History A moment of history...Teixeira Willys

Just mocked up for pleasure...I still need to install the bungs for the Heim joints.

 

Torque arms will be 6 feet in length....next will be the zig-zag gussets along the rods.

 

I love the fact that it's so simple, pure function.

 

What engine and horsepower are you putting to this V8 QC? Is this just being recreated for more show than the actual drags? I can't see that Halibrand V8 center section lasting very long - at least with any real horsepower and/or slicks (bite) going on. I'm building a blown 392 car - kind of a 60's build, so I opted for a full-size Frankland QC - which were around and used in the 60's. I can run a good differential and 31 spline axles in it - so I hope it will stay together (at least for awhile ).

Cool project - can't wait to see it on the road! Will you guys be doing the Gasser Reunion drags up at Thompson?

 

You may want to consider a 360 degree bracket - split in the middle and welded together on the housing. It is very easy to warp the axle tubes when you only weld on one side . . . unless you plan to heat/shrink them to insure they are straight.

Are you going to weld up the outer axle bearing housings once you've done all the welding on the tubes? I'd sure recommend not welding up the outer bearing ends until you've done all the welding on the axle tubes --- then make sure you use an alignment bar to insure everything is true to the centerline of the axle and the carrier bearings. It is amazing how much steel can move when you only weld on one side of an axle tube.

 

Torque arm mounts are finished.

 

Torque arms are finished......also remember these parts are made as the original builder made them in 1964 from the best of his knowledge and also by the photos that we have. The car was built in a barn on dirt with a torch and a stick welder. How more traditional can you get?

 

This car was being built in 1964 and it ran a small block Chevy with a Culver City V8 quickchange with Lincoln axles.....In 1966 when the 426 injected Dick Landy engine was ran they found out why they needed a stronger rearend when the Culver City exploded at Famosa.....so I believe in 1967 they changed to a Champ and the rest is record breaking history.

 

The axle tubes are on there way to Fearless Gear for aligning and thanks for the tip B&S. Also body is being painted as we speak with a nickel thick coating of Red Wine Candy. The chassis and all components are at Blast Tech powder coating shop. Man am I tired and excited at once, I did not realize how many parts I fabricated until I seen them in boxes.

 

I really like all the fabrication work that you've done - the look of everything is spot on. It has been a pleasure to see a 60's style hotrod rebuilt in the manner in which it used to run . . . you've done a fantastic job staying pure to the decade in which it ran and to the original design of the parts/pieces used.

Most of what I'm doing on my 34 coupe is similar in nature - the only major area that I've departed from the 60's is in running a Tremec TKO instead of a Muncie rock crusher or Ford top-loader trans. Hopefully the TKO will have a longer life than the last 'X' number of Muncies that I've lunched! My other area of departure is in my ignition . . . I wanted to be able to pull advance out on boost, so instead of running a Vertex (which I have), I've switched over to a MSD digital box where I can plot the advance to trigger off of a MAP sensor. (I can hear the collective 'groan' from the HAMB masses as I write this! ).

Hopefully you'll run the car at the Thompson Gasser meets -- I went to one earlier this summer and my wife will be going again in just a week (she's officially a 'Gasser Girl'). The gasser reunions are really fun - like racing used to be. My wife really wants a 41 Willys with a blown 92' in it . . . and she wants to build it herself (as much as possible). I'm one lucky SOB to have a girl like her! Would love to see your car in person some day . . . keep in touch.

 

One day and back from Blast Tech powder coating and man are the parts beautiful...they used 60% gloss it has just the right shine.

 

A ton of parts and the rest is at the chrome shop.

 

Very nice>>>>.

 

Looks great! If I had any spare time I'd come up and help you assemble it. Looks like fun.

 

It would be an honor Kevin.....the body will get painted monday and hopefully be on an assembled frame by friday.

 

man royal spot on,truly a perfectionist an east coast bow to you sir.

 

Thanks again Sledge.

 

Don't realize how long the traction arms are until you lay em beside the frame!!>>>>.

 

Thay are 6 feet.

 

Dog-boning all the shackles I made......we are in transition waiting on the other team players and then the build will really get interesting. Stay tuned.

 

looks like fun

 

Skip, I like the idea of the black bolts. I don't remember seeing too many cars back then with the gold bolts since most of the guys painted everything or had it chrome plated.

The Frame and all of the components look real nice!


Larry

 

Thanks Larry...the owner of Tex asked me to help on this project so I would give him some suggestions. When I went to the Wally Parks museum I would take pictures of underneath of a couple era cars (that were un touched originals?) and the camera flashed every gold tooth in the chassis.

 

Today I worked on the front springs and made spring clamps and fence post cut the leafs.

 

This had to be the highlight of the day to see the proper era tires mounted on the original magnesium wheels.....it takes your breath away. The team wants to personally Thank Mr. Mike Guffey for his help with these tires and the unlimited knowledge that he has of this wonderful Drag Racing era. Anyone know what they used to paint and or apply on the tire at that time for the blue line?

 

killer work skip , the attension to detail is killer!