Anyone seen this style of lowering the front end before? First time Iv'e seen it and wondering why we don't see this more often. What would be wrong with this? Did they just start with the frame upside down?
The problem would be the limited spring travel until the frame comes in contact with the axle. The method was used on period racing cars. I've seen it with the spring modified, bent forward with the axle moved some 2.5" forward - then the frame won't limit spring travel.
Gerber moved the axle:
See this thread for more on this type of lowering: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80257/80579.html?1240536288
Same concept here...
Not sure how we're going to put it together but this is a mock up of one option.
I'd worry about the weight of the whole front end of the car hanging on those two nuts. That doesn't look safe to me.
I am sure your guardian angel would be having major trepidations over trusting those nuts with your life!
Gravity always has a way of winning!
Eric it looks like you were at Vantage on Saturday. I was driving the white 117 speedster parked ahead of that one man car. There is a video of that one man car on youtube listed under one man 1/8 mile.
I'm with Mike and Jay on this. Remember, that spring clamp assembly was designed to prevent the spring stack from moving around or falling out. It was not designed to actually carry any weight.
Humble Howard Genrich has been driving his Number 7 Speedster thousands of miles for over 30 years with this set-up.
Frank or anyone have a bigger close up of HH's car front end?
Steve, I wish I had been there. Got some photos from folks who were there. This set up caught my eye. Still not sure I would trust it the way it is shown as others have mentioned.
Roger, cool link. I wonder what happened to Jason and his car? Anyone have an update?
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I think the springs would flatten out and the shackles would hit the perches before the frame contacted the axle with this set up. I don't think the frame hitting the axle is something to really worry about.
Seth-I don't quite agree with you on this. I think the worry is the fact that if those two nuts failed, it would be a "catastrophic failure" for sure! The front ends of the frame rails would immediately hit the pavement; they would NOT hit the axle! Think "possible" end-over-end "pitch pole" type accident! Just my opinion,.......harold
Actually, I didn't say that quite right. I should have said that the frame rails "MIGHT NOT" hit the axle! The axle might pivot forward and away from the frame ends which could cause the "catasrophic" accident that I described.
I think any concern about the spring mount failing could be eliminated by using two steel plates and four bolts. I mocked this type of front end sometime ago using parts I had laying around. It appeared a standard front spring would not provide enough clearance.
i have allways wondered , what is the prefered method for putting the steering wheel in the center of a one man car. i know how the later sprints etc. do it, but lets say, like noel bullocks car? i have the old books showing all the state of the art stuff for the 20's, but no mention of sitting behind the wheel on a one man job.
Clayton. you get the steering out of a Franklin.
Erich, here is a better of Howard's front end.