Thanks, I think I found a home here, I always find something interesting to learn and the variety of cars in gallery is astounding. Very cool and fun site. Thanks for the responses...
I worked 25 years as a full time machinist, 20 years as a part time commercial artist and always had a 'toy', probably the best was a 340 Challenger... or maybe the flamed 56 pickup ...I digress...
I have given much thought to this project, not only the mechanical problems to be solved but of the practicality of it. With some research, I found that not much at all is available in the type I envision. The closest is probably the T bucket, which is not close enough. Picture the Amilcar or Bugattis of the middle twentys, early 30s.
Seems like today everyone (!) wants to drive rods that are (for me) too slick...too much like todays manufactured imported cars. I want a car that looks and acts like it is a peice of 'not very polished' machinery, but is safer to drive than the real race cars were. On a basic level, it must look like, and have the feel of, a true 1930 race car. Push button start, manual everything, power nothing, wind in the hair, rumbles the seat of your pants, and require some real driver input. If it gets dented or scratched, thats battle scars with the real world....
Power: either a buick straight eight, ( ideas on this?) or ( more realistic) a stock Chevy straight 6 with 3 spd manual. With appropriate drive train to match. If anyone has an alternative idea?
Suspension: ford type beam front axle, leaf springs with hydraulic drums and non power steering. Rear trailing arms on leaf springs to match. The trade here is: drums for authenticity, or discs for safety? I have driven all drums and they are a bit harder on the leg, but they seemed adequate. (?) Keepin in mind the car is very light and really not very fast.
Frame: Steel handbuild with specs from what I have found, ( thanks streets for the Bugatti stuff). The end result should closely fit the period intended, with some unobtrusive strengthing for safety. BMW (!?) just came out with a new 'popup rollbar', does it work similar to the airbag thingie?
Body: Formed aluminum over a ( welded) steel frame, ( since thats what I know how to work with). The body ( designs I have) resemble a 1929 Studebaker racer. It will have additional steel and aluminum braces for improved safety. No top, no doors, no windows. A bunch of louvers, Just a hankie for a windshield. Paint it with, ummm whatever.
Tires /wheels: wire wheels, aftermarket to fit the period, I am still looking around for the best size and style. ( Ideas?) I have given some thought to machining some Bugatti style rims, but...K.I.S.S.
As far as the registration, I plan to call it whatever year the drivetrain is, since the numbers are on the engine block. 1966 Chevy ect. I am hoping as I progress to that point that more precise help on this will come along.
There is a ton of small stuff that still needs work, but the major areas have been addressed. Right?
I will in the next week or so, start posting some pics, sketchs and prints of what I have.
Anyways, thats a bit about it. So far I have a pile of steel, a bunch of aluminum, an engine ( basket case), a long thoughout plan, some drawings and specs, all the tools I need, and a newly rebuilt 3 car garage. What would you do? Heh, before the wife plants a garden and fills the garage with patio furniture?