of grit and determination in your eyes.

 

I guess that means I'm driving the pickup

 

Today I worked on the steering mount/leg hoop. After bending up a piece of 1" 4130 tube, and cutting a couple stubs for the ends, I machined a couple of aluminum sleeves. Now that it is tacked in, tomorrow I will make the angle plate to attach the box, then on to the a-frame sleeved riser to support the shaft. The steering disconnect is on it's way, along with a Girling style Willwood master cyl for the brakes.

 

Works of art!

Dave