*MrModelT Goes to Bonneville 2012: Who wants to cruise with me?*

That is certainly a bit of a drive, but as I mentioned, we may be making a "last call" big meet up in Salt Lake City for those who are coming from the east coast or mid-west.

We'd still love to have you along no matter where you can meet up with us!

 

Rob!

I was really hoping that you would be joining us on this or at least meeting up with us there! How early are you planning to get there?

 

Very glad to see everyone's interest in the trip. I'm looking forward to it for sure!

Just curious, everyone that is headed to Bonneville, where are you starting out from? I don't want to hijack MrModelT's thread, I'd just like to get a scope of where everyone travels from to get to B-Ville.

 

Your not Hijacking at all Andy....curious on this myself. I would love to have as many cars as I can get from the continental U.S. and Canada that want to go.

 

Just found your thread. I'm seriously considering joining your caravan, I'm based in Portland Oregon too. I think it would be a once in a life time, first hand adventure experience. It has me questioning my Ranchero as to if it is up to the challenge. This trip is no joke...but the memories will be priceless.

No matter what I choose, I hope that your trip will be epic.

 

Wow, this sure will be something to look forward to.
I will be following your progress, and who knows, maybe even find a way to be on the salt.

 

We're all looking forward to the trip! And, we're welcoming anyone that would like to attend. You could say that the planning might be a little early for the trip but we're just trying to work out all the details before they can become problems. I think it will be epic and I'm definitely looking forward to it. By the way, how's the T coming along Clayton?

 

Andy! Glad to here from ya my friend!

As Andy says...we're trying to make this trip as EPIC as possible...it will truly be a "once in a lifetime" kind of trip for sure!

I started this thread early to stir up some interest, get as many people involved that would like to go and, like Andy mentioned...get everything "ironed out" before they become problems.....

As for the T, It is coming along....well the engine is at least.

At last report, All the machine work is done, bearings poured and assembly has begun.....next stop: the balancing shop.

In the mean time I have been collecting the needed part for phase two: the swap.

Over the last week or two I have also lucked out on some neat finds, like this...

A complete, low roadster top....most likely Model A. The top is rotted yes...but the correct folding bow assembly isn't...and it fits my car almost perfectly...





And it had the side curtains...



Also found a new trans assembly with a good reverse drum...


..A new E-brake handle...


And a COMPLETE set of 5 VERY nice '26 wire wheels, all the hubs and brand new bearings and seal..


...and a set of early knock-off spinners to with them..


Also have the mag drive now...but no pics yet..


The engine SHOULD hopefully be done this coming month...from what I hear. Once its back.....we begin tear down!

Stay turned for more!

 

Carlton, The new top looks like it will fit your "T" just right. Looking forward to you new mill coming to life ! Will stay tuned.

Dave

 

Your new top looks fine "AS-IS" I wouldnt change a thing!!

 

you can do it!!!!!!

 

Count me in on this. I will try to keep up with GARY and his "T"

 

Thanks Dave! Mike @ the Antique Auto Ranch said that I should have the new mill late this month or early next....

I know....and I don't intend to change it much. The aluminum tube frame is great, but suffers in two places:

1. it is a bit cumbersome to put up or down. It really takes two people and is NOT something you can do in a hurry if you need it up...

2. It just doesn't look "right" to me - personal opinion. The aluminum tube and plastic fittings work great, but don't fit that period look.

I have always been searching for an original top to complete this car...even after this top was built...and intended to switch it out if I found one. They simply proved hard to come by so I gave up....'till I stumbled across this one. The color will not change (I have thought of changing it to black...but I know I would H.A.M.B.ers after me from here to Christmas for such an abomination ), nor will the style....it will just receive the finishing touches I intended, yet never completed.

Excellent! We would love to have you both aboard...the more, the better!

Btw...Nice Model A!

 

Yeah Mitch!!!!

Funny my ears must have been burning. I just ordered some 3.54 gears from Snyder's yesterday.

I'll let you guys know how she handles the trip next month.

