This is my wife and my 29 speedster project. This will be a working car built specifically for time distance rally events. For that reason this has been a full nut and bolt with all mechanicals rebuilt or replaced. When entry fees are 500.00 to 1,000.00 one doesn't want to spend an event broke down along side the road. The chassis is now complete enough (some small items remain) for me to start on the body which when finished will be painted silver. The interior will be maroon and my wife Maggie will be sewing the interior together. Thought I would post some pictures of the project. It's not that special compared to some on this list (my jaw has bounced off the floor countless times viewing project threads here) but it's special to us.................Keith
A couple pictures of the tub. I had to build a cradle for the body as we only have a one car garage. The rear is two pancaked hoods. I did not do the metal work as this was already done when we purchased the car. My Pops was the tin bender in the family.
Can't tell what head you have or what's inside i.e. inserts or babbitt. What crank, flywheel, etc.? Would like more details ... let's talk shop. Also, you didn't say whether your wife will drive or be the navigator. Do you have a pre-nup?
That chassis looks better than a new one would - nice work! Can't wait to see the body in place. Spence.
First I want to thank all you guys for your compliments, high praises indeed! Neal, the tires are Goodyear 6.00-16's that we picked up from Wallace Wade here in Dallas. We have been buying buying our tires from him for over 20 years and have never had a negative experience. If you PM me I will provide his phone and email addie.
The engine that came with the car was shot. I normally rebuild my engines but I ran the numbers for parts and machine work and it made more sense to buy a short block from H and H than do it myself. So this little gem has counter balanced crank, inserts, B cam, and SS lifters. It's the original fly wheel with new ring gear, new pressure plate, clutch disk and throw out bearing. I rebuilt the original transmission and rear end. (Rebuilding the A rear end has been the most difficult task of the project) All the brakes and wheel bearings have been replaced. The car has/is being converted to 12 volt neg ground. Starter has been rebuilt to 12 volt. As to the head. There is a metal tag below the water neck that is stamped "F46" and a under scored "12" to the right of the number one spark plug. No other marking other than the "Ford" script which is part of the casting. I believe the head to be a 29 head? I would appreciate someone confirming that.
H&H? I would have guessed Ron Kelley. You must live so close by. Why have you decided not to use a higher compression head like one of Brumfield's? That's generally the first thing guys reach for. It appears you've been very specific about what you want ... is there something about the stock head that works better for you? Did you lighten the stock flywheel? Are those 81's? Or something bigger ... I can't tell. Have you used adjustable jets before? Sorry for all the questions, but I try to stay in touch with the 'A' side of the hobby by helping a couple buddies (who lurk but don't post) with their speedsters. Below is the Amazing Don Higgs who not only drove the Great Race in his '29 speedster but cooled off from the race by driving a solo round-trip (at 72), Jacksonville FL to Fairbanks AK. This is his hillclimber, that he recently took to Unicoi, during some time trials. Thanks for the response ... you have a great looking car going there.
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