Stilettos and Gasoline

Deuce Week at Petersen's

2012-02-08T16:09:00.003-08:00

Problem is, all their special events are during the March Meets. Sorry Petersen's.

DEUCE WEEK 2012!!!

Tickets are still available to our great Deuce Week events!

Thursday March 1st - 6:00p.m.

Egge Machine Presents: Hot Rod Round Table Dinner/Panel Discussion

Join noted automotive author Ken Gross, along with legendary hot rod personalities, as he moderates the Hot Rod Round Table panel discussion: "The Past, Present, and Future of Hot Rodding". Dinner and cash bar provided. Tickets $95.00 per/person

Friday March 2nd - 6:00p.m.

Dynamat presents: Deuce Week Celebration Concert Benefitting The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation brought to you by Fender

World-renowned musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd with top secret special guests will entertain you on what is sure be a night to remember!!! Light fare and cash bar provided. Tickets $125.00 per/person

Saturday March 3rd - 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m.

Deuce Day Car Show

This is what Deuce Week is all about! See over 400 1932 Fords gather in the Petersen Automotive Museum parking structure. Your favorite magazine cars on will be on display in our Cover Car Row. Visit vendors who specialize in parts for 1932 Fords! Meet your favorite hot rod authors who will be on hand with their newest publications at the book signing running from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy our museum exhibits AND the Deuce Week car show - ALL THIS IS INCLUDED IN JUST THE COST OF MUSEUM ADMISSION!!!

Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.deuceweek.org or by calling (323) 964-6306!

PETERSEN MUSEUM - DEUCE WEEK COMING SOON

2012-02-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 29-MARCH 25TH

As part of Deuce Week and to celebrate 80 years of the 1932 Ford, the Petersen Automotive Museum will also display several iconic Deuces in the Bruce Meyer Gallery. Vehicles on display will include winners of America's Most Beautiful Roadster, 1932 Ford race cars, vintage hot rods, and modern high-tech street rods.

Petersen Automotive Museum

6060 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, California 90036

323-930-CARS

Admission prices:
$10 adults
$8 seniors (62 and over)
$5 students/military w/ID
$3 children (5-12 years)
Children under 5 years free

PETERSEN MUSEUM - Sculpture in Motion: Masterpieces of Italian Design

2012-02-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

OPENS FEBRUARY 25TH

From the grand classics of the 1930s to modern supercars of today, Italian designers have influenced the look of automobiles on a global scale. The Petersen Automotive Museum exhibition on Italian design will explore the many ways in which Italian coachbuilders and manufacturers have contributed to the evolution of the automobile from a collection of disorganized parts to a single, visually appealing unit. Already well aware of the Italian contribution in the look of clothing, art, and architecture, museum visitors will be fascinated to learn that the country that gave the world Michelangelo and Botticelli also gave it the designers responsible for the exotic and inspired automobiles we have now come to expect from Italy. Pictured vehicles: 1970 Lancia Stratos Zero by Bertone (above, credit: Tom Wood (c) 2011 Courtesy of RM Auctions) and the 1947 Cisitalia 202 Coupe by Pininfarina

Petersen Automotive Museum

6060 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, California 90036

323-930-CARS

Admission prices:
$10 adults
$8 seniors (62 and over)
$5 students/military w/ID
$3 children (5-12 years)
Children under 5 years free

Winternationals Just A Few Days Away!

2012-02-01T21:22:00.000-08:00

If you haven't been, go. If you aren't going, you're missing out. There is nothing in the world like Nitro burning your eyes and nose hairs, or wondering why you're covered in little black specs that smear all over your face, or hearing the echo of a Top Fuel car doing a roaring burnout in your sleep later that night. It will change your life.

GET TICKETS HERE

Let's Billet This Baby Up!

2012-01-30T21:09:00.000-08:00

Screw it, it's a race car. With the dyno putting the engine car into the 9's if I can get all the suspension to hook up properly, I'll need an NHRA competition license.

So I was thinking of cute little dzus buttons that attached to tabs on the radiator support rods to hold the hood tops on as well as the trans cover is going to have to be removable to easily get the SFI trans covers reinspected.

Well seems there are complaints about them, having the right tool to unhook them, what if there is a fire, easy to scratch your paint...the list goes on.

So someone on a random drag racing message board posted these little beauties!! I wanna make trap doors galore!!!

My rear gas tank can't be used for gas per the NHRA rules so I think a little trap door to hold my lipstick and sunscreen, or make it a cooler for my lunch with a drain on the bottom to hold ice.

Not sure ice is a NHRA accepted ballast though. hehe

Exhaust Photos from the GNRS

2012-01-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

Love love this car. The rollcage was a smart put together. I have a few photos of it in case they might help me later on.

Love how the edges of the firewall was treated.

Mine is a little more under the frame but I see what is supposed to happen now.

Couldn't quite envision how my exhaust was supposed to look until a little trip the Grand National Roadster Show this weekend. Ahhhhh I see!!

Photos of My Hemi Coming Home

2012-01-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

JMS Racing Engines delivered the Hemi a few weeks back. The low garage door was a hiccup but thankfully two strong boys sorted in out in a matter of minutes, what would have taken me all day. They said the engine is 800lbs. My neck and back are constantly sore from trying to move it a few inches here and there while it is in the car. Thank goodness they were able to move it down the driveway with little effort!

Since the photos, exhaust headers have been installed and trying to sort out making the steering box linkage clear the big oil pan.

I was bummed out for a while when the engine was in that it has to sit so far back to clear the sloping radiator since I was hoping to use the stock motor mounts to attach to a motor plate. But since installing the headers it is clear a motor plate is the only solution, it will just have to attach on the frame, not the stock mounts. So I'm happy with that solution and can start to see the motor plate in my mind and how it's all going to go together. I think I'll learn how to use a router today and make some wooden motor plate pieces for funsies. Back to that darn fender I'm waiting on, I can't finalize the engine placement until ride height of the rear is sorted.

4-Link Redo...again and again and again.

2012-01-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

I finally think I found some good information on the YellowBullet site on how to set up this darn 4-link. I've lost count how many times I have taken it apart and retacked it.

There was a guy on the site that posted questions about setting up the kit in his truck and he asked all the question I had and had all the same problems I had. Finally I didn't feel like I was going crazy! He was pointing out how the instructions don't make sense and how you can install this or that under the full weight of your car when your car isn't done yet! I'm so sick of reading about that in instructions and with all the 4-link software you can buy when it's just not possible yet!

So the final word is, when installing, the bottom bar when in the bottom holes, should be sloping a few degrees toward the front of your car. Then, you take that bottom bar and move it up one hole on the chassis bracket and that should be level with the world. The chassis brackets are at 90 and I haven't understood yet if the rear end brackets are at 90 before or after you set your pinion. Everytime I try to call a chassis place, they're on east coast time and have closed. Argh! Hopefully this week that will get sorted.

To have the second to bottom hole make my bottom bar level, I had to move the part on the bracket that welds to my chassis 1.5 inches. It was really 1.25 inches, but since my tires are just so slightly off the ground I went with 1.5. So that was all cut and retacked, remeasured, all seems good.

They're not going in again until I get that darn fender to double check my ride height because if that needs to change a half inch, my chassis brackets won't be at 90 deg to the world.

Putting the level on the bottom bar to see how close I came...nope, gotta redo.

Rear view with wrong 4link setup. trans and cardboard firewall are looking fancy.

Another view before redo.

All cut and ready for a better setup.

Watching dykem dry is boring.

It's getting somewhere....I think. Maybe. Hopefully.

Transmission Mount Build

2012-01-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

Using my template helped to line up the hole saw.

Bent tube all ready to attach to the x member.

All ready to tack together.

The tubing connectors that Bobby Walden uses. Fancy!

Drilling out oval holes was a first for me. Drilling one hole next to another doesn't work well I discovered. A bit of filing was needed.

Oval holes aren't perfect, but the rest of it came together pretty nice I think.

A stolen idea from the amazing Bobby Walden, who I got the '34 body from, I made the trans mount from 3/16 plate with a 1.5 hole saw cut out to completely go around the tubing it will be mounted to. I bent two pieces at Circle City Hot Rods so when the car is 100% at ride height, I will be able to install it with the two tubing connectors.

Waiting on a new rear fender to make sure I have enough clearance above my tire to finalize the ride height but it is all tacked together and bolted to the transmission on a straight tube that will be cut as soon and I can mount it all.

MT Tires arrived

2012-01-11T19:13:00.001-08:00

MT tires are made in England? I feel like there should be some sort of joke inserted here. I'm sure my very un-pc London friends can think of one. Maybe something with racing on the left side of the track?

