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Projects Building My First Roadster in San Francisco

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by J.Ukrop, Sep 7, 2020.

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  1. 41 GMC K-18
    Joined: Jun 27, 2019
    Posts: 4,902

    41 GMC K-18
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Hey @J.Ukrop
    Looks like you are making great progress.
    It's cool that the vintage Model A Ford show sticker found a place on the wall.
    I assume that one of the LOYOLA TERRACE placemats was given to your girl friend as well?
    Thanks for posting the current photos.
    Dennis.
     
  2. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 19,563

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    Untitled_Artwork.jpeg Now that’s a show to binge watch!
     
  3. Six Ball
    Joined: Oct 8, 2007
    Posts: 6,745

    Six Ball
    Member
    from Nevada

    Good job Tim! You have to pick a piece of local music for the background and devise a search of Joey's favorite spots in the City. It could be fun!
    In the Where in the USA version of Carman San Diego when you got yo Vermont the song was "Who Made MY Hamburger Disappear" by my friend Jeffery Fredrick & the Clamtones. I often wondered why other than that is where he was from and there may have been few other choices.
     
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  4. This is your nickname now, Joey. I don't make the rules.


     
  5. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    Thank you, Dennis! You know it. I love all the artwork, and the people around me do too. Hope you had a great holiday season and a happy new year. Here's to a big 2024 of hot rodding. Can't wait to make my way back up to your part of the world.

    BAHAHAHHAHHA this is amazing. I love it!

    We'll have to film a pilot episode with the 'banger car, then really get the show on the road with the V8!

    Hahahaahah
     
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  6. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
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    I didn't get to spend a ton of time on my car tonight, but I did make a little bit of progress. After work, I stopped by the hardware store in North Beach to get some touch-up paint for the transmission. I also, thought I could guess the size the front wheel cylinder bolt, but I ended up being slightly off. No problem—I'll bring one with me next time.
    IMG_9909.jpg
    I pulled the tie-rod and measured it so I know how much to narrow it after un-dropping the ends.
    IMG_9912.jpg
    It'll be nice to check this off the list. Once I have the tie-rod sorted, I will have the spindles reamed. Then it's paint, brakes, and final assembly for the front end!

    That's all for tonight. Hope everyone has a great Friday!
     
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  7. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
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    Oh, while I'm here, I figured I'd share a few things that caught my eye in CDMX over the holidays.
    IMG_9674.jpg
    I was shocked to see this crazy, wind-up toy Chevy in La Condesa.
    IMG_9751.jpg
    Such a great color palette.
    IMG_9826.jpg
    Orange paint inspiration.
    IMG_9818.jpg
    Horsepower.
    IMG_9785.jpg
    And, of course, cacti.

    Next time I'm down that way, I'll be working on my ongoing research of the origins of the word jalopy in Xalapa, Mexico. But more on that later.
     
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  8. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 19,563

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    I could see a little cactus on one shot on the quarter of the roadster just forward of the rear wheel.
    Fun stuff thanks for the update
     
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  9. Wheel cylinder bolts for juice brakes are 5/16"-18 x 1/2"
     
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  10. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
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    On Saturday, I got to go to one of my favorite places in the world: David's shop. The whole drive up there, I didn't listen to music or talk on the phone. Instead, I just thought about the projects we were going to take on that day. I soaked up every mile of highway—the traffic, the trees and the exit signs—and I appreciated everything I saw. Driving up Petaluma Boulevard, I just felt so glad to be there. It's hard to explain.

    And when I walked in the door, the fun began. First, a photo shoot with one of his customer's cars.
    IMG_9948.jpg
    See more on his Instagram here.
    IMG_9953.jpg
    Then we dove into modifying my oil pan. To keep everything square, we used the original block from his yellow roadster. DDH3x.jpg
    It once had Grancor heads and 3x2s.
    DDH2.jpg
    But on Saturday, it was only wearing a very fresh 1936 Ford oil pan.
    IMG_9954.jpg
    We bolted them together and prepared the torch. Then we paused. "Where would the metal go?" we asked. The more we looked, the more we realized that modifying this piece of the pan could cause a misalignment with the starter and ring gear. Since I have not yet tried this pan in the frame, we decided to not make the modification. Maybe it won't need it? Or, if it does, we can modify the wishbone instead.
    IMG_9956.jpg
    Happy with our decision, we paused for lunch. Rain? No problem for these two daily drivers.
     
  11. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 19,563

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    Maybe I missed it, maybe I just forgot but what’s the idea behind modifying the pan? Did the old one hit?
     
