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.

Starting the BUILD!

Well I guess it’s official I am starting my build. I know it has been a while but I am going to get moving now. I am still a little low on funds and have not found an affordable / build-able sedan body yet, but I have enough to move forward.

First thing I did before I put any money in the build was to try to get a title for my ‘31 chassis. I have read countless horror stories about trying to get a title from nothing and I was a little worried, especially here in CA.

After a lot of searching I decided to use a guy I found on the H.A.M.B. named Rich, “I partout chevys!!” is is tag on the forum.

I don’t think it could be easier, for a reasonable price he got me plates for my ‘31 in a few days and two weeks later I got a title in the mail. All registered as a ‘31 not 2010 which a big deal. SO if I were done today I could throw the plates on and drive it right now. Might be a little early for that but I wanted to make sure it was possible before I sank money into something I could never title.

Call Rich for titling – 909 821 0262