Friday’s Fords

Another sunny day in LA and I am working in the garage as I write this blog. My new jig is begging me to set up the frame rails and make some fixtures so that I can assemble a chassis. I have the tubing in inventory so I thought I would do a couple of crosspieces to hold the frame rails in the proper position. Keeping everything in place, level and in the same plane takes some doing but I was able to accomplish this task in about one hour. I am hoping that by using a similar method the Deuce Frame Company uses with pre-bent boxing plates that the frame will be less likely to want to move under all the welding it must endure during the boxing process. Carl, cleverly bends the boxing plates in the shape of a u-channel which facilitates the location of the center X-member. I still prefer his design to anything else I have used, even the simple SO-CAL X – member. Plenty of room for exhaust and accessories that must be mounted below the floorboards.

I picked up on some very nice looking and well engineered firewall mounted pedals and master cylinders at the GNRS which sounds odd, but works perfect and for old guys like me — allows easy access to the fluids when required. No need to hide them under the dash and worry how to fill and keep brake fluid off the carpet or worse yet the paint. Tom has installed this set up that Moal makes and thinks it is the way to go. Pinkee also offers this set up and both are very expensive compared to the under floor arrangement so often used. I am not there yet so I will make that decision when the time comes.

I want to mention that on our last trip one of our roadsters had some strange things happening to the steering column and connection to the rack and pinion steering. It seems that the set screws came loose and allowed the shaft to move up and down with the suspension travel. Upon inspection, he found he could move the square D shaft up and down — it would have never come out but causes some strange vibrations in the steering column and wheel. I have had this happen also and now drill a little indentation in the shaft, add some loctite to the set screws and check every time prior to going on a long trip. So far mine have not come loose. The back roads are full of rough areas that cause components to fail when not installed properly.

The next event for the month of February will be the Early Times Mid—Winter Rod Run on February 22, 2015. The starting place will be from Richard’s Wheel and Tire in Long Beach. They always find some neat places to visit so plan to attend this long standing run in the LA area.

Have a great weekend working on your Hot Rod.

Stay Tooned!

Lynn

Tech

Here is a close up of a typical Borgeson U-Joint that everyone uses. The set screws are the only item to hold the shaft in place. I drill two small indents where the screw contact the shaft, add loctite and check often. The shaft can’t come out but a loose connection is not acceptable in the steering system. I also don’t believe in welding the joints but many builders do.

I am sort of building a similar set up on my jig. I have 5 stations for clamping and welding the rails to the uprights. The rails will want to spring outward so I add cross braces through the body holes in the frame. I also install the firewall prior to boxing the rails.

The Deuce Frame Company center section takes all the guess work out of proper spacing and alignment. He is a master at his craft and everyone I have used was right on the money. The run around $600 but are worth the money and his welding is second to none. Note the boxing plates are u-channels with tabs for the body mounting holes.

The assembly using my previous jig was too low to the ground and didn’t rotate which made welding difficult.

This photo shows the DFC center section and boxing plates. I add the P&J rear ladder bar brackets which is just my preference. This is a strong set-up.

Cars

Tim builds some really great 40 Fords and this is one of my favorites from a few years ago. He has 55 gallon drum of CMG stored at Clouse’s for all his personal rides.

Here is his latest CMG 40 standard that has been sold to some lucky customer. He has a style that I really like in 40 coupes.

He paints them the stock color on the inside and uses a very tasteful design for the interiors. It all works well together.

I really like the “Camel Hump” heads and 327 engine he uses. Mine will be the same as the motor is done sitting in the garage.

This is what us old folks do after walking 9 buildings at the GNRS. Sitting is a priority for most of us. This was not our booth but we couldn’t pass up the chairs.

My long time friend Mike Martens from IL won best fiberglass roadster at the 1971 NSRA Nationals in Detroit. He used one of the first Brown Mold bodies and they were very nice. He later developed his own Deuce frame rails and sold many sets prior to the DF stamped ones.

One of my hero’s is Pete Eastwood and his ability to build any Deuce using his talent and patience. Here, he and Rick are getting the sedan ready for a run at Irwindale. He knows how to make the chassis work with the buggy springs. Some say he has a “Heavy Foot”! (CW photos)

Eric, another hero of mine, watches to make sure Pete tightens up the newly mounted slicks. (CW photos)

Here is a nice trio of Deuce sedans with the resto-rod look. I hope no golf balls come flying their way. All built by NW Deuces. I hope to make the next Canadian Deuce Day in Vancouver.

Larry Henderson is a long time builder of Deuces from Ohio and now his son has a nice sedan. I believe the coupe was sold and ended up out here.

Friday’s For Sale Forty

One of the 40 – 1940 Fords in our 40 is 75 display was Tim’s beautiful 40 convertible. He would like to sell it now that he has retired and if you have an interest let me know. More details will be in the For Sale Section next week. Price is $82.5K.