*Clayton Paddison Re-Builds his '26 Roadster ~ Part VII...The Home Stretch!

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: *Clayton Paddison Re-Builds his '26 Roadster ~ Part VII...The Home Stretch!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 05:07 pm:

Got allot more done, so let's get up to speed:

Got the engine wired:



The body put back on (permanent)







Throttle assembly made up:





Carburetors installed:





The electrical system done (with some added detail to make the crimp connectors look period)







...and the electrical system working..



The new wheels painted:



More to come!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Weir on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 05:59 pm:

Great job.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JAMES STARKEY Naperville, IL on Monday, June 11, 2012 - 08:03 pm:

Clayton,
I sure hate to sound like a McDonalds add but, "I'm lovin' it"!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Halpin on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 01:24 am:

I love the looks of that car and I have from the start. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Stroud on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 04:23 am:

Clayton, keep it up! You guys are going to make it to Bonneville yet. Dave


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Carnegie on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 08:37 am:

This is getting exciting! Can't wait to hear how it runs.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron White on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 09:12 am:

Way to Go!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John M mASLACK on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 09:19 am:

I agree with Tom.I can't wait to hear the beast.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 05:02 pm:

Thanks all!

Tom and John,

Same here, the suspense is KILLING ME! :-) I am really close...really hoping to fire it soon!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael W. Herndon on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 09:29 pm:

BITCHEN!!!!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 10:09 pm:

Mike,

Glad you approve :-) That is exactly the kind of reaction I was shooting for with this new chassis.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Williams on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - 03:27 am:

looking good Clayton,

I have stories for you and Chris about the Endurance run.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike Zahorik on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - 11:41 am:

Clayton, I have enjoyed all your posts. I am curious about the string on the crimp on lug. Are you doing this to cover up the modern lug? Are you using waxed string? And, how is the string secured at the wire end of the lug? Neat idea regarding the crimp on lugs.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - 03:07 pm:

Tim,

I look forward to hearing them :-)

Mike,

The waxed string I used is tied on both ends and then coated with aircraft dope or Testor's Closscote Lacquer to seal it.

I just did it to cover the crimp lugs up.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeff Hood on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - 05:14 pm:

I like the string idea, but I would go one step further and cut the plastic off with an x-acto knife before wrapping them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Stroud on Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 04:02 am:

Clayton, I have another guy that needs the clamp ring for the Chicago. If you are interested in making another one, let me know. Dave


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Tuesday, July 03, 2012 - 03:32 pm:



Well, it's nice to be able to post again! ...due to the latest forum issues, It wasn't allowed to post anything...so here is an update:

Got the taillight done and working









Then the battery tray...





The center crossmember of the body...





Got started on the e-brake..



...and the new full steel floor for the turtle deck...





Stay tuned!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Saturday, July 07, 2012 - 12:50 pm:

Just a bump in case it got missed... :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John M mASLACK on Saturday, July 07, 2012 - 01:11 pm:

Clayton, When are you going to fire the beast up?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Saturday, July 07, 2012 - 04:22 pm:

John,

Hopefully within the next week or two. The special Stromberg fuel line fittings I need will be here Tuesday with my throttle linkage setup. Once I have those, I will be on easy street!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Mc Ginnis Dearborn, MI on Saturday, July 07, 2012 - 05:20 pm:

Your attention to all the period details makes it hard to believe that you did not do this once already 70 or 80 years ago when old Model Ts were first being made into hot rods (or Gow Jobs or Soup Jobs as they were called)! Of all the "period recreations" that I have seen lately, yours has to be the best looking and best detailed of all of them.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Monday, July 09, 2012 - 09:16 pm:



*UPDATE*
The roadster gets a new pair of shoes...

Yesterday was a hot here...and a bit more humid then usual which, all in all, made for really uncomfortable day......but I still managed to get the new Firestone's mounted on the new wire wheels. I just piddled around on little stuff (because it was too damn hot) until the late afternoon when the temperature dropped enough when I got the turtle deck and the gas tank bolted down.

After that I pushed her out of the shop...and went a little crazy takin' pictures

















More tomorrow!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 02:37 am:

OK, I still love your car :-)
Is the space under the cowl where the original tank sat crowded with accessories? The feet room for rumble seat passengers seems limited :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By kep NZ on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 03:27 am:

Have been waiting a while to see this finished. Did you raise the suspension? Seem to remember it being lower in the past (maybe i asked that before and forgot?) The body looks like it has a few dents, have they always been there? Do people comment on them much?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 11:39 am:

Roger,

I did remove the under-cowl tank so that I could have room for a decent set of gauges and other goodies.....and I really didn't want the tank over my lap.

