Projects Giant speedster project

Oil plug

The oil leak I had was because I was missing an oil plug that goes in the oil level indicator. It's a 1.5X16TPI plug and I can't find one so I'm going to make one. I've done a little aluminum casting so I made up a plaster cast off the oil pan plug which is identical. I heated the mold in the oven to drive out any moisture left in it. Tomorrow, I'll melt some aluminum in the same oven and pour it fill. I use a cast iron bread pan. I'll have to touch up the threads on the lathe but that's better than machining up the entire plug. It should come out pretty good. I hope. The clamp is to hold the mold together. I'm thinking the top might float off when I pour it full.

Jerry
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Very impressive as always Jerry! Enjoyed very much the videos of the ol' beast running....makes me want to run out and find me an old fire truck and build me a speedster too! Now, if I only had the room for a car like that.....

 

Cowl

The firetruck came with this neat aluminum cowl. It's got some brass handles and a few protrusions on it but they can be removed. The cowl is not so aerodynamic but it is cool. I was going to cut off the lower 7 inches and bring the doors an inch or so off the frame height. One has to picture it with doors fitted and the back half of the body in place. I even toyed with the idea of polishing it to a high luster and doing the rest of the bodywork in aluminum. So here it is. You can see a similar cowl in the last picture of a Mercedes. I'd appreciate any comments about using it.

Jerry
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There's a big Seagrave V12 and tranny on ebay for $700.00. How about a 50's V12 Speedster?
Jerry
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Jerry- the owner of the restoration shop I used to work for had a early 6 cyl speedster that had a cast aluminum cowl. Will see if I canj get him to send me some pics (he was midway through the project when I was there).

 

... that cowl is fantastic by the way!!!

 

thats a great cowl. very cool.

 

I will have to go check that one out! If I remember right, those Seagrave V-12s were actually a Peirce-Arrow design that was purchased by Seagrave when Peirce-Arrow folded in 1938. The Seagrave versions are mostly unchanged from the original Peirce design dating back to the early 1930's...I believe they employed them all the way into the 1950's if memory serves.

I have really wanted to build something a bit earlier...'Teens era mostly and my platform of choice is the 1912-1921 American LaFrance Type 40 and 75, 4 and 6-cylinder trucks. I have always seen speedsters built from these massive chassis, but my goal is to build something a bit different....like a full size Touring car, coupe or Limosine (either open or enclosed drive).

Here is one of my concept sketches built using a Type 75 6-cyl chassis:

It stands 9'6" tall, has a 156.5" WB and weighs 9,250 lbs...dry

 

How about turning this into an awesome low rider pickup?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Amer...Item&pt=Commercial_Trucks&hash=item1e5c7e767b

Jerry

 

New Video

So I made another video. This one isn't as exciting as the startup but it's kind of interesting. Check it out. But before you do, will someone tell me how to make a funny little signature at the bottom of my post.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0lFXFwTYyw

 

Jerry,

Go to your private messages (I just sent you one anyway) and you'll find "edit sgnature" on the left.

 

Watching your video- DON'T CUT THERE!!! That curved area gives the cowl great character. I would go up and take material about 6-8" higher where the cowl thins out a little.

 

That sketch completely blows me away!!!! As a "Brass" guy that car would be like my ultimate dream!! Way too cool and I can't wait for you to do it!!!! But get that A-bone built first!

 

It is an "eventual" project...once I find a 3-story garage to house it in I have a few other sketches as well of the Coupe, Roadster and Limosine configurations you will like.

The A-Bone does come first and is one I am actively working on, slowly but surely.

 

Ditto on that suggestion. I think you'll end up with a better result.

 

Clayton... you must have a VERY old soul, I mean really old, man! For a guy in your twenties you've got a serious passion for stuff way before your time. I think that's pretty cool.

 

This is my new favorite thread. Everything you've done, the techniques, the decisions, the workarounds -- all are right on. Congratulations. This is the sort of build I dream of.

 

I love those youtube videos, very authentic... I wish TV was like that.

 

I take my hat off to you! You took a relic from the past and brought it back to life where as some one else would have sent it to the scrap yard. Nicely done....can't wait to see more.

 

I always have, and I always will....my family used to joke when I was little that "even though Great Grandpa and I were born 85 years apart, we were both the same age"

I LOVE this stuff more than most people can understand and I plan to be tinkerin' with this stuff as the good lord lets me...hell, somebody from my generation has to learn the skills, arts and techniques of the old days.... and learn to keep this ol' beasts alive...before the older generations pass on and all the knowledge is lost.

 

I REALLY enjoy reading your posts, and nice job with the vids. You're a star! Not that you've asked, but I'm with the above suggestion to NOT section the cowl down low, but keep that "sweep" line at the bottom. Make the cut up higher, it'll make a more authentic looking speedster cowl.

Your project reminds of a car in a book by Ralph Stein, "The Treasury of the Automobile", which I had memorized every word and photo of as a kid. I still have the now dog-eared copy, and just now dug it out to find the photo of the Simplex "Speed Car" and Chadwick speedster, which your project resembles more than a little.

Good on ya.

Brian

 

Hey Brian,
Post the picture of your roadster version.
Jerry

 

Cowl

First I finished installing the oil level indicator that I made the plug for. You can see the float that goes inside it. There's also a small red ball that fits the top of the wire. After that I worked on the cowl. As you can see I marked out where I think it ought to be cut. Some objected to where I was cutting but I don't think I made myself clear. I've got to get the bottom of the cowl lower or else the pedals will interfere with the floorboard. On the inside shot you can see where the slanted floorboard goes. That has to be lower or the pedals will not stick up high enough. Take a look and let me know what you think. Also forgive my crass commercialism but maybe there are some guys with ebook readers out there.

Jerry
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I think it'll look good with those sections removed. I understand the previous comment too, but seeing the floor mounts on the inside, sometimes something has to give.

I love this project, really.

 

You could reposition the floorboard "shelves" starting at the bottom of the cowl. Then you'd simply be running your horizontal floorboards on top of the frame. I love the look of a Mercer/Stutz raceabout, but it can almost have too much of a spindley look (having trouble putting my thoughts into words) like so many of the early T raceabouts have.

Having that extra few inches will make your body choice and car stand out from the others in a good way.

 

Great to meet you today Jerry and thanks for the tour- will have to get Stevie G and Brad54 to come with me next time.

Guys, the work Jerry has done/is doing is great, and if the Seagrave turns out anywhere near as nice as his REO, we're all in for a treat!!!

Keep in touch, Bill

 

Oh man, I love this! This thread is amazing!

 

Thanks for the support. Hope that A speedster inspires you to drag out the Chevy. LOL

Jerry
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It just needs to be uncovered... or maybe "rediscovered", considering all the stuff it's under


Your friend's A speedster IS great, but your REO really got me going!!!