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Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 6:08 pm
by John Warren
This is how it all started!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 6:37 pm
by John Warren
Then this and many more like it.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:32 pm
by John Warren
Then a Rancher Friend had this stuff.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:51 pm
by John Warren
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:55 pm
by John Warren
Time to start thinking about this.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:04 pm
by John Warren
OK , I have to have an engine! Where on earth can I find a model t engine? I start looking on craigs list and finally find this after a couple of months. I better get it because I haven't seen anything else closer to a model t engine. Wanted $700 so I offered $500 and he took it, so I guess this is close enough for now.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:12 pm
by John Warren
Time to start building.
Now to start laying it out.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:41 pm
by John Warren
Now I need to build the tail hmmm...
Many of you may recognize this, it made a fine race car tail!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:32 pm
by Harry Lillo
What year is the engine? Looks a little later than a T engine?
I like your tail section.....
Harry
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 4:36 am
by Rob Patterson
Boy, I'm going to enjoy watching this thread.
Good luck with it John
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:37 am
by Rich Eagle
That is a great project. I will enjoy seeing the progress.
The third picture was when it was only a pipe dream. ;O{
Rich
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:58 am
by John Warren
Hi Guys, The engine is a ford model A 1928 design. Good one Rich.

Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 10:31 am
by Mikes 1912
The tires behind the dump truck will add a little class to the project.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 10:35 am
by Shane Lach
Keep posting! It gets the creative juices flowing. I am currently building one as well and the new forum/ease of photo posting has made me want to start a build thread. I may start one tonight.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:38 pm
by John Warren
The rear end is a hybrid , Large drum model t with the model A tube grafted where they were the same size and I used a model A drive shaft and cut it to fit the model t pinion and it has opposing timken bearings for the pinion.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:48 pm
by John Warren
It has McGill needle roller bearings and a seal for the axle shaft bearings fitted into a machined bushing.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:49 pm
by Ruxstel24
Looks good John !
You will have some wiring soon...

Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:56 pm
by John Warren
On the previous photos you can see the new mount plates for the radius rods and spring perch. The drive shaft is short because I moved the engine towards rear about a foot. The next photos are of the drop mount for the front end.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:10 pm
by Jerry VanOoteghem
Do the McGill needle bearings ride directly on the axle shafts? If so, you may not like the result...
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:29 pm
by Tim Moore
I am concerned with your front lowering system as it is like a step ladder with no steps. That is a big drop and even if the welds hold there will be constant stress with each bump and turn. Eventually it may fold over left or right. You could plate or box the lowering bracket in the rear or both front and rear for MUCH more strength. I am no engineer but have been down this road and the front end will take lots of abuse constantly being pushed with any forward movement and trying to sway side to side. The period correct lowering brackets were always a full plate in the vertical axis. The horizontal axis should be stabilized by the wishbone or radius rods if in double configuration (recommended so it can't fold over). That looks a little scary too me.
Regards,
Tim Moore
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:34 pm
by Tim Moore
I am afraid one big bump on a turn or a curb and the axle will fold over to the side.
Tim Moore
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:58 pm
by John Warren
Jerry, the needle bearings have a inner race pressed on the shaft. Tim they may look flimsy , but they are very strong. 1/2 T1 steel welded to 100%.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 10:11 pm
by John Warren
Time to put some tires and wheels on it so I can roll it around. The rear axle (small drum)in these photos was just to mock it up. The grafted torque tube is the one I used.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 6:47 pm
by John Warren
With the engine set in place, she is starting to look like something.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 7:00 pm
by John Warren
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 7:41 pm
by John Warren
Now to start building a frame for the body. I used 1-1/4 X 1/8 angle iron.
The hoop is for the firewall. It is heat formed to a circle that was drawn on a piece of plywood.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 7:47 pm
by mvweaver
Now that’s looking very interesting.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:08 pm
by Barth_Tool_Co
I love this sort of stuff, keep it coming!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:09 pm
by JSteele
I agree with Tim, your suicide front end may truly be a suicide front end. Looks neat but I think you need some gussets or bracing of some type.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:15 pm
by Ruxstel24
I hear what you guys are saying, but I don't see a big issue with the front spring. It doesn't contact all that much in the center, when mounted stock up in the frame...
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2019 8:30 pm
by John Warren

- I couldn't help my self, It had to have a number.