 

El Mitch...Good looking A.

 

This soulds like a great trip. I would love to join along if the timing with work is alright next season. I'll be coming down from spokane Wa.

 

Definitely going to be AWESOME!!!!

There's some way cool rides planning on being on this trip!

So, Clayton, I know that we talked about rooms and such, what about along the way? Do we know (or have some idea) where we should be stopping for the night leading up to this event? I think there might be a good reason for an impromptu Traditional Tin Parking Lot Cruise-in at each stop. Yes? No? I'll bet there will be some occasions for some EXTREMELY cool photos and videos!

 

Glad to see this thread pop up again (even though I'm subscribed). We're 11ish months away, how are plans coming?

 

We would LOVE to have you rollin' with us Nailhead! Keep me posted (PM) on if you can make it as the "go time" gets closer. I will be posting the trip schedule and the route as we get closer as well. Maybe you could come down to Portland and meet us?

That sounds like a great Idea, and a ton of fun! Chris and I have been talking about where to stay along the way and will be setting that in stone very shortly.

Well, so far we're movin' right along Chris and I are working to finalize plans for travel and lodging and our travel times and still plugging away on both the "Special" and very soon, my roadster.

Here is the latest update I posted for the progress on the roadster:

I know that many of you have followed this thread and my many exploits...and those in league with my "partner in crime" Chris Becker (powerwagonmaniac) here on the H.A.M.B. with great interest and respect. For this I am honored. I also know that many of you know of our plans to DRIVE our T's (my roadster and the "Becker Special") to Bonneville for Speed Week in 2012.





In light of this somewhat daunting journey, I realize that the "Special" is all new and fresh...yet my ol' roadster is not in it's prime and needs a full "work over" before we go. This "work over" will include an entirely new engine, transmission, rear axle, suspension and general clean up on the under carriage.

Here is the link to the build thread for my roadster's traveling companion: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...light=mrmodelt

So On to the goods! The new engine will be a bit more of a "monster" then it's predecessor and specs out as follows:

'26-'27 block, bored .080 over
'26-'27 "EE" series crank
Egge .080 pistons
.300C full-race cam
289/302 Ford SB V8 valves
New babbit bearings (rods/mains)
fully balanced engine/transmission

The work was done by Tom and Mike of the Antique Auto Ranch who did an down right fantastic job.

The Short Block:


The Underside:


The new bearings and balanced rods with oil "dippers" (for added oiling to the rods):


The new vales (289/302 SB Ford) with new hardened Stainless Steel seats:


The bottom side of the valves with new modern style keepers:


The new Pistons....yeah, those stamping mean what ya think they do


The rebuilt transmission:


I also received my new carburetors on Monday. I have been asking around on the H.A.M.B. as to the type of carbs I should use and if the pair of 97's I had intended to use would be too much. No matter who I talked to, I always got the same answer..."Go for a pair of 81's, you'll be better off"

So I got in contact with Uncle Max here on the H.A.M.B. who specializes in Stromberg 48 , 97 and 81's and does AMAZING work! He was kind enough to custom build a set of 81's for this motor. Monday they appeared on my desk at work:





That concludes this update, but there shall be more to come as we tear into the roadster to install her new "Heart" .....Stay tuned!


I will have plenty more as the months progress, but in plenty of time for anyone that wants to go to make plans.

Clayton - Mr.ModelT

 

Great update!! That engine looks like it's going to run like a top. And I am stoked about those carburetors because I just sent Uncle Max 4 of my own 97's to get the full treatment on for my '35. Thanks for the update.

 

First and foremost Jeffery....I love your '35...and your super build thread! There is just "something" about it....the look....the stance....the feel....it just has "IT" ...I would of course like to see a flatty in that engine bay normally, but I gotta say....that 265 (or 283) is really doin' it for me lol!