Worked on the rear 4 link, again. Just when I thought it was all buttoned up, it was a huge 1/4 off!!!! Yikes. What was I doing?

So that should hopefully get sorted soon, batterey fail in the angle finder prevented a final test from going forward.

These tires will be race only, then I will get another set later with tread on them for the street. They will both be on Ansen Sprint rims.

There is even rotation arrows on these tires. Crazy.

More 331 Hemi photos

2012-01-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

Front ansen rims

2012-01-03T15:48:00.001-08:00

Ansen rear rims

2012-01-03T15:45:00.001-08:00

After polish, before polish and on the car.

Hemi is alive!!!

2012-01-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I could do anything on the '34. Life kinda gets in the way of life sometimes. It's nice for it to be back to normal. When problems get really really big, you miss having the stupid daily problems like, oh I need to get the oil changed on the truck, oh I need to get bread and cheese. I realize how nice those problems are.

Engine is coming to my house on Saturday. I got rear rims for it but am worried about my whole tire choice now. It really needs to get sorted soon. I can't keep changing my mind. I also have a shifter and took the trans out of the box, it is sitting under the '34 waiting for the engine.

The engine sounds really good and is WAY more hp than we all expected. Good problem to have is I'll have to get an NHRA license.

Petersen Automotive Museum Swap Dec 3rd - FREE!!

2011-11-15T12:38:00.000-08:00

Free to get in!!

NHRA Finals Pomona 2011

2011-11-13T23:35:00.000-08:00

Just a few of my favorite photos. Too pooped to deal with any more of them last night. Plus, as I go through them I can hear them doing burnouts in my head.

34 Thrown Together

2011-11-13T18:01:00.001-08:00

Threw all the pieces of the 34 together these last few weeks so I can get it titled, and just to see what it might look like. The rear of the body is too high right now. It is sitting on a stock floor, which is resting above the frame. So don't judge just yet, but its still interesting to see it I think.
The front ansen rims and tires are ready to put on. Finally got all the brake and wheel parts for those.
The NHRA finals were this weekend. I'm still in the parking lot in fact. Its a very motivating weekend for me and exciting to see. The Summit Series racers get the amazing opportunity to go to Pomona.
I also started a time lapse camera for the 34 build. Should've started it earlier, but better late than never.

Hughes present to myself!

2011-10-17T19:40:00.001-07:00

Yippee the lovely and heavy transmission is here! Th400, no converter yet, reverse manual valve body with the two SFI covers and bendy locking dipstick.

John Force Holiday Car Show Dec 4th

2011-10-14T09:25:00.001-07:00

We are in the planning stages of this year’s 14^th annual John Force Holiday Car Show – Sunday, Dec. 4^th (10am-4pm) and we are inviting you to participate. Entries for this year’s show are already coming in at a record pace, so don’t delay in getting your registration form in TODAY!!! The show is again benefiting the California Highway Patrol’s – “CHiP’s for Kids” toy drive. Last year’s show collected nearly 8,000 toys for underprivileged children in Southern California.
This year’s show will be featuring Pontiacs in a special area of the show. This show is open to all sports cars, street rods, classics, trucks, muscle cars and exotics. The event is pre-registration with the early-bird deadline of Nov.6^th for $40. After Nov.6^th the entry fee is $50. VIP Parking in premium locations is available for $75. which includes a FREE IN N’ OUT BURGER Lunch!!! All pre-registered entries receive an “Official Event T-Shirt”, a limited edition souvenir lanyard and “Participant Card”.
We are looking forward to your participation in this year’s car show which will feature John Force’s actual crashed funny car from his Dallas wreck, Mike Ryan’s Freightliner race truck, Mike Harrah’s Batmobile, a special display of Bonneville race cars including the 426mph “Speed Demon” of Poteet & Main along with hundreds of other unique and wild showcars, movie cars and racecars. Entertainment will feature the bands of: The Chris Anderson Group, Lil’ Mo & The Dynaflo’s and a tribute to Elvis with Scot Bruce performing. There will be something for the entire family!!!!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Dec. 4^th – John Force Holiday Car Show.

MT Car Products...Buy Their Parts!

2011-10-10T21:05:00.001-07:00

I had front hubs and drums from '08 for the 34. Shesh, time went fast. Well I bought them back when the plan for the 34 was old Ford Artillery rims and a put around town engine. Now I'm putting 5x4.5 Ansens all the way around so the hubs and drums are wrong. The awesome people at MT Car products are helping me out by redrilling the drums and exchanging my hubs for Pete and Jakes with a 4.5 at the CHRR in a few weeks. Yippee! So glad they can help me out. I have all their products on the front of the roadster too. Highly recommend.

Now if I can just find some different round back spindles to clear my axle, the front end will be moving along.

Finally got some green on the wirecovers. Clear coming soon!

Ansen Sprint Rims and Front Hurst Tires Are Go!

2011-10-06T20:02:00.001-07:00

Front 15x4 Ansen rims and Hurst tires are ready to get married. I need to get different hubs and drums for the front as I bought them ages ago with a different bolt pattern. Not sure how to clean up old aluminum rims. Gonna have to investigate.

Hemi Wire Covers, and no I didn't pay 80 bucks for them

2011-10-05T20:24:00.001-07:00

So there is a dude on ebay selling repop valve covers and hemi wire covers chromed or bare. Personally I only trust chrome from Bob Barnes at Vernes chroming but I decided to take the plunge on the wire covers after too many failed attempts at getting used ones for what I thought was an acceptable price. I paid 30something for these and they are really really nice. Only a few minutes getting rid of sharp edges with the scotch brite and the primer is already drying. They will be green to top off my chrome valve covers. Adds a little politeness to the Hemi, I think.

Cute little rivets for the radiator support

2011-09-17T15:38:00.001-07:00

I will have to go fenderless someday. After test fitting fenders last weekend, I realized all the sweet grinding I've done on the front end will all get covered up. Including the cute little rivets I made today. I was going to just put chrome bolts in here, but decided to weld chrome allen heads to make rivets instead. Next ill weld them in from the bottom.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

2011-09-11T18:30:00.001-07:00

So I threw the front end together this weekend, getting it ready to roll to the DMV. Nothing goes together without problems of course. The beautiful clean and bushed 40 Ford spindles I was going to use won't clear the axle casting. I know there are some of those stock spindles with the casting grooved out more so maybe Ill investigate. The steering arms on those or any bolt on arms need to be bent up for the steering to run through the hairpins. I think they come dropped an inch and a half so it would need to be bent up two or three inches from there. Wish they could be flipped upside down.
Then there is the lower shock drama. In the photo you can see no clearance for a steering arm at all. So I will either have to cut it off and move it to the inside which puts shock almost vertical. Or maybe the bit attching it can be cut and shortened, or cut off and put on bolt on lower mounts to the inside. All options so far involve cutting pretty polish which stinks.
This v860 axle is a drama.

Also attempted putting on front fenders this weekend. Guessing where the brackets go is interesting.

Hot Rod Reunion in October Coming Up Soon!

2011-09-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Oct. 21-23, 2011 at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif.: 20th Annual California Hot Rod Reunion presented by Automobile Club of Southern California, features hundreds of street rods, customs, and muscle cars as well as the California Hot Rod Reunion Swap Meet, Manufacturers Midway, and lots of celebrities. On Friday night, the California Hot Rod Reunion Reception will be held in the DoubleTree Hotel ballroom, and Saturday features qualifying for the drag racers. Plus the sensational Cacklefest will fill the grandstands as historic race cars push-start and then line up side by side where they all "cackle" simultaneously, lighting up the night, too!
Experience the California Hot Rod Reunion's nostalgic drag racing from the best seat at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway. Buy your Quarter-Mile Courtyard seat here. Or, call 800/884-NHRA (6472).
Three-day credentials ($65 each - save $10 when purchased before Oct. 7) are available at 800/884-NHRA or online at www.nhratix.com. Additional Auto Club member discount is available.
Individual tickets are available at the gate. Cost per person: Friday, $25; Saturday, $25; Sunday, $25. Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by a paid adult admission.
For California Hot Rod Reunion information, please contact the Museum's Hot Rod Reunion Info Line at (909) 622-8562.

"Strong Field of Nostalgia Cars For Famoso Event" story from Bakersfield.com

Auto Club Raceway Famoso - get your tickets early at nhratix.com

'37 Ford Decklid Handle Cuter Than a '34?

2011-08-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

In a recent issue of Street Rodder, there is Jon Stroud's beautiful '32 Roadster.

