Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

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Oldrodder43 asked this on another thread, and I want to answer, but not hijack the other thread, so I'll answer it here. He asked:

By the way Don, I been meaning to ask you, on Dan's new frame, how did he get the square tube bent like that? Any progress pics on his RPU? oldrodder43


There is a company in Pennsylvania called Autoweld and they do mandrel bending of most any size box tubing. Mostly they do backhalf subrails for things like drag cars and prostreeters, I think. Dan has used them before when they bent up a frame for his one S10 pickup, and he went to them this time because the rails in the bed of his revised truck are going to be totally exposed and he wanted them to be smooth.

He sent them detailed drawings, but they interpreted them differently than what he drew, so they came back longer and higher than he wanted. He says it was his fault as he measured one way and they use a different method. No problem, he is just going to section them on both planes and reweld them to what dimensions he needs.

While he was at it he ordered a brand new 9 inch rear end and Moser 31 spline axles. He also got a four link suspension setup and Posies quarter eliptic spring package. This gives him a clean slate to start with. As it turns out he simply changed his mind on what he wanted the car to end up looking like and felt the best way was to save what he liked and toss out what he didn't like. Pretty much the only parts he saved were the cab, engine/tranny, and the front axle with brakes. He even sold the wheels and tires to his Brother and is going to go with blackwalls this time.

Don and I have vowed to spend lots of time helping him get his car on the road when we get back from Daytona. We both owe him so much for the time and money he has thrown at our cars. The only problem is Dan likes to work alone and will probably only need us to help lift stuff as the car gets heavier. We're shooting for Billetproof at Don Garlits place in March to have his '29 running. Hope we can do it.

Don

Don

Don't ever worry about hijacking my thread. It's all just for fun anyway!

Mike

Alright Don! Let's see the T!!! I know it's done cause I saw it over at the HAMB. Just wish I could be at Daytona to see it in person. Seems like I've been waiting forever, and now that it's done, I might have to wait even longer 'cause I will be in PA while you are dodging raindrops at Daytona. Terrific job, one very, very nice T.

I thought your son's blue and white T was beautiful, until I saw yours. WOW. And all for just a little over $3k. Who would of thunk??

Don
It sounds as if you guys are ready for Daytona! I hate cleaning too. My Harley is always covered in bugs, dirt etc.. Some of the people I know comment on "Does he ever clean that", to which I reply, "Why bother cleaning it all the time, when I could be out riding it."
Anyway, to appease my fellow riders, I found a product called Bike Bright, which comes in a spray bottle. You litterally spray it onto a dry dirty car or bike, let it sit for 5 minutes or so, and then spray it off with a hose. The stuff is great,(I spray it on everything from the seat to the chrome and engine, it degreases too) I can clean the Harley in just a few minutes, with one dry rag, as the stuff leaves a streakless finish for the most part. This may be the ticket for you Black T troubles. Steve.

Don, If I rmemeber correctly, your running an s10 rear end. thats not a posi though, correct? Hows that working for you?

Originally Posted by Gusaroo

Don, If I rmemeber correctly, your running an s10 rear end. thats not a posi though, correct? Hows that working for you?

I don't know about Don, but my T has an early 60's chevy rear end. It will get out of shape most of the time when I shift hard into second, and will always burn both back tire's. I was truely surprised when I was working on a rearend seal to find out that it was an open unit, I would have sworn it was a posi. Probably has to do with the weight of the car or lack thereof.

Ron

Bob, I'm really sorry you are not going to make it, I was looking forward to meeting you. Next year for sure? Thanks for the nice words

Steve, I am going to have to stop at the local bike shop and get some to try. Thanks for the tip..........I like stuff that takes no effort.

Ron, I think it is the light weight also that causes it. Even with the slicks, when I light em up, both leave equal black marks. I have never run a posi in a rod because I understand they can cause some handling issues in a light, short wheelbase car, especially through the turns. Also, I could never afford a posi for one of them.

Tonight we took a break. Dan is home with a cold from riding around in the cold night air, and he is trying to get well before Daytona. Don played at the bike night thing tonight so we took both cars. It was really fun, and got to see lots of good looking biker chicks. The cars seem to be running ok, so a few final details and we are on our way Thursday about 10 AM. It really snuck up on us here at the end.

Don

Hey, Don,

I tried to PM you with my cell # but the message came back as undeliverable. Has your e-mail address changed and not been updated on this site? If you'll PM me I'll reply with my #.

Also, I have a tire grooving tool left over from my dirt track racing days. If the rain becomes a problem I could bring it and we can turn those slicks into some cool waffle-tread dirt tires like we used to see on some of the early lakes-modified roadsters...

Don I think it's great your going to make the run this year, you have a GREAT time and keep us posted on how it goes.

JR, I am sending you a PM with my cell number. Not sure why it didn't go through to me, maybe my stupid service put it into junk mail. I find stuff in there all the time, not sure why.

Thanks Mike. I'll post some pictures when we get back. I'll try to get some group shots of all the Florida guys and other members who attend. Might even throw in a good looking lady or two. Uncle Bob's collection is probably getting a little dog-earred by now.

Don

Hey don i sent one too, with my number.

Don , don't abuse my T to bad this weekend, leave alittle tires for me...LOL
BradC

Bon voyage, have fun, you all deserve it!

Congrats on buttoning everything up in time for the Turkey Run Don. I am leaving at 8:00 A.M. on Thur and should be arriving in Daytona sometime between noon and 1:00 if everything stays glued together on my coupe. See ya there.

Thanks guys. Cars are about as ready as they can be. Today Dan installed Don's stereo so he can now cruise up with tunes. (He ACTUALLY thinks he is going to be able to hear it going down the road ) Me, I'm just going to listen to the pipes all the way there.

Hope everyone going has a safe trip. I'm really excited to finally get to meet some of you face to face. We are planning on going by the Speedway nightime thing on maybe Thursday and Friday nights as well as Saturday, so we will probably hook up with at least some of you then.

I'll take lots of pictures and post them when we get back.

Don