Bob and I are headed to Bakersfield in the morning to see what is going on at the NSRA Western Nationals. We are going up and back the same day as I rarely stay more than one day at this event. Normal turnout is about 2000 cars and mostly from the central part of the state. I see cars I have never seen before as well as some staples that always show up for a good time. The weather promises to be cool so it should be a great day for all of us.
I am truly amazed at the chassis work I find on the internet. Some people have such talent to create a piece of “Chassis Art” when they build their dream cars. Much forethought is given before the first piece is welded in place. Special tools help make one-off pieces but some people just do it the hard way by designing, grinding and shaping the bracket to match their pattern.  A plasma cutter is a very handy tool when you do you own fabricating. I still use a torch or a cut-off disc when making my parts which requires a lot of effort and time, but I have plenty of both. I have selected some examples of some chassis that I find to be very well thought out. And are both functional and very road worthy. I love the QC but I am not to sure they are for everyone, especially if you like a quiet cockpit. The sound of the singing and the sight of the early Ford bells with a beautiful polished center section (as cast looks good also) really make a statement to me. The common smooth back 9 inch painted a nice shiny color looks almost as nice but lacks the early look of the roadsters. If you want to use a banjo and beef it up with  pull out axles and Lincoln brakes you have the look without the noise. Winters can supply you with all three types and they are ready to bolt in. Swap meet rear ends should have a label on them stating – “needs rebuilt”. I have purchased several over the years and almost all of them required rebuilding to be dependable. Currie can supply you with the rear end of choice when it comes to 8 or 9 inch rear ends but they are real pricey for a complete rear end. I have purchased a couple on Craigslist that were decent and under $500. John’s in MI also has some nice rear housings and drums that are a copy of a Buick that I have used. Whatever you select, make sure it is in good working order prior to painting and installing. How do I know this?
The weekend is full of car activities with Seal Beach, NSRA and JCP on Sunday. I hope to make it over to the park as my wife loves to read her paper in the park and I love the Pancake breakfast sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. While not a very large show, the venue is “Lazy like a Sunday morning.” (Lionel Richie)
I hope to see some of you at one of these events. If you see and old guy with a Pewsplace T-shirt and hat, stop and introduce yourself. I really enjoy talking to each of you.
Have a safe and sound weekend driving your Hot Rod.
Stay Tooned!
Lynn
I am always impressed with the talent of some builders on the HAMB. The banjo rear end is back in vogue as well as the 36 bones for many traditional builders. This example shows some fabricated parts that are truly pieces of art. Finding axle housings that are pit free like these takes some doing but we have plenty of them in LA.
Jack, at Roy’s, builds some neat traditional chassis also. Here the Deuce chassis is being up fitted with a CE x-member, 36 bones(cut off), 40 housings with a Winters QC. Model-A cross members are available  from several sources, but they are not difficult to locate if you want an original one.
Matt can build you a rear end for the JHRS bones with lots of neat brackets.
Ionia can install the bullet proof 9 inch for trouble free cruising across America.
IC builds a super strong center section with the stock look.
Terry built this AMBRS contender keeping the chassis as you would have in the 50’s & 60’s.
Henry, at Steadfast, builds a beautiful one-off chassis for his builds. Note the slanted and curved X-member as well as the unique motor mounts.
Here is a close up of Henry’s work using JHRS bones and the Winters QC. Nice!
This 34 is well thought out and features a different take on ladder bars. Note rear crossmember.
If you don’t like rusty frames then have Cornhusker build you a brand new one.
The Roadster Shop can also supply you with a brand new chassis for about anything you want. This is a 33/4 chassis I was considering when I built my roadster.
I kind of lean toward the original style with minimal pitting. A nice original chassis is hard to find today.
 Weekend Ride! (Dreaming)
Adam’s Hot Rod shop builds some really great roadsters. Steve and I need to get on his list for ours.