Hot Rods 29 RPU- "Street/Strip" B/SR Build - Marty Strode

Got a late start today, but got things racked up. I use Cool Mist for lube when notching tubes, to control the mess, fine sawdust works great. Since I am not an Engineer, and never make scale drawings of my projects, and while working alone, sections of tubing can be awkward to handle. In this case I made a guesstimate of the height of the the upright posts at the motorplate area. A couple modifications to get the correct angle for fit, I tacked them on, and was able to get the shoulder hoop in place temporarily. It was also a gamble on the bend angle at the front, where the front tubes will telescope. @chriskopp I will be looking for you on Thursday, to finalize the the front network of tubes to fit inside the nose section.

 

Marty,
In the last picture, are those torsion bar arms? If so, can you tell me what the c-c length is and who makes them?

Thanx,

Bruce

 

Bruce,
They are cast aluminum friction shocks, by a local foundry. I don’t think he makes them anymore. They have Imperial name cast in, as some other items he produced, like Cad Flathead blower intakes, and other excellent products. I am going to try to make them work.

 

If you find another pair, I'd be interested.

 

Looking good!

 

I believe that’s guys name is Colin and I have one of the Flatcad blower intakes on my motor his products are top notch I have one question Marty did you get the roadster pickup done or are you like me and started a dragster build even though your so close to making the pickup run and drive lol

 

Holler if you and Chris need a spectator once in awhile.

 

Yes, his name is Colin, and he makes beautiful stuff. As far as the RPU goes, I pulled off of it to get the Slingshot far along enough for Chris to fit it in his window. When he takes it to do the body, I can wrap up the truck. That is the only way I have a chance to run both cars this Year. Got to make the time count.

 

Hi Marty, haven't been here much lately so I have been catching up on your build. Your stuff is always cool, informational and inspiring. It also got me to thinking about Pat and the Spalding roadster. Did Billy ever finish it up? I have never seen anything about it and was just curious. I only met him once at Louisville, but everything he did or wrote about was a big inspiration to me. Good luck with your projects. Larry

 

Larry, I haven’t talked to Billy since around Christmas. His plan was to start work on the Spalding after The GNRS. I sent him thumb drive with 1650 pictures of the build, to aid in his assembly. He is in such high demand, and I would bet it would be hard to find time for the commitment, but we know he will finish it to perfection. I never took for granted, how lucky I was to have Pat’s trust and friendship, he was clearly special to so many of us !

 

Today I cut and cleaned the 1-3/8" 4130 front tubes, and modified my tooling to make the mild bends required. Thought it might look better with the proper front wheel and tire. Tomorrow will be fun !

 

Well, physical therapy in Tigard at noon tomorrow. What time does the show start.

 

Chris and I are going to start around 10, it's going to be a short day as we are only going to get the the the front tubes roughed in, for width at the nose. I am picking up a shorty Glide on Sat, so I can finalize the engine location. Also, I ordered a Strange steering box this morning, and need the other half of the pinion coupler. One of the next things will be figuring out what to use for radius rods, as the original had pretty long ones, around 42".

 

Marty, I assume you are not at the swap meet(s)?
I did good yesterday selling and zip today. Off to Expo tomorrow (Friday)

Dave

 

Dave, I didn't need anything right now, that I thought I would find there. Have fun !

 

I figured that you had a reason I just wasn’t sure if I had missed it lol I’m ready to see both of these cars running hope to see you and at least one of them at the estranged drags in toutle wa in Aug

 

Hi Marty,

Same George Santos who ran the small block Chevy top alcohol car with his son Rick in the late 80's in to the 90's? Man, I loved the sound of that car. You sir have gumption! Kicking butt on two cars.

 

That TAD sounded absolutely angry.

 

And mopped up the Hemis for awhile!

 

Johnny, I was down for 2-1/2 months, just trying to make up for time, that you can't replace at this age. Chris and I got the rear section welded up and all tacked in place, followed by some tweaking of the tubes at the the motorplate area. I next built a stand to clamp the front crossmember at the correct height, followed by bending the lower RH rail.
I am very happy with the shape and tapers !

 

5 Championships !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Morning Marty,

That darn time catches up to all of us! I have 1 year and 4 months until retirement. But who's counting? I can't wait but at the same time I think, don't wish your life away, already goes way to fast. I was hoping to get the new motor and trans in the Willys this year so I could give you and that roadster pick up a run for your money at Toutle. Thinking it might be a good match, nothing more fun than coming up to that finish line with your competitor right there with you. Going to be one more year with that tired old 396. All about time, got the junk to put the motor together and the trans is all done and sitting on the shelf, car needs some chassis upgrades before the running gear upgrade. Unlike my hero Marty I'm only good for one project at a time! That dragster is going to be a thing of beauty. Take care.

John

 

I got one of the most difficult tasks done this afternoon, getting the front frame tubes connected to the front crossmember. I developed this method of getting everything in tapering the ends of the tubes, and running a hole saw while in place. The key to holding the centers is drilling a 1/4" hole, ( I used my rotary punch) in a piece of 10 ga steel, and drilling with a hole saw in the drill press, not all the way through. Then tack weld the plate in place and drill it in place. place,

 

Marty, You always make it look so easy!!

 

Thanks, it’s easy enough, but some of it is physical labor. Just glad I can still do it. Fun and satisfying!

 

I've learned so much from all of the tricks you've shown, Marty. Always impressive

 

As always impressive Marty

 

Are you staying busy Sam ? See you soon !

 

I should have separated the Top Banana, from this thread sooner, and now I have. The Dragster can be found @ https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...arty-strode-chris-kopp.1313966/#post-15197329
However, on the RPU after shaping a hood scoop, that I didn't like, and cutting an oval opening, I had Chris hammer up a very nice flange to give it some style. The opening will make it easier to squirt the injector to start, and will ge plenty of air.

 

Busy enough, gotta get together, in our spare time hahaha