Projects YARD ART ROADSTER (BUILD THREAD)

Got the spring hangers burned in on the axle bells. Modified a set of Roadster Supply forged spring hangers. Had to tip the spring bushing eye and shorten to accept a 2" spring.

 

We got the front wheels sorted out and my wifes grandfather upholstered the seat with a duck tarp. Perfect look for this roadster. The trunk floor is also fitted and started to figure out where the gas tank and battery will live.

 

Did you make her summit dress? I would love to get my grand daughter something like that. She is my gear had in the family.

 

I just stuck a Summit sticker on her dress from the package that was delivered that day. She likes her stickers.

 

I over complicate everything. It's the inner engineer in me. Spent all day modifying the center crossmember to accept the '50 F2 pedal assembly. Also doubles as a trans mount. It's not pretty, but it should function great.

 

The picture of your daughter working on the king pin is precious, but those boots look 4 sizes too big. What is her mother afraid she's going to step in out in the shop! lol Sounds like your intention is to play in the sand or the dirt and I know a bunch of nay sayer's on here will say you don't need them, but I would put a basic 6 point in it and fab up some basic lap and shoulder belts. You could start with something salvaged from an old Jeep or Bronco, anything would be better than nothing. Even with the 6, those skinny tires and that traditional hot rod suspension can catch a rut and flip it in a heartbeat. If anybody thinks these things can take a roll over, then check out the pictures posted on here from the 40s on the lakes and sadly the streets. You want to have fun, but you also want to see her grow up to fit those boots. Be safe Larry

 

Baylee loves those boots. They light up and they're easy for her to take on and off. I have a roll bar that came out of a CJ2A. It might get cut up for the T. Safety is a big priority for the build. With that said, I'm quickly getting ready for some car show fun this year, and many things will have to be fine tuned and finished out later on. It has been a crazy learning experience thus far. I'm already rethinking my '29 and '31 builds.

 

Transmission, pedal assy, and body mounts done. Lot of little battles tonight and the rear axle rehab will start in the morning.

 

The radiator and hoses are installed, gas tank is installed, and the steering column is installed and unlocked. It has keys!

 

The rear axle I had picked up to replace my busted one was also full of water. I swapped some bearings around and set the clearances to the best of my abilities. It burned alot of time.

 

So, I didn't make Relix Riot with the roadster. Around 4am Saturday we were installing the brakes. When I tightened the axle nuts the rear locked up. I assume the unfitted shoes jammed against the old worn drums. So we threw the wheels on for a photo op and rolled it out of the way to dig out our '53 Chevy. We still had fun at Relix Riot. Got to see many friends and hang out with Matt from Iron Trap for a minute. Some good swapmeet finds too! After a brief reset, I will be back into the roadster. NSRA North is coming quick.

 

Even after having the drums turned the brakes still locked up when I tightened the axle hub nut. After alot of choice words, I found that the backing plates that were on the axle had been ground down for clearance. The nice semi-restored backing plates I was trying to use were wedging into the brake drum groove. So now do I grind on my nice backing plates or semi-restore my shity ones.. Probably just fix up the shity ones. We are going to ignore that this was probably caused by worn axle tapers.

 

That's standard when fitting hydraulic brakes on an A, another option is axle taper shims though I'd prefer cut down backing plates

 

I was wondering if this was a standard modification. I tried to do the research, but never came across having to clearance the backing plates. I have one axle shim per side as well. Thanks for the info!

 

The springs and cams were somewhat seized. Used a map gas torch and a wire brush to remove paint, grime, and scale. Thoroughly rinsed with brake clean. And going to let soak for 24 hours in the Evapo-Rust. We will see if they need to soak longer.

 

note how the edge of the brake shoes seems to be stepped down or chamfered? that is something I've also read is necessary....do you have a pic of

? I'm on to this soon

 

This picture shows one fitted if you can make it out behind the watermark, good thread over all on A hydraulic conversion

Snyder shims

 

When we cut the drum, we cut it deep. I may not need to clearance the shoe, but I will update as soon as I get it back together. I was unprepared for all of these brake issues. It has really set me back. But still making progress. Looks like Dedsoto handled the shim. Pretty easy. Just make sure it doesn't get pushed into the axle housing when installing.

 

You're doing well, man. Have courage. You're smarter than iron!

 

Roughly 24 hours later and some light wire brushing, the backing plates are looking alot better. You can see they have been hacked by someone in the past. The shoe adjuster cams have all loosened up too. I'm gona let them soak another 24 hours before I rinse them off. In the mean time Baylee helped me take the rear axle back out to properly install the U-joint.

 

Evaporust is magic stuff. I wish I could afford to use it as much as I'd like to. It doesn't take me long to go through a gallon.

 

They say you can keep using it over and over again. I'm going to try filtering it to prolong it's life. We will see. Wish I had a 55 gallon drum of this stuff.

 

you gotta do something with it

 

Already in process. Haha. Keep reading.

 

i'm illiterate

 

Found ya, looking forward to watching your build

 

Three days in Evapo-Rust cleaned the backing plates pretty good. I couldn't get the wire brush in some tight spots, so I picked up a cheapo hand held sandblaster. Just a quick dusting and done. These used to be rear backing plates, but someone in the past flattened and welded the cable tube and covered in fiberglass before bolting on a thin angle iron shock mount supported by the weakened backing plate. There is a wear mark where the backing plate was being flexed into the drum. They sure did some sketchy stuff back in the day.

 

Primed and assembled. Waiting on brake springs and corn head grease for the u-joint. Burned some weeds around the other yard art while waiting for paint to dry.

 

Go, man! Coming along great. So many small projects, even on the simple builds.

 

Yea, small wins right now. It seems like the whole build happened so fast and then full stop with the brakes. Once I get the axle back in and the brakes sorted, it should be full steam ahead again.