I love the red '37 Ford Deck Handle. I think they come as blue. Smart idea.

1937 Ford Decklid Handle

1934 Handle. Bored? Yes.

Jenga 4 Link In And Rivet-Nut Welding Fun

2011-08-28T11:20:00.001-07:00

The passenger side 4 link is in. Besides the fact I might need stitches on my lower leg, it went together very easily. Now I can have a matching scar to the Triumph kick start on the other leg. Blood and sweat accomplished, now I'm just missing tears.

I'm also having to weld in 40 plus rivet nuts for fenders, running boards and inner fenders. At the time I boxed the frame I didn't have the funds to buy fenders and couldn't find any diagrams of what holes they used. This is a lot more work, but oh well. I should make a diagram of the holes for other people but let's be honest, who the hell uses fenders. I wouldn't, but its the rules.

Diggin the cute 4 link!

Time to hibernate, too hot today.

4 Link On The 34 Progress

2011-08-27T21:27:00.001-07:00

I think it is looking pretty good! The other side will be fitted tomorrow. It was over 100 today so I didn't get much done. Spent most of the day sitting under the ac planning the car some more. Mac and cheese - Law and Order treats for the night.

John Force Racestation Special Event September 10th

2011-08-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Honoring Our Heroes

John Force RaceStation Special Event

Save the Date and Join us September 10th

John Force RaceStation - Yorba Linda, California - will be hosting a Special JFR Lobby Opening in Honor of our Heros who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001

On Saturday September 10th, the John Force Racing lobby will be open to the public for a donation admission from 8am to Noon. Donation's will be collected at the door for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a charitable organization founded in 2001 by the family of Stephen Siller - an FDNY firefighter. Siller was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got the call about the attack on the World Trade Center. When he couldn’t drive his truck through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, Siller donned 75 pounds of firefighting gear and ran through the tunnel to the towers to help rescue his fellow Americans. Siller lost his life as a result of his heroic actions.

During the NHRA Full Throttle Nationals at zMax Dragway in Charlotte, September 15th through 18th, John Force will drive a commemorative Ford Mustang Funny Car . Force’s Castrol GTX High Mileage/Honoring Our Heroes Mustang Funny Car, paying tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. The Honoring Our Heroes Funny Car will help raise funds to build “smart homes” for two of three surviving quadruple amputees of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Castrol GTX High Mileage/Honoring Our Heroes Mustang Funny Car features a silhouette of the Manhattan skyline along with a gold wireframe drawing of the Pentagon on the nose. The victims of Flight 93 are honored on the car’s rear panel, while the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers logo gets pride of place on the hood. You can Pre Order your Honoring Our Hero's Diecast atwww.JohnForceRaceStation.com

Get Your NHRA tickets for the Finals in Pomona!!!

2011-08-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to another great year at Pomona. Only doing the two day pass this time. Can't wait!!

Click here for the link!

Two Classics, One Car

2011-08-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

I hope I am half as amazing and witty as Margaret when I am her age. Watch this amazing video of Miss Dunning and her 740 Packard Roadster.

331 Hemi Build Update

2011-08-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here's the 331 Hemi that is going into my '34 Coupe so far...

heads are on, intake is being polished right now and should be at it's home on top of the engine soon!

Fall Turlock Swap October 2nd, 2011

2011-08-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Fall Turlock 2011

Sunday October 2nd, 2011

6am to 4pm

Stanislaus County Fairgrounds

900 N. Broadway

Turlock, California

Click here for more info.

Hemi painted, short block is on it's way and different rims...again!

2011-08-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

The actual color is darker than in the photo so just squint a little. The pearl shows up nice in some of the photos though. Especially the last one where it looks like a yellow spot in the paint. In direct light it's a yellowy green and in the shadows it's a dark dark green. So most the engine will look quite dark once it is the car but it will look nice once all the polished and chrome bits on are it to brighten it back up.

I've also changed my mind on the rim and tire choices. Probably the 4th or 5th time now.

This week it is Ansen 15x10 rears and 15x4.5 fronts. I wanted Fenton Gyros in the front and was dead set on it until I realized there isn't a street tire that skinny, only drag tires. The only street tires for 4.5 wides are Hurst so that is what it is. Wish it could be the same brand at the M/T rears but at least the Hurst ones look good.

The rear tires are going to stick out of the fenders. That is the decision this week. Last week I was dead set on keeping them tucked in. I should just buy the rims and tires before I change my mind again. Hopefully I can find them at the Hot Rod Reunion or if it comes down to it, Turlock in January. But I'd rather not wait that long.

Drag car name idea #258 is Pogue Mahone.

6 different shades of green paint and 5 rim/tire choices to date, I don't expect deciding on the perfect name anytime soon, who am I kidding.

Transmission Gear Ratios

2011-08-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

I think I've looked at this website a million times. So very helpful!

Transmission Gear Ratios at Hotrodder.com

Fender Rivet-Nut Thingys

2011-08-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

First pass of weld and grinding. They still need some love. Only 20
more to go on the passenger side. Ugh.

Dragster for my cats. The whole family can go racing now!

2011-08-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Check out the video of this top fuel dragster.

4 Link Brackets For A '34

2011-07-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

Ta da! The top three holes are going to be under my butt above the top
of the frame or they'll be cut off. Figure it out later. Kinda guessed
where my I.c. Is so I don't know if I need them or not. A few tubes
need to be bent to clear the driveshaft and in their home they go.

4 Link Brackets Are Almost In

2011-07-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Final weld the two pieces later. These hook up to the chassis. Kinda
looks strange when it's not on the car?!

Rollcage Thoughts

2011-07-28T17:51:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm giving this Art Morrison thing some thought. If they say they make kits for your individual make and model, but I don't think it really is specifically for your car...or there would be clearly marked tubes and an exact way it should go together?! They told me on the phone that was not the case.

So for 500$ worth of chromoly plus 100$ to ship, I'll have to check the IMS prices exactly. I know they're 6-8$ a foot.

I only need 4 bends to make a rollcage. I hate to ask favors but I might borrow a tubing bender for 4 bends and be done with it. Do it myself if it's just as much work as a kit.

I must be missing something. There are tons of places that sell these "kits"?

Art Morrison Rollcage Drama

2011-07-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

So I think it was Street Rodder that had an Art Morrison rollcage kit they put in their car. There are tons of places that say they can bend the tube to your car, then you basically trim to fit.
Called Art Morrison today and nothing they carry for chassis structure is 1.5 tubing, which sucks because that is what mine is.
Then on top of that, their rollcage kits don't come with the pieces marked of which one goes where. Maybe it's easier than I think it is and they don't need to be marked? But for that kind of money, I'd sleep better at night if they were marked of which bend goes where.
Seems strange.

'34 PROGRESS THIS WEEKEND

2011-07-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

The chassis structure is almost done. I can see the end! The x member is done except for the trans mount and driveshaft loop. I called a few places on a transmission on Friday. I still haven't made up my mind between a Powerglide and a TH400. I thought the Gear Vendors O.D. would be a good idea until I saw the price tag. Ouchie. Maybe I can add it later.

There are a few more bars around the 4 link structure that aren't in the photo (tape!). The chassis brackets are ready to cut for that. I ran into a snag when I melted the fitting on the hole saw from using it so much yesterday. Oops! So the 4 link brackets didn't get cut just yet.

I haven't figured out what to do with the bottom bar on the 4 link crossbars. A middle piece of that bar has to come out to make room for the driveshaft and I have about 4 drawings on how it could go, unfortunately they all involve me borrowing a tubing bender. I hate asking favors.

Good news is I picked up my perfectly chromed valve covers! Meeeeow!!!! Can't wait to see them on the engine!!!

NEW NHRA SPORTSMAN RULES FOR 2011

2011-07-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Crap, just when I thought I had the 2010 rules figured for my driveshaft....then this. Good thing that is the only change for the Summit Series. I think my car is going to weigh a lot more than I was hoping with all this structure I have to add too. Yikes.

SECTION 4 – NHRA SUMMIT RACING SERIES
SECTION 4B – ADVANCED E.T.
Page 10
DRIVETRAIN: 2
DRIVELINE (December 13, 2010)
Beginning Jan. 1, 2012 all full-bodied vehicles, where the OEM floor has been removed, each end of driveshaft must have round 360-degree driveshaft loops within 6 inches of U-joints. Additionally, driveshaft must be covered by 360-degree tube, covering the front U-joint and extending rearward a minimum 12 inches. Minimum thickness of tube is .050-inch chromoly or titanium. Driveshaft tube must utilize a minimum of four attachment points to the chassis, either bolted with minimum 5/16 SAE bolts or welded or 1/4-inch push/pull pins. See General Regulations 2:4.