- I added the cowling former and steering system.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 1:01 am
by John Warren
[/attachment]

- The steering sector was made from a model T column.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 7:55 pm
by John Warren

- I found a gas tank and a grill that I like.

- Started working on the brakes. Built long S cams and pivot bearing brackets, and installed model A radius rods
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:24 pm
by John Warren

- This is how I mounted the emergency brake, it is tied into the service brakes with a slotted arm.

- Mounted the grill and have been working on the steering, built a jack shaft to tie into the original drag link.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:37 pm
by John Warren

- Started building the exhaust header.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 8:53 pm
by John Warren

- fabricated a firewall and installed the carburetor
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 9:16 pm
by John Warren

- Wiring and vin numbers
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 9:23 pm
by John Warren

- This is how I moved the shifter back. Here is a use for loose u-joints
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 10:04 pm
by John Warren

- Dash panel and windshield

- A visit from the local wildlife :0
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 10:12 pm
by John Warren

- Well It runs and it is loud!!

- Added the pipe and small silencer plus painted (sorta) the back.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 10:43 pm
by John Warren
The engine wasn't running well, This is what I discovered, someone installed the valve guides from top instead from the bottom. It is a two piece valve guide that the spring keeps shouldered up in the valve cover, it is not suppose to be in the port held down by gravity and the valve banging it back down.