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  12. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,585

    RodStRace
    Member

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  13. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
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    J.Ukrop
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    The old one was a two-piece pan where the flange hit. I was just being cautious with this new pan that should—in theory—clear the wishbone. We'll paint it up, bolt it on and give it a try a little later on.

    Oh, I'll see what other info I can gather on it!
     
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  14. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
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    Back down to business. I actually had a little more of last night's update but my computer ran out of juice. Here are a few quick updates before I'm off to sleep. Picking up where we left off...

    Next, we directed our attention to the tie rod ends. If you can recall, the Speedway ends brought the tie rod too close to the frame with the engine and transmission installed. Unsure if this would work, I contacted Speedway months ago and they confirmed that they were indeed forged. So, after lunch, we dove right in.
    IMG_9960-1.jpg
    First, we used my piece of wire as a guide to draw our new drop on the bench in blue Sharpie. Then, David used his expertise to figure out the best way to clamp the ends in the vice. He reminded me that figuring out how to hold the part is often the most difficult part of a job like this.
    IMG_9963.jpg
    With torch in hand, David tackled the first bend. We alternated sides to allow for some cooling. Just like with some of the other assemblies, he took on one side and I did the other.
    IMG_9965.jpg
    After measuring the altered tie rod lengths, I cut 1.5 inches out on the Grizzly bandsaw.
     
  15. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
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    Staff Member

    IMG_9966.jpg
    Throughout this project—and all my projects—I've had issues with over-grinding welds and creating low spots. I asked David about this, and he was happy to show me the correct technique using the belt sander, files, and sandpaper straps. Note the vintage plumber's vise.
    IMG_9967.jpg
    I enjoyed the process, and I was very happy with the final result. This car is a learning experience, and I couldn't think of a better teacher.

    The final order of business was addressing the chewed-up threads on the power terminal on my rebuilt, 12V starter. I pulled it from the bed of the truck—along with another 6V starter—for inspection. We looked at them and, much to our surprise, the 12V looked completely fine. All it needs is a fine-thread nut. Talk about good luck. One more thing off the list!
    IMG_9972.jpg
    I admired one of my favorite signs on the way home. "We'll park our roadsters out front for a photo one day," I said. "We will make it happen."
     
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  16. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
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    IMG_9976.jpg
    As soon as I got home, I dropped the tie rod into position. It was a perfect fit with plenty of room for adjustment. With a little bit of primer and paint, it’ll look right at home on the nose of 2.0.
    IMG_9977.jpg
    Up in the living room, I unboxed my fresh flywheel and clutch setup that David so graciously picked up for me at the machine shop while I was at work. It's been drilled, resurfaced, and had the ring gear re-seated prior to balancing. I have to buy six new lock washers and then it'll be time for installation next week.
    IMG_9980.jpg
    I also bought a new six-spline coupler to use on the driveshaft. It has a much more snug fit than the original, which will be good with the lack of rivet pin on the quickchange.
    IMG_9981.jpg
    On to the rear it went. I re-measured everything three more times (both on and off the car) and prepared the driveshaft for shipping. Anyone want to guess how much a 66-inch 1940 Ford driveshaft weighs?
     
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  17. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
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    At this point, you're probably wondering: why modify the tie rod now? That's a great question. The reason is that I need to send out my spindles to get reamed and I wanted to have everything else finished first. So, along with driveshaft shipping prep, I focused on the spindles tonight.
    IMG_0017.jpg
    Our starting point (with everyone's motorcycles looking on).
    IMG_0020.jpg
    After pulling the loaded backing plates, I had to mock up one of the old chrome ones from @Johnny Sparkle. Talk about exciting stuff! I plan to paint the spindles white once they're ready for action.
    IMG_0021.jpg
    Disassembly continues.
    IMG_0023.jpg
    Spindles and kingpins ready to be packaged.
    IMG_0024.jpg
    That's all for now! (Note that the wishbone yolk has been disconnected in this photo, hence the wonky axle angle.)

    We're 10 days into the new year, and I feel like I'm making some steady progress. My next projects are:

    1) Installing the flywheel, pressure plate and clutch to wrap up the engine
    2) Load the chrome front backing plates with the contents of the painted ones (and buy the Vern Tardel book explaining the finer points)
    3) Work with David to turn the drums
    4) Paint, grease, and final assembly on the front end

    Those are the broad strokes of things. I'm off to Idaho this weekend to play hockey, but I should have a few more updates to share soon. Also, I have a mini road trip planned for version 1.5, so stay tuned for more on that.