2011 L.A. Roadster Show - Sunday

2011-06-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

I missed all the good shopping at the Roadster Show on Saturday because I had U2 tickets from 2 years ago and they rescheduled their tour for the 18th. The show was worth missing the Roadster Show on Saturday, but I wasn't about to miss Sunday. After 3 hours of sleep and feet I couldn't feel anymore, I woke up with the sun to drive my roadster to Pomona. It was sprinkling pretty good and the pavement in Pomona was pretty wet so it must've gotten a decent amount of rain.

I met my friend Bob Barnes from Verne's Chroming at the gate. He was in his fabulous '34 roadster he bought in the 60s. He told the L.A. Roadsters at the gate he was bringing in a girl, in the rain, in her roadster, that drove all the way from Burbank. Of course they didn't believe him. I wish I had a camera to capture the looks on their faces when I followed Bob in. They give me the little round L.A. Roadsters sticker, which I didn't think about until I got home, they might only give to the painted cars that go inside? I'm not really sure as I'm usually shopping so I haven't brought a car to the show in quite a few years. Either way, nice sticker and nice of them to give it to me. I like the little things that remind me of shows I've been to.

The rain scared away a lot of people but they missed out on a great day. The weather was cloudy and perfect all day and it was a nice relaxing day with Bob and his friends, just talking cars and hanging around the parking lot. I walked a few isles of the swap but honestly I was so loopy and tired from lack of sleep it was all I could manage.

They moved the spectator parking to the other side of the fairgrounds this year so it was free and clear in front of the NHRA stadium. Of course I had to get photos and stare into the track for a few minutes. Wish they would use that track more.

Tommy Ivo Autographs My Drag Racing Photos

2011-06-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

A friend that took some photos of me racing at the Antique Nationals was very thoughtful to have "TV" Tommy Ivo autograph a couple of photos of me! It was a complete surprise and a very kind gesture. It's really exciting and has given me a big smile for the week.

My friend was meeting Ivo because "He's interested in this photo that I took when I was 11, at the shutdown area at the old San Gabriel Strip. It was where all the rock-crushers are on the 605 Freeway about two miles south of the 210, not far from where the Irwindale oval race track is today...."

Here is what he said about his amazing visit:

"Tommy is just a few blocks from Autobooks in Burbank. He's in the same house he bought when he was a child actor working with everyone from Boris Karloff to Jerry Lewis. The same address where he built many of his race cars.
We went through many of my photos from the 1960's and he helped me ID people that I didn't know. We are going to make some large prints for him to sign to be used for charity auctions, such as the Humane Society, etc. (my favorite).
I, honestly, thought that I would be there for 20 minutes, tops, but, the guy has so much enthusiasm he just goes on and on ...to my delight. And he's 75.
We talked about non-race things, too. I wanted to know more about him that just the racing stuff.
So, I asked what it was like being a child during World War II, the end of the war, the first TV, first car, high school, etc.
His house is a museum, really...unreal."

'29 Roadster Caddy Wompus photos from the Antique Nationals 2011

2011-06-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Doug Hayes for the wonderful photos.

Run#1
RT= .010
1/4= 17.730
MPH= 97.61
Excuses= I floored it at the light, spun the tires and went hard left, hard right, let off totally then finally got it straight.

Run#2
RT= .070
1/4= 13.775
MPH= 100.47
Excuses= Eased into the throttle at the light to minimize the street tires spinning.

Run#3
RT=.062
1/4=15.625
MPH=98.33
Excuses= Street tire spin drama.

Run#4
RT=.463
1/4=13.603
MPH=99.60
Excuses= Longer burnout this time helped the run a bit. Got a best ET out of it but was sleeping at the light trying to remember to feather the throttle in.

Run#5
RT=.059
1/4=14.242
MPH=99.94
Excuses=I was thirsty. Bringing a water to staging next time.

Run#6
RT=.169
Dial=14.20
1/4=13.922
MPH= 92.44
Excuses= I broke out big time but I couldn't dial in less than 13.99 as I wasn't supposed to be running a roadster without a rollbar anyway. I won round one, but wasn't a great run.

Run#7
RT=.640
Dial= 14.00
1/4=14.682
MPH=96.81
Excuses=I should've left my dial alone from the last run at 14.2. I should know better that two runs in a row with minimal tire spin hadn't happened all day so why would it happen now. Spun them big time at the light and got left in the dust. Lost round two and now I gotta head home.

Best RT of the day= .010
Best ET of the day= 13.603
Best MPH of the day= 100.47

All the bests above were personal bests. My previous was 13.907 in Bakersfield.

Kendra's Time Trial Run at the Antique Nationals 2011

2011-06-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

R/T= .070

1/8= 8.909

1/4= 13.775

MPH= 100.47

This is my good friend Don doing his time trial in the morning. Don build this Chevy himself! He's amazing.

Also, another cool video my little roadster is in a few times. The burnout at the beginning of the vid isn't a bad effort at all.

Mark J. Rebilas Photography - Drag Racing and More!

2011-05-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

You have to check out the photography blog of Mark J. Rebilas. I am just amazed by his drag racing photos and I love that below each photo he tells you his camera settings and lenses. So amazing and one of the coolest jobs to have on the planet.

Gene Adams - Racing the Early Hemi

2011-05-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a few interesting stories on the amazing Gene Adams. I think I've read his posts on thehemi.com a million times.

From nitrogeezers.com:
"In 1975 Gene left Hilborn to go to work for the W.R. Grace Company, who had purchased a number of speed equipment companies including Mr. Gasket, Mallory and Brook’s Rods and Components who set up a testing facility which was very well equipped wit an engine dyno and at least two chassis dynos. Gene worked along with the legendary Chevy guru, Bill ‘Grumpy” Jenkins and Art Chrisman to test and develop new speed equipment. Gene then worked with the Mallicoat Brothers on their Funny Car/Altered running a Donovan with iron heads. After doing this for 4 years, Gene decided to move away from California but in 1982 Gene returned to work in an automotive machine shop for Chess Bushy in Ramona, CA. In addition to running the shop he also helped Chess with his Top Gas car and then put it on nitro to run in the Pro Comp class just to stay involved with the sport

In 1983 Gene opened the doors of the first Adams Performance shop in a rented building where he used his highly developed skills to build engines for others. Having worked for Hilborn for so long, people soon started bringing their injectors to him for repair and tuning. While he wasn’t well equipped for doing them he could set the barrel valve and nozzles using a pressure tester. He soon decided he was going to have to have a flow bench to do the job properly so he built himself one and today his shop in Chino Valley, AZ does a lot of injector work and very little engine building. Gene also stocks parts for Hilborn and Enderle injectors as well as others.

In the early 1990’s, Gene was approached by Don Rattican for photos and information on the Albertson Olds car. The NHRA Museum had found the car in pretty much original condition in Alabama and had purchased it to restore and display in the museum. Gene furnished the photos, some of which are part of this article, and his knowledge of the car to enable an exact restoration. The car can be seen at the Wally Parks Motorsports Museum exactly as it was when it won the 1960 Nationals. (See Photos of restored car)"

A great story in about Gene Adams in Hot Rod Magazine.

Here is an excellent read on building an early Hemi on thehemi.com.

'34 Coupe Fairway Green Is Go!

2011-05-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

After numerous trips and sitting on the dreaded 5 freeway to Whittier where the paint store is at, it's a big relief to have finally decided on the perfect shade. Being known as "that girl who's picking out green" at the store made my eyes roll, so I'm glad this part of it is over."97 GM Fairway Green. It's going on the engine, frame and body. Not sure how much of the interior will be green yet until I sit in the car.

It's closer to the burnout photo rather than the second one. It's not quite that bright unless the sun is directly on it. But in the shade, or sides of the car that aren't directly in sun, it's still green which is perfect. Most of the greens I thought would be the winner had so much black in them that in the shade you couldn't tell it was green at all.

So while test spraying some metal pieces I brought with me at the paint store, a drag car name for the '34 "Princess and the Pea" came to mind. Yeah, still needs some work.

1934 Ford 5 Window Hemi Coupe Plans - A Dream Come True

2011-05-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

Scheduled to be completed in 2012, this steel bodied 1934 Ford Hemi Coupe will have a nostalgia look with modern components.
With it’s powerful 331 Hemi thumping in the staging lanes, it is sure to turn heads. It will be a contender in the Summit Series, Hot Rod Heritage Series, as well as driven on the street and hopefully not annoy the neighbors too much early in the morning.

