The Essex frames have the desired rear kickup, with straight side rails having a deep cross section. They were originally parallel leaf front, which made it easy for three spring configurations. Single front spring required cutting off the frame horns and fab'ing either a straight or curved crossmember. The Franklin steering had the required long sector and a good ratio. Might have been others, but this seemed to be the one of choice. I also have an aluminum housing that uses Franklin internals. "Colonel" Alexander made OHV heads, Winfield carb intakes, cams and other goodies for both four banger and V8 Fords in the mid to late 30's. The original brochure I have doesn't show any Brit pieces, though. Can you elaborate?
If you "need" hairpins for their looks. You can articulate one side at the axle, as shown in the attached sketch. This would be fine on the typical old front brake-less race car. With front brakes, you'ld have to be sure the adjacent hairpin was substantial enough to take the full braking torque reaction.
On further investigation, it appears that Alexander Engineering manufactured cross-flow heads, primarily for BMC "A" and "B" series engines (MGB, Sprite, Midget, Austin, etc.), as well as the British Ford Zephyr. But not the 1172cc British Ford, which I erroneously referenced. Apparently not related at all to the California company, of which I was not familiar.
My understanding is that the Franklin sector shaft had to be extended for "center steering", just like most other boxes. Amazingly, there was a '31 Franklin for sale at a swap meet I went to Sunday, but it didn't dawn on me to look at the steering box!
I m I would absolutely not characterize the Heim joint orientation to be "very poor engineering". For example, they are almost universally applied this way on the outboard ends of suspension A-arms on sports and formula race cars. A typical 3/8" Heim joint is rated at about 12,000 pounds load, at a misalignment of 22 degrees. I would agree that the offset loading must be considered in the design of the attachment brackets, when applied as shown on the pictured chassis. It surely makes it easier to get the bolt in.
Went back to check all the pictures & posts. Realized already checked before & have to reply now. Agree Dana right about orientation of that heim joint. I am using just plan to check them often & replace as needed
Let's get word to the 30,000+/- sports/race car drivers that they are in imminent danger. Well, I guess if they are in a serious accident, they can sue the Heim joint manufacturers for providing grossly overrated load ratings for such an inappropriate application. If "others" elect to restrict their thinking unnecessarily, that's fine.
I'm sorry telling you some facts,failed to get through too you,I tried to do it nice,and didn't want others to do things in away that can fail.. No one is prefect,but learning gets us all closer. It will not matter to you maybe,but knowing who your talking too next time will help you bite a smaller foot. That's just a joke,really hope you have fun with your hot rods.I still do. Good engineering is not a joke. I've owned n ran a race shop for 40+ years,retired 25 years ago. I put together many winning sports cars an FV,FSV,FF,FB an C,FA,I was south Fla. dealer for Caldwell, Titan an Beach in the 70s,plus put together Lotus. Lots of oval track racers as well,plus Hot Rods an even pedal bikes n trikes. None from my shop use Heims on there side from designed main movement. For others enjoyment an RAREBIKE who was building the vary cool old style sprintcar of this Thread,I'll add a photo of a LOTUS FA that Red an I built from a Lotus F1 tub{ it started life as a F1} for SCCA FA,for David Oxton too drive.
I admire, and am somewhat envious of, your resume. With me, cars are just an avocation, as I work as a mechanical engineer in the non-automotive field of stress analysis of ultra-high pressure/temperature piping systems. I have an interest in hot rods, but primarily sports/formula cars. As my training is technical, I observe and pay attention to the nuances of design in cars of interest. I presently own Formula Fords (Merlyn 11, Autodynamics D9, Lola 202, Van Diemen), Formula C (Titan M3), FSV (Lola air-cooled), F2 (Rondel/Motul built by Ron Dennis), FVs (Autodynamics, Bobsy), sports racers (Zink Z4/Alfa, Elva Mk 7 twin cam, Bobsy/Porsche 911 SR3, two Jabro/Saabs, Lotus S2, Can-Am), and a few others. Most are in the "future restoration" category. Attached are a few internet downloads which you may find of interest, showing various suspension designs, with Heim joint attachment bolts in the same plane as the principal movement of the links. Live and learn!
I have been working on this a little at time as work allows and decided to fit up the nose and grille. I am still working on getting the grille to pull up close to the body. And with a few parts from Speedway Motors up the street, I can now steer. Still need to add a taper to the steering arm so the rod end seats. I found some blank torsion bar arms to use as shock arms on the Roto Flo's. and with a little shortening, shaping, drilling, and polishing, should look and function just right after adding some linkage.
I've never seen clear picts of a V12 block before. Almost looks like the valve seats are Siamesed. This is a very cool project. Good luck
Glad to see you are still going with this. If you get a chance, could you please post the outside width of the frame?
Jim Huseby at Olympic Speedsters in Oak Grove, MO is forming my body right now. I stopped by today to visit with him, talk design, and see the progress. Building bucks for the tail and nose. A little progress ,
A few more updates. Wooden bucks have been made and slowly progress is being made. Jim Huseby is a meticulous craftsman.
This project is still very alive and is taking shape nicely after a major health issue with Jim. I have changed out the distributor with a modern Jaguar V12 electronic one using a Flathead angle drive from Old Time Speed. Hoping to get down to see Jim and his progress next week and to add some photos.
Magnificent build! Just curious about the Red 59 MGA, is it yours or a customers? Brings back memories of the one I owned when I was in the military.
This is very much still alive and making progress. Fitting the fuel cap to the side near the headrest fairing after hammer forming a recessed cup for it to sit in. Will be fitting the panels together this week.
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