Another build thread? Yep, my track-style T

[J. Robinson]

One other thing I did recently was add a reverse scoop to the hood to make it look more finished. The gaping hole with the carb sticking up through it was just ugly. Also, back when roadsters were being raced on the dirt tracks of America, it was not uncommon for them to have some sort of shield to protect the carb from flying dirt clods. I made a cardboard pattern, duplicated it in steel from an old door skin, welded it in place, and finished it off with some body filler and primer.

[J. Robinson]

Hi Whiplash,
I actually don't know the exact reading of the law. I think it says something about noise level, but doesn't really stipulate HOW you keep it from being too loud. This little 151 cu. in. 4-cylinder is pretty mellow through that long pipe; if I get hassled about it I'll put a muffler on it or put a baffle in the pipe. Meantime, the sound reminds of an old MG-A or Triumph TR-3 from the 1950s.

[34_40]

Really nice touch to the hood! That looks great.

[oldrodder43]

Really ingenious use of materials as usual Jim. I'd have spent bucks getting something that said "exhaust pipe". haahaa

[stovens]

Nice detail on the carb protector, gives it an extra old time racer look

[J. Robinson]

Today I built a floor for the trunk from .032" aluminum. The first section spans from the front of the opening to the rear. With some careful layout and bending, it went pretty smoothly. The side pieces were a different story... I used poster board to make a pattern, transferred the shape to the aluminum, and cut it out. After a lot of trial and error, cut and try, and considerable "cussing", I got them to fit. The "bubble" at the lower left is clearance for the fuel cell vent underneath. I installed everything with screws so it's removable in case the fuel cell ever has to be removed. There is enough room in there to carry a small tool bag, a tire plug kit, a tire pump, and maybe a couple of jackets or rain coats. As usual, pics uploaded out of order...

[Whiplash23T]

Very nice, but just something else that is shiny and needing polishing

[firebird77clone]

Just a suggestion .02 from the peanut gallery.

Maybe you should load you pics in the wrong order, so they will post in the right order.

Just a thought

[stovens]

very nice little trunk. Luxurious compared to the Harley!

[Dave Severson]

That'll work out great Jim! Not quite as big as the trunk on my Bonneville, but good sized by track roadster standards!!!!

[34_40]

I agree, while not huge - it is a good size for the car. I think it came out great!

[J. Robinson]

Thanks, guys. ANY storage space in a hot rod is useful. I guess if I ever want to take a trip in this car I will have to put a luggage rack on it somewhere...

Don't worry Whiplash, it's not going to be something else to polish. It doesn't show much in the pics, but that aluminum is far from pristine. I may even give it a coat of black bedliner.

Firebird - I've tried loading the pics in all kinds of order. No matter, this dipshit program will scramble them anyway. It's like it knows it's me and is determined to frustrate me.

[stovens]

It reminds me of the name of the album by the Tubes - The completion backwards principle!

[J. Robinson]

I finally got around to doing something about the high (2.79) rear gears. I spent all day Saturday changing the ring and pinion. The old 8-inch Ford rear had never been apart, so it fought me all the way. First, the right axle didn't want to come out, so I had to go rent a puller. Next, those stupid copper washers on the bottom 5 studs had to be removed with a rigid putty knife and pliers. Then the yoke was stuck on the pinion which necessitated the use of another puller. Finally, the #2 pinion bearing was reluctant about coming off... I started this project at 7:30 AM and finally started reassembly about 2:00 PM. The new (3.55) ring and pinion went together without a hitch and I was test-driving the car at 5:10 PM. I can use all 5 gears now instead of just the first 3. I really vacillated between the 3.55 and 3.80 ratios when I ordered the gears, but now I'm convinced I made the right choice. The 3.55s launch pretty good and the little 4-banger isn't screaming its guts out at highway speeds.

[J. Robinson]

Here's a new pic of the roadster with my coupe.