Just got my new Hot Rod going last weekend, just in time for the Halloween car show at the Shiners. Took a few pics., thought you might want to take a look. Had to trim the 17 inch flex fan to clear the neck on the radiator, did a pretty good job at regular cruising speeds, but today I turned her up pretty hard and the blades hit, tearing the fan all to hell. Just glad it didn't get into the Walker radiator, or cut any hoses. I was able to drive home, and the punk still got his ass spanked.
Thanks much, going to do some motor changes this winter, either a single tunnel ram or a small blower, can't make up my mind. I already have the Tunnel Ram, so that would be my cheapest way. I was also going to add a top, but I think it looks better this way
Just wondering.... when ya "turned her up pretty hard".... How well did she slow down with NO front brakes??????
I have to say that brakes are over rated, I think many accidents could avoided, you can't steer with the front wheels locked up. Lock up the rear wheels to slow you down and be able to steer in a safe direction at the same time. I drove my bucket at totally unsafe speeds 365 days a year in all wheather, and never once had a "Oh Shit!" moment. maybe I'm just a superior driver (NOT!) racing cross country dirt bikes for years makes one more in tune with reacting to sudden suprises. you might want to build your car to suit your driving style
Size/proportion your brakes properly and it's not an issue. It's not a motorcycle, ain't gonna dump it if the front brakes lock momentarily. Other cars on the road sometimes determine driving style. They have front brakes.
There is NO logic or validation for not having brakes on the front of a street drivem car. If the fronts are locking up, fix them so they don't. The people who think they don't need them are probably the same ones who think seat belts trap you in a car during an accident.
<TABLE id=HB_Mail_Container height="100%" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0 UNSELECTABLE="on"><TBODY><TR height="100%" UNSELECTABLE="on" width="100%"><TD id=HB_Focus_Element vAlign=top width="100%" background="" height=250 UNSELECTABLE="off">Very cool. Thank you for not using a 32 grille shell!! Looks like alittle rocket!! Congrats on getting it on the road!-Sololobo/Roadburners of Omaha </TD></TR><TR UNSELECTABLE="on" hb_tag="1"><TD style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height=1 UNSELECTABLE="on"> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
With the engine location and the driver on board that car has over 60 % rear weight. It also 4 inch wide tires on front and 12 plus inches of rubber on the rear. I noticed that the HAMB 50s style rail drag cars dont have front brakes.. Do modern funny cars have front brakes?? I would say that front brakes are little over rated on light short cars with large rear weight bias. .. My dirt IMCA type open wheel modified {56 % rear weight} does not have a fuctional right front brake. But I do use the front brake on my motor scooter.. Bobby..
Last I knew...YES... and they don't have other idiots on the road to watch out for driving stupidly, or small kids chasing balls across the race strip! The front brakes usually have a rotor size of either 10 or 10 1/2 inches and are made from steel, carbon fiber or aluminum, and have either 2 or 4 piston vented calipers I have to say you'd probably change your opinion the first time someone else with NO front brakes plows into you or over one of your children. BTW... nice pics... scanned from photos in the 70's??? Yeah, O.K. ... lock up the rear wheels and see what those 3-4 inch wide front skinnies will do to steer those fatties in the rear in any direction How about 4 wheel brakes with a proportioning valve all adjusted properly? I could skimp on a lotta stuff (and have through the years)... but I doubt brakes or tire tread could be any of it. No offense T-Bucket Shawn, I realize you "just" got it together and were eager to get it somewhere to be seen and show it off and probably plan on front brakes, but for these other guys to actually try to argue the point that front brakes are not needed and over-rated, is beyond ......... well, I'll just leave it at that. P.S. hey T Bucket Shawn.... you are missing a wheel stud and nut on the right front
It has a disc brake rearend in it, and stops really well. If I had chose a drum brake rear, brakes up front would have been in place, but with the light weight of the car, and the disc rear, I think I will leave it for awhile. Thanks for all the info though...
The Jalopy Journal
