Projects Building an Upstate NY Track Roadster or the should I really start another project? Thread

So, I did some Black Friday shopping and picked up a nice clean model A frame less front crossmember.
I my first thought was to keep it in case I ever need to clip my racecar, but I realized I already have a pair of A rails for that, plus this is a very nice frame and with my parts inventory I could put together a upstate NY style track roadster pretty easy.

All I need is to finish my current racecar project get it dialed in and work a 45 plus hour week job.


28/29 closed car cowl dad and mom gave me for my 18th birthday!


Sharp 2x1 BBL intake, 53-55 Corvette exhaust, Mallory dual point (one of several) and Best Coil, 2nd Cyclone to early Ford transmission


39 Ford axle, wishbones and juice brakes.



Robert "Bob" WHitbeck, from Canajoharie, NY.


Bob Hart in Burden Lake roadster action


Buzz Hackel


Clearview Speedway, South Westerlo, NY.


Hemlock Speedway


Jerry Earl at Hemlock Speedway



So, what do you think should I pull the trigger?

 

Robert, keep doing what you are doing. You are dancing to a different drummer, and you do it well.

 

Thank-You, this would be a pure racecar like my current project that could do double duty at exhibition oval track events, and vintage drag race events like the grass drags in Round Top NY, or The Northeast Vintage Drags in Oxford Maine.

 

I could dig it if you'd hang a license plate on it and drive it also...

 

Do it man , just do it . Put that big ol’ grease. Eating grin on your face and do it !!

 

I am not really a street car guy, I have a 53 Chevy my father and I modified to a late 50s early 60s style I haven’t driven it in a couple years. It will never be for sale, when you build or modified a car it takes on a part of your soul and for me it would be like selling a child.


I crave the action of a dirt track, pitching it in the corner letting the rear end slide out, getting a bite, coming out of the turn getting a run on someone going down the shut and beating them into the next corner and picking up a spot!

 

I need to convince my buddy he really doesn't need this old home built Quick Change!

 

Now that QC is interesting. But my lwr back is flamin' just at the thought of moving it around, much less lifting it into some position.
More details/pics?
TIA.
Marcus...

 

I like this style with that original style homebuilt big QC for my $0.02!

 

Robert, you know it's a sickness right? You need to fight it. And I can help. I'll come out to your garage and remove the bad influences. Like that new to you quick change and the other parts for your new distraction. Really, I'm glad to help with your recovery. I'm much older and have developed immunity to it.

But seriously, nice score.

 

New plan on the front axle!

I bought this yesterday. it came from a friend and club mate who just passed collection of vintage oval track parts.

I was happy to help the family and they were happy it was going to be put to use in an oval track car.



God Speed Patrick "Tex" Gorden!

 

One more part piece of the project came home today.

 

I laid out my plan for the track roadster during lunch at work the other day.



Roadster track East Jewett NY, Green County about 20 miles east of me.
Unknow car/driver


Clearview Speedway, South Westerlo, NY in Albany County about an hour northeast of me
Unknow car/driver


I had plans to work in the garage last Sunday, however my plans changed (very long story) and I decided it was better to work outside.

I prepared the Model A frame for the track roadster removed all unnecessary bracketry, dug out the Timken rear, and cut the spring mounts off a pair of banjo rear side bells.

 

Progress! Oof, those floater rears are heavy!

 

Especially after I add the stock iron wide 5 hubs!

 

Scored another piece for the track roadster today thanks to Dan Hanke, a 40 Ford front crossmember. I cut the u bolts, ground the bolt heads and removed the spring and gussets.
A little trimming and welding and I'll back set to go, I already have the axle and split the wishbones.

 

Just remember why it's called wedge. I'm expecting to see a block of oak or maple under that front spring...

 

I am going to build adjustable shackles for this one, maybe a jack bolt on the R.R. track roadsters didn't make it very long around here. I think into very early 50s at the latest.

Buzz Hackle, (the patriarch of the racing Hackles of Albany) and Pete Corey both raced roadster.

Bob Hackle the 2nd has invited me to look at his father's photo albums.

 

Nice to see a bunch of unrelated spare parts turn into a car.

Bob

 

Thanks I want to finish the racecar sedan but I want to see what is going on with the antique class, there is a bit of a horsepower war going on.
I don't expect or want to go out and win every week, but I also don't want to just go out and just putter around the back or get run over.

 

I like your thinking by not making it a double duty street rod/race car. For Heavens sake forget the 3/4 ton rear end. Bart, Highland, Frankland and many more made smaller steel converted QC's. 2nd choice stock 35-41 Ford rear end with wide 5 hubs. If you want to go floating truck axles cut off the snouts and use 3/4 ton bolt on floaters and 3/4 ton steel wide 5 hubs. I have a 12 spline locked carrier to donate to the project. 31" axles are the right length. Try to find 39-41 3/4 ton 16 x 5 wheels.

 

I like your first post about not putting headlights on it, headlights are for tow vehicles.

I am keeping my eye and a local 50 Chevy one ton long bed tow with. It's solid but needs some work and I would need to un-do the current owner's "improvements".

 

I kind of want to keep the Frankland [ closed or open drive ] that's why I have priced it so high. I would consider offers on the home made QC. It is open drive only.I have lots of 6 spline change gears. All low ratios. I would donate 4 sets if you go with a small QC.

 

What’s been happening on this one, Robert? Over 6 months, no update…

 

I have been little things here and there nothing worth posting.

The deal I told you about has claimed down somewhat, but not completely settled and it still taking some focus and finances.

 

Sorry to hear that. I can’t talk, I’ve only been buying parts. Got an ultra sonic parts cleaner and Simple green allegedly that will clean carburetors, and 4-1/2 2GCs to rebuild. A warm basement, but do you think it’s all downstairs? Oh well…

 

I have done much or posted anything about either project. I had a couple serious issues I had to deal with. (Let's just say new neighbors aren't fun!)


I have done a few things.

I removed the spring mount and took the rear apart (picked up a 12 spline spool) 4:89 ratio

I am on the hunt for a pair of iron wide five hubs with good machinable drums.



I also changed plans on the axle, I am going to run a 37-40 (41?) Ford the same one I have under the stock car, plus I have two back ups!

I picked this one up with the spring (for set up) at Rhinebeck, the 33-36 was pick up for a friend who runs that style under his vintage car.

 

You have been asking for updates here is a big one!

I dragged this home for parts today!

It's 1935 Ford chassis and what is left of the fenders. I am after the rear wishbones and driveshaft for this project!




This is the second time this car has been in my family's possession to build an oval track car!
For the full story check out this thread-
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/things-come-full-circle.1336853/

 

Well, today's progress was cut short (no pun intended), and sometimes you must destroy to create. As evidenced by the 35 Ford wheel!
Not to worry it was junk, nothing left of the bead!
Once I get a new oxygen, I will pull the torque tube and the driveshaft which will become a header!

 

Do one thing every day and you’ll get it done! Good to see you back at it