It should, I made it with the alternator as far out as it can be, even though the bracket could open more. It looks tighter than it is, but its an early T, so everything is tight.
Left at 4:50 am yesterday and went over to @Austin kays to trade and pick up some parts, and see the new toy he just snagged. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 3, 2023 at 7:51 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 3, 2023 at 7:51 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 3, 2023 at 7:51 AM its a neat piece, and I had a 36 cowl and hood for the cause. Once I got back home I started cutting into my 3/16 plate and fashioned the main section of floor. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 3, 2023 at 7:51 AM finished up the lower firewall, Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 3, 2023 at 7:51 AM stuck in the under seat panels, and made a bracket for the charging ports. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 3, 2023 at 7:51 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 3, 2023 at 7:51 AM I had to bend the main floor in the center, to follow the frame rails, and boy, was that a trip. I had to cut the bottom side of the floor and clamp it to my welding table, so I could lift my self on the edge of it, and bounce up and down. even with that, I still had to tack it and weld it as I went, clamping it down in the front to pull it into shape. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 3, 2023 at 7:51 AM I also started the under-seat belly pan, that will hold the fuse block on the driver side, and the battery on the passenger side.
It was already stiff, but its a hell of a lot heavier! I also bolted the body down and started connecting the dots, welding up the body, and it got a ton stiffer.
worked on the passenger side under-seat-pan, made the filler down (up?) to my driveshaft tunnel, and welded it in. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 4, 2023 at 7:26 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 4, 2023 at 7:26 AM I cut out this panel, much like a VW, I have the battery under the seat, and it needs just a little more clearance to fit. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 4, 2023 at 7:26 AM I made it to fit the battery I got a few weeks ago, and figured mounting a kill switch under there couldn't hurt. Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 4, 2023 at 7:26 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 4, 2023 at 7:26 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 4, 2023 at 7:26 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 4, 2023 at 7:26 AM Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 4, 2023 at 7:26 AM the kill switch mount is open on one side so I can bolt the wires to the switch and then install the switch. it will come the ground side of the battery, and the other side will run to a stud I will weld to the inside of the rail in front of it. stuff is tight, but I did get some short cables in there so I could trial it out and make sure the cables would bend like they need to, that's why the bracket is left/right orientated, cause it didn't fit the other way.
It’s 3/16 plate @lake_harley Joey, is the battery sealed? If not might think about a vent hole down there. The battery in the 46 has a little tube attached to the battery and run out of the car to vent threw a grommeted hole ~assuming your welding the sides up
the main floor is 3/16, the under-seat pan is 1/8. the battery is sealed, I could run it upside down if I wanted to.
3/16"......that explains why you mentioned it got heavy. That should brace things up pretty good! Lynn
yeah, I figured extra bracing would be needed since i'm not using a traditional style K member or anything.
not much to report, last night I went to the parts store and found some stuff I needed, then came home and cut patches for my battery box and finished welding the passenger side bellypan, then moved on, made the driver side pan and got part of it welded in. hopefully tonoght i get it finished and I can move on to the rear section of the frame Just A Big Model (T) by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 7:52 AM
Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM well i wrote a list, I'm on short strokes to finish the frame, and I knocked out a bunch of stuff last night. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM I built the bracket for the switch the other night, got cables last night, and welded my ground stud on tonight. but it needed to mount somehow. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM I just bent some Sheetmetal up and over the battery, interlocking into the notches on the top. then I had to tackle those pesky open spring pockets. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM so I made a template, cut out a piece, and stuck it in. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM I partially welded it, and the rest will be seam sealed. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM crazy to think I spent a whole night on a few square feet of space. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 5, 2023 at 11:55 PM
Almost had it tonight, finally had to call it for the day. I will be done with the frame once I weld a couple mor things tomorrow, then i have a buddy coming by on sunday to help start grinding and smoothing the rails for paint. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 12:29 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 12:29 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 12:29 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 12:29 AM observant people will note some of the changes I've made, I built a back wall for the cabin, finished the spring pocket covers, ground a bunch of ugly off stuff, and even hid a tube for my wiring to run down inside the passenger framerail. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 12:29 AM I also welded the nuts in for the rear shock mounts. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 12:29 AM I'll finish off with one of my favorite tools. I got this screw jack years ago, and have used on almost every project I've built. it moves up by turning the slot on the base, a large screwdriver does it for me, but the best part, is that it moves tiny precise amounts and still provide a good amount of pressure. here it is used to bring the sheetmetal tunnel back into spec, meeting the back wall to be welded. till tomorrow!
hey I made it upstairs before midnight tonight! I finished getting the frame welded, but it looks the exact same, just with a couple more holes and a few more feet of welding. So, instead, I'll show you my latest bad idea. I've had these old 461 casting double hump heads for awhile, and after looking at them as i walked past everyday I finally couldn't look as that ugly casting seam any longer, so I strapped a mask on, and started at it. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:44 PM then I thought, man the ends have a weird seam on the bottom too. better get those while I'm here... Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM from there it just got out of hand... Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM and to compare to the second head in un- touched form... Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM and once I was done I was required by law to mock it up ... Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 7, 2023 at 11:43 PM that will do. and the two people that ever notice it, will appreciate it. . . or cringe if they've done it before. well I cant really feel my fingers so I'm gonna go to bed, then tomorrow after church, I'll grind on the frame. . . cause that will help my hands.
