It happened again, you know that automotive sickness where you want one of everything. I've been lucky, I have some great cars but kept craving something more, or less... antique, fussy that feels at home on the gravel back roads. Must be able to work around the farm, haul two boys fishing and well... haul stuff. Watching the Ocean To Ocean tour roll through town a couple years ago persuaded me a hopped up Model T was the only way to go, However I'll still need to get down a highway and that kept me questioning. Then I found an "A" frame. Convincing my wife we needed another vintage car was tough. Buying a second frame and full running gear was tougher to explain. An amateur rebuild started and looked like the project beat them, this had at least 25 years of dust but under it all was original paint and a fairly rust free frame Since I'm wanting to run mechanical brakes makes a loaded chassis a plus. The mechanic components looked ok, Score when I cracked the engine apart to find nice new Babbitt and the signs of good rebuild.
I figure the pre-war style suits me. So here's how the front end will look, Love the 28-9 grill but like the roundness of the 30-1 headlights.
Cool Chris, I need something like that to fetch the mail and run over to the Game Lodge(Calvin Coolidge's summer White House) for a cold one on hot summer nights.
Thanks Tman Here's a poor chassis shot but shows a little progress. So far the front wheels were swapped for '35 wires on 6.00's and the rears (getting painted) are '32 18 x 7.00 size. I rebuilt the rear axle used 30-31 internals - Thanks Kevin!, added a new spring made off a T pattern. blasted the frame, hosed on a good amount of tractor black enamel. Up front new bearing bushings throughout, modified original spring with drop and reverse eyes. For the engine I lucked out, new babbitt and an overbore already done. NOS valves into a hardened seats and a "B" cam. A lot of grinding painting and a little porting. Lightened flywheel and V8 clutch. Regret - I should have balanced the crank. More chassis progress... better pics to come.
Thanks for the comments guys. Gary I've been wanting to show you progress but lost the number, glad you can see.
Still no body, I've already dreamed about the details, I just wasn't sure what form it would be in. I wanted to build a roadster truck but was torn, I dig a closed cab too. I was working on an vintage airplane project and even started thinking of a speedster body built like an aircraft fuselage. So when I was at the fall Shriner s Swap meet, I knew when I turned the corner, also knew knew I needed there would be more explaining to the wife. Wasn't much questioning, I had some influence from the HAMB and ForEverFour's KIWI style '29 truck is one of my favs.
Excellent taste my friend, I have parts A gathering for the same myself! Need rear fenders and a box then I am there. Father/son project as LilT grows up.
pic's The boys are excited, when I got the body he handed me a pic from '79 just before it was taken apart and placed in a basement. Looks rough but other than the seat pan - no pitting or rust through. I don't want another car with lettering or signs but.. remains of "Mason Street Garage, Odessa Missouri" on the doors, the hood had larger "Official AAA Emergency" decals and "NITE SERVICE" above the back window
Here's the best part - A friend sees the pic and starts calling people in Odessa. They say there never was a Mason St. Garage in the files. She keeps calling and finds the right people at the historical society. Here's what I get back: "Log Cabin Garage was owned by Ralph Ferguson on old 40 Hwy in 1944 he moved his business to Mason St where he renamed it to Mason St Garage it was in business from 1944 to 1954 it was mainly a garage where they worked on stock cars his son David was a well known racer they never owned the building on Mason St only rented the business was sold after Ralph died I will be able to get a copy of the ad in the 1946 year book and an ad from the phonebook of the same year More info with pics on the way." Just a shop truck, but nice to know it's history. Maybe it will have decals and door lettering after all.
Photo that came with the truck body. Correction dated April of '75. Rear wheels should be mounted by the end of the day. Also will take some pics of the progress over the weekend.
Yep, but I only used 16's on the front. Got him some chrome rev. for his coupe plus tires. Redwine a real good guy and we've become friends. Come join us for sat. breakfast and pick up those other V8-60 parts!
He has other V8-60 parts? Oh great, Hmmm.....the "boss/wife" does work on Sat. morning......I'm kinda' like you, like I need to drag anymore stuff home, but the neighbor did put up an 8 foot privacy fence behind the garage......so now I have a place to "stash" more stuff. Chris
What a great holiday for progress, I had my little helpers wanting to spend time in the barn so we played. The rear tires mounted on the deuce 18's and I'm thrilled with the look. Torque tube blasted and painted plus new bearing, seal ect. New head gasket and dizzy parts done. Valves adjusted, I used the 9 method, and while it maybe easier It's still a pain for a kid who grew up with small block Chevys. Then I got to do it... again. Two things learned: That rusty little antique Ford wrench I had hanging on the wall serves a purpose far better than that shiny box of new tools. New feeler gauges can stick together. Note the valve adjusting comment above. Seems like no one has an Ansen single downdraft available till next month, soon as I can get one I should be ready for the first start. This weeks plan: Get parts to the powder coat and rework the 2 tooth steering box.
Whoaa, what a kool project! I love the history. Everyting that you do turns out Bad ass, I can't wait to see the p/u on the road. I know that it will be kool! Happy Trails, Mick
Thanks StrayKat and KCsledz, we'll see how this one goes. Brokenspoke, I'll know a little more wen I can get the radius rods mounted. That will be a good visual on frame clearance. Wanted to get a picture tonight but dang it cold outside to run to the barn. Tomorrow should be a better day.
Chris, Did you see this? http://www.lindsayauctions.com/salebills/JANUARY 21 2011 RALPH WHEELER ESTATE/january_21.htm
The Jalopy Journal
