Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

305s are another engine that the wrecking yard here is overloaded with; however, bodies are an issue, between dirt track and demo derby there's not alot left, unless you want a 4dr Caprice.

The yards are full of small 2bbl V8's; 302s, 318s, 305s, even some 304s; 2dr bodies are iffy, but 4door Non GM bodies abound!

There is a puke yellow 4dr Comet 302 that runs in the yard I had been eyeing. I am going to take what else I have in my stash up there since nothing else is complete or a runner. Then I have no "distractions". That has been one problem now that you mention it, everything up to this point was not a runner to start with, and I need to stop trying to "save" cars. Too bad the race season is over up here though. I will think about bringing that Comet home, and start from square one come spring.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Joe...My way of thinking says...easiest to run the index without a lot of on track STOCK Elim. experience..
1, FWD (plenty good ones left, hp and indexes not beat up too bad)

2, Turbo, Find a complete car with all matching numbers, preferably running, like Billy said.

3 , Four barrel or F.I. ,, low hp rated , middle to low class car..When you find it, let us know!

Distant 4th place, Low class 2 bbl car ..
I know, Billy made it seem easy, but you don't think he revealed 90 % of the tricks he used on that GP, do you?
Only good thing here is you get plenty of hands on experience, as opposed to writing checks.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

1, FWD, fine starter car, the right car will usually run the index by cutting off the exhaust and putting the shortest tire on it that you can find. Downside, later models with PFI and DIS can be a pain to get to work, early carb and distributor cars getting too old and hard to find.

2, Turbo, great cars(Joe lives in an altitude challenged area), really need a running car though. Downside, Joe is finding that out and he hasn't gotten to the track yet.

3, Four barrel or F.I., probably easiest to find but to stay "Dime-able" it would have to be really heavy. Downside, REALLY HEAVY.

4, Low classed 2V car, plentiful, cheap, V8s not a bad thing, easy to work on, won't hurt themselves. Downside, Mark, I'm not that smart.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Right here, is the most sage advice one can get. Usually, I'm long winded in my posts. The above simply says it all.

If I may, the only thing I would like to add, don't be afraid to try things.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Great advice all of you, thanks.

If that Buick had been a complete runner it would have probably been racing by now. Painful mistake.

The Inline and V8 carb/dist. cars fortunately are plentiful here; being a rural-ish area with no salt and lots of 4x4s for winter rust is rarely a big issue, and as long as you don't mind a 4 door the cars are easy to come by.

I hauled two hulks off this afternoon and the yard will be hauling off the rest tomorrow. Then I am back at zero. After work tomorrow I will drag a battery and some fuel up and see about that Comet. If it starts, stops, and steers, it comes home. If not, I will wait until I find a car that does. I will keep only one car, and only parts for said car to avoid distractions, and will have to work really hard to stay focused.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

...

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Joe,
Billy and Mark have given you excellent advice. I will add to their recommendations from my experience..
#1..Decide what class you want to run.
#2 Study the NHRA guides and Nitro Joe's stats and decide what car would be best for that class.
#3 Find that car and buy it.
#4 Change the cam, gears, and converter, maybe headers.
#5 Take it to the track and test it.
If it will run the index or close to it you can build it . If it won't run you can change it back to stock, sell it and start with something else.
I have built more than 20 stockers that I can remember and I never build an engine until I know the car is going to work.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Good advice again. I kept starting with non-running projects, which, as I should know better, are impossible on a budget, they nickel and dime you to death, and if the missing parts are unique and/or rare, forget it.

This has been quite an education lol!

I am going to start from step one, using all of this advice.

Thank you all for your encouragement and advice!

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

I can tell you one thing.....This is the best dime rocket advice your going to get. Your getting advice from some of the best mentors I've had in the "slow" class car circle.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

I am very fortunate for all the help, no doubt.

It would be a great idea to take all this advice and make one "sticky" thread...

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Question, would you just run it as is, off the street, or if you already had a cam, converter, and gear, go ahead and put them in first? Odds are (I will know in about 4hrs) if this Comet runs ok I will drive it home. But with the season over, it would be April before it would see a racetrack. I don't want to tear it apart if not necessary at first; I want to follow everyones advice and see what it will do for a baseline, I guess at minimum I could remove the unnecessary stuff and whatnot over the fall? I have a carport, so no winter tinkering if the weather is as usual...

