Building a Hamb Dragster

If I ever decide to build these things for a living I will need at least $20,000 for it. I have spent the entire day from 8:00 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. on the transmission mount. First I leveled the car and then mocked up trans, bellhousing and bare engine block. Measured everything and then started cutting steel and welding it up. It is done but it sure took a long time. I guess it is an age thing, I feel like I'm moving fast but I must be slow. It looks good and now on to the center mounts and then the front mount. If I work real hard I might be done by spring. Roy

 

Not a problem.......the question is.......are you having FUN?

That's what we are doing this for.

Build it, Run it, and grin a lot. The other stuff don't really matter.

 

So, is there a written spec for what a H.A.M.B. dragster is supposed to be built like?

 

Yes, if you search this board the HA/GR cl*** rules are here.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=185309

 

You ask if I'm having fun the answer is great big YES! My wife came out and said I should quit and finish another day but when you make something out of metal it really is satisfing. The mount looked so good that it gave me more confidence to build other parts. My welding is a little ragged but it has been several years since I did any. I notice each weld looks better. Can't wait until tomorrow. Roy

 

Would you mind posting some pictures of what you have accomplished? I'd love to see what all you have.

 

There's not an exact spec as to what it is supposed to "look" like. There are many ways to accomplish the basic formula. Find and old flathead 4,6,8,12 or whatever engine. If you want an overhead valve engine, it will have to be an inline four or six cylinder, manufactured before 1962. If you find one in runnig condition, with a manual transmission to match, you have a great start. From there, other than safety standards, tires, and vintage carboration, you have a clean sheet. Should you start with old car frame rails or new steel tubing? How should I design my steering? Suspension or not? Where should I place the engine? Where, how should I sit?

Design it however you want. Make it look and feel like it belongs in front of a Flag Man in 1954. . . . You've been drag racing your Dodge Coupe or Ford Roadster, but you want more, a RAIL. . . Man, it will be the fastest thing in the Valley. Take whatever parts you can find at that time. You don't have much money. But if you and your buddies pitch-in you could all have something to be proud-of. You haven't seen too many of these before. There's no set plan for what a dragster should "look" like. Build your dream car and have fun. . .

 

I'll take a couple of pictures and send them to Rand Man to post. I haven't figured out how to post pictures on this site yet and my camera would probably have to many pixels for the site also. I wish I was as smart as my 14 year old grandson and I might be able to figure this computor out. Roy

 

AMEN Rand Man. That sums up the whole concept of these cars.