Projects Chassis Research style dragster/Comp Coupe build flathead powered

Thanks Brian , I'm always open to helpful comments, Me not being a chassis builder have had all the pieces bent up for me,I didn't think about the seam being to the outside on the one piece, I actually feel my 6 point cage is overkill for running a low power flathead, I just wanted something over my head, I plan on puting together a blown flathead but I'll build a different chassis for it, close to the same look but with chromemoly tubeing, For now i don't plan on breaking any records , just going to have a goodtime racing again Thanks Tim Jones

 

Haven't posted any updates lately, But I have been busy on it,, I better get busy updateing this, Useing the ford 3 speed, I was haveing clearance probs with the steering, after getting some advice on here about useing steering U joints I decided to move the steering box over to the side, I've never had to use them on any of my other dragsters ,So I was worried how well they would work, I'll post more in a while Tim Jones

 

When i started building this car ,I wanted to try to build and make as many of the parts and hardware as I could, Because I'm cheap and for the pride of makeing it, haven't made any pretty or showy things for it til now, I came up with some brass plate and decided to make another steering wheel , I cut out the pattern with our plasma cutter at work with the help of my buddy Huck , he wanted to also make walnut grips for it, huck also happens to be a world class waterfowl carver, I'll have to get over to his house and get some pics of the birds he carves. BTW I made brass motor plates, And yeah i know they weigh more than Alum, but they sure are pretty after some elbow grease, Tim Jones

 

Wheel looks killer Tim but I am a bit concerned on the welded up steering and it looks to me like no provision to take anything apart? hummm

 

Thanks Carl, As far as the steering shaft is concerned, Yeah I got a little tig crazy , the steering shaft can slip out of the guide attached to the cowl cross bar when taken apart, But after you said that I relized I need to make my brace for the shaft it's self removeable, but that's an easy fix, Then the steering assembly can be removed in one piece , The trans and driveline slips out the side when the gas peddle is removed, Thanks again for the extra set of eyes on this thing, Tim Jones

 

More updates , got the tank hold downs done, welded some tabs onto the tank holders ,then ran some all thread through some gas line, holds the tank nice and tight tim Jones

 

this summer picked up a suplus ribbon chute ,then later got a larger chute pack for it , had to have the pack taken in because it was too big, built the chute release , used an old shifter cable and made the bracket, works pretty good , doubt I'll need it tho , might have to dump it out for atleast one pic, also built a clutch peddle last week Tim Jones

 

Go Man Go!

 

Tim you need to put the steering joints in phase, plus side is you can do away with the support tube then. Moon

 

Thanks Rocky watching the video of your car makes me get off my ass and GO MAN GO

 

Killed two birds with one stone today, Cut the welds apart to realine the U joints and bolted it back together to make removeing it easier (Thanks Carl ), I did keep the support bar tho, Turns alot smoother now, got the seat belts mounted the other day, Tim Jones

 

Pushed the car outside for a few pics , She's gettin there slow but sure.

 

Keep on truckin Tim!!!

 

Well when I run outa money to spend on the dragster, ( Dam Bills) I try to build something with what I have on hand, I've had a hyd ram from an old cherry picker, So I decided to build a engine hoist to mount on the dragster hauler, not something I think I'll use all the time , but who knows someone else might need to use it at the track, maybe next I'll make a removeable engine stand mounted to the flatbed, Might want to rebuild my motor between rounds Hmm must be daydreaming about the old days Was going to mount it on the passenger side but decided to do the drivers incase I needed to change positions, also have it so i can use a hook and chain or a mount for a ele hoist, going to weld a lug on the side of the ramp to bolt the boom when going down the road, Now if I can find a 50' or 60's cab I'll be set, Tim Jones

 

Hey Tim I was just looking at your tank and wanted to tell you that I use a 2 gal Moon tank on mine and that is more than enough for about three runs and the more fuel you carry the more weight you have to haul down the track and the more hp you need, just a thought you might want to shorten up your tank a little......

 

That doesn't sound like a bad idea, I can cut off the end and shorten it up at work, It also takes up alot of room, plus I need the space for a small dry cell battery, Tim Jones

 

Looks good Tim and you're having fun with it. That's all that matters. I like the steering wheel too.

 

Started mocking up my body for the car, Since I added the newer roll cage I decided to run the rear of the body along the top of the orginal roll bar in the rear of the car, more pics tomorrow nite, Tim Jones

 

Lookin cool Tim, like it!!!

 

Cut out the cowl and side panels the other day,my buddy Huck helped me do the bends on our brake at work, he used to be a tinsmith in his younger days ,without his help on the tin work on this car ,I'd still be scratching my head, did a test fit, then did the tweeking to try make it fit together better, also made a windscreen for the cowl, here's the first test fitting pics, Wasn't sure if I was likeing the look at the time

 

Here's the finished body ,with the windscreen welded on, Our welder Garret Day was in today so I asked him to weld the windscreen on, as hard as the cowl was to make I didn't want to screw it up will my welding, And yes now I like the look of the body, Now I have to figure out the old style panel fastners Rocky (Toymaker) sent me to use on the car, Tim Jones

 

Hi Tim, I really like the way you updated the roll cage. Assuming your tubing is the correct diameter/wall thickness, it looks like it should pass tech anywhere. AND did I mention it looks good!

 

Oh, almost forgot, who made your rear wheels and what do they call it? PM me if you have time.

 

Thanks , as long as it pass's tech at the old timer and HAMB type races I'll be happy , my days of racing every weekend and chaseing points are long gone, I'm just out to have a good time now, BTW Tech at any other tracks shouldn't be a prob tho if i get the bug back Thanks again Tim Jones

 

looks great Tim.....keep on truckin......

 

Made a couple more panels for the car, the one on the side with the kickout for the starter was a pain in the ass, The top rail is crurved and the lower is straight, ended up cutting a section out and welding in a cruved triangle piece, tonite pulled the motor ,trans and third member and axles to make it a little easier to work with , put the car on a work bench to work on, the best thing I've done in the shop is install a ele winch, saved my back many a time,. Tim Jones

 

DOM is welded before it's drawn over a mandrel.
It has a seam, even if it's not clearly visible.

CREW tubing is common for stock car cages.
No problems with seams.

What does NHRA and SFI say about
"seamed tubing" and seam location on bends ???
If it's critical, they will specify.

 

Don't ya just love Body Panels Looks great Tim!

 

as long as it pass's tech at the old timer and HAMB type races I'll be happy , my days of racing every weekend and chaseing points are long gone, I'm just out to have a good time now.
NOW yer talking. Since I made that move I put the fun back in the sport for me. Another pal just redid his Austin bantam so he could enjoy airfield racing without needing a bottle squirter and a tow car and a, and and a , well, you guys all know the deal. He took his blower and injection off and replaced it with a pair of carbs so he can start it drive it and enjoy it.
Nice build you have going. I am dealing with the starter clearance thing right now on my new rail. In the build is when to fix it. like you did.
Anyway I like your car. Enjoy!
Don

 

Yeah man , tho their alittle hard on my fat little fingers the combination of ME ,tinwork and an angle grinder don't go good together Tim Jones