BODY:
1934 Ford Five-Window Coupe, Original Steel
Top Chopped 2 1/2 Inches and Roof Filled
Fiberglass Fenders and Steel Running Boards per NHRA
‘34 Ford Original Hood Top
Louvered Deck Lid
Electrolite Headlights with Rare Factory Signal Delete
Matching Electrolite Tail Lights

CHASSIS:
1934 Ford Frame, Boxed. Original
‘34 Front Crossmember, Original
Tubular K-Member and Rear Crossmember
Vega Steering Box

ENGINE:
331 c.i. 1955 Hemi
’55 Cylinder Heads
Mooneyham Blower
Hot Heads Blower Intake and Burst Panel
Hot Hemi Heads Headers
Ross Pistons

TRANSMISSION:
TH-400 Reverse Manual Valve Body
JEGS SFI Flywheel

REAR END:
9” Currie
Gears TBD

FRONT SUSPENSION:
SoCal Polished 4-Link with Batwings
V8-60 Ford Tube Axle
Early Ford Spindles
Posies Spring
Double Adjustable Tube Shocks

REAR SUSPENSION:
Double Adjustable Coil Over Shocks
Competition Engineering Adjustable 4-Link
Competition Engineering Diagonal Link

TIRES and WHEELS:
Front - M/T Sportman 26x15
Rear - M/T ET Street 31x15
Weld Rodlite Wheels

INTERIOR:
1940 Mercury Gauges in the Dash
Sun Tach and Additional Gauges
Shift Light
NHRA Rollcage
Kirkey Seats with Custom Leather Upholstery
Schroeder 4-Spoke Steering Wheel
1934 Door Handles and Knobs

Only a Few Days Left...Petersen's NHRA 60 Years of Thunder Exhibit

2011-05-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

An exciting exhibit at Petersen's is about to end. Get there while you can! They've had some amazing panels of past and present NHRA legends these last few months and this is not to be missed!

From Petersen Automotive Museum:

"Unlike racing a roadster at Indy or running a streamliner at Bonneville, participating in NHRA-style acceleration contests was an achievable goal for enthusiasts from all walks of life throughout America. The earliest automobiles built specifically to drag race were constructed primarily by backyard mechanics in their garages and could best be described as street cars with hopped up engines and bodies that had been cut down to reduce weight. They were little different than the hot rods that some of them used as daily drivers. "

Hot Heads Racing - 331 Hemi Blower Intake Is Here!

2011-05-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Another exciting week for the Hemi engine. An order from one of my generous sponsors, Hot Heads arrived the other day from the kind and knowledgeable Bob Walker.

The early Hemi intake is a beauty! I also have some 2x4 linkage, a burst panel, and a water crossover, too packaged to take photos of right now.

If that wasn't enough, Bob was kind enough to throw in a couple of shirts I will gladly wear as well as some nice big stickers to go on the side of the '34 Coupe for the quarter mile.

My cats love car parts too, or is it the camera?

2011 L.A. Roadster Show is coming! June 18th and 19th

2011-05-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

It will be here before you know it, another fantastic year of the L.A. Roadster Show at Pomona on Father's Day weekend in June. Can't wait! I might try to bring out my roadster on Sunday for the show and do some shopping on Saturday. This is the best swap meet and in Southern California. Your feet will hurt, you'll get an impressive sun burn, but you'll have a big smile from seeing all the amazing cars and parts. Don't miss!

Vintage Drag Racing at Fontana!

2011-05-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

It's less than a month away people!!! The Antique Nats at Fontana on June 5th are almost here.
Rails, Whizzers, Coupes, Full-Bodied....it's got it all!!

I've got a few things I'd like to adjust on the roadster. Including a much needed tune-up.

LESS THAN A MONTH!! Get out your sunscreen and your smile! Come to Fontana!!!

(Check out the poster on a previous post for details)

Collector Car and Parts Auction July 30th

2011-05-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

I love looking at photos of these auctions that come up. Most are estate sales of people that have building and buildings or a yard of cars and you'd be surprised how many there are across the country. Car nuts must all be crazy hoarders.

Here is one auction. There are a couple more by the same auction company but here are some cool photos. All the three different auctions seemed to have a lot of Chrysler-Dodge.

Convertible Cadillac. Tasty.

I love all the homemade brackets and stuff on this roadster. It has a lot of potential for sure.

Check out the square plate at the end of the homemade headers.

Interesting back bumper, push bar going on here. Body looks pretty straight from this angle.

So beautiful.

Hemi Engine Build Update #1

2011-05-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

Crank has been ground to BBC. Rods are sexy chromoly longer than stock. Block is rough bored. Heads are about half way done but still need some love. I think I might have finally decided on the ignition. Of course this weekend when I decide on MSD, there was a Don Zig Magneto and a Joe Hunt at the swap meet. Why do you do this to me? Carbs are ordered and on their way to JMS, my engine builder. Blower is hopefully coming soon as well.

Trying to decide on paint has been rough. 5 car dealerships later, Mini Cooper British Green might be the winner. It's going to look pretty black on the engine which isn't quite what I want, but that's what you're gonna get when a dark color with pearl is in the shade or vertical. The dealership is right down the street so I might have to pop by ten more times to make sure. Tough one.

Gasoline Gallery Show in El Segundo May 14th

2011-04-30T21:38:00.001-07:00

Proud to announce HOT HEADS RESEARCH AND RACING as my newest sponsor!

2011-04-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy week. The Comet is sold, or will most likely be sold when it is picked up in a month. It was a rough night when I started to realize that it would be gone and I felt like death when I woke up in the morning. You'd think I lost my right arm or something. But it's all for the best and if I keep repeating Mooneyham blower and rollcage over and over it will hopefully numb the pain.

Then the next day was better news, Hot Heads Research and Racing has decided to help me out on some amazing early Hemi engine pieces that they sell. Bob Walker is a fantastic person and anyone building an early Hemi should support him all they can. I enjoy buying from the smaller businesses when you can and his kind words and helpful customer service is a great illustration why we all should.

I'm very excited and proud to be able to put advertising for Hot Heads on the 34.

Also this week I got some nice steel, original running boards. They need a little love but the important thing is they already have all the bolt holes drilled in them. New steel and glass ones don't. I'm not that talented to figure out what all holes are needed and I'm sick of googling about it. Must not be a question for anyone but me! Or no one runs running boards.

The engine is still being worked on. The block is prepped and so is the crank.

I still need to decide on ignition and engine paint sorta soonish. It's all such important decisions though so not something to rush through.

Antique Nats a little over a month away!!!!

Oh! And yes the new blog!! It's designed after some old DRAG RACING magazine covers on my wall.
I wanted my sponsors up top and not everything works properly just yet but I'm going outside now and battling the wind to play cars.

Have a good weekend!!!

MPH Blower Scoop!

2011-04-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

Scooptime!! I have no idea what MPH is...or maybe it is HdW! But I know I love it. Apparently the cats do too. It scratches their chins so hopefully it will do the same for me. The square back on it is brilliant. This is going on top of the 34's Hemi with the Mooneyham blower being built right now. Carbs are yet to be decided.

The blower has been decided!

2011-03-28T23:14:00.000-07:00

Mooneyham blower will be here in three weeks. Simply giddy today.

Yes, there were doubts. Thankfully I got the last one of the front plate I wanted and the case that I had dreamed of. That polished beauty can't wait to be abused by my foot.

Boat Racers make Top Fuelers look wimpy

2011-03-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

Here's some fantastic photos of my engine builder, Mike Johnson.

And some other amazing photos from other teams.

Then here he is almost dying last weekend. He said his jacket got caught on the boat and took him down with it. Kinda looks like it flipped over on top of him. He said he's still walking funny.

331 Hemi is on it's way!

2011-03-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

What an amazing day. I still can't get over it. If I repeat something enough times, I'll believe it, right? I don't even believe that for a second.

So I packed up all the Hemi parts I had and hauled them over to JMS Racing Engines this morning. Rat poop and all. I had a couple of mini melt downs this week worrying about my choices. It's not like tail lights you decide are out of style now and you just pop them off. And it's the '34 engine, that car deserves something nice! And it's a racing engine! And it's got to be NHRA! and it's...well you see where my melt downs were taking me.

But after arriving at JMS this morning, my sick stomach of nerves turned into a sick stomach of excitement. I met Mike Johnson and quickly realized he is a fantastic engine builder (and speed boat racer, those guys are crazy!) and made me confident in my choice of JMS. I enjoyed talking to a shop where they know what you're talking about, and have ways of making things happen you thought were only a dream.