yesterday was a long day, and its still not done. luckily I had help, Mike showed up and ground on the frame while I bounced around from welding stuff, grinding on little hard to reach places, and finishing the rest of the frame out.. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 9, 2023 at 7:34 AM at the end of the day we have one rail at about 95% and a couple more braces added in. before (passenger side) Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 9, 2023 at 7:34 AM after (driver side) Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 9, 2023 at 7:34 AM extra bracing Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 9, 2023 at 7:34 AM today we are gonna work on the driver side. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 9, 2023 at 7:34 AM
Mike came over again tonight and we knocked it in the head, everything is ground. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 9, 2023 at 10:53 PM and a spy photo from the shop tonight... Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 9, 2023 at 10:53 PM
And she's off! Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 12, 2023 at 12:44 AM I borrowed dad's work truck cause its easy to get stuff in and out of. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 12, 2023 at 12:44 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 12, 2023 at 12:44 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 12, 2023 at 12:44 AM kinda neat to see the frame out in the wild. next time you see it, it will be painted!
While the chassis is gone, I've been slaving away painting all the little stuff. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 13, 2023 at 8:20 AM and the bigger stuff.. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 13, 2023 at 8:20 AM and fiddled around with some ideas of details.. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 13, 2023 at 8:20 AM and I also got my nails done. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 13, 2023 at 8:20 AM
well this long weekend has been a roller coaster. As I left of in my last post, I took my chassis over to a buddies shop to shoot black, while I worked on other things in preparation for assembly when it got back. I shot more little pieces, Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:39 AM also finished my spindles, and assembled and checked the clearances. I had to get flat top perches turned down by a buddy, they were new speedway parts, that were over 5thou off from end to end! once we got the coating and the irregularity knocked out, they were a perfect slip fit. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM Since I'm not running a spring over, (and I don't have faith in the little keys anyway) I had a buddy tig weld the shock mounts to the bottom of the perches, then I took the forging marks and the rough texture off of them. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:39 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:39 AM afterwards I thought they needed a little something, so I added an outline on the outside, and on the inside, where it will be mostly hidden by a shock, a little fun detail. Then I started work on the rearend. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM A lot of work, and I brain farted and never got a finished shot of it... the mounts are for the spring perch and the hairpins, and the flat between them will get a bung and be the bottom shock mount. I also painted my headlights as a test, and they turned out great! Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:33 AM its a hard color to photograph, kinda a Blue/Grey/Purple I got a very important package on Saturday, from my buddy @bchrismer , since I'm gonna be a roadster driver, I have to have a roadster hat! Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:39 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:39 AM And now for the low part... I hate to say bad things about people, but man this just wrecked me. I went over sunday night, hoping to see a finished, dry chassis, almost ready for pickup.. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:39 AM and while it looked good from afar, it was far from good looking. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 17, 2023 at 8:39 AM this is just one of 6 or 7 spots I found that had NO paint on them. the passenger side rail I worked hard to get flat has a set of runs that go nearly the whole rail. and my "buddy" didn't even see anything wrong with it. No apologies, no help to fix it. So I brought it home. once it kicks off fully, i'll start sanding the runs out, and start prepping to paint it again. . in my shop.. like I should have just done in the first place. "If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself" stay tuned.
While that's not always the case, that's a pretty good plan. If I mess something up on my own at least I only have myself to blame.....or to be disappointed with. Lynn
Ha! This 'lesson' had to be learned multiple times from THIS writer... but I'm getting better. Older, too.
Hate to hear that about the frame paint Joey. Especially from a friend. Stinks big time. The project as a whole is looking awesome though....you're killing it!
Making great progress even with the setback on the frame. I guess this helps me justify why I have always painted my own stuff for both this reason as well as the fact that I can't afford to pay anyone to do it. Oh, and leave it to Bret to make sure you look the part as a roadster pilot.
Thanks for the encouragement guys. After waiting a bit to let it dry out, and also a bit more just cause I got pissy whenever I looked at it, I finally sanded on it and got it ready to paint. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 20, 2023 at 9:28 AM drink coffee, get stuff done. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 20, 2023 at 9:28 AM I got it shot with a layer of primer last night, and found a couple runs I didnt get out enough. I'll sand them out tonight and give it another coat in spots. then I should be ready for a satin coat, and then body color paint for the outside of the rails. maybe start assembly mondayish?
what a wild weekend. If you know me personally, you know that I work for the Missouri department of transportation (no I can't get your road fixed, don't ask) So when it snows, I have to go plow snow in a big yellow truck. This last week I was on nights, and therefore had to plow 7pm to 7am. this threw the whole weekend off, as I had to sleep during the day on Saturday so I could plow Saturday night into Sunday. Even so, I snuck some black in on Saturday and got a good final base layer down. then when I got back on Sunday morning, I went straight to the garage. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM taped off the rails, Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM shot primer, then laid some body color down. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM I had to touch up the steering box mount due to some tape leakage, Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM then I could finally unmask it... Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM then finally a shot of matte clear to even the sheen out on the frame and make everything play nice. Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM hopefully the next update is a partially assembled frame... Just A Big Model T by BigJoeArt posted Jan 23, 2023 at 7:44 AM
The Jalopy Journal
