Messages

16

Roo Man's Room / front axle alignment specs

« on: April 02, 2014, 06:49:59 AM »

What are the recommended specs for the front axle alignment (caster, camber, toe)?

My car is a 144" wb, pretty stiff chassis, with 2.25S17 Avon Speedmaster (ribbed tread) front tires.

Thanks in advance.

17

Roo Man's Room / Re: attaching upholstery

« on: March 29, 2014, 06:08:32 AM »

Glenn, I agree with you. 

My plan was to make the upholstery cover fold over the top of the seat (velcro on the outside of the seat) and then go between the outside of the seat and the shoulder hoop.  The upholstery will then be trapped so it can't unfold when sliding into the seat.  We'll see if this plan works...

18

Roo Man's Room / Re: attaching upholstery

« on: March 28, 2014, 10:07:51 PM »

Thanks guys for the replies, and I think velcro will be the answer.   I appreciate the other options as well as a backup.  Progress continues.... got the steering crossmember made and tacked in tonight.

19

Roo Man's Room / Re: attaching upholstery

« on: March 27, 2014, 08:26:26 PM »

Why cant the male part of the snap buttons go directly onto the fiberglass seat?
Cool looking chassis

Thanks for the compliment. 

I thought about putting the snaps onto the seat, but am looking for other alternatives.  I am not experienced at upholstery...

20

Roo Man's Room / Re: attaching upholstery

« on: March 27, 2014, 08:24:04 PM »

We don't have bakersfield weather around here in the rust belt, LOL.  The humidity here can be crazy at times and we all know bare steel items corrode.  While I obviously won't be keeping this car outside in the rain or snow, I know it is possible to be caught by an unexpected downpour.  What if I wanted to wash it?  Screw threads don't seal against water wicking in.  Not trying to start an argument, just looking for some alternatives.

21

Events / Re: Meltdown Drags at Byron Dragway (Rockford, Ill area)

« on: March 27, 2014, 06:37:42 AM »

What could blow away a FED giveaway??? 

Well it is going to happen at this years 2014 Meltdown Drags... 

As reported in Gasser Wars Magazine, we will have two Grand Marshalls this year.  Who you ask?  None other than BONES and ISKY!

We are STOKED to say the very least! 

People are making the long tows from Southern California, Canada, Texas, South Carolina, etc to get to Illinois this July.  One spectator has booked a flight from England just to see it firsthand.  Wow!

Check us out on Facebook and at meltdowndrags.com

22

Roo Man's Room / attaching upholstery

« on: March 26, 2014, 09:01:59 PM »

OK, so we have been making pretty good progress at my FED project lately.  Fiberglass seat is nearly finished and ready to trim to fit the contour of the shoulder hoop, but wait.  How is the upholstery going to attach??? I am hesitant to use the approach most used - drill the hoop and screw the snaps directly to the frame.  I am concerned first about an opening & corrosion and second to a lesser degree about the strength.  I purchased a crashed car for its parts and the upholstery holes certainly were stress risers.

A friend suggested gluing the upholstery to the fiberglass seat... but I like the idea of separating the upholstery in case it ever got rained on.

Any other suggestions?

By the way my build is a 144" car, and want it to look like they did in 1964:

23

Your Builds / Photo Gallery / Re: New Member from SE Wisconsin

« on: November 10, 2013, 08:24:00 PM »

Thanks guys!

24

Events / Re: Meltdown Drags at Byron Dragway (Rockford, Ill area)

« on: November 10, 2013, 08:14:52 PM »

hey I am only one of the guys who puts it on, not the only spoke in the wheel.


Last year we gave away a Fiat body and a bunch of parts (front and rear axles, steering kit, seat, big gift certificates, etc) to build a really nice altered with.

...BREAKING NEWS...
 
At our 2014 Meltdown Drags, we will be giving away a 1959 TE448 roller project!  I have seen it, touched it, sat in it, and I think I might have made some vroom vroom sounds

Details will follow....  till then check us out at:

www.meltdowndrags.com

also please 'like' us at Meltdown Drags on Facebook - it helps us spread the word!

25

Your Builds / Photo Gallery / Re: New Member from SE Wisconsin

« on: November 08, 2013, 06:55:15 PM »

One more thing... I'm trying to make sure the next generation is infected with the speed bug, too:

"Lemme Drive!"


First time in a FED:


Second time in a friend's car I was repairing:

26

Your Builds / Photo Gallery / New Member from SE Wisconsin

« on: November 08, 2013, 06:07:11 PM »

 ...entering the FED anonymous meeting room...

Hi, I'm AJ

I'm 42 years old and live in SE Wisconsin near Milwaukee. I am a degreed mechanical engineer but don't let that fool you - my hands are dirty more than they are clean.  I honestly do 99-100% of my car work myself.  About the only thing I really can't do is precision engine machine work.  I have been drag racing for 25+ years (basically since I got my drivers license).  20 some years ago I built a street sleeper that weighs 3700#, still runs mid 12's today with the same engine, and yet appears to be the 67 Dodge Coronet that someone's grandma drove.

I also have done a few frame-up builds of late 60's Ford trucks.  Most recent build is my almost finished 79 F250 4WD with a 6BT Cummins under the hood.  It looks like it rolled down the assembly line that way. I have a pretty complete build thread at http://www.fordification.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=963 but this is the most important shot:


Why am I here?  Well, I have got a bad case of speed in my veins and...   I truly have LOVED vintage FED's since I saw my first one ~30 years ago (way before the current nostalgia trend).  I have been accumulating tons of pictures, info, etc for a long time and now have almost all of the parts I need to build my own new yet vintage styled FED.  It will be an early short 120-125" wheelbase with a '56 354 Chrysler powering it.  Since my pockets aren't as deep as I wish, I will have to use a pair of my AFB's on top of the 6-71 instead of the Hilborn that would be much more appropriate.  I bought a 120" unknown chassis with some associated parts and then later an almost complete but crashed 185" MW car that filled in my parts wanted list very nicely.  The MW chassis is hanging above the shorter tan-colored chassis.


While I probably will be lurking on this site mostly, I will contribute positively and accurately what and when I can.  I do the same on the HAMB under the same username.

A few good friends and I organize and put on the Meltdown Drags at Byron Dragway (Rockford, Ill area) which is a 1966 and earlier vintage drag meet.   It is an event that has no trophys, no prize money, and no whining.  Cars must meet the '66 and earlier appearance criteria and be pre-approved / preregistered to be allowed to race.  Preregistration is FREE.  Our next event is July 18-20 of 2014.  The acceptance criteria and event info is on the website at www.meltdowndrags.com and also on Facebook at Meltdown Drags.  Check us out!

27

Wanted to buy / Re: Wanted 240 or 300 Ford head!

« on: November 07, 2013, 06:05:02 PM »

I know this ad is old, but are you still looking for a 300 head?  I have some complete running 300-6's here in SE Wisconsin.