Another build thread? Yep, my track-style T

[Dave Severson]

Thanks to all you guys. I'm glad you're enjoying this thread so far.

Don: No need to bow; I don't think I'll be casting any blocks. I have been known to weld broken leaf springs back together, though. Amazingly, it worked!

Bobby D: Don't worry, there won't be any appreciable flex in the frame. Notice all the triangulated bridgework between the upper and lower rails? When finished, this frame will be stiffer than the average 2 x 3 rectangular tube frame. I know of a sprint car that was built from black iron pipe in the mid 60's. It was still in competition in the early 80's when I lost track of it. In over 15 years of competition it had never cracked anywhere.

Dreamin' Mike: I haven't decided on the engine yet. I am seriously considering using some kind of 4-cyl. The majority of early track roadsters used four-bangers. The Ford flathead didn't take over until near the end of the roadster era when many of them were transitioning into sprint cars. Of course, the flathead was eventually supplanted by the small block Chevy. Anyway, I dimensioned the frame so there would be room to put a small-block in it (I have two more 350's and a 327 in the shed) just in case I decide to go that way. Whichever I finally decide, I want a four or five speed tranny.

The four banger gets my vote!!! Don't know if you have any contacts in the midget racer ranks, but I would think there are some awesome Pontiac "Iron Duke" 4 banger parts laying around someplace.... They were a great engine in the midgets, tons of torque. Got to drive one over at one of the Wisconsin tracks one summer in the early 70's... If you could locate some of the go fast goodies that some of these guys have stashed, would be great.... Or, if you're really feeling lucky, and have a big checkbook,,,,,,,an Offy would be the ultimate engine for the car!!!!!

As for the tubing, properly braced and gussetted it should be ok. I get a little nuts on materials sometimes, guess my choice would be the exact opposite end of the spectrum and be chrome moly. But, done properly, and so far your's looks fine, black pipe will work. I would reconsider the hairpins, and maybe spend a few extra $$$$ for some DOM for the suspension pieces....Again, with the right amount of gusseting the black pipe will work... Much as I hate to admit it, the first modified I raced had frame rails and roll cage made of black pipe.... We unknowingly bought the car that way and discovered it after a big tumble...The car was junk but the cage (and me) survived because it was super braced and gusseted.....