The rumble seat is far from complete. Eventually the current tank will be replaced by another more compact tank that will open up some more much needed leg room.

Kep,

I did lift the rear end up a bit this time, mostly due to some major rear axle/frame interference. I raised it up 2-3/4" which I think gave it the perfect stance.

The dents aren't commented about much..as most people love them. They see them as a validation badge that the car is a real survivor from the 1930's

..They are shocked to learn that the car is only 6 year old (in it's current configuration) and that I built it.

...always fun at a car show :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 04:54 pm:

Clayton - You definitely have a way with words! "Validation badge",.....I like that! I've been calling it "patina", like on Antiques Road Show, but "validation badge" fits ol' Tin Lizzie' much better. Kind of like a smashed bug on the radiator would just be a smashed bug on any other car, but a "trophy" on a Model T, right?

Really appreciate your updates and photos Clayton; it's really fun to watch the progress. Young guys with so much skill and talent like you and Chris Becker really are a credit to the hobby!

Hope you guys can make it up hear to one of our Model T functions in the Seattle/Tacoma area once in awhile in the future. It's not really that far you know; Seattle to Portland in a STOCK Model T is a long and "tedious" drive, but in one of those cars you guys build,......well, a little bit easier drive! Thanks again for the regular posts and photos,.....harold


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 05:02 pm:

Ooops,....meant to say.....up here,....not.....up hear.

By the way Clayton, meant to ask you,....on one of your earlier photos, is that throttle linkage bolted on with the hogshead/engine block bolt a modified Model A throttle unit?

I've begun to "collect" a few parts to add to my frame and '26 engine block that I laughingly call "my speedster project" and I have a Model A throttle unit in nice shape set aside as I thought it would be a good idea for a "T" speedster.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 06:19 pm:

Harold,

It certainly is "patina", but more like a battle scar....or a badge of honor. It is also validation for some people that "if it still has dents, it must be a survivor"....

Validation Badge! :-)

I enjoy keeping the updates coming and sharing my project with all of you. When I first showed up here, I was welcomed without hesitation and not treated as a child...but as a contributing member of the community. This ol' Roadster has come along way, as have I and I am grateful and happy to share it.

Both Chris I would love to make the drive up Seattle way and participate as "out of town" guests for one area Model T functions....I know the Roadster and the "Special" would be up for the task. Please keep us up to date on the goings on and we will try to plan something out.

As for the throttle linkage.....it is a Model A foot throttle linkage setup. I thought it would make a good solid throttle bracket and the holes almost line up perfectly (I think they are off by 1/32" or so). The only problem is the casting between the two bolt holes interferes with the Mag post....so I just cut up another junk one I had to have enough of the cast "stock" to jog around it. That way, when all welded together and cleaned up...it would look like the original casting :-)

Oooo! Another speedster project? What are your plans?

Clayton


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Harold Schwendeman - Sumner,WA on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 09:44 pm:

No real "plans" at the moment Clayton; at my age, my "plans" are pretty much to make it to my next (71st) birthday! I really am collecting parts for a speedster though, and if nothing else, it's a good reason to go to parts swaps, and if I never actually build a speedster, maybe one of my 4 sons (or even grandsons) will build it.

I guess what I think I'd like tho' is a really "bare bones" type of speedster, as light and simple as possible. Easier to build if no fenders, body, ect,....sort of a Rootlieb sort of speedster.

I probably shouldn't even mention this, because someone a lot smarter than me might tell me how crazy this is, but I even have an idea (hey,....maybe I DO have "plans", huh?) an idea to keep it even lighter and more simple (electrically) with NO starter, no generator and very small 12 volt battery. Every time I use one of my cordless drills or something, I keep thinking that a speedster with just a compact little 12V battery would be neat. Just "recharge" in house, garage, motel, whatever like I recharge my Makita or DeWalt drill batteries. A separate battery and circuit for small L.E.D. headlights & tailight. Crazy??? I don't know; this electrical stuff is becoming more compact and efficient all the time! It'd be neat to just have a spare battery or two in my pocket and just run the speedster like I do my Makita drill. (???)

By the way, I just got my depot hack running again (see profile) after a major overhaul of engine & transmission by Steve Tomaso at Steve's "T" Works in Milton, WA. (runs like a Swiss watch and a bit more power with high compression pistons too) but after R&R of engine and transmission at my age, I really wonder about my speedster "project".

