30 hiboy

[bucketmouth]

I'm putting together a 30 hiboy on 32 rails and was wanting to use hairpins on the front and a model A spring on the rear.
My question is I have a 11 sec motor I want to use and do a little drag racing. Could someone with a similar set up tell me what their experience is regarding handling.

[donsrods]

I've got a '27 roadster on Model A rails. It is a traditonal '50 style rod with a dropped '32 front axle, hairpin radius rods, a 9 inch Ford rear axle with heavier ( 1 inch diameter) hairpins on the back. Using a Model T spring.
The engine is (was. since it is torn down now and being replaced with a roller cam/roller rocker engine I am building) a 5.0 Ford with Crane cam, good early heads with Chevy valves, 2 x 4's, and a stick setup. Sort of similar to what you are describing.

It has had numerous HARD launches, and spent most of those times sideways, and has held up perfectly. Now, if you are asking if this is the ideal drag set up, the answer is no. No question coilovers and a properly designed 3 or 4 link system would hook better and be stronger. But if you want a traditional set up and will expect reasonable drag strip performance, the early set up is ok.

In the early days this was all we had, and some very quick cars ran this setup. But there is no denying that modern technology will produce better times and life.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Don

PS, as for handling, it ran down the expressway at 80-90 MPH straight as an arrow, one handing it.

[C9]

31 on 32 rails roadster.

462" Buick, T-400, 9" rear.

Not running yet, but the 4 link etc. is similar to what many lightweight good handling cars are running.

Chris Alston Chassisworks 4 link.
1 1/4" OD bars.

Transverse rear leaf spring.
SoCal main leaf, remainder, 40 ford spring pack.

[Crosley.In.AZ]

them white walls are on the wrong side C9

[C9]

them white walls are on the wrong side C9

I figure with all that torque - probably 520-530# - them little skinny tires will go up in smoke in no time and that will darken the sidewall . . . or wear the tires down to the nub....

[Brootal]

Haven't you finished that darn thing yet C9?

Got any more progress pics. Don't mind hijacking bm's post. He won't mind. He needs the inspiration.

Hey bm, are you still going with the crushed velvet interior?

[Gilles]

As I see there is a rear sway-bar on your car C9. Is there also one on the front? Does only one in the rear can make a good handling. On factory cars the only one sway-bar is always on the front-end.

:?: Gilles :?:

[C9]

As I see there is a rear sway-bar on your car C9. Is there also one on the front? Does only one in the rear can make a good handling. On factory cars the only one sway-bar is always on the front-end.

:?: Gilles :?:

Only one sway bar on both my 32 and 31.
Roy Fjastad of the Deuce Factory says that's plenty.

My experiences in 43,000 miles of driving the 32 prove it out.
It does well on winding mountain roads and keeps up with the sporty cars ok.
That's handling-wise, the big engine is an Ace in the Hole.

Except for the short travel suspension, which isn't a big deal, the 32 is a pleasure to drive.
The 31 has more suspension travel and overall sits lower than the 32 and I'm guessing it will ride better and handle just as well.

Here's a couple of pics.
The 1st, the 31 as it is today.
Trying out the 32's top.
It's a good fit and only the front horizontal runner bars to the rear of the windshield have to be sectioned about 2".
31 and 32 cockpits are the same size except the 31 cockpit is 2" shallower.
The 2" runner bar section needs to be sectioned due to the windshield stanchion is further back on the 31 than the 32.
The 31 uses 30-31 stanchions and 32 windshield posts.
An easy swap that looks good to my eye.

The 2nd shows the Deuce Factory sway bar mounted under the rear flat crossmember.  The 31's as you can barely see is also a Deuce Factory sway bar and it's mounted on top of the rear flat crossmember.
I like the Deuce Factory sway bars because they're so compact.
They work well, you don't need a large diameter bar with these little cars.

If you don't have a sway bar now, I encourage you to get one.
It makes a big difference.

Haven't you finished that darn thing yet C9?

Nope.
Am enjoying doing all the little time consuming things on it.
Moving to Arizona put a bigger dent in the project than I thought it would.
Plus, we're distracted by exploring the desert in my friends Jeep and other stuff.
If I didn't have the 32 I'd probably be working hard on the 31, but the way things are I'm in no rush.
So far, I'm really liking the way it's turning out.

[C9]

Here's a pic that shows the interior of the 31 with the 32 top sitting on it.

The brownish/gray steel bar running horizontally right behind the windhield is the piece that needs sectioning.




One reason I'm doing the 32 windshield post - besides the little fact that I think they look cool is to get away from some of the Model A styling clues.
Not that I'm trying to make the 31 look like a 32, more like it's a different appearing Model A roadster with a few interesting touches.

Other things that impinge on styling is that the Model A tops are straight up and down in the back.
Not quite as classy as the forward leaning top rear on the 32's.
My pal runs a stock un-chopped Model A top on his 29.
It's a nice little car, but it's all Model A . . . cept for the SBC driveline.

Along with the 32 top and windshield post theme is that I'm making my own windshield frame out of rectangular tubing.
That will look a little different than the round tubing windshield frame of the A's.

Along with the longer hood, the 31 on 32 rails car has some nice lines.
It's sufficiently low for good style and high enough for no-problem driving in most places.

I do run dirt roads - smooth ones, an Arizona thing - now and then.

I may start an argument here, but to my eye the Model A's on 32 frames make for a better looking car than the 32's.
The main styling component there being the not as tall and bulky looking trunk area when viewed from the side.

Here's a couple pics for comparison.

[Brootal]

I'm loving your work. Sent you a PM.

[Gilles]

Only one sway bar on both my 32 and 31.
Roy Fjastad of the Deuce Factory says that's plenty.

My experiences in 43,000 miles of driving the 32 prove it out.
It does well on winding mountain roads and keeps up with the sporty cars ok.
That's handling-wise, the big engine is an Ace in the Hole.

Thanks C9. I had a look on the Spedway motors catalog but at 300$ the sway-bar kit it seems I will have to visit the wrecking yard and make/adapt something myself!

Gilles

[C9]

The Deuce Factory's rear sway bar is priced at $195. USD.

Take a look at it in the catalog:  http://www.deucefactory.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=84


That said, it shouldn't be too difficult - not to mention a lot cheaper - to adapt a small car sway bar.

If you find a good candidate that would have been imported to the US, let us know.

[bucketmouth]

Thanks donsrods and C9 for the tips. You guys pretty much said what I was expecting to hear. I'm only collecting parts at the moment so won't be starting the build for awhile yet.
My quick change has just arrived from the U.S and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I'm sooo excited

[donsrods]

You had better send that quickchange to me. Those things are REALLY noisy and you aren't going to like it. My hearing is getting a little worse, so it won't be a problem for me. (please, please, please)        

Don

Plus, people will think you are one of those "Hoons."    

[bucketmouth]

Crikey where has that time gone to I asked about this seven years ago and I still haven't started it yet. I've collected a lot of parts for it and enough for a rolling chassis and body.
I've always liked the 50 s style of car but getting the 34 coupe sort of headed me into another direction.when I get it finished it will be into the roadster.
I've been looking at those shroeder steering boxes for cowl steering and they look good but rather pricey. I'm willing to buy one but before I do does anyone have an opinion on these boxes. I'll be over there in another week so I intend to pay them a visit.
Any thoughts?