- Not really showing how they are suppose to be, but a good photo.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2019 11:04 pm
by John Warren
Well much closer to tour time. It has taken me three years to get it to this. New tires, wheels blasted and powder coated, new caps and lugs. [/b]
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2019 8:06 pm
by John Warren
Hi Guys,I very much appreciate your comments Rob, Rich, Shane, Matthew, Jason, Dave, Tim and John. The car is driven usually 60 + miles a week on our T breakfast tours and has been on many long tours. Once our Club went to Lone Pine Calif. through Death Valley , 600 miles for me. I probably have about 10,000 on it. I know what most of you guys think about water pumps,( me to) for our model t's, well I don't run a water pump on this either or a fuel pump and never have had any problems. I have raced it in the Lincoln hill climbs, it has been on TV ( Vegas Rat Rod ), in a Concours d' Elegance show, and a few others. I had a great time building it and having a lot of fun since. Thanks for your time. jw
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2019 10:00 am
by John Warren
Oops, I see that I missed thanking Lester,Harry,and Jerry, Thanks and thanks again all.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 3:18 pm
by Danny Lorenzi
I have been passed by this car many a times
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 9:14 am
by John Warren
Have any of you had any trouble loading your speedsters/race cars because they are lowered?
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 9:58 am
by katmankingkat
Looks like a couple of Polaris sleds in the background. 75 TX? Maybe a cat in foreground.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 10:09 am
by Rich Eagle
It has been so nice to see the work in progress and now the racer on the road. Thanks for taking the time.
Rich
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 11:04 am
by Raoul von S.
A documented descent into insanity ! Gents, see the signs before this happens to you !
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 1:01 pm
by Rob
Looks great. Ready for Lincoln?
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 1:18 pm
by Henry K. Lee
John curved ramps will help, but not a lot of curve.
Hank in Tin-A-See
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 2:10 pm
by Shane Lach
Use a straight ball mount vs a drop mount. also, drive the rear wheels of the tow vehicle onto ramps and it will lower the loading height. Backing up to a hill also helps.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 8:31 pm
by John Warren
Well this is what happened to me the second time I loaded it( are grown men allowed to cry?). The first time I was in a small dip that flattened out the ramps and all went well and it looked to have plenty of clearance, the second time the ramps were steeper and holly shi_. The car bottomed out on the transmission best I can figure and when the bell housings broke in half, it went full throttle and things got quite exciting for a few micro seconds. Some how I was able to stop it before it ended up in the truck. Whewww. This happned a couple of years ago and now I use several ways to flatten out the ramps. I have pulled the back of the truck up on blocks that works well (my wife's idea) otherwise I find a dip to pull in. I like the curved ramps Idea, as far as changing the tow height, I do use a higher tow ball. That happened on Saturday on the first tour. Bill Mitchell in our club had some spare pieces and by Sunday it was back together. It was a very long day. Denny Rutkoskie, in our club has had a few woes because his speedster is low also. Any body else?
Rob, I do have to do some work on it, the engine is pretty tired and I have a few loose bearings that I am currently adjusting. Two years ago, just before I left for Lincoln, I did a quick inframe. I need to fork out the $$ and have Ron Kelly go through it. One way or another I'm planning on coming, gota see the new racer you know.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 8:33 pm
by John Warren
I couldn't fit the done photo
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 8:44 pm
by Henry K. Lee
Ouch John, Sorry to hear!
Hank in Tin-A-See
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2019 8:55 pm
by Shane Lach
Wow that's bad. Sorry to see the damage. Go buy some 2x12 ten feet long and lay them half way up the trailer ramps to extend the ramps and shallow them out. Add boards to support them and stop from flexing. I can get my drift car on my trailer without removing any aero and that thing is super low. You just need to find the combination that works.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2019 8:40 am
by John Warren
That looks like fun Shane, Ya Hank, tough time ( We know don't we) .
Good one Raoul. Rich, Thank you.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 9:31 am
by John Warren
I have been asked a few questions about the racer. I set the engine back about a foot to help handling, and it did work out well, I am mostly pleased on how it handles. The steering could be better, but is way better than my other t's. I think it has more to do with the speed that I can travel, it is great below 60. I still want to add shocks and see if that helps. It is currently apart having sent the engine to Ron Kelley for a rebuild. It will get a new crank, bearing inserts, bored and a valve job. I hope to have it back together for the Nebraska Speedster reunion. I have an engine that I know nothing about that I was going to install so I can go to Laughlin speedster run.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2019 12:56 pm
by 46woodduck
Great assembly of assorted bits and pieces. How it would have been done back in the day. It's always nice to see that people still do this kind of stuff today. Innovation lives!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 6:47 pm
by John Warren
Thanks Thomas for the kind reply, I loved building the car. The thought always was, could they have built it like this with the tools they had ? I tried to use period correct parts where possible. I am still tweeking. I need to install better upholstery. Some things are better left to a professional.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 7:01 pm
by John Warren
I needed to work on the engine to be able to go to the speedster reunion in Lincoln Nebraska in 2017. So I did a quick inframe. I adjusted the bearings, honed the cylinders, new valves and pistons, cam and lifters and a better head. As you can see I had to do the work in the back yard. Some day a Shop!!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 7:18 pm
by Henry K. Lee
Keep those knuckles busting! LOL!
Send me some pics of your seat, that was my first apprenticeship at 14. You would problem want an old style tuck pleat with snaps, correct?
Email hankpattylee at bellsouth dot net
All the Best,
Hank
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 7:41 pm
by John Warren
Hank
Here is what I currently have. The back is also pulled forward to access the battery and storage. The bottom just sits on the frame. I know there is a better and nicer way to do this. One original thought was to do a drop in with snaps kinda like we use to buy for our sandrails. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 7:50 pm
by Henry K. Lee
I will have you make some templates later when I am done with Dave’s baby. That one is pretty straight forward. The bottom will be a drop in with cleat and the top snap attachment on the outer edge as seen. How about 1 1/2” verticals pleats? Black good? Looks

Cool!
Hank
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 8:01 pm
by John Warren
Sounds great. Thanks
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2019 9:52 pm
by Duey_C
John, thank you so much for sharing your photos, both present and past. You have a great sense with your pics. I think you know many an idea will be gleaned from your build. Fun seeing this all in one place!
Very cool speedster!
Also, I gotta go back and find those 2 old sleds (snowmobiles) again.

Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2020 8:11 pm
by John Warren
Threw a blade off my fan then broke the opposite one off to get back home. Just a heads up guys. I was very lucky that it didn’t go through the radiator. This fan was looked at very carefully when I built the car. I had one come close on my 26 touring. When I checked on a new one I almost fell off my chair. $12.50 whattttt!!!! I purchased three, one for all three cars.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2020 8:57 pm
by Wayne Sheldon
Twelve fifty for THOSE!? Sounds like a bargain.
Glad the damage wasn't severe.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2020 8:47 am
by John Warren
Like I said Wow Cheep no reason to not get a new one. Thanks Wayne I should have started a new post about fans.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2020 3:10 pm
by Atomic Amish
The inspiration appears to be from "Ford:The Dust and the Glory". But you must have a different version than I do, I can't find that illustration anywhere but the cover.

Cool project! I hope to start on one soon myself.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 11:38 am
by John Warren
I have had many questions about my car lately. Just came home from a 275 mile Joshua Tree tour! I was able to photograph my car with a P51 Mustang Once in a lifetime opportunity!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 12:04 pm
by Jonah D'Avella
One of the best single engined prop driven planes ever!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 12:19 pm
by John Warren
Totally agree! I had a friend that bought one after the war for $12,000 and It came with a new engine! Wow, he is gone now but he did own one once and sold it for $20,000 thinking he made the deal of a lifetime.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:00 pm
by John Warren
I recently took my steering sector apart for inspection and I always wanted to seal it up better so I could fill it with grease. Here are a few photos of how it is built
using some miter gears. The housing is made from some forged engine frame mounts, they looked the part. The shaft was cut and the left over piece was used as the cross shaft. Side support bearings added. I used a brass back up plate during the welding process to make a sealing surface ( shiny part) the bolts are fitted like dowel pins to locate the two halfs. Just sharing for those that may be interested.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 10:46 am
by John Warren
Things that make an engine run bad!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 1:41 pm
by Kevin Pharis
Wow! That’s more than a few degrees retarded...! You must have noticed it running and sounding more and more like a tractor as this was happening...? Was the cause a loose cam gear nut...?
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 4:50 pm
by ivaldes1
I thought some rest and maybe Viagra was the proper back up?
John Warren wrote: ↑Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:00 pm
I used a brass back up plate during the wedding process...
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 4:56 pm
by John Warren
HAHAHAHA, good catch. Agree!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 5:03 pm
by John Warren
Kevin, Oh ya, It wasn't running very well, Clattering like you said obviously running retarded.... The cam nut was loose and it was missing the cam thrust bearing and spring. I talked to God that day and assured him that I would overhaul it before I would drive it again if he would let me make it back home. True to my word, it came apart and was repaired!
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Tue Jul 08, 2025 9:26 pm
by Michael Peternell
Weston wrote: ↑Tue Jul 08, 2025 6:25 pm
From start to finish,
Genix Flooring provided excellent service. I love how my kitchen and entryway look with their stone flooring options.
Not sure what the flooring thing has to do with anything. I saw your car at the last 2 lincoln rallies. Very cool and very fast up the hill!
Well done sir!
Mike
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2025 3:50 am
by Wayne Sheldon
"Weston"/Joshua Harington and the flooring appears to be an obvious spam posting.
Nice though to see this old thread again.
Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2025 8:26 am
by Dan Hatch
Bottom line: “Even a girl can drive a Model A.”

Re: Race Car Project
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2025 12:06 pm
by TXGOAT2
Things really flow in my kitchen area since we replaced the old flooring with wombats.