Speedster Build

[Jim McClellan]

I have been collecting pictures, ideas and some parts over the last few months to build a speedster. I was able to buy a frame and axles (the front came with some cool aftermarket springs). I picked up a mini model T that has a good running 1926 motor that is already converted to 12 volt with a distributor. With a few other parts collected and my summer promise to the wife bathroom remodel finally completed I have started working on the speedster project. The pictures below are some of the parts I have collected.

[Jim McClellan]

I decided that I wanted rear disc brakes so after some research I ordered some parts and I am making my way toward a brake conversion. This will also allow me to run 21” spoke wheels. After some time on the mill with the rotary table I have the rear hubs both machined. I need to pick up a few more wheel studs tomorrow.

[Jim McClellan]

Was able to spend some more time on the rear disc brakes. Spacing is now good and next step is to make a bracket to mount the caliper.

[Kevin Pharis]

Looks like you’ve lost a bit of sleep over this project. You should have plenty of braking potential with those rotors, and am curious to see what caliper you choose. Keep in mind that spacing the rear wheels out increases the torsional load on the rear axles... think safety hubs!

[Jim McClellan]

Looks like you’ve lost a bit of sleep over this project. You should have plenty of braking potential with those rotors, and am curious to see what caliper you choose. Keep in mind that spacing the rear wheels out increases the torsional load on the rear axles... think safety hubs!

Kevin, the rotors and calipers are 1997 Ford Ranger. The same parts are on the Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer (I think that’s the name of the Mercury). I have been keeping track of measurements. With this setup the center of the spoked wheel rim is 1.5” wider than the center of the wood wheel rim. If I am thinking correctly that dimension should be the critical one for too wide. I also don’t want the thing to look like a giant wedge going down the road. Next step is to get the caliper bracket designed in CAD. Carefully removing the backing plate gave me a great template to use for the caliper bracket dimensions.