Vector ...good point. The 1/8 " hanger probably will flex. I'll beef it up on the final fit. Just a side note ...this is about the fifth dragster I've built and is by far the beefiest frame and front end I've ever had. You should have seen some of the flimsy stuff we've run ...including Woody Gilmore and Roy Fjasted stuff. ON the z'd frame. It is a manifestation of O.C.D. As stated before it will come out too low, too narrow and nearly impossible to breath when I' in it
Drewfus, Sorry, I meant to answer your question in the post above...but well you know...one thought at a time. Yes, the car sits so low because of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. That's a mental condition that Americans get causing them to do wierd things like build cars too low or wash their hands 67 times a day. Australians never get any abnormal mental conditions I heard that there was once one psychiatrist in Australia, but because of a lack of clients he starved to death. The question about "scrub line" puzzled me. Some circle tracks in the US prohibit any part of the car from projecting below the rim line in case of a tire blowout, If that is the case...this frame does sit below the rim line. However, since you brought it to my attention I will "round" frame at the front when I turn it over to do the final welding.
Just been reading my rulebook. 3" of ground clearance is needed from the nose of the car to 12" behind the centeline of the front axle. From there back 2" of ground clearance is required. Butch, I figured you had built dragster chassis before. You know how much "beef" you need in the front.
Bob, Yes I forgot about the 3''rule. I think that is to insure that the car chassis clears the timing lights when the wheels roll out of the starting light beams. Some guys were putting 6 foot long rubber strips under the front of their cars so they could get a rolling start on the timing system.
I remember some of those tricks. Yeah, my reference was to those thin straps as well, actually they'd be OK with just some decent bracing. That'd also likely obviate the need for a Panhard.
as long as you can "technically" make a swingset out of the front end with those shackles, I wouldn't run it without a panhard.
Appreciate everyone's concern. Those thin straps are just there for "proof of concept" and to be able to see how the finished product will sit. On the final weld up they will be welded-on, 1/4 " steel extensions of the batwings and will include some axle wrap to insure good purchase.
The last couple of weeks have been devoted to the time consuming tasks of making a braking and steering system. See attached photos which are very hard to make out because of the detail and flash bounce. I'm going to rest from these labors for a few days and I should warn you that my "Evil Twin", who also goes by the name of Butch Nassau may reappear on this site. He is obsessed by the narrowness and vagueness of the rules which he believes are hindering the development of this class. Notice that he never appears in any photos and...he casts no shadow.
It's looking good Butch. Keep up the good work, and in the Houston area just being in the high humidity there is also hard work. That 235 in california turned 99 mph. so that engine has a lot of potential. I hope to see it in Tulsa soon. Joe
Lookin' good Butch. You're making nice progress. Keep in mind, it's hard to build a car standing on a soapbox.
Okay Guys, I need some help here. I have a 6'' steering arm on my spindle. I'm using a Mopar Bullet steering box. What would be the best length for the pitman arm. I have the stock one or I can fabricate one. Second do we have to run current certified seat belts or can they be out of date at the speeds we run? The seat belt rule is undoubtedly in the rule book but my eyes have glazed over and I can't focus or interpret or extrapolate or divine or whatever you do to understand this thing. There are thousands of Biblical scholars who should be put to work trying to fathom the NHRA rule book.
Never mind. I see now that any car that needs to have cage needs to have current certified seat belts. Pitman arm length question still remains.
Both short steering arms should be close to the same length, I had mine mocked up with a wood 2x4 for a drag link and when it was right, I measured it and ordered one from speedway. The arm on the steering box, I made with several length selections. I wanted it to handle well at high speeds so it steers a little slow.
Butch, There are no absolute rules about pitman arm length since the steering response (speed) depends on the steering box ratio, pitman arm length and the length of the arm on the front end spindle. One way is to mock up the steering with whatever you have available. Don't make it too quick or you will be prone to oversteer, especially during launch. Just get it where it feels about right. The quicker the steering box ratio the quicker the steering. The longer the pitman arm the quicker the steering. The shorter the arm at the spindle the quicker the steering. Ron
here's some refference reading, which, might be of assistance as I think Chris is using the same box you are.... look at post #224 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=260588&page=12 Cheers, Drewfus
Slowly, patiently banging away in the Texas heat as car number 235 "The Red Flame Six " Car now has steering , a seat and brake pedal with master cylinder. Shifter has been mounted and a bunch of small stuff you can't see. I'm planning on driving up to see the Tulsa race next week. Is it still on? Butch
The car is coming along very well Butch,your doin good. The race is still on for next weekend,cant say how many HA/GR cars will be there.I'll be driving JR Fuel car # 150,Come look me up.I'll be the one in the 15 layer suit dying from the heat.
Butch, Your car is coming along great! Looks fast standing still. When do you expect to have it ready to race?
Butch, Yes, we'll be racing the 10th, Fri. night at regular program. Also Sat. 11th in the Nitro Nationals & Old Time Drags. Come by and introduce your self, we'll be looking for you. That goes for the rest of you too. Jr. Clark CrkInsp
No duck tape?? What about turnbuckles on the guy wires?? How do you expect to be able to compensate for torque??
SHRUM, Gates open 6pm Fri. $10 to spectate. You can find info at tulsaracewaypark.com for both Fri. and Sat. events. Come by and introduce your self. That goes for anyone who wants to build, or is building a car. Jr. Clark CrkInsp
Thanks for all the input. I'll try to respond here to everyone. BobW...I like to stand on a soapbox because from up there my car looks even lower. 64 440...My evil twin was last seen dragging a 230" Chevy six and Powerglide into the back shadows of the garage murmuring "No $450 adapter needed to put these two together". Mr. Mac ...See you Friday night. Crkinsp...Ditto. BobW...I'm shooting for MoKan, but as I work totally single handed it will be a thrash to make it. 64 440...The need for all the support at the obvious weak spot on the frame comes from a combination of just getting my MIG welder back to work for the first time in two years and a plain lack of planning. When the car is done I will have added about four pounds of gusseting and such that could have been left off with some forethought. Esfodder... I will refer to this, and any other Rochester One Barrel info I recieve, when I rebuild the carbs. Thanks, because I am to carburation as Donald Duck is to diction.
Butch, It was nice to meet and visit with you at Tulsa. Your ride is coming alone. Hope to see you at MoKan in Aug.
Thanks Hemibaker, I'm back in Houston after a couple of weeks of travel. The temperature (as you Know) was over 100 degrees every day. It's very odd to return to Houston in July to escape the heat. It was only 98 today...but the humidity was 1,650%. I have doubts taht I can finish the car by MOKAN. It was great to meat Alexander,Ted, Larry, Bob, Bob and Bob. I'm sure I forgot some, but it was nice to meet everyone.
Has been quiet on the board because I'm now engaged in getting all the crap that was just tacked int into place actually working. Still have an outside shot of making Mokan.
Glad to see your back at it after all that vacationing. I can't make it to the HAMB drags, but I sure hope you get your car there. Good luck.
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