Where is everyone #5

Usually, for that level of power, you four link it to prevent axle wrap. Big power will make the stock suspension setup (usually leaf springs on old iron) axle wrap and the wheels will hop instead of hook. Running stock front brakes is a death sentence. On my car, I went from 222BHP to 540 RWHP, and went on a field trip in the woods. As soon as I could, I put a big brake kit on the car.

 

It’s the first time I’ve used it on a shoulder. I’ve used it as a base on ribs and has came out really good.

Thank you. I’m trying to improve my BBQ skills. They are slowly coming around. So you’re saying it looks better than the ole Subway and Denny’s?!

 

Lol, definitely better than Dennys.

Although I am a sucker for the spicy wings at the J.

 

I'm not a fan of rat rods, either. Even when they're actually mechanically sound and safe to drive I don't really care for the rusted s-heap look.

I had the "pleasure" of working on a Rat Rod. Guy inherited a 33 Ford Pickup that his father had rodded many years ago. He brought it to the shop I was working at to get it operational again. Rusted out crap heap that had a 454 in it. Front axle/suspension/brakes were a mix of original and aftermarket. The rear axle we figured out was not original, but also not very beefy. Engine was junk.

The frame was not in good condition at all. On the passenger side under the bed it was about half rusted out. Overall opinion was that it wasn't really worth saving, but the guy wanted to save it.

Here's where things got interesting. He wanted a new engine built, so that's what he got. Another 454 that had a stupid amount of horsepower and torque (Don't remember the exact numbers, sorry). Engine was so beastly that it was very strongly suggested to him that we repaired the frame rust and installed a new rear axle, as well as 4 linking the suspension. Reason being was there was no way he was going to get that power to the ground without just spinning the tires, and even if he did get it to the ground the frame would break or the rear end was going to grenade.

Only thing he agreed to was having some new, beefier leaf springs installed in the rear.

Only place he wanted to spend money was on the engine and having a new IFS front axle/suspension put in with disc brakes.

Shop owner made him sign a release of liability waiver as a result of declining some very safety oriented work, such as the frame repair.

When we completed work and I took that thing for its first test drive my report when I got back was basically this:

"It's an overpowered death trap, but on the plus side the owner will probably die with a smile on his face"

Some pictures:

When it first Arrived.



After I removed the front suspension.



New IFS installed. Making the fish plates for the frame was a tedious exercise. The frame channels were so banged up, bent, and awful that I had to spend a stupid amount of time making and fitting the plates. Welding them in was also an adventure, but I got 'er done.



Also had to make a new floor for the cab. The screws you see in the first picture were just for holding things together before I welded everything. Painted the finished floor with chassis saver on both sides. The battery access panel you can barely see in the second pic by the passenger door was, in fact, just held down by screws. Owner didn't want me to spend any time making it hinged with a latch. "Just secure it with screws". Ok.





I can't find the pictures I had of the new engine. Just let your imagination run wild and envision a heaping 454 Big Block with all the chrome a guy could want shoe horned into the engine compartment.

All in all I think the guy spent close to $25k in parts and labor for a rusted out death trap.

 

Howdy from Auburndale.

 

That's a great picture.

 

Get @PoleCrusher to pick a weekend he is home.


Sure would be a good time, except for the regular patrons!

 

You can drive a slow car hard and fast with good brakes.

You can only drive a fast car, as fast as you can control it.

Years back, group of us who rode bikes hard had some Harleys, some sport bikes. Had this one guy on a 1000 Honda that allways poked fun of the Harleys. I ask whats the point of his 1000 when he is a sissy and only opens it up on straight clear road? Well had enough of him. Now this is the dumb part. I was much younger. We had 50 miles up a two lane highway to the next planned stop. Who ever arrives last buys. Heavy lake traffic me and Dwayne are splitting traffic on the centerline hammer down. Yes I split multiple opposing cars at 100 plus mph. First two to make it to the stop.

Stats and statistics don't make you faster than me.


BTW it was stupid and would never ride like that anymore. But I admit I did it. Lucky to have lived! But ill never forget the rush.

 

Lol, I just got a phone call from my 10 year old to settle an argument. Apparently, the 8 year old is kicking his butt in chess. So, he called me for a ruling. He's not happy that his younger brother is wiping the floor with him. Cracks me up. My 5 year old is getting mad at my 3 year old because she is definitely cheating......because that's how she roles. The problems in my house....lol.

 

I don’t understand chess. That’s way above my pay grade. I have tried to learn, but it has just been hard for me to grasp.