I want to take everybodys advice, start at square one, and do it right. One car, one plan.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

I would say you're getting the holy grail of advice from some of the real heavies in this categorey.

I'm just going to go at this from my view. If you get your Comet, and it runs. What I would do, not change a thing, except get the car as close to class weight as you possibly can. Then take the car to a track, make some passes, record the information, baseline the car. See what kind of times you get. Just get a feel for the car. After this, I'd then take it as is, back to the track or maybe, depending on how far you are , go to a different track, see if you can repeat your results. Tracks can have different conditions, some tracks a car will go faster, others, they will slow down.

Then, if you have a choice of tracks, go to the one where the car performed best. Then start making your changes. Others here might have a differing opinion. The first thing I would do, give it a good tune up. Then, I would start with putting a gear in it and some slicks. Next, freshen the transmission, put your converter in. At this point, you would have a real good base on what the car is capable of. If the car gets into the range of the index, then I would start considering going into the engine.

Like Billy has said, if you don't have a wealth of experience, you can get the best advice there is but there will still be a learning curve. Good luck.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Sounds good to me. The car runs pretty good for ancient gas and drives alright around the wrecking yard, so I got it. I will just check it all out (compression test, check it all out, fresh fluids), clean it up and out, and start with bone stock. It has sat for about 4 years prior to them getting it from an estate, and they've had it a couple months. Since all the tracks are closed I will drive it around a little and then stash it away until spring. I will get some pics this weekend; she's a gorgeous light lime green with dark green interior...

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

I cut and pasted all the advice here, plus the original Dime Rocket advice, and posted it in my garage right where I always see it, to keep me focused.

We should cut and paste and sticky a thread...

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Project update: The car runs and drives pretty nicely, I changed the fluids and threw a cap,rotor, and wires at it (Accel, off ebay) plus a TFI coil ($5, junkyard) and a 10x2" open air cleaner. I also relieved it of it's exhaust. Then, some junkyard scrounging netted an 8" trak-lok with 4.62 gears from a 69 Econoline van. WOW! This is gonna be fun! I also swapped it to manual steering (junkyard, $50) and found a pair of 15x4 steel wheels off a 54 Ford for the nose. The original slicks from the Buick project (26x9x15 Hoosiers, traded a case of Bud Light) made it onto 15x7 Chrysler steelies. I had great 60 degree weather this last week, but the snow is a comin' so that's it for this year as all I have is a carport and an unheated workshop space. I will start a new build thread this spring.

I will leave you with some 'Rocket tips I picked up...

1) Social Media. Yep, good ol' Facebook is a great place to find parts and sell others. I scored a set of new Hedman Hedders (100), shift light Sunpro tach (40), and a pair of 165/80R15 front tires (100).

2) Find an enthusiast group for your model of car. If the car has little aftermarket resto support (and most rockets won't) it will be even more lucrative. I have sold the power steering assembly, AM radio, gauge printed circuit board, heater assembly, wheelwell moldings, E-brake cable assembly, and wiper linkage for more than the car's original asking price. Should I count it in my total budget? We'll see.

3) If you run a Ford, a cheap mini starter lies under 92-up F-series, some 90-91 Lincoln Town cars, and 91-up T-Bird/Cougar 3.8 V6s. I just learned about the V6; that's where I scored a near new one for $10. Gotta love a messy, old-school pull-your-part yard!

4) Ford 8" rearends are cheap and plentiful, and from what I have read and seen plenty strong for a Dime Rocket. if you can, check V6 Pinto wagons and 68-72 6 Cylinder Econoline vans, they often have 4.11 or 4.62 gears under them.

5) GM has their aluminum rear drums, and so does Ford, albeit not an easy find. 1982 (and 1982 ONLY) Lincoln Continentals (the humpback ugly ones) had a 10x2 aluminum rear drum. I am on the hunt...

I will be using every last speed trick I can, as well as lots of junkyard scrounging, and alot of Junior Stock influences to finish this build. The best part, unlike my Buick, this baby runs and drives! Too bad the dragstrips are closed for the year!

To everyone who has followed along, and given encouragement or advice, THANK YOU!!!!!

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Update: I couldn't help but dig into the motor a little to see what I had. Glad I did. I popped the valve covers to replace the gaskets and found fulcrum rockers. I have a 78-vintage 302, with D8OE heads and what appears to be a nice recent overhaul on the whole thing. Because it has a nice standard set of the 77-newer pistons in it already, and the shortblock works fine, I picked up a set of D7OE's and had them cleaned up, and sent an extra cam off for a regrind at Delta Cams in WA for $82 to my door. I will be running the car as a 77, at 137hp (not that it is an issue for me right now). I traded some misc. parts for a set of 1.6 Comp Magnum rail-style roller tip rockers, my score of the month! In the meantime I managed to clean out the fuel tank and mount my Holley blue pump and regulator. I also put in fresh motor mounts and an oil pan gasket, along with servicing the C4 and putting in a shift kit. At this point, I am putting the car away; it is reassembled and running well with the stock shortblock and 77-vintage upper end, and now I have a cam and converter to swap in after some baseline passes in the spring, so I feel pretty good about what I have to work with.

I can say I am MUCH further along then I was last project, and at a total of under $1600, not counting anything I sold/traded off the car. I will make some baselines in May or so; I can't wait! If it works I might even have to clean it up and break out the Rustoleum lol!

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Good to see everything is working out so well. After I read what you said about Delta Cams, I had to google them.(never heard of them) $82 for a regrind seems awesome, I sent away for a quote from Bullet but after reading that I just sent away for a quote from Delta too, so we'll see what they say.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Just got word that Yellowstone Dragstrip just 120 miles away went back to NHRA and will have a Division 6 race in June. I am so excited I am shaking right now. Gotta get the Comet rearing to go and dialed in for this!!! I wish it wasn't a block of ice right now!

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Any new pictures on progress?

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Nothing new, I have a pic on my phone when I brought it home and right after pulling the motor to clean things up, but thats it. In the spring I will have progress, need to get it to the strip, baseline it, and stab in the cam and converter to see where I'm at. Looking for 15-flats at this altitude to comfortably make U. It is finally above zero now though, so maybe I can dink with it this weekend or even better on Christmas break.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

I have heard rumors about the Yellowstone ( have been there a few times) being back on the schedule but have seen nothing yet in print have you.

Thanks

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Pictures...WE NEED PICTURES!!
LOL

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Came straight from the track owners mouth last night, he announced the track went back to NHRA from IHRA and got the Divisional. It's even better than it was before too, the new owner has done a helluva job.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Ok, here we go. The first pic is basically as I brought it home, I ditched the compact spare experiment and got a proper Comet hood. I grabbed the Mav one because the Comet one was rough, not realizing it would not be the same.
Picture 2 is that awesome racing interior. Cleaned up it is actually very nice! Were it not for A/C this thing has virtually no wiring or frills. No wonder these cars were so durable and popular. Very easy to work on!
Pic 3 is during cleanup, I had pulled the motor long enough to fix some leaks, replace the motor mounts, and ditch the unnecessary stuff, as well as swap in manual steering. Also shows the 15x4 from steelies I found, with the old bias plies stuck to them.

There's a teaser, next pictures will be when it is completely done and ready to go! As a matter of fact, since it's gonna hit almost 40 today, I am going to work on some little things this afternoon like the gauges and shifter.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Here are the pics. I should mention, as earlier on, the motor is back in the car and it moves under its own power lol. I also sold the front discs and swapped on drums for less rotating weight and removed the swaybar. The rear now has a Trak-lok and 4.62's, and a pair of Lakewood slapper bars I got dirt cheap. I do have a pattern for a homebuilt caltrac-style traction bar I found on a hotrod forum; if I get bored I may fab a pair if I have the right stuff in scrap iron. I'd love to buy the real deal, but the cost would be equal to 20% of my total investment in the whole car!

And if there is time after the car runs well and consistent enough, I will throw the Rustoleum and a roller at it. For now its all the same color and will shine up ok. The youtube $50 paint job is no joke; it works!

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

sounds like a lot better combo than the Buick. Always liked the Gapp & Roush taxi in Pro-Stock back in the days. What will you do for a tranny? I'm sure the FMX will not hold anything. Or is it a C4 behind the 302?

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Its a C4, not alot of miles on a stock rebuild, I upgraded the band and servo, threw in a shift kit, and called it good. I have a 10" PTC converter for now, but will probably end up with one from Mark Yacavone.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

I am going stir crazy! I can't work on the car outside, and I see a couple more of these builds popping up, albeit all 75's. None in Division 6 that I know of yet though (I hope at least until I know what mine can do lol). I just want to get back to it! I'm getting nervous and ancy, and though I know mine is on a McBudget, my competitive streak is burning! I did order some front wheels, since the 54 Ford ones were too crusty for me, but not much else. It's not looking like it will be a mild winter either.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Well, not much new here, just clearing up some unused pieces and whatnot to make room, I am planning on getting a converter from Mark Yacavone, and the correct 77-vintage cam (I have a 75-correct grind now).

I did pick up a new budget tip to share: alot of guys look for donut spare wheels, and the fox-body Ford guys have good 4-lug versions in aluminum. But, the 5-lug Ford/Mopar/AMC guys have an option too: 94-02 Mustangs (especially GTs) came regulalrly equipped with 15x4 aluminum compact spares, with the 5 on 4.5 pattern. They are very common and cheap (except on ebay), I bought a pair for $40. Check your local yards!

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

This was brought up a couple years ago at our local track as it is a cheap alternative to aftermarket rims, here is the answer straight from Mike Baker;

From: "Baker, Michael" <mbaker@ihra.com>
To:
Subject: RE: T-Bird temp spare wheel
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 08:03:41 -0600
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would not think they would be legal based upon their intended use and speed. Only OEM or SEMA approved aftermarket wheels should be used in a drag racing application.
---------------Original Message-------------------------


Subject: T-Bird temp spare wheel

Question: Are the narrow aluminum "temporary spare"
rims from a Ford T-bird legal if they have frontrunners and tubes mounted on them? I need the "official IHRA position" on this question as I have a lot of people waiting for the answer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now him saying "I would not think" is not a direct "no", but I think the intent is to discourage people from using them. What would happen at your local track? Depends on Tech.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

The aluminum spares have been used on several stockers over the years, along with street strip cars too. I believe they are a full size spare, so with a good tire there should be no issues at the track. The original tire would be the issue at the track, as those are not rated to exceed a certain MPH.

Sean

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Exactly. The wheels are adequately load rated 15x4 wheels, it's the tires that are not suitable for high speed driving. A pair of 165/80R15 radials up front, on a slower stocker especially, would be a nice budget setup for under $200.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Many years ago, I was told by Travis Miller that the Alum spare wheel was NOT allowed to be run. I had them on my car along with a pair of centerline polished autodrag wheels.

Bracket racing nobody cared, or noticed. 1st points meet I got the "when you get home, you need to change........" I suspect Travis can update that statement from 1997......

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Quick question...I assume most of you in this debate were going faster than 14 seconds? I could see a faster car maybe not using them. Bear in mind as you weigh in here this is a slow car, and the info I am sharing is for a slow, budget-oriented build.

I sent an email to my tech director, I will go with his recommendations.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

I hear what your saying and have them on my mustang. Didn't even get the car to the track and it came up from somebody else though. I'd love to run them too and it's been a few years so maybe the local track might have "forgot" but the answer is the official IHRA answer from Mike Baker.

Hope this can be changed for "slower" cars as that's more my style. (one less thing to buy)

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Hopefully I hear back soon, I ordered some aftermarket ones as well, but if I can save money any way I can, I could use the spares and return or resell my new ones. Worst case I'm sure I can resell them on ebay, they're going double what I paid for them there.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Just got word back from the Divison 6 tech director, he says if the wheels are rated for regular use (they are) with appropriate tires they are acceptable for my car.
I'm sticking with my current cam, so I am a good converter away from putting this beast on the track and getting some numbers once it thaws! I am *that* close! I am pumped!

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

Awesome! Do you have an e-mail or something to share? If the question comes up in tech, a printed hard copy in the back pocket would be handy. (yeah I know they still have the final say)

Not sure if a letter from a div director would trump one from Mike Baker but hey, it's worth a try.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

I do have the email; not sure if it would work in another division or not? I'm only planning on Divisional and one Open anyway.

Re: Project Junkyard Dog
 

That makes a lot of sense..Save that email!
I'm sure those wheels have a lot more testing and engineering than some of those chyneee
front drag wheels.
They must have been tested with a bunch more abuse than straight line drag racing.