Made new speedster tie-rod ends

[Reno Speedster]

I am using model A style steering ends on my 26 speedster project, but needed to get some more clearance between the tie-rod and the radius rods. The most elegant way to do it was use an offset tie-rod end. I didn’t find what I wanted so I made them out of a bar of 4130. They use the standard model A innards and give me 3/8 additional clearance. I think they came out pretty well. I still need to split the lug so I can tighten them on the rod then black oxide them. Here are a couple of shots.

[RecklessKelly]

Nice work!

[Reno Speedster]

Yeah, they came out ok. I am waiting for slitting saw for the mill and the black oxide solution to finish them up. This has been a really long running project (I started it back in grad school 20 years or so ago and I am looking forward to getting it done. It’s going to be a mahogany skiff body car so there are a lot of custom parts.

[RecklessKelly]

Sounds neat. Have you built the body yet? Strip mahogany construction?

[Reno Speedster]

I have the body frame done but it’s not skinned yet. It is going to use wider strips (3-4 inches wide). I had to work out some mechanical things before finishing the body, but I am getting back to it. Here are a couple of shots of the body frame.

[RecklessKelly]

Nice work. Looks to be master boatbuilding grade construction. You might want to consider okoume or sapele mahogany ply, edge glued strips for skin. It would be the lightest unless you want to go sheetmetal.

[Reno Speedster]

I am using a thin birch ply for strength overlaid with thin strips of mahogany. I have a pile of old mahogany that was used for wainscoting. It’s not the lightest way to build it, but it will be strong.