Projects Building My First Roadster in San Francisco

Tonight's progress started with a trip to Cole Hardware to pick up attachments for my well-loved Dremel. I tried walking over there last night (about a 25 minute stroll), only to have arrived two minutes after closing. This time I planned ahead and made it with 10 minutes to spare. With tools in tow, I got home and went straight to work.

Out on the deck, I took the Dremel to the brake line clips that David gifted me a long time ago. I kept one on my desk for months as I anticipated this part of the project. I think the neighbors thought I was lighting sparklers?

Using my slow-but-steady drill-n-tap dance, I put two clips into position.

I'll be drilling and tapping a third this weekend. I wanted to finish the job tonight, but I simply ran out of time. Note that I fixed where I chipped the paint on the axle!

 

I'll end the night with a question for the group: does anybody have a good source for the copper washer for a 1939 Ford master cylinder cap?

Master cylinder paint job.v1, which was quickly replaced.

 

Okay found one on my bus ride into work this morning. I think I was thrown off by the fact that it isn’t copper. Nonetheless, they’ll be here soon (I ordered three). Here’s the link for those who are interested.

 

This weekend, I switched my attention to motorcycles to prepare for next weekend's chopper camping trip. I did, however, take on a few car-related tasks.

On Friday before work, I dropped off my front wheels and tires at a local tire shop to get mounted and balanced. Once they're back, I'll share the full story.

This morning, I cruised over to the cycle swap in Bayview. I was loving this Chevy finished in early-'70s lowrider style.

I sold a couple things, and I picked a few little ones too. The horn needs to be rebuilt, but I'm planning to run it on the roadster sometime down the line.
Anyways, that's all for tonight. I'm hoping to make some big progress this week after work. Stay tuned for more!

 

On Friday morning, I picked up my wheels and tires from the tire shop. I usually go to Andy Brizio’s old spot in South San Francisco, but Paul’s Tire & Battery is far closer.
The owner, Paul, is a diehard hot rodder with a ‘57 Chevy and a Model A roadster, the latter of which I recognized from a Hot Rod Magazine article from years ago.

Here’s a bigger picture, taken at the Oakland Roadster show in 1966 or ‘67.

 

It’s exciting to finally have the correct rolling stock ready to go. As much as I wanted to bolt them right on, I’m waiting on a zerk that will clear the hairpin steering arm. Once I have that, I’ll button it all back up.

More updates to come later tonight!

 

Sorry for the delay. Posting this from the #5 Muni bus barreling down Market Street.

Over the weekend, I joined my friends on a very fun chopper camping trip up to Clearlake, through the redwoods and over to the coast.

Upon returning, I felt recharged and rejuvenated. I pulled the bike into my driveway, laid on the warm concrete in the sun for a few minutes, then immediately walked into the garage and got to work—not even changing my clothes or grabbing a snack. I had brake line to finish.

And that’s exactly what I did. The setup is now complete. Three tabs, one junction, one stainless bolt, and one chrome lock washer made their way onto the 1940 Ford axle bells.

I’m very pleased with how it came together. So much, in fact, that I added a little bit of cable wrap to mirror the front of the car.

 

Thank you! Feels good to make a little bit of progress down in the garage.

Thanks! I wonder what 2020 me would have thought about the build(s)? I'm definitely feeling more confident in my work these days.

You should do it! That said, with some miles it'll look old pretty quickly—and that's the goal. I'd love to do an international trip and run with the Misled Youth. Maybe even ship a bike or two over there while I'm at it!

 

I only had a little bit of time in the garage tonight, but I managed to check off a couple of tasks. First, I did some massaging on the fuel pump stand to make it better fit the intake manifold. No good photos, but it now fits far better. It'll be getting fresh gaskets after the intake has been torqued down.

Speaking of the intake manifold, these got dropped in the Chem-Dip bucket for a little multi-day treatment. They'll all be getting chrome lock washers along with chrome acorns. I'm looking forward to that day.

 

One last thing for the night: does anyone know if this is a Gates 203 or 312? I'd like to have a fresh belt for the first drive, if possible.

 

I've been on the move this spring, but I've been collecting parts here and there for when I return home. While back in Michigan, I happened to stop by our local hardware store's grand re-opening. Highlights included bacon-wrapped Oreo's (!) and a 100 percent full selection of nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. I was able to pick up some harder-to-find ones that I'll be putting to use early next week.

Right before I left, the latest issue of DicE Magazine arrived in my mailbox. Inside, I found my feature on Joey (@BigJoeArt's) "Turtle Deck T." I'll share more about this trip in a future article, but you can get your hands on a copy here. Long live print!

 

Two more things to keep the ball rolling.

First, we have this very San Francisco shot from @SAVAGE. I miss having a running roadster, but I know we'll be back at it soon.
I know I've posted this here before, but I'd say it's worth revisiting. With the light colored engine, black frame, and black firewall, I'm taking a little bit of inspiration from this car. Does anybody recognize it?

 

My flight got in late last night, and I was happy to find a few small parts I had ordered waiting for me in the mailbox. As soon as work winds down today, I’m heading downstairs to turn some wrenches. My plan is to get the new zerk fitting in position on the driver’s side spindle, then finalize the steering arm hardware. If that all works out, then we can talk front wheels. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves!