Thread: I couldn't build it for $3 K either!

Tweet

Steve

The only problem with quad taillights is that now I have to buy 2 more lights! Oh well, it's only money!

Mike

I keep telling my wife and myself that! I have had repeated problems with dim light in my harley softtail tail light. It is a tombstone lens made of glass, and I have to run super bright bulbs, but on long trips tha vibration takes out the filament. I tried a really expensive LED replacement bulb, but it was so dim you couldn't see the brake lights during the daylight. I wish I was smart enough to invent the tail light bulb!Steve.

Originally Posted by stovens

I tried a really expensive LED replacement bulb, but it was so dim you couldn't see the brake lights during the daylight.

Tell me about it! I bought Speedway's LED conversions for the Pontiac lights. Don't waste your money! The brake light wasn't too bad, but the taillight portion was so dim I doubt you could see it unless you were right on top of it. It's regular bulbs for me now.

Mike

I found that out too, you get what you pay for in those lights. You are better off to spend good money on them and get really bright ones.

Well everyone, I guess I'm back. These last few weeks since my last entry have been a real roller coaster ride.

First it was health problems, then it was high school graduation and teenager issues. The health problems turned out OK, but the teenager issues are ongoing.

Actually though,I have managed to get a few things done on the T, but not as much as I had hoped.

Here's a quick list:

The fuel and brake lines are plumbed.

I swapped the front discs out for 39 Lincoln self-energizing drums just 'cause I think they look better.

I fabbed some supports for the header mufflers .

The 3x2 setup from Hot Rod Carburetion came in and it sure is purty.

Right now I'm in the process of getting my serial number and title from the state. I'm about ready for paint and finish work, but I really can't start that until the state gets through with the inspection process. That shouldn't take more than a couple of weeks if I'm lucky.

Oh, one other thing, I picked up a metal lathe and vertical bandsaw for my shop. The lathe is an 11" x 24" Sheldon. Small yes, but campared to the 6" x 20" Atlas I've been using, it's down right huge. The bandsaw is a 14" Delta for metal and wood. The saw will come in handy as I've gotten real tired of converting my Harbor Freight saw back and forth from vertical to horizontal. Still need to get them moved, though.

I'll try to get some pictures up ASAP.

As promised, here are some picures of the work I've done in the last few weeks.

This is the trans cooler lines and Lokar trans dipstick. Had to fab a new bracket. I'm using the cooler in the radiator. After Don's experience with his car running so cool, I don't think heating will be a problem. I'm running an aluminum radiator very similar to his.




Front brake lines and hold-off valve.



Front brake hoses and new drum brakes. Had to fab a support for the middle of the hose. The quarter eliptic front end is pretty far out away from the frame.



Master cylinder and valves.



Fuel pump and filter

Here are the exhaust supports. The cushions are poly sway bar ends. The band is a 3 1/2" stainless exhaust band clamp that I cut in half. It's polished and blends into the chrome pretty good.

And now(small drum roll please) here are the final build up pics. All that's left is paint,wiring and a little minor welding. This is pretty much what the Coyote Special will look like on the road.







A couple close-ups of the engine.

Congrats! Great looking ride. Simple, functional, and classic! I like the triples and the pipes!

Gosh Mike, I've got Carburetor envy!!!! Your T is looking fantastic. Sits right and has a good overall look to it. Also like the way you have spent time making brackets and all very strong and neat. Time to cruise!!!!!!

Are those OTB headlights? Dan has a set and they are really cool.

Don

Looking good, nice stance.
BradC

Thanks guys. It sure feels good to be this far along.

After I got it all together today, I just sat and looked at it for awhile.

Don, I don't know who made these lights. I got them from The Hot Rod Company. They're supposed to be Guide repros.

Mike

Looks great Mike, should be a blast cruizin'!!!!

I'm not big on rpu's, and in fact, don't really like them, but this one grabbed me, even as a work in progress. Maybe it was the side view in your opening post that showed how you created (in my opinion) pleasing proportions by moving the front axle so far forward.

Very nice job so far. Nice photos, too.

Mike - Here's a suggestion on the taillights... I have the '50 Pontiac lights on my coupe and they didn't show up worth a hoot. I didn't realize how invisible they are until I let my son drive it and I was following him in my truck. (Thank goodness I have a third brake light in the back window! ) Anyway, I took some spray-on glass frosting and coated the inside of the lenses. They still aren't perfect, but the frosted inside difuses the light and makes the whole lens show up instead of just the little element in the center where the bulb is.

By the way,.. nice work!