Split Bones

I got a set of split bones but they were in pretty bad shape. The threaded bungs were fine but who ever did the welding really jacked it up. Safety aside, which was a major concern, it really looked like shit. So I had to cut a bit more away than I wanted, now what to do.

I really want a long drag look so I don’t want to run little stumpy split bones. So I made three inch long threaded bungs and decided to try to blend them to match the slope on the bones. I think they came out pretty good (I didn’t blend them until after welding, sorry no up close pic).

Spring Perch

I have heard the debate back and forth over the pros and cons of a spring perch, and guess what I figured out. It is my build and I am going to do what I want, and I want a model T style spring perch on the front end.

So I cut out these pieces with the Wire EDM at work, then cranked up the TIG to put it all together. I was pretty fired up how the welds and the piece came out.

Filling Holes

I have taking on the task of filling all the holes in the chassis that I do not need (there are a bunch).

The best method I have found is to clamp a piece of graphite behind the hole and fill it by MIG welding. The weld does not stick to the graphite but gives you something to build on. Here are a couple shots.

Brake Backing Plates

Still in the “don’t spend money stage”, so I am trying to do things that are labor intensive but not much cash. So I mapped out a pattern and drilled (actually milled) out the backing plates I have.

I don’t even think I am going to end up using these, because the wife seems to think the hot rod should stop. So I will probably be using disc brakes, but if not, now I have some bad ass backing plates. 117 holes in EACH!

Wheels and Tires

I have the front wheels and tires figured out. I am going with 16 x 4 Ford Steelies. They are from 1940 and I fitted them with some cheapo 600-16 Nanco tires. They have tubes and a bunch of places I called would not touch them. After a bit of research and briefly trying my self I decided I needed to keep searching for a shop to do it. I finally found a great shop in Wilmington (right on my way home from work) called Eddies Tire City. Here is the info:

Eddies Tire City (ask for Gato)
825 W. PCH
Wilmington, CA 90744
310 830 5331

They were fast and made sure not to damage the wheel, plus the whole thing was $30 bucks. I am sure for someone who has the right tools and the know how it seems like a waste of money but I knew after a few minutes I was not getting those tires on. Here is a shot of them, I powder-coated the wheels twice to help against dings, the color is almond.