Hot Rods Top Banana Style Slingshot Dragster- Marty Strode-Chris Kopp.

Thanks for that, will it damage aluminum ?

 

Today, I traveled down to Chris's place, to see all the work he has put into this job. After he got finished with some radiuses on the mockup, he assembled it, and got it mounted to the chassis. There will be more ribs before he starts shaping metal, but it certainly gives you an idea of the final shape. [/ATTACH]

 

I only use it on steel and iron,but If I remember correctly it is to aggressive on Alu and Zink.

 

More.

 

Great looking start. What are specs on falcon as a side note?

 

Yes citric acid will etch aluminum. I would not try to clean any polished aluminum. It tends to turn aluminum a gray/dark gray surface. It does an amazing job on steel/cast iron and other ferrous alloys. This clutch pressure plate and disc were covered with surface rust on all internal and external surfaces. I made a bath of 1/4 to 1/2 cup citric acid to a gallon of water until parts were covered with solution and soaked for 48 hours in a plastic container from Lowe’s. Powdered citric acid can be purchased from Amazon fairly inexpensively.

 

Looks like it does a great job, thanks. I have a set of rods and pistons out of a 327, that the rods have some light rust from condensation. If I have the pistons pressed off, there is a good chance of breaking a piston. I could make a rack that would have the majority of the rod submerged, and get them cleaned up.

 

That's my 65 Futura, factory 4 speed, came with a 289. I bought it in Aug '71, and it has 269,000 miles. I also have a 65 F100 that I bought in April '73 that has over 400,00 miles. I refer to the Falcon as an "old white car, for an old white man".

 

Just when I thought I could trust Chris, he sends me this picture !

 

I've always enjoyed studying these types of photos before the skin is installed, it's a lot like seeing a hot rod or drag cars' new chassis and suspension before the body goes on, always a bonus for me.
Something a lot of people don't realize is that having this kind of metalforming skill is only part of the picture, a guy needs to be pretty good with the wood buck building aspect too.

 

Chris is the whole package, and a practical joker to boot !

 

We love old hi miles cars but salt on winter roads eats them alive.

 

@Marty Strode something to consider about rust stripping the rods in an acid solution is hydrogen embrittelment. It will affect higher grades of steel more that mild steel. I admit I am more familiar with harsher acids like hydrochloric and plating solutions than I am with citric acid.

 

Some info......

https://silca.cc/blogs/silca/hydrogen-embrittlement-can-you-really-break-a-chain

 

Thanks, I can probably do a decent job with a wire wheel.

 

Thanks !! That was an enlightening read.

 

Don't let him paint your helmet!

 

when opportunity strikes…

 

Love witnessing all this craftmanship. Talented people!

 

Marty, I recently have just done that, but wrapped the pistons in cling wrap and dropped the rod in the solution. I check twice daily until I get the result I need. I used to do it this way in a white vinegar bath until I forgot some pushrods and found the vinegar ate material.

 

Thanks.

 

I’ve seen the truck before but I can’t quite place it. I think it was a movie or some damn thing. Incredibly familiar

 

Similar but had a lumber rack

 

Yes, and Alan Arkin was driving it !

 

I didn't know you were building a woody.

 

Or a duckbill,,,,,,

 

No, Woody's early Dragster looked like this. I get it, you mean a woody wagon. Notice the nose on the car behind him, The real Top Banana !

 

Do not know how far u are from body builder but would love to see more pictures of work in progress. Sheets of aluminum cut, bend in place, welded up small pieces. Love your projects

 

@AmishMike , the body builder is here on the thread too. It's @chriskopp. I don't know how willing he is to stop and take pics and share all his secrets, but judging from his replies so far, he's a craftsman and a gentleman. Just don't let him get behind you.

 

Chris is about 40 miles from me, it takes me about an hour to get there. Never any traffic, just a twisty road over a mountain, and a scenic drive. He will be taking pictures, and I will try to get some video, as it would be great to see him operate his big two headed hammer, and other machines. It would also be fun to capture the banter we have during the build process.