Mike is working on the details of the plan now but here are some things that were discussed::::::::::

331, Littlefield blower, maybe Mooneyham, maybe Magneto, maybe race gas, no injection, it's gonna have 2 carbs and a Hilborn looking scoop. Or maybe an actual Hilborn scoop, he's looking into it. Block hugger headers and everything that can be polished will be polished. I gotta have somewhere to put on my lipstick?!

Hmmm what else? Engine will be dynoed and broken in at his shop so I'll know all the specs and I can finally get onto the transmission and rear end once that is all figured out.

Oh Comp Cams cam probably.

Realized today Mooneyham has two different blower castings. Two that I've seen anyway. One is awesome deadly, the other makes my eyes bleed. Problem is, the one I like is an old casting I think. And the new castings are pretty much GMC blower cases with Mooneyham covers. Which is why we might do a Littlefield. We'll see!!

The engine will be at it's new home in around 6 weeks or so. There is so much to do to prepare I think I'm going to look into pills that will grow an extra set of arms. Maybe they'd sponsor me.

Jaysus how did this all fit in my garage.

Now this is THE blower.

Meeeeow!

Antique Nationals 2011

2011-03-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

It's commmmming!

2011 March Meet

2011-03-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

First March Meet I didn't get a sunburn. I couldn't make it the whole day though because this time I was freezing! Everyone was really worried about the rain, but surprisingly it stayed away all day except for a few tiny little sprinkles.

It wasn't crowded until about noon and the swap meet was pretty bare. Maybe everyone was worried about the rain too. There were a couple of blowers at the swap meet, but not what I was after. There was a nice new Weiand and a Nostalia drag car with trailer that runs in the 9's for only 14k.

I picked up some nice used fenders for the '34 so I'm very excited about that. Looking forward to getting them on the car so I can figure out what size of rims I can cram under there. I bought the fenders from Jeff who crews on the Gruzen Nostalgia team.

They're a bunch of really nice guys and asked me to be their backup girl that day. It was very sweet of them to entertain me and I had an absolutely fabulous time being part of their team. Their class was right after A Gas so so stand in staging while A Gas is firing up is really something. It's my new favorite class. I was never that impressed by them before sitting in the stands, but standing next to one while it woops woops woops it's way up to do a burnout, it's all quite violent. I like it.

About Gruzen Racing

There was a car or two in the Hot Rod class that I stalked in the pits. They are very similar to my '34. Old on the outside, new on inside. The drivers were very nice and let me poke around and take photos of their rollcages and talk about their timing slips and suspensions.

Checking the engine and cleaning rubber off the car after the second pass of the day.

7.509 is a bit too quick.

Nice Nostalgia Eliminator in the pits next to Gruzen.

Mooneyham!

It was another brilliant race day in California.

NHRA Winternationals, Pomona 2011

2011-03-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

I love the way the exhaust makes this look like a watercolor painting.

Very exciting that Massey is racing again. Go Shoe Racing!!

Weiand 7223 Weiand Dual Quad Enderle Style Scoop

2011-03-04T23:02:00.000-08:00

And here I was worried I was going to have to convert an Enderle injection top to cover two carbs!

Weiand 7223 Weiand Dual Quad Enderle Style Scoop

Couple other choices from Weiand and Mr Gasket. The Mr Gasket one looks slightly nicer in the photo, wish it didn't have that many fins though. If Weiand and Mr Gasket had a baby...

Mr Gasket Scoop 5233

Weiand 7221

Tasty M/T Blower Intake

2011-03-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Why are all the greatest things on PAST ebay auctions? Maybe if I was on ebay more than once a month it wouldn't be past. Well, here is a fantastic M/T Hemi Blower intake that is from an old auction I missed. Love it!!!!! The lucky high bidder paid $455 for this magnesium beauty.

My '34 Hemi Coupe...in my mind

2011-02-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

Made this for my Sponsorship Proposal. Came out pretty decent. Not exactly a 331 stuffed in there but I think it came out pretty close.

Some favorites from the Grand National Roadster Show

2011-02-04T22:24:00.000-08:00

Not only an amazing roadster, but the speed demons on twin scooters are equally breathtaking.

2011 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series Schedule

2011-01-27T21:08:00.001-08:00

March 5-6 Arizona Fuel & Gas Nationals Speedworld Dragstrip, Wittmann, Ariz. Groups 1&2

March 18-20 March Meet Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif. TF, FC, Group 2

April 16-17 Sportsman Shootout Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, Calif. Groups 1&2

April 29 – May 1 NAPA Auto Parts Ignitor Firebird Raceway, Boise, Idaho FC

May 13-14 Nitro Night of Fire Sacramento Raceway, Sacramento, Calif. TF

May 28-29 Las Vegas Speed Spectacular The Strip at LVMS, Las Vegas FC, Groups 1&2

July 15-16 Nostalgia Reunion Sacramento Raceway, Sacramento, Calif. Groups 1&2

Aug. 11-14 Pepsi Nightfire Nationals Firebird Raceway, Boise, Idaho TF, FC

Oct. 21-23 California Hot Rod Reunion Auto Club Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, Calif. TF, FC, Group 1

Fingers crossed I'll be entering in 2012.

1/4 mile ET / HP / MPH Visual Calc

2011-01-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

1/4 mile ET / HP / MPH Visual Calc click here!

Every quarter mile calculator is different. Sigh. Before you say "gotcha", don't worry as I was only using flywheel HP calculators to take out the anywhere from 10-17% drivetrain loss.

Well I like this one the best so you don't have to keep tying in different HP combos to see the results. And the scoreboard is pretty sweet.

700hp

2011-01-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

Blown 392=830hp
354=400hp

A .060" over 331 with a crank offset ground to BBC size (3.875" X 3.675") yields 347 cubic inches. Injected, this combination would be good for 675-700 horsepower on methanol, 750 horsepower on 50%, or 925 on a high percentage of nitro.

This same engine with an offset ground 392 crank (3.875" X 4.050" ) yields 382 cubic inches and would make about 50 horsepower more across the board. Utilizing a 354 block, with the larger bore, would add about 25 horsepower across the board on either engine.

At 600hp my little '34 would run the quarter in 9.059 @ 145.418.

'34 build...will I ever finish this frame

2011-01-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

I've made some big strides on the '34 frame in December. The front frame horns are rounded off and filled in. I didn't take a final photo of it after the D/A had it's way with it, but you can get the idea. Also the whole front area where the frame meets the radiator pieces is almost finished. What a pain that has been.

The rear 4-link is sorta kinda in. I might end up hacking off the brackets on the rear end and redoing them though as I put them on at 2 degrees with the shock mounts I made that go on the 4 link at 0. The instructions said put the brackets on at 0. After they are completely welded on (with my shock mount idea it kinda had to be that way) I can see why they said that.

On the front of the 4 link, the cross bar will have to have a 4 inch drop I think so it clears the driveshaft. It's all about the transmission right now. It has to go in so I can figure the crossmember structure which needs to be welded to put in the 4 link structure and driveshaft loop.

The transmission can't go in until the water pump,pulleys and adapter are thrown on the Hemi as well. I'm stuck on how to make a rear engine mount. There isn't a lot of space on the adapter from the edge to a bolt hole and I'm afraid I would melt the hole by welding on 1/8 aluminum to it.

Hopefully the Coan Th-400 with reverse manual valve body will get ordered this week or next, then comes trans mount, engine mounts, diagonal link and crossmember bits cut and thrown together!!!

3 Days

2010-11-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Three more days until I get a sore behind from the bleachers at the NHRA finals in Pomona. Can't wait!

Match Race Madness panel discussion and Tribute Night

2010-10-27T12:38:00.001-07:00

LOVE the new poster.

Tribute to Don Prudhomme at Petersen's

2010-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Click here to buy tickets. It's very tempting. Too bad it's the price of a few cars parts I need.

Wilcap is go!

2010-07-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

Beautiful adapter from TH400 to my Hemi.

New Love of My Life

2010-07-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

The new love of my life is over 6 feet tall, pale, and goes by the name Ingersoll Rand.

I just ordered a beautiful new compressor from Northern Tool. It will be Christmas in July when it gets to my front door, which isn't soon enough. It's going to take quite a few cans of energy drink when I have to figure how to move all 600lbs of it into the garage. Can't wait!!!

Wish I could have bought a used one but the few that are in driving distance had little parts missing and the one I really wanted, the guy didn't seem anxious to sell it after I left him three messages and three emails. Too bad Mr.Lame-o...the people at Northern Tool were super nice and I just might have to order some new air tools from them.

