Hot Rods Tetanus Tornado, 56 Chevy 13 sec for $1300 build!

If this is a drag only car, don't install the sway bar, it will limit front end rise/weight transfer.

 

This is cool. Subscribed.

 

Amazing that Chevy didn't put any crossmembers in the tri 5 frames!

 

went over to my buddy Chris the outlaw Carter driver of the Conie 5 mammoth orange, late model dirt car. and with the help of his dad and Steve the local legend frame guy, it took a little bit of the tornado out of the tetanus tornado.

 

I liked the mouth breathing gray beard. setting on milk crates drinking a beer. How much does that job pay? That a job I would be good at!

 

Great idea, sounds like a lot of fun even if it blows up on the starting line!

 

I assume it's a high ranking job, as he got *two* crates! I never climbed the ladder higher than a one-crate rank.

Enjoying following along as you attempt to do something with a tri-5 without spending money. It's like pushing rope, so don't give up!

 

Thanks for the tip, we'll remember that!

 

Yeah, it is pretty funny. I just finished up a model a, and the frame 55 frame is beefy compared to that, but still pretty flimsy compared to some more modern stuff. We are going to try and fab up some type of x-member I think.... If we can find some cheap box / plate,

 

Hey, that guy moved at least two jack stands!!!!

 

It's been fun so far!!!

 

It's been fun so far!!!

That is funny! Sounds about like the week I had at work last week!!!!

 

Financial update-

$traighten frame-
-$14 - 12 pack bud light
-$12 harbor freight level that fell off and broke

Total build = $337

 

If it only cost 12 bucks to get rid of the Horrible Freight level, you're ahead of the game.

 

So..... BRAKES!!!! You guys recommend rebuilding the old drums on all four corners, or upgrading to a budget front disk brake set up?

Or does anyone have a used set up they would like to get rid of?

Thanks,
Jon

 

drum brakes are faster. You loosen them so there isn't any drag. with disk brakes their is always drag. Many Many very fast 55,s have been raced no problem with the stock brakes.

 

Cool project.
Is there any way you could salvage the floor and firewall from the tornado destroyed 55?

 

I was going to say drums also. Keep them adjusted down just enough to not rub when you spin the wheel.

Ryan.

 

love this

 

Right on about the brakes. A friend's track car runs way deep into the 11's (ever so close to 10's & no power adders) 3K lbs, drum brakes.
Likin' this thread a lot.

 

Drums will be fine at 13 sec, I ran well set up drums on a low 12 sec car. You get 1 good stop out of them then they cool down between runs, fade is the biggest concern with drums and it just isn't a factor when doing a dragstrip pass then cool down.
Use the drums to fit your budget, If you go faster later on upgrade then.

If someone has info on a disc swap from junkyard parts, chime in.

 

I kinda agree with the principle that drum brakes, backed off, are low drag. But I'll be contrarian and say that late "metric" type disc calipers have "fast retract" features for low drag. If you have no front brake parts at all, don't scrimp on safety and pop for discs. And a dual master cylinder, although your local track/sanctioning body may already require that.

 

http://bangshift.com/bangshift1320/...t-1955-chevy-rip-gears-rustic-strip-arkansas/ This 55 has the original stock drum brakes and the original stock suspension and original master cyl. Ive seen it with my own eyes.

 

I recall that in the seventies, Car Craft or some other mag, was saying that some of the faster bracket cars of the day used front drums from 6 cylinder cars, typically 9" instead of 10", to save weight. This was before light weight disc set ups were popular and affordable.

Gary

 

The problem with the metric low drag calipers is that they require a stepped bore master cylinder that the first bore makes up the distance that the caliper pulled away from the rotor and the second bore applies the clamping force. It is difficult to find these style master cylinders.

 

Anybody have a stock brake pedal assembly they would like to donate to the cause / cheap. We will pay for shipping. Thanks! Jon

 

Think I may have one! I'll see if I can find it this afternoon.

 

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That's way to much for a 12pack of Budlight...

 

Hey Paul I would appreciate it. Let me know! Thanks, Jon