Thread: Build something Old

Tweet

Hi ,
I am pretty new to this site, and I must confess, I joined because after browsing the site I was much impressed with the level of expertise offered and the cameradry of its members. With that said...After years of dreaming, I am now a semi successful business owner and heres what I have in mind... simply put, to build a race type car of the early 1930s, from scratch, ( almost). I have the wherewithall to build almost everything except the drivetrain and a few other parts. It must have some modern safety equipment like, seat belts, turn signals, side impact beams, hydraulic brakes, modern lights ect. But, no power steering or brakes, no stereo, no air conditioning, ( except a good breeze), no IRS, no fancy paint or anything else that did not exist before the era.
I have long been enamored of the Bugattis, Amilcars and Delages so I have worked up tentative designs based upon them.
The main idea here, aside from the satisfaction of building something like this, is to get completely away from the super fast. slick n' smooth, traction controlled, computer assisted cars of today, and put some feel back into driving.
I have these questions.. does anyone know where I can find chassis designs and specs from that era? Is there any reasons not to use non power assisted braking? What other saftey considerations come to mind? Its a start...
Thanks, any help would be appreciated

Well, im impressed, going back to the roots, cool. However, a lot of those cars from the 30s had mechanical brakes instead of hydraulic. Dont even try that. Power brakes are easier for your leg, thats about it. A hydraulic, split cylinder brake system would be the best bet. Now, frame wise, i would make your own. A lot of the race cars were either factory ladder frames or custom built. Also, if you build you own, you can put in a roll bar assembly. Something i would sincerely reccomend. Well, hang around for a while, and have some fun. and you had better do something with that grand marquis while your here!

Are you planning on building your own body or using a 'glass replica??? Sounds like a fun car to build, the "era correct" puts some real limitations on the components you can use. Personally, I wouldn't give up the safety and comfort of things such as 4 wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, etc. just cuz the old cars didn't have it.

Anyway, welcome to CHR and have fun with your project.

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?

Sounds like a neat project, keep us updated. I think So Cal. or one of the shops, had a covered disc brake available awhile back. Might want to take a look at it for some reference. Why not a disc brake with a cover that would resemble a backing plate for a drum brake??? Oh yeah, change the locks on the garage doors!!!!