Hot Rods Homogenized ‘28 roadster build

Saw this and thought it felt appropriate for this thread

 

It’s been a minute and while I’d like to report that a lot has been done, the reality is that I haven’t done anything! Went to the roadster show, then came upon an o/t project at a local estate sale that I just had to have, both things which kept my finances and attention occupied.

But now, again, it’s roadster time. As cool as the old batwings were, I didn’t like the fact that they were cast and I also didn’t like that they centered the hairpin on the axle. The hairpin looked like it was heading too downhill towards the front. So I got these from Speedway which are forged and raise the front. They are for a 2-1/4” axle so I dug around in my magic spacer bin and found a couple that were just right. I also didn’t like the kinda rat-rod plate that was welded in the middle of these hairpin, and they were too long overall. So out came the cut-off wheel. I had the right tap for the tubing ends but it is just too dull, so that is where I stopped today.

I did get a Zoops water pump setup and a radiator. Of course now I’m not sure I need the water pump raised after all. Might order a cheap-o short SBC pump and see where it lands. The fan is early small block but that’s all I’m certain of. The radiator is a Champion 2-row core because they do not have any 3-rows currently. I’m not impressed with the quality and really would prefer a 3-row core, but as cheap as it was it’ll do for now.

 

I like where you are going with this.

 

I should have just bought my own tubing and made the hairpins from scratch as that’s really what happened in the end, but oh well. Some shortening of the top bar and a new bend on the lower one makes them much more like what I had in mind. I also got the new radiator fit and notched the sides of the grill shell 1”. I think it’s just about right. The M&H Racemasters keep being back ordered longer and longer, so that’s been cancelled and a pair of Towel City pie crusts have been ordered.

 

I built two cars back in the '60s and both were with hairpins just like your design. Very classic and fit your build. Really like what you're putting together.

 

Hairpins look great!

What size are Towel City's?

 

Thanks Cory!

All their 15” slicks are 28.5” tall, except for a 10” wide one that is available in 29.5”. But I want to run my 7” wheel so went with their narrowest, the 8.00-15.

The M&H’s were 29.5”. I think it’ll look fine on an A.

 

I like your tubing bender, very creative. Frank

 

That tubing bender is legit. The 1" drop of the grille shell is dramatic and spot on!

 

Add me to the list of guys who like that caveman tubing bender setup. I am definitely going to remember that.

 

If I haven't said it, you car is the perfect simple solution to hit an era! No weird geegaws, bracket of the day etc

 

it wasn’t perfect but the job got done! Those original Buick hubs were good for something after all.

 

Thanks T! Some builds need to have a lot of churched up brackets and some builds don’t. It’s important to know which is which!

 

that's the way we built them in the 50's before 1-800-HOT-RODS

 

And you got this!

 

we should have bought filler last week

 

Man…I’m tired. I know a lot of y’all have more years on me but I can’t turn these things out like I used to. And while it used to be fun to get a car done on a deadline for a show, it’s become stressful now. After a week at work, I don’t usually have the energy to put in even a full day on the weekend in the garage. I managed to really hurt my back for the first time doing something last weekend. This stuff just keeps getting more expensive too. I don’t have kids or anything as a reason, but I do have a house that needs work and other expenses that call my attention. Plus a bad habit of collecting stuff. So yeah, this one isn’t going to make the Gathering this year but I hope they’ll let me bring the ‘57.

Anyway, messed around some today. Fit the radiator support rods so I could get rid of the welding wire holding it up. Moved the engine around a little and the fuel pump fits…just have to notch the frame mount a bit to get a hose on it. It’s a Carter M4503. I’ll probably make some thicker spacers for between the Hurst mount the the block to better center it on the frame mounts too. Messed with some shock mount stuff and have an idea of where they’ll go. Going to bend some F1 mounts around to work. Set all the junk back on the engine cause I like looking at it.

 

I feel like as soon as I put a deadline on myself it's no longer fun and I start making mistakes. I build my cars one hour at a time and occasionally put in a full day. Slow is pro... I just made that up but I'm sticking to it!

 

I am currently building some Heddman style hedders for my Dad’s car. I like your originals. Dad doesn’t really like the square flanges, but he’s letting me do it anyway. Hope they’ll be as nice as yours.

 

I’d like to see those!

I am actually intending to build another set of headers…they will still be Hedman inspired but I have big plans. I’m waiting on the new flanges to be cut now.

 

My original Hurst mount came with two spacers, still have them after 60 years

 

Beautiful car man! The fab work and style going into this are fantastic. I hope mine comes out half as well. Keep up the good work, love it!

 

We have rear tires! And finally a roller. Keep in mind that the back half of the car is just mocked up junk, but it’s so good to get to stand back and check out what’s happening here. Sorry about the late models.

 

Don’t mind the crooked…everything.

 

How are your doors ?

 

Doors are in pretty good shape.

 

Looks fantastic!

if they don’t let the 57’ in drive it anyways and park with the rest of us at “the gathering in the lot” haha

 

Looks fucking killer man...

 

Absolutely nothing to update except here’s another picture…