SCEDA Drags at Auto Club Speedway

2010-07-04T20:16:00.000-07:00

The SCEDA drags were this weekend, July 3rd and 4th. It was exciting to see Mike Bolden in his all-owner-built car (first photo) pass 180mph on his third run for a license upgrade. This amazing piece of art was also racing at Irwindale a couple of weeks ago.

I love this one.

Sam Sr.'s Truck. He lost third round but had a good weekend.

Summit Series Race #5 - Auto Club Dragway (Sunday)

2010-06-27T23:32:00.001-07:00

A little warmer than Saturday. There was a late 60s Mustang that had it's cut off switch in the middle of the back panel, where a Mustang's gas cap usually is at. It looked perfect and I think I'm going to steal the idea and put my cut off in the gas tank cap as well, since I can't use the stock gas tank for gas (NHRA rules) it could just work out perfectly.

This is my favorite photo of the weekend.

I'm not a fan of super comp, but this one is dreamy.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this Cadillac. They didn't announce the name of the driver, but the shop's name on the side is a place everyone should stay very very far away from. They built a Cadillac engine for me years ago that proceeded to completely seize after a few weeks. It's a long story like they all are, but the owner was less than trustworthy...it was a drama that no one should ever have to go through. The past is in the past for me and I rarely look back. But this situation is too good to be true. Build the '34 to race, lineup in staging at just the right spot, and beat them in a car that I built.

They lost in round one on Sunday. Not sure how they did Saturday.

Summit Series Race #5 - Auto Club Dragway (Saturday)

2010-06-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

Sam's truck.

Jess Tyree did some exhibition passes. Very nice.

This one was at Irwindale a few days ago.

Irwindale Drags

2010-06-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hey there sexy thing, what's your name?

2010-06-24T16:56:00.001-07:00

And off to Wilcap you go.

L.A. Roadster Show success!

2010-06-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

I spent the last three days at the L.A. Roadster Show in Pomona working on my tan. After that was accomplished in 10 minutes I sold more than half of the stuff I brought with me. My first time selling was pretty crazy I'm not going to lie. But it's a good feeling to make all the extra parts in my garage turn into 34 parts I can use.

There were a few very nice and rare things I had that I'm very surprised didn't sell but people kept saying all weekend how they didn't have a lot of money. A lot of smaller, cheaper things sold which I wasn't expecting.

It was wonderful to see my good friend Bob Barnes who is a member of the L.A. Roadsters. He's always generous sneaking me a few dash plaques and magnets so I can line them all up on my dresser. His 34 Roadster is amazing and he'll kill me for not remembering, but he's had it for...45 years I believe. Simply inspiring, Bob is the best.

The disappointment about having a swap space this year was I wasn't able to walk around and see anything. Or buy anything. I'm glad the swap space I had was an unobstructed view of the roadsters entering the show.

My good friend Penny came out Saturday and helped relieve some of my suffering by keeping me company which was so lovely of her. Between her, Bruno on the ipod and wasting time with Rick Bradley who's space was behind mine, the weekend went by at a decent pace.

The SFI flywheel has already been ordered and will be here tomorrow....and Coan Engineering is getting a call first thing tomorrow about a racing transmission!!! I was going to order rims with my money but now I've changed my mind again. What a good weekend.

The Antique Nationals 2010

2010-06-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was the day. THE day. My favorite day of the entire year. You would think with so much pressure oput on one big day is is bound to disappoint me. But when it involves a car I built going as fast as it can and me trying to drive it as best as I can, disappointment is purely impossible.

The evening before had it's good intentions of a full night's rest. I should know better I thought as I laid there hour after hour after hour until the shrill alarm went off and I bolted out of bed like the big one had finally struck.

Cruising to Fontana early in the morning must be like coming upon Brigadoon. The low fog on the 210 smelled so sweet and played surreal tricks on my eyes as my roadster and I went speeding through it, reaching my hands out to catch the clouds.

When the fog parts, the exit for the Auto Club Speedway shines like a beacon calling me to my happiest place, the quarter mile.

Right after tech inspection, a yellow Chevy sedan pulls beside me and slams on it's brakes. I thought I was going to have a yellow roadster until I saw the driver and screamed with delight. Don Richardson is one of the most amazing people I know. He is the guy who always takes care of his friends, looks out for everyone, and is full of more knowledge that I have in one strand of red hair. We set up our pit together and quickly reunited with stories of I saw you on the Speed Channel here and I saw you in that magazine there. We giggled like school girls about all that had happened since we last saw each other and promised not to loose touch again.

At the Antique Nationals, there are two rounds of practice or dial-in runs followed by lunch then bracket eliminations. In the past, my first run has almost always been the car's best run and unfortunately today was no different.
Here are the runs:
Run 1:
R/T: .404
1/4: 14.217
MPH: 93.71

Run 2:
R/T: .161
1/4: 14.425
MPH: 93.97

Round 1:
DIAL: 14.20
R/T: .176
1/4: 14.460
MPH: 95.53

Round 1:
DIAL: 14.20
R/T: .099
1/4: 14.645
MPH: 96.38

As each race went on my reaction time got better and my car got faster but the overall ET was slower. I could say it is disappointing to get knocked out in second round but with a best ever reaction time and the fact it kept getting better as the day went on, I can't be disappointed. Don had some amazing tips for me to get a better light and they worked like a charm.

After I parked my car to rest for the day, I had some time to collect a $25 drawing I had won, thanks to Irene and Shug from So-What Speedshop for letting me know! They were there racing and selling a fantastic coupe from their shop. With the money already spent on waters for Don and his friend and a photo for me, I was free to inhale everyone else's exhaust in staging.

The day always ends too quickly, but I was anxious to get home and get out of the extreme heat. Thanks to the Antique Doll dragster crew for letting me borrow their pit shade! I don't know what I would have done without it.

I thought I was going to wait until my '34 was finished before entering into the Summit Series. But, with only a few easy modifications and one I'm not so sure about (the seat), my roadster could race more than just a few times a year. A friend of Don's that works at the Speedway urged me to get into the Sportsman bracket and I've been trying to decide on a new shifter up to NHRA specs ever since.

Following photos by JamesDrewPhotography.com:

Fast and beautiful 34.

Don's sweet 38. Yes, it really is an 11sec car!

You have to love these two. They are at it every year.

Antique Nationals this Sunday!

2010-06-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

June 6, 2010 Antique Nationals

Auto Club Speedway, Fontana

Gates open Sunday at 7AM

Racing begins at 9AM

Prices are:

Car/Driver: $25

Car Show: $25
Spectator: $25

Tickets Available at the Gate

Want a Falcon? Upgrade to a Mercury Comet! - FOR SALE!!

2010-05-31T13:53:00.001-07:00

1963 COMET 2 DOOR SEDAN – CUSTOMIZED
This car is located near Burbank, California.

$------

The Mercury Comet was built by Ford basically atop a Ford Falcon frame, but it’s longer body style, V-8 engine and not-so-basic interior make this a perfect sized car to get around in style and comfort. Almost all parts from a 289 engine fit the Comet’s 260. 289 engines are extremely common and easy to find parts for as well as some other parts on the chassis can also be replaced with Mustang parts from numerous catalogs.

- LOWERED AND ALL EMBLEMS/HANDLES SHAVED
- SILVER METAL FLAKE ROOF
- BLACK BODY WITH MINI SILVER METAL FLAKE
- CUSTOM STAINLESS BAR GRILLE IN FRONT
- DODGE HEADLIGHT RINGS
- NEW CUSTOM BLACK UPHOLSTERY DOOR PANELS
- NEW HEADLINER AND VISORS
- WIDE WHITE WALL TIRES ON CHROME RIMS
- CHROME BELLFLOWER EXHAUST TIPS AND DUAL GLASSPACKS
- CORVAIR TAIL LIGHTS
- STOCK SEAT UPHOLSTERY
- CUSTOM BLACK AND SILVER METAL FLAKE INTERIOR DASH AND METAL TRIM
- STOCK FORD 260 V-8 ENGINE WITH STOCK CARB AND INTAKE
- AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- MANUAL BRAKES, BENDIX FINNED FRONT DRUMS
- UPGRADED TO A DUAL MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER
- STEERING BOX RECENTLY REBUILT
- BLACK CALIFORNIA LICENSE PLATES
- THIRD OWNER, ALWAYS AN L.A. CAR
- ORIGINAL OWNER’S REGISTRATION
- ALL GAUGES WORKING
- KEYLESS REMOTE ENTRY FOR THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND TRUNK, ALSO A MANUAL PULL TO OPEN THE TRUNK IN CASE THE CAR BATTERY DIES
- OPTIMA RED TOP GEL BATTERY RELOCATED TO TRUNK
- GAS FILLER RELOCATED TO TRUNK, STOCK GAS CAP
- FILTER TO KEEP ENGINE DEBRIS OUT OF THE RADIATOR, DOESN’T RUN HOT
- RUNS AND DRIVES EXCELLENT, VERY RELIABLE
- FUN AND READY TO ENJOY!

mileage: 156000

VIN 3J11F511420
The antennae to the stock AM radio has been taken off the car when everything was shaved. A new radio can easily be put under the dash, or wherever you like and there is a speaker or two under the grille on top of the dash, as well as room to mount speakers in or under the rear package tray.