..but in all Hot Rod seriousness, nice work

I'm pretty stoked too! ..The twin 81's/Burns induction setup will be and "adventure" in and of itself, but I don't think it will put up much of a fight....at least I hope not

Uncle Max does FANTASTIC work...the 81's he built for me are almost too damn nice to put on an engine! When I finally get to my '29 AV8, I will have him redo my set of 97's....but I would want him to rebuild my exact carbs, because they were my Grandpa's and are the same ones he ran on the car I plan to replicate.....and they still bare the cut off air horns, his handy work

2011:


1952:

 

We have been talking about routes there and back. With 2 cars being relatively new and with a little mileage on them we are talking about doing 250 miles to 275 miles a day. Probably go I-84 first stopping in Baker City or La Grand and second night around Twin Falls and 3rd night in Wendover. So I will be looking for lodging in those locations within the next couple of months. Trouble trailer is lined up. My friend Loren has a big one ton Chevy with flat deck trailer which can fit two cars on it if need be. Got too finish the two cars first though!!

Chris Becker

 

Glad this one came back up.

Clayton, that motor looks great!!!

Chris, good to hear what your doing.

We did a couple 275 mile days in the T and it whipped us pretty good. The run from Austin, NV to Wendover and somewhere else hot as hell.

200 miles was nice, more then that and we wanted out of "that damn T"!

Can't wait to do it again.

I know it's out of the way for you guys but the run on Hiway 50 is awesome. Either way we'll meet up.

 

http://www.myspace.com/superttour/blog

Tom Carnegie drove 10,000 Mils in a Model T in one sitting. He did roughly 225 miles a day.

 

Mike I am figuring some where in the neighborhood of 200 to 250 day. I've done it before in our stock 1919 touring and it can be done you'll be tired.

Gary looking forward to meeting you.

Chris Becker

 

Chris, we met.
You gave me and my friend Theresa a ride in the touring in Portland one Sunday. We were on bicycles hanging out.

 

Gary,

I have met so many people here I can't remember who all I
Have met.

 

Figure it's about time to think about Bonneville again. Clayton and I have been looking at maps and several different road atlases. I have talked to many of my over the road truckin' buddies have come up with a tentative route...

First day August 7: about 260 miles.... Hiway 26 over Mt Hood into Warm Springs and down to Prineville. From Prineville we'll pickup Hwy 27 the Crooked River Hiway South til we hit OR Hwy20 East. Take OR20 east through Brothers Or. And onto Burns Or where we will stay the night.

Should be a good 7 - 8 hours drive (did this drive with my dad and a good friend of ours that lives some 60 miles south of Burns in 6 1/2 hrs about 10 years ago)

August 8th ......232 Burns to Winnemucca NV


Hiway 20 East to Jct. Of OR78 South to Burns of OR 95 and follow it soth to Mcdermitt through Oravada Nevada onto Winnemucca and stay the night.

Last day before Wendover August 9th about 232 miles along I-80 onto Wendover. We'll be in Wendover 4 nights and 5 days leaving around the 14th headed home via the same route.

We were thinking this way as to avoid the main interstate until we absolutely needed to, and to see some different country we haven't seen yet. The cars will be able to do 55+mph, I just don't feel comfortable thrashing them wide
Open to try to keep up with 70+mph traffic all the way there.

 

you guys camping along the way?

We have out obligatory Alviso Roadsters BBQ in Austin, NV on the 9th and roll with the convoy on Hiway 50. Last year we had 6 or 7 old cars, year before 12 or 13. Some of 'em rolling hot, some of us putting along.
Jerry the host of the BBQ sent me a PM to extend the invite to everybody who's doing the drive with Clayton and yourself.
Austin is a neat town. The mayor drives his Model T around for official mayor type duties.

That last stretch will be a doozy but doable. Soon as you hit The Nugget you will be revitalized

Maybe Anna and myself will meet you guys in Burn's and split off in Battle Mountain if you don't want to add the miles to Austin.

 

I have heard of the Alviso BBQ and Jerry was very kind enough to send us an invite. I would love to go and told Jerry I would give him a call.

Sounds like a heck of a party!