Projects Barn Find Model A Speedster -Build Thread

On my Mom's speedster (T) the Rajo had t ports cut into it many years ago, they were then welded closed before she got it. If I ever get the car they will be opened back up and a pair of winfields put on her.

 

I'd check to see if the frame rails are 1928-31 Chevrolet.

 

This is the shell I built for mine out of '29 sedan roof corners. You can also see the angles used to bolt the body to the frame platform.



I used the fender extensions from a '46 to '48 Chevy to form the tail. For the cowl flar I'm using the cowl top from a '24 T rdstr. The car is on hold and in storage now. I'll look for more pictures to post.

Ron

 

Wow, what a great find, and very nice thread. Keep the updates coming please

 

If you use one of the programs that allow you to see satellite pics, you can go to St. Robert Mo. and then find I-44 and the 163 exit.

Proceed south on the road until you find the Concrete plant on the east side of the road. If you then go east and south a little you might be able to see the old race track. That might have been where the car was raced.

Live in Waynesville, Mo. and that's the only track that folk around here talk about. Might have been another, but way before my time here.

Best of all luck on the build. Really ought to be cool when done.

VonDad

 

Thanks for the help and info..
The grill shell is one piece, not welded up out several pieces. So it's 'original'

I have all the angles that bolt the body to the frame.

I will build the body from scratch, I have all the tools and have learned alot on how to shape metal.

My bellytanker is all hand built

 

I have run Riley's for many years, and never seen or heard of one with intakes on both sides of the head. Were the left side ports added on, brazed or ??? I'm currently running 4-ports in my pickup and tudor, ran a 2-port back in the 60's and 70's.

 

good to see another racer come out of the barn...

 

It looked like the ports are brazed... It just has the flame welded look.

 

What a score,with family history too boot! I'm jealous.....keep the updates coming man. Good luck.

 

Managed to get a few hours in on the body today between family, school, and welding on another guys car.

I pretty well got the rad. shell roughed in. Just a few tweeks and It will be ready for detail work

 

No fair not showing how you got to this point on the grill shell without pictures of the process!!!!!

.

 

That's looking great! Back in the day, you could buy shells from several shops. One of them was Miller. It's not uncommon to find one, say a Miller, with the opening modified or a screen welded in it.

Ron

 

I could show you a couple of ways of doing it...... from simple to harder... interested??

 

Yes we are interested, thats why we are here!

 

I'll see what I can work up this weekend.
I'm building two cars, so I have one more to build

 

What a great find! Congratulations

 

nothing left to say but 'OUTSTANDING"

 

"Interested?" would be an understatement!!!!

Ron

 

Here's a link to the tech onhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6351120&posted=1#post6351120

how I was building the read shell

 

Quicker. Thanks for posting the tech!!!!

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6351120&posted=1#post6351120


.

 

You have one GREAT PROJECT! And it looks as if you are doing it "just right". In addition to your mechanical and metal work; you should interview those that had anything to do with the car. Get everything down in "black and white" so that the rest of the world will know what "blood and sweat" was shed over this beautiful piece of history.

I can't see from the photos which frame that it was originally. I've enclosed some photos of my car that may, or may not help.

I did not find the wreckage; or build this car. Craig Lillywhite did. Unfortunately, on this particular car of mine; Craig was not able to do as you are doing. The body panels were not able to be salvaged; or, were missing. And the original frame, a cut down and narrowed 1928/29 Essex, was unusable; so it was replicated. The body panels, "beat out" by Dennis Webb, were patterned after a Myron Stevens design.

Good luck; and keep up that hard work!

 

Very cool.... Nice to see it out racing again!
To many of these cars end up not being driven or sitting in a private collection where no one can see them..

 

got the one rad. shell done, here it is sitting on the car






Maybe we'll get to the body next week

 

UPdate for today.. Got the body done upto the seat area.. Maybe I will be able to get the tail done tomorrow...











I think the engine at the machine shop will be the hold up..

 

wow! your moving fast.

 

Nice work. How did you do the cowl compound curve?

Ron

 

so uhh..... ill take that old junk body off your hands

 

yup. Its made in four pieces.

The old body is going to be hung up in the shop.

 

very cool car....can't wait to see some more progress!