Anyway, I guess it's okay to dream, and being retired, Lord knows I have lots of time to build something, even thought it seems like I can only work a couple hours at a time, and even at that, I'm pretty stiff & sore the next day.

By the way Clayton, I meant to mention one other thing, and I think I can speak for many of us on the forum; it doesn't go un-noticed that you always respond to everyone that comments or asks you about your projects. Besides being pretty good mechancis, engineers and "innovaters", you and Chris are a couple of real gentlemen and there are a few of us that could learn quite a few different things from you guys!

Hey, one other thing, and then I'll quit "rambling". Speaking of "inovations" and clever engineering, what ever became of that white chassis of Chris Beckers?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Hoshield on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - 11:38 pm:

Dang, I like the looks of that! :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By kep NZ on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 - 02:41 am:

The more you post of it the more i want to build one like it. Lots of laws surrounding these sorts of builds in my country though... costly... maybe some day i will ask for some measurements but i better stop looking at this before i get tempted to spend more money.
Don't stop posting pictures though!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 - 02:56 pm:

Harlod,

Very cool! At least a speedster like that is a simple build....really easy, so it shouldn't take much time at all. I would look into an alternater or something. Not having to charge it every time you want to use it is really nice :-)

They way I see it, if you all took the time to post a comment, compliment or gave support for the project...the LEAST I can do is let you all know that it was very much appreciated and welcomed. :-)

Kep,

It is contagious isn't it....one day though, you get it and HAVE to build one :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 - 03:01 pm:



*UPDATE*
FUEL LINE FITTINGS ARE HERE!!!

I have been waiting for weeks now for any one of the 3 pairs of Stromberg Banjo fittings for my 2 Stromberg 81 carbs and EVERY SINGLE vender seems to be back ordered on these.....until the first of August...

...Not good for my Bonneville plans

So last week I contacted Max Musgrove in Salt Lake City. He had built me 81's and I should have turned to him in the first place. After much grovelling for not doing so, he told me that (as a distributor) he can order direct from Stromberg and would have them drop shipped directly to me and that they would be at my door by the following Tuesday...and this was on Wednesday!

Today..as promised, they arrived in all of there priceless glory. Thank you to Uncle Max for getting me out of a jam!



The longer of the two arms however, was too long and interfered with the fuel lines and fittings ....so I was forced to modify an older one by filling in the shaft hole with a little brass and re-drilling it to work which was no big deal. The longer arm was simply for a progressive linkage with 3 carbs...so no big deal. I will contact Max and get another small arm later.







stay tuned for more!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Halpin on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 - 07:10 pm:

Cool! :-) Somewhere down the road I'm going to replace the 4 bbl on the Rambler with 3-2's. I'd like to use Stromberg 97's. A. Because I'm familiar with them and B. for the looks. Nice linkage set-up, I'll keep that in mind.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By kep NZ on Thursday, July 12, 2012 - 05:33 am:

i like the tube for the wires.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Thursday, July 12, 2012 - 11:22 am:

Dennis,

Stromberg also makes a really nice looking 3x2 progressive linkage that is super sharp.

Kep,

Thanks! That actually started life as a piece of brass plumbing pipe. Was really nice thick wall stuff and polished up nice.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Stroud on Friday, July 13, 2012 - 04:57 am:

Dennis, to each his own, but if I were to install a 3-2 setup on a small block Chevy, I would use period correct Rochester carbs. Much more CFM there I think. JMHO. Dave


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Halpin on Friday, July 13, 2012 - 08:56 am:

David, that's probably what I'll end up doing. This is all way down the road. This car has a lot of other safety/reliability 'projects' that need to be addressed first.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Friday, July 13, 2012 - 11:38 am:

Ya know David....I didn't even think about it at first, but I have to agree that an SBC would look a little more correct with 3 Rochester 2-Gs then Strombergs.

If you really want to go with Strombergs Dennis, you could also look into a set of 48's ....the 97's big brother. The Stromberg 48 was quite a bit larger then the 97 in barrel/venturi size and CFM. Don't know how they compare to a 2-G though..


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Friday, July 13, 2012 - 12:11 pm:

...found my info :-)..