Shipping & Payment: Please calculate shipping to your location from zip code 91602. You may arrange how you want the vehicle delivered to you or drive it home.

Please ask me any questions you have, I prefer if you could see the car in person as what is in excellent or acceptable condition to me, might not mean the same to you. The car runs very strong, sounds great, and is beautiful.

El Mirage May 16, 2010

2010-05-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

This was opening weekend of SCTA racing at El Mirage for this season and I have been looking forward to it for months. Along with seeing some great cars and a couple of records broken, The new Mike Cook car was impressive enough to get thrown into impound before the racing was called off for wind. Like usual.
It was great to see Shug and Irene again from the So-What Speedshop. Her transmission in her flathead roadster decided it had had enough so she was only able to get a couple of runs in. It was also wonderful to see all my SCTA friends who are the nicest people and I admire how they can stand out in the heat and wind all day with no problem.
My favorite photo of the day is by far the 8-footed push vehicle of #6331. I'm sure the guy wearing flip flops is soaking his dogs tonight.

50th Winternationals in Pomona - 2010

2010-02-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

Identical time and speed. Tony Schumacher vs Larry Dixon. Dixon had the better reaction time.

Don Garlits!

It was the 50th anniversary of the Winternationals in Pomona this last weekend. The weather was a millions times better than last year, at 86 degrees. Even though I was melting, it was great to see Melanie Troxel back, but sad I was hoping for some miracle Spencer Massey would be back, but he wasn't. Sad when the rookie of the year can't get a sponsorship...hopefully soon though. There were 50 historical drag cars on display, then later on parade and autograph signings. The day started with a beautiful woody parade down the track, and my new autographs of Antron Brown and Larry Dixon are sitting on my mantle next to Tony. Here are all the photos.

Grand National Roadster Show 2010

2010-01-31T21:01:00.000-08:00

Click here to see all the photos.

This year was great as always under a beautiful sunny sky in Pomona. The show was packed Saturday and lost momentum toward the end of Sunday, which made it easier get a closer look at some of the amazing projects completed over the last year.
Some highlights were the end of the trend of the unpolished magnesium Halibrands that seemed to be on every other car last year was replaced with that 60's drag car lettering style shell-like-I-don't-know-what-it's-called-paint as trim on body lines. Very nice.
I have lots of detail pictures of tube axle setups, so excuse that if you don't care about tube axles. But then the photo of the T in the Rod and Custom building with half-tube and half-filled drop axle is the axle for you! Also nice to see in that building was the Grabowski T, The California Kid, and Jim Jacobs' 34 nestled next to it.

I could have looked at the road race car Bobby Walden built all day. I loved the aluminum 4-link set up and the inside-frame way he did the steering box. The exhaust coming out of the frame just in front of the rear tire just about made me cry...see Bonneville roadster 792, it's also done to perfection on that hot rod.
A couple of sets of Electrolines, and some nice E-N-J copied tail lights on the Poteet truck, and yes, the tail lights are ALL I took a photo of on that truck.
Congratulations to Troy for being named builder of the year, looking forward to next year!

Oh, and if you know what that drum-kit-like paint or decal is on Nostalgia drag cars, please let me know. I'm curious how it is done.

Win Top Eliminator Tickets to the Winternationals!!

2010-01-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not a fan of K-CRAP at all...but to win Top Elimiator tickets?!!! Makes my section one ticket seem lame.
Click on Tony's car above to enter on their site.

Grand National Roadster Show January 29-31

2010-01-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

The Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona is only a few days away! Looking forward to seeing all the amazing entries and hanging out at the CCHR and Trophy Queen booths.

Troy Ladd of Hollywood Hot Rods will be named as the 2010 Grand National Roadster Show's "Builder of the Year" and John Schneider from The Dukes of Hazzard, Smallville and Superman. Maybe I should bring the record I have he recorded to get it signed since I already have my Dukes watch signed by him. I'm totally not joking. haha

34 Frame Build...it's finally getting somewhere

2010-01-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

The 34 frame build is finally getting somewhere with all last weekend and this weekend working on it. There was a rusty and damaged side, near the rear I had to replace. The rear 2 boxing plates are in. The front crossmember is in, nuts are welded in the frame and the front frame horns are both rounded off.

When I left it Sunday I was making templates for the front boxing plates to fit around the crossmember and fill in the frame horns so looking forward to finishing that up.

I'm surprised I got that much done because there is a momma cat and 3 cute little fuzzy kittens at Jimmy's shop. No idea where they came from but they are very friendly and sooooo soft and fun to play with. I wish I could take them all home.

Roadster Show is in 4 days!!!!

New firewall for a '34 Ford

2010-01-04T16:36:00.000-08:00

There is a great article in Street Rodder on removing and replacing a stock '34 firewall with a new recessed firewall. The article states CWMoss carries the ones in the article that have the ribs at the top. I'm not sure how much those are I'm gonna check on it. Also SAR carries the correct ones with ribs on the top and bottom that are also recessed. Theirs are $450. You can see in the two front view photos the ribs on the top are slightly different and the recess size is as well.

SAR FIRWALL:

CW MOSS:

After 28 years...you can now cruise Van Nuys Blvd!

2010-01-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

After 28 long years, cruising returned to Van Nuys Blvd in 2009 with a great turn out the first night and growing every month. Cruises are planned the second Wednesday of every month.

Their website says no open headers...but I think I'll give it a try this spring and hope I don't get at ticket. Sounds like fun!!

More info here at the Van Nuys Cruising Association.

34 Build Week One

2009-12-27T19:34:00.000-08:00

Didn't get much done on the '34 this week. Things always take way more time when you're actually doing them compared to sitting at the kitchen table planning it all out. It was braced and I cut out the center x-member.

The frame should be back from the sandblaster's tomorrow. I picked up the empty rear end case from Currie but rear ladder bar brackets will not be in stock until Tuesday so that puts a stop to doing anything with that. I started on building the front end, but the axle needs some machine work and I'll be getting batwings this next week so tightening bolts on it during week one wasn't worth it.

So starting Tuesday, I'll be building the center x-member, rear ladder bar brackets, and front ladder bar drop behind the x-member. Hope I can get more done this next week than I did last week.

1929 Ford in Street Rodder

2009-12-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

Few months old...but found the link to my article by Ryan in Street Rodder here while googling myself.

Drag Racing T-Shirts

2009-12-19T20:20:00.000-08:00

I think almost all drag racing, car event t-shirt designs are horrible. They always seem to show three cars at quarter view, bright colors, and way to much other crap design to fill up the poster or t-shirt they are going on. Then there are the shirts with sayings on them. Got Nitrous, 1320ft, Drag Racing Girl, and Drag Racing Mom. I think I need one that says I hate your ugly t-shirt.
But I stumbled across this one on cafepress. I think it's pretty cool actually, and you can get it in NON-WHITE unlike almost all the lame NHRA t-shirts, none of which I like. More shirts need to be better designed and not look like a bad airbrushed portrait. Thanks importthreadz!!

John Force Holiday Car Show

2009-12-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

The John Force Racestation in Yorba Linda held it's annual Car Show on Sunday December 6th, 2009 to benefit the California Highway Patrol's toy drive. This is one of my favorite car shows now, even though only a handful of hotrods show up and there are a lot of '57 Chevys...I still enjoy the mix of cars, and well...that it is just at the JFRS period. I didn't stand in the autograph line the whole time this year, missing Kenny Berstein and Cory Mac plus the Force Raceteam of course. So what I did do was walk the whole car show twice, and it was exhausting! There were so many cars there it was very impressive!!! Where else can you get up close to a Bugatti Veyron, a Lambo and Ferrari and the Kugel Bonne car all in the same day. The drive there and back was the coldest I think I have ever been in my life. I didn't even warm up until a day later, no joke and couldn't stop shivering. That's what I get for having a roadster. Click here for all the photos and here are a few of my favorites.