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

I have to wonder if some, or maybe all, of the tubing was salvaged from WW2 airplanes. Just my mind going off on a tangent...

 

That's a curious thought. 4130 was apparently typically braised until 1953 when Boeing documented their TIG procedure.

I found some interesting reading on the history of 4130 in airplanes and race cars. https://www.aedmetals.com/news/the-...gth-to-weight,the production of seamless tube.

 

Most Chromoly chassis Dragsters were gas welded until NHRA mandated Tig around '68.

 

Do you have any idea when Chromoly/4130 was first used for dragsters?

 

Just a guess, but Kent Fuller revolutionized Dragster chassis building around 1961, and used moly. Scotty Fenn’s Chassis Research cars were mild steel. Not sure about Dragmaster.

 

The tubes I bent for the rear section, didn't come out the way I wanted, and I had to make some changes. the lower tube is now correct for length and shape, and I put together a mockup of the shoulder hoop, to check for fit, before bending the real product. I was also able to borrow some wheels and tires, for mockup as well. These are 10" wheels with 11.5 tires, I am still on the search for some solid Halibrand, 15X8, with 5 on 5" bolt circle. The tire will be 9" wide.

 

You can take the boy outta the dragster, but you can't take the dragster out of the boy!

You're going to be a busy boy at the dragstrip between the '29 and the rail (and whatever you come up with in the meantime).
If you need me to come there to drive one or the other, let me know. I can change the gears in the Quickchange, too!

 

Well Bruce, I will need a driver for one or the other, I will let you know when to get the plane ticket ! It's taking me a little time to get my drive back on these projects, but making progress a day at a time.

 

Well, you definitely must be feeling better sir.

 

Yeah, making a comeback, just need a little more energy !

 

I finally cleaned them to check for names. Found none. There is a 102 RH cast into both of mine. I guess I have two right handers (one has a rear wheel cylinder and one has a front), but it sure looks like they could fit on either side. The bolt pattern is the same as an early Ford spindle, but the casting at the top is in the way so a 37-41 spindle won't drop in there. Haven't tried a 48 spindle though. I bet they were made for use with the truck rear axle stubs, commonly also used on the fronts too. I'll have to dig even deeper to find one to try it on.

 

Mine are like yours, but are drilled in the Later Ford 9" Big Bearing (1/2" bolts) pattern.

I'm sure you're right about the truck spindles. That was the go to for the stock car boys.

I'l have to look again for the numbers.

 

I was able to make a deal on a pair of these Palimides, close enough for me. Like the ones I ran back in 1986 .

 

R H does not mean right side. Frankland Engineering part number. Aluminum ones tended to break at the mounting holes. F E came out with steel ones. I have the open F E backers on several of my cars. I have 1 set to sell.

 

I’ve had some others in the past, and I do have a single steel one now too. It doesn’t have any numbers or brand on it either.

That 48 spindle just barely fits in there.

 

I TIG welded all my super late model chassis much to the chagrin of the stock car racers. The left door bars and the main roll bars were mild steel. The upper nose bridge bar was.065" wall 4130. All the rest was .049" wall 4130. No flex chassis. A good example of how my cars handled 1990 NASCAR North Grand National race. Tom Rosati led for 164 laps and lost a cylinder. 36 laps on 7 cylinders. He won the race. Picture of my short track late model chassis.

 

Got some tires mounted on the new/old wheels, happy with the fit, will leave room for the exhaust between the body and the tire sidewall.

 

Some progress in the last couple of days. I reworked a bracket/stand to hold the front axle at the correct height. The front tires I will be using are a couple inches shorter than the ribs on wide 5's, but these will get me in the ballpark. I bent up the new shoulder hoop halves and fitted the required 6" inner sleeve, and have determined the amount of bend they will need near the engine. Now, with the caster set at 12 degrees and the front spring in place, I will be able complete the intersection of the front frame tubes, and fab a bolt on, height adjustable front spring perch. Also, I bead blasted one of the Australian, Halibrand front wheels that were gifted to me from Graham Harris, a buddy form Victoria, Australia. They are going to clean up great.

 

How is ‘Ol Graham Cracker and did he ever figure out the magic of the internet. Catch up with you soon sir. Love the wheel choice and this should be a fun build to watch come together.

 

We talk once a week, and no he doesn't have a computer yet !

 

Sure looking good Marty

 

Saw this and thought of you!

 

I have seen that one, magnificent workmanship, but scary ! It would be nice to know who owned and built it. Looking close those might be the same style 4 slot Romeo Palimidies wheels that I have. With the 70 degree weather, I have been cutting the grass, tonight I got the lower rear section put together and set for good. Tomorrow the shoulder hoop should be welded together and tacked in place. Then we can make some headway, and get this looking like a chassis !

 

Marty, the enclosed dragster belonged to Gary McArthur, and was named "Americas Most Beautiful Competition Car" at the 1960 Oakland Roadster Show. I t did indeed have Palimedes 4 slot rear wheels and was powered by a 461" Oldsmobile engine. The body was built by Jack Hagemann. It was a very good looking dragster.

Mick

 

Here's a couple shots of it at the Oakland show.

Mick

 

Thanks Mick !

 

Beautiful car! I'm assuming all they ran was a lap belt?

 

I picture a giant spring like Will E. Coyote, "For Emergency Use", but you are probably right.

 

Hi Marty! I went back and looked at your pics of your Street Roadster... sooooo cool! And now the Top Banana? I know you've been talking about building a runnable replica... glad to see it happening!
Not sure if you ever saw the Street Roadster I built almost ten years ago... I had visions of getting a bunch together to go racing. You know how that goes...

 

How have you been, my friend ! Too bad you are not here, plenty of head scratching going on today. Do you still have the Roadster Pickup, I know it was fast !