Stromberg 48: 1-1/32" Venturi, .048" Main Jet (175 cfm)
Stromberg 97: 31/32" Venturi, .045" Main Jet (155 cfm)
Stromberg 81: 13/16" Venturi, .035" Main Jet (125 cfm)

Holly 94/2110: 1-1/16" Venturi, .050" Main Jet (175 cfm) *210 cfm on later models

Rochester 2G: 1-3/16" to 1-3/8" Venturi, .051" to .064" Main Jet (352 to 435 cfm)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Stroud on Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 03:24 am:

Clayton, what was the Stromberg 48 used on? I don't recall ever hearing of them. By the way, I have a chrome plated Stromberg 97 that I have had since the early sixties. Dave


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Monday, July 16, 2012 - 10:47 am:

David,

I believe Ford used the Stromberg 48 as the factory installed Flathead V8 carburetor in 1934 and 1935 before switching to the Stromberg 97 for 1936, '37 and 1938 and ultimately switching to the Holley 94 (2110) until the end of the run.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 - 02:38 pm:



*UPDATE*
Progress....but in the wrong direction

The day started off great. Sunday was to be the day I fired the Roadster up for the first time. I had a few things to do and installing the Chicago O.D. was first on my list. When I got to the shop, I went in to see how Troy was doing on the bearing retainer for the Chicago as you might remember from earlier updates.

Without a word, he handed me the finished part...a perfect reproduction in Stainless, with a few improvements Of course it thread on to the input shaft flawlessly so I set to work assembling the Chicago..





...and then the fun began

The rear outer bearing race retainer (which threads into the case itself) was originally installed using some sort of special spanner wrench designed to engage the spanner peg holes on the retainer while fitting down into the ball cap casting with limited space.

Whoever owned this gearbox before me obviously did not have this tool and used a drift punch and hammer to remove it at some point...oval-ing out the spanner peg holes pretty good in the process.

This is how I had removed this retainer as well and because of this damage and the lock screw slot....this was a LONG and TEDIOUS process resulting in many smashed thumbs, excessive expletive use and 2 hours of lost time.

Unfortunately with every hit of the hammer, the original part became more and more warped and tighter. After 2 hours of hammering and still an 1/8" left to go.....it stopped moving. Now at 3:30 with my afternoon quickly disappearing, I tried to remove it.....but it wouldn't move.

So....I spent the next 2 hours cutting and hammering the old one out by drilling all the way through the spanner peg holes then cutting through them with a Dremel to weaken it.





After getting it out, Troy went to work in an attempt to recover some of the days loss...

..Something that I am extremely appreciative of.

Troy worked tirelessly late into the night with me looking on and produced a new, perfect and slightly improved rear race retainer. He got it about 95% complete (turned down to spec, threads cut, inside bored out) with just parting it from the steel stock, cutting the locking slot and drilling/tapping the locking screw.







We are also going to design and build a special spanner "wrench" for this part for use in the future.

Troy should have the retainer done Tuesday night and I should HOPEFULLY have the Chicago installed that night as well.

We might just hear this thing run this coming weekend...with luck

Stay tuned!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chris Barker, Somerset, England on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - 08:51 am:

I happened to be looking at page 82 of 'Model T Memories' by Floyd Clymer, published in 1958, and realised that I had found the right cartoon on the right day!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - 12:30 pm:

Chris,

That is too funny..but what are you trying to say here? :-) lol!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - 12:34 pm:



*UPDATE*
the Chicago is...IN!!!!!

After much angst, smashed fingers, cursing, trial and error...the Chicago is finally reunited with the rest of the drive train! Troy finished up the new rear retainer (which was a perfect fit) and we could not be happier with how it came out..







Then I got to work on assembly....take two





Then I got it in the car!





stay tuned...hopefully we will hear it run this weekend!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Stroud on Thursday, July 19, 2012 - 04:45 am:

Clayton, that retainer looks great! Hope you guys can get some more made one of these days. Good luck on your trip to Bonneville! Dave


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Halpin on Thursday, July 19, 2012 - 05:22 am:

Clayton, that shift lever just ain't going to look right without a big ol chrome skull shift knob on it. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Clayton Paddison, Portland Oregon on Thursday, July 19, 2012 - 01:39 pm:

David,

We most certainly can get you taken care of. Sent you a PM on the matter.

Dennis,

Ya know.....I was thinking the very same thing.. :-)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Halpin on Friday, July 20, 2012 - 07:13 am:

Hot Rodders think alike Clayton. :-) One of the reasons I absolutely love your car. It's 40's, 50's Hot Rod to the core. Not all of them had Flathead V8's in them and some of the 4 bangers could kick a Flathead V8's butt.


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