    Thanks again for being a part of this journey. Let's make this happen!
     
  18. A drop of thread locker on your pressure plate bolts is advised, I don't trust the lock washers much these days, just a little peace of mind there.
     
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  19. Outback
    Joined: Mar 4, 2005
    Posts: 3,162

    Outback
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from NE Vic

    I read this thread every time I see it on the list or get a prompt,
    you might be following a well trodden path Joey, but one that is misunderstood by some who are wanting a proper hot rod but think it's out of their depth.
    You are showing us that with a little hot rod community around you all sorts of things are possible, not to mention making & deepening friendships!

    Thanks for letting us sit in the dicky seat & go for a ride :D
     
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  20. Tim
    Joined: Mar 2, 2001
    Posts: 19,563

    Tim
    Member
    from KCMO

    Good progress! I’m curious your process for narrowing the tie rod and why you opted to cut and veld verse cut and re thread the end deeper?
     
  21. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,585

    RodStRace
    Member

    Nick I fully agree that some sticky on clutch and flywheel fasteners is the way to go, on final assembly. Gotta make sure everything plays together nice first.

    Joey, while the book is the fully researched selection, modification and assembly resource, do a search here on the HAMB for each part you are doing, too. There are a ton of additional pictures, tips and Don't Forgets that will help guide you. I also wonder if this is going to be a completely vintage build, with some parts freshly White and some a bit worn in rather than everything blown back apart when it's all worked out and evenly coated. Your builds are all about the journey and getting it built to enjoy. Nothing wrong with that. Will a pretty redo be version 2.5?
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2024
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  22. wuga
    Joined: Sep 21, 2008
    Posts: 691

    wuga
    Member

    Don't forget, grade 8 shouldered pressure plate bolts. Keep those feet safe.
    Warren
     
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  23. Jeff34
    Joined: Jun 2, 2015
    Posts: 1,186

    Jeff34
    Member

    Great progress, Joey!
     
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  24. Great progress. Thanks for the detailed posts.
     
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  25. Looking good Joey!! Enjoying the updates and progress on the roadster!!
     
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  26. TerrytheK
    Joined: Sep 12, 2004
    Posts: 1,559

    TerrytheK
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Quite the journey you have taken here. Have enjoyed following along and have even learned a few things.
    Well done!
     
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  27. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
    SUPER MODERATOR
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    Good call. I used orange last time. Should I be going red?

    Thank you for being here for the journey. Great perspective. I'm sure there are easier, quicker, and more effective ways to build a traditional Ford hot rod, but I haven't discovered those yet. I couldn't do this without everyone's help—and it gives all a good excuse to hang out together!

    Thanks, Tim! We narrowed the tie rod the same way as we did in June 2022. Bandsaw to belt sander to David's homemade V-jig. As a matter of fact, we actually cut it in the same spot.
    IMG_4961.jpg
    As far as the re-threading is concerned, there wasn't enough room in the threaded "pocket" to do that. We ended up cutting out 1.5 inches. Plus, it gave us the perfect opportunity to fix my less-than-perfect grinding.
     
  28. J.Ukrop
    Joined: Nov 10, 2008
    Posts: 3,473

    J.Ukrop
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    Agreed! And I most certainly will be digging into the H.A.M.B. archive to help with all those time-honored assemblies.

    As for the condition of the car, I don't plan to refresh any of the parts I've previously painted. (I'll scrub the engine to get rid of some of the fingerprints.) I've grown to like the look of the weathered axle, and it won't be long before the rest of the parts I paint match it too.

    I have no concrete plans for Version 2.5. I'm thinking that one will have a 394 Olds or a 4-71-blown smallblock. Actually, scratch that. That'll be for my brother's roadster!

    Hi Warren, I looked for them online, but I couldn't find any. Do you know of any good sources? I am running the original tapered Ford bolts with lock washers and Loctite. These were the ones on the flywheel when it was balanced by the machine shop.

    Thanks Jeff! We're both picking up steam in 2024!

    Thank you! More posts to come soon.

    Thank you, Brian. Hope you had a Happy New Year. No GNRS for me this year. Hopefully I'll be there in 2025!

    Thank you, Terry. I always appreciate your posts. We're just getting started! I can't wait to see the journeys this car will go on in the coming years!
     
  29. I have always used red for everything I don't want to come loose at the wrong time. But I use literally a drop on the threads and let it spread around the fastener before installing them.
     
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  30. Dick Stevens
    Joined: Aug 7, 2012
    Posts: 4,026

    Dick Stevens
    Member

     
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