Projects Altered Drag Car Build

Lots of work going on but finally made some progress today that was worthy of posting.

There was a surprising amount of work to get the chassis to this point. I'm pretty confident it's significantly stiffer than it ever was when it was raced.
I'm still filling pits to get the suspension ready to be sprayed but shot the front spindles along with the roll bar to check out the color. It matches the last shovelhead I finished last fall.

It's nice to be at a point where I can start bolting things on to the chassis.

 

Chase the threads, loctite and anti-sieze on the cart next to you!

 

Really crummy weather this week in the northeast. Spent some time assembling the rear end and bolting on steering and brake and clutch master cylinders and hardware.


I appreciate the little details like the homemade axle retainer hardware. I needed to remake the spacers as the originals were literally half rotted away.


Took advantage of a cold and rainy morning today to patch some areas that needed a little attention on the turtle deck.

 

Achieved a major milestone today and made this thing a roller again.

 

Picking away.
Planned to buy some new aluminum to remake the floor panels but cleaned up the old ones instead. Figured there was no need to replace functional original pieces.


Got the engine in, still sorting out the hydraulic throw out bearing so the transmission needs to wait on a little machining.

Gave up the idea of cutting up the zoomie style headers I had to make them work and went with some cheap auction site lakester style headers. Surprisingly good quality and fit for the price.

 

Steady progress.
Turned a $5 4 speed garage sale shifter into a 3 speed shifter with some flat stock, round stock and rods ends off the shelf. Started the wiring and getting ready to mount the seat.

 

I like this color. Well, as I see it. What color is it?

 

Nice progress. Looking good also.

 

Nice!!

 

PPG Delfleet Ultra Silver

 

Thanks, I think I’ve got a winner for the suspension components on the whatever project. Hope you don’t mind me plaigerizing your color scheme…

It’s said that the best compliments are imitation…

 

Lots of progress, not a lot that is terribly visible.
Found that the steering linkage wouldn't clear the header tube or number 7 spark plug so that required some surgery.


I found a few aluminum panels that I scrounged from some electrical cabinets that were headed to the scrap hopper at work 20 years ago that turned out to be perfect for the firewall. Sometimes it pays to be a hoarder.


A couple pieces of pipe I've been holding onto for years turned out to be perfect for stacks with a little cutting and welding in a hold down strap.


Found a can of 40 year old single stage paint that will work.


Bodywork is commencing, which is no fun on the 90° days we've been having. Hopefully it's all in color in a couple weeks.


I got it fired up a week ago, but apparently aren't smart enough to upload a video.

 

Coming together nicely! Hurry up and figure out how to load videos, we need to hear it run!

 

Eight months from media blasting all the components to what you see here. Retirement should be relaxing but I've stressed myself a bit building this. Finished with just over three weeks to spare for the Top Secret Drags in Romulus, NY. Launched it up the driveway a couple times. I've got a quick off topic car and this feels like an overpowered go kart compared to that.

 

Beautiful! Had to make sure I knew what color it is. Asked SWMBO, and she confirmed it is blue with silver details. Looks like you will have fun with it…

 

That had to Feel Real Good!
Hell ta' the Ya!!!
My buddy's get'n a fiat/altered ready for the gig as well...

 

Nice, well done.

 

Very nice. Why dirt tires rather then slicks?

 

Because I had them and I'm cheap

 

That is awesome! Congrats and thanks for sharing!

 

Top Secret Drags have come and gone. The car ran great, and both the car and myself made it home unscathed. I stressed myself too much during this build but the end results were worth it. Got to spend a laid back weekend having fun with family and friends old and new. I kept a speedometer app open on my phone during one pass and maxed at 77 mph in the 1/8th. That was plenty fast for my first outing. I came home with a small list of things to change that I've already started on. Bottom line.... If you think you want to do something like this, do it!

 

Oh yeah, this was an awesome event. Laid back atmosphere, great location on a decommissioned military airstrip and good people. Hats off to the the guys at Northeast Vintage Drags for putting this on.
This clip sums things up.

 

Looks like a hoot.

 

Definitely looks like one hell of a great time.

 

Lookin' good! Gotta be better than sitting on the sidelines wishin'!

 

You did a great job on your car. Thats me in the gray primer Topolino that you whiped.. That is a fun event, thanks to the people who put it on

 

I think my buddy bought a tunnel ram from you. Great